Sandringham House – The Queen’s Favourite Winter Retreat

Sandringham House on Sandringham Estate is the winter residence of the Queen:

Just as Balmoral Castle is the summer retreat of the Queen, Sandringham House is the favourite winter residence of the Queen and members of the British Royal Family.

Set amongst the stunning gardens of  Sandrinham Estate in Norfolk, Sandringham House has been the home of four generations of British monarchs.  Like her father, grandfather and great-grandfather, the Queen has a strong attachment to Sandringham.

Sandringham Estate

Sandringham House has been the private residence of the Royal Family since 1862 when it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Like Balmoral, Sandringham is a working Estate and the private property of the Royal Family. Over half of the Estate is let out for farming, with the balance being used for Sandringham House’s own farming and forestry. Over 100 full-time staff work here.

The Queen at Sandringham

Sandringham House is where the Queen and members of the Royal Family spend Christmas. The Royals can be seen walking to St Mary Magdalene Church for Christmas mass, although the Queen arrives by car.  After church, they can be seen greeting locals and visitors who come to see them.

Sandringham is the Queen’s winter base till about February.  It is a custom that she remembers the anniversary of her father’s death (February 6, 1952), and her own accession, privately with her family at the House.

Visiting Sandringham

Since 1977, Sandringham House has been open to the public and you can visit the Museum and walk through the beautiful gardens during the summer when the Royals are not in residence.  There is plenty to see and do around the Estate and it is recommended that you allow at least four hours, if not the whole day, to see as much as possible.

Since 1968, 243 hectares of Sandringham Estate have been designated as a country park.  The  Park is open all year round and entry is free. The Park is made up of managed woodland and heath and it has two nature trails and camping and caravan club sites.  If you don’t fancy a big walk, the tractor and trailer tour of the Country Park operates from April to October.

Sandringham Estate hosts craft fairs and country shows throughout the year.

Opening Times: For 2012, Sandringham House, Gardens and Museum are open daily from Sunday 1st April until and including Sunday 4th November.

Where is Sandringham

Sandringham is in the county of Norfolk in the East of England.

How to Get to Sandringham:

By Car:

Sandringham Estate is about 6 miles north-east of King’s Lynn. Follow the signposts from the A148 Fakenham Road or the A149 Hunstanton Road.

By Bus from King’s Lynn:

• Take Bus number 11 from King’s Lynn Bus Station. The bus stop for Sandringham is at the Sandringham Visitor Centre.
• During the peak season, the CoastHopper provides a very regular service between King’s Lynn (railway station & bus station) and Cromer (Cadogen Road).

See the Norfolk Green website for fares and timetables www.norfolkgreen.co.uk

National Express run coach services to King’s Lynn Bus Station. Website www.nationalexpress.com/coach/

By Train:
The nearest train station is King’s Lynn, where you can connect to the CoastHopper bus service. London Kings Cross, Peterborough and Norwich have hourly services to and from King’s Lynn. Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk

Address:
The Sandringham Estate
Sandringham
Norfolk
PE35 6EN
Website: www.sandringhamestate.co.uk

Map of Sandringham:

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