Sandringham Estate to introduce parking charges

Sandringham Estate today announced plans to implement a parking charge from February 2020 as major development gets underway.

They will also introduce season tickets for those who use the Country Park regularly.

The charges will assist with the increasing cost of maintaining existing facilities and for funding for future developments.

Parking for 20 minutes will be free, up to 2 hours will be £3.00, up to 4 hours will be £5.00 and all day for £7.00. Parking will be free if visiting the Museum, Gardens or House.

There will be single (£40.00), couple (£60.00) or family (£70.00) season tickets available to purchase. These will include unlimited parking for one car, access to the Country Park, unlimited visits to the 60-acre Sandringham Gardens and Museum and 10% off in the Gift Shop, valid for a full calendar year from April 1^st.

In a statement, the Sandringham Estate said:

“Each year, thousands of people are welcomed to the Sandringham Estate to enjoy the Country Park, House, Museum and Gardens throughout the seasons. In recent years, the number of people and vehicles to the Estate has increased significantly, particularly in the Country Park, which received over 500,000 visitors last year.”

“In light of the increase in numbers, the Estate is undergoing some redevelopments with a view to offering improved facilities for visitors, while also maintaining the landscape and environment for all to enjoy.”

Work to improve facilities will begin this autumn and will include; improvements to the surfacing, layout, signage and lighting on both main car parks. They will also increase the number of disabled parking bays and a shuttle service will be available for those less able from the main car park to the café, shop and facilities.

Changes will also include an enlarged courtyard, redecorated buildings and a re-fitting of the gift shop, which will stock a new range of products developed around Sandringham, the Royals and the Norfolk countryside.

Pedestrian pathways will be created from each of the car parks and these will be lit with Victorian-style lamps. The Scenic drive will also be pedestrianised.

Work has also begun on an Arboretum from an area of woodland beside the Country Park.

They are also planning on thinning the old conifer trees to allow in more light in the car parks and will re-plant a more diverse range of trees that will offer a better habitat for wildlife.

Representatives from the Sandringham Estate are planning a drop-in session at the Visitor Centre on Thursday 10^th October between 11am and 7pm where people can view plans for the site.

An artist's impression of improvements made to Sandringham Cafe. Picture courtesy of Sandringham Estate.