The National Trust's Felbrigg Hall has just recorded its highest number of annual visitors, since it opened to the public almost forty years ago. As of last week, Felbrigg Hall recorded a total of 75,702 visitors through its doors since it opened in March, breaking the previous record some years ago of 73,600.

The National Trust's Felbrigg Hall has just recorded its highest number of annual visitors, since it opened to the public almost forty years ago.

As of last week, Felbrigg Hall recorded a total of 75,702 visitors through its doors since it opened in March, breaking the previous record some years ago of 73,600.

Ray Sandham is Property Manager at Felbrigg Hall; “I always said that I would retire once we had reached 75,000 visitors, now I just want to keep going. The increase in visitor numbers is a great achievement and we are delighted that more visitors than ever are keen to experience one of the finest country houses in the East of England.

“We feel that the extended period of wet weather during the summer has meant that people haven't been flocking to the coast; instead they have sought enjoyable days out inland.”

In addition to the weather, Felbrigg Hall was one of two properties in the region that trialled opening its doors two hours earlier this year. “We have certainly noticed that our visitors are enjoying having the opportunity to visit earlier and spend longer on property,” Ray reveals. As of next year, earlier opening will be rolled out to the majority of all other National Trust properties in the region, helping to keep opening hours more consistent across the board.

Felbrigg Hall has now closed its door for the season but the restaurant and gift shop are still open, as is the walled garden and estate walks.

*Forthcoming events at Felbrigg include Santa's Grotto (13, 14, 20 & 21 December), Carols in the Courtyard (21 December), as well as Christmas lunches and festive suppers in the Carriage House Restaurant.