Houghton Hall is a fine Palladian mansion set in beautiful parkland.  The house was built in the 18th century for Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister to George I and George II.  Walpole, who came from an old Norfolk family, planned the house for entertaining on a grand scale.  His biennial 'Norfolk Congresses' at Houghton played an important part in the success of his political career. 

In the north office wing is a splendid exhibition of over 20,000 model soldiers, part of a private collection of militaria. Houghton Hall is surrounded by magnificent parkland. The house is set among lawns close to the site of a deserted village; the village church and cross have survived. There is a newly restored walled garden.The row of white-painted 18th century cottages near the gate to the park is one of the earliest surviving estate villages in the country.