Historic architectural styles, a war memorial and a wetland reserve offer different themes to explore in Hockwold Cum Wilton and its surroundings. Hockwold Hall and College Farmhouse represent different aspects of architectural history; the War Memorial commemorates two world wars. Lakenheath Fen adds reed beds, marshland, woodland and a named circular trail to these themes. The route directions are also specific: they distinguish a road approach to the reserve entrance from a footpath linking two other points.
Architectural history in two buildings
Hockwold Hall is an early 17th-century house that has been much altered. College Farmhouse, by contrast, is an early 16th-century hall house; a floor was inserted there in the early 17th century. The dates reveal different building histories: at Hockwold Hall, the early construction date and extensive alterations go together, while at the farmhouse, a later intervention was added to the older architectural form. This makes it possible to distinguish a building’s age from its subsequent structural development.
At College Farmhouse, the ground floor has openings for brick ovens. This detail adds a specific architectural feature to the information about its date and the inserted floor. The farmhouse therefore brings together its architectural form, a later alteration and individual building features; Hockwold Hall, by contrast, is characterised by its early 17th-century date and extensive alterations. For those interested in architecture, the comparison lies in these different points of reference.
Commemoration at the War Memorial
The Hockwold cum Wilton War Memorial is a First World War memorial with additions relating to the Second World War. It commemorates 23 local servicemen who died in the First World War. The number refers to this group and this war; the additions broaden the historical scope to include the Second World War. This keeps the stated number and the two layers of commemoration clearly distinct.
Wetland and circular trail
Lakenheath Fen is a wetland reserve with reed beds, marshland and woodland. Kingfishers and otters are found there. If you’d rather focus on the route than on spotting a particular animal, the Brandon Fen Family Trail offers a clearly described route: the level circular trail is 1.1 km (0.75 miles) long. Its length, flat profile and circular layout describe different aspects of the route. As route details may change, it is advisable to check the latest path information before your visit.
Getting there and finding your way
From the village of Hockwold, drive south on the B1112 for just under a mile (1.6 km), cross the river bridge and then turn into the entrance to Lakenheath Fen. The bridge and the subsequent turn are notable points along the route. As road conditions and signs may change, check the latest information before setting off.
A footpath connects the Lakenheath Fen visitor centre with Station Road, north of the railway station. This footpath has different endpoints from the road approach to the reserve entrance. The two directions therefore answer different questions about how to get around: the road directions lead to the reserve entrance, while the footpath links the visitor centre with Station Road. Keep this distinction in mind when planning, and follow directions for the destination you want to reach.
For the wider travel overview: Norfolk.
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