The Mannington Hall Estate is set for a new visitor centre after North Norfolk District Council approved the plans.

In the proposal, submitted by owner Richard Ellis, the new centre will be located where the former visitor centre had sat before it was torn down.

It is set to include a relocated gift shop and information point kiosk.

The proposed visitor centre as shown in the planning documents. (Image: Matter of Place Architects)

An old aerial view of the estate, which shows the former visitor centre building. (Image: Matter of Place Architects)

Mannington was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, and its hall was built around 1460 for William Lumnor. 

It was purchased in the mid-18th century by diplomat Horatio Walpole, the first Lord Walpole, and became known for its Gothic windows, motif chimneys and distinctive snapped flint façade.

The Walpole family, including the late Lord Walpole who died in 2021, remained the owners until last year, when it passed to the Ellis family.

The café has been refurbished and is now operated by Norfolk bakery Bread Source, and work is also being carried out on the holiday cottages.

Today, visitors can explore 20 acres of themed gardens, including a sensory garden, rose garden and an enchanted children’s trail.

© Eastern Daily Press