Somerleyton stands on the site of an earlier Jacobean manor house, but the house visitors see today is unmistakably early Victorian. Sir Morton Peto carried out the transformation of Somerleyton to this extravagant mansion between 1844 and 1851, after he purchased the estate. No expense was spared, paintings were specially commissioned for the house, and the gardens and grounds were completely redesigned. Featured is a 1/4-mile-long 71/4-inch gauge railway, opened in 1972. Its diesel and steam locomotives perpetuate the name of an actual steam locomotive, Somerleyton Hall, which operated in East Anglia until about 1962. Riders are provided with a fine view of the Hall and surrounding parkland. Tel: 01502 730224 Fax: 01502 732143
