Ditchingham – Prehistory, Architecture and Gardens

Ditchingham offers several distinct themes for a trip: Neolithic burial mounds and traces of settlement, architectural history, landscaped gardens and an open space for informal recreation. The dimensions of archaeological sites, the features of individual buildings and the named garden elements give you concrete points of reference for choosing your own focus.

Neolithic remains on Broome Heath

A Neolithic long barrow is visible on Broome Heath. It is about 50 metres long and about 25 metres wide. The long barrow and the round barrows there are designated as Scheduled Monuments. The Ditchingham barrow is about 30 metres in diameter and about 2 metres high. By comparison, the length and width of the Broome Heath long barrow are the main measures, while the Ditchingham barrow is described by its diameter and height.

A rare Neolithic settlement site was also located on Broome Heath. Its excavation uncovered Neolithic flints and postholes. Burial mounds and excavated traces of settlement offer two different ways to explore prehistory: the former are visible as monuments, while the latter can be understood through finds from an excavation.

Gardens around Ditchingham Hall

The gardens and pleasure grounds of Ditchingham Hall cover about 5 hectares around the manor house. The garden includes an old walled garden with colour-themed gardens, a rose garden and a pergola. This brings together two scales: the size of the overall grounds and the design of individual garden areas.

Architectural history and details

The former House of Mercy is an important early example of a purpose-built House of Mercy. It was built in 1859 to designs by Henry Woodyer. The former Community House was a convent and was built in 1876 for the Sisters of Mercy. The two construction dates mark different points in the 19th century.

At the former All Hallows Convent, the entrance arch, walled garden and glasshouse are listed as Grade II structures. St Mary’s Church has a tall, elegant west tower with pinnacles. Pinnacles are slender, tapering architectural ornaments on a tower, such as those on the west tower of St Mary’s Church. These named details offer a concrete way to explore architectural history, without suggesting that all the buildings share the same history.

Open space and planning your visit

The open space at Ditchingham Maltings provides a pedestrian link between Ditchingham Dam and Ditchingham, and offers informal recreation for residents and visitors. If you plan to use the link, check current path conditions, as they may change.

Ditchingham Estate is open to the public during certain events; dates vary. Check the relevant event dates when planning a visit. When looking for a holiday rental, the theme of your trip may help you decide: prehistory, historic architecture or gardens could be reasons to consider Ditchingham as a destination.

Discover more destinations: Thetford, Yaxham, Burgh Castle, Heacham, Martham, Hevingham, Reedham, Drayton.

For the broader travel overview: Norfolk.