With Sandringham being a personal residence of the Queen, the Estate has been in a state of mourning since her passing several weeks ago, meaning all events, including parkrun events, had also been cancelled for several weeks. With the resumption of parkrun events, I decided that today would be the day I visited Sandringham parkrun!
The area
The Sandringham Estate has been a private residence of the British monarch since 1862, and so is a relatively new abode when compared to others. The main modern house replaced a former building on the site in the 1700s, before being significantly rebuilt in the late 1800s. The main building complex, as well as other buildings on the estate, are typically hidden from view by trees from the country park as well as public roads.
The area adjacent to the main estate is open to the public, and is managed as a country park, though the area is mostly woodland, and it is this country park which hosts the parkrun event.
The course
The course follows two laps through the woods on a mixture of tarmac paths, woodland trails, and a short section on grass. The route is mostly flat, with only a small rise on each lap, although the paths can be quite narrow in places, and there are some tree-stumps to avoid on the trail section.
Toilets and a cafe are located in the visitor centre near the car park, which provides free parking until 11am provided you follow the instructions posted on the event's course page.
The run
I have been trying to overcome some niggles recently, and so I was in two minds as to whether to run or walk today's event given the launch of parkwalk today, but I ultimately decided to run, but slowly.
Running slower than normal did have its benefits, as it allowed me to take in more of the course, which reminded me of lots of forest-based events, such as Rendlesham Forest parkrun, Brandon Country Park parkrun, and Salcey Forest parkrun, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you to all of the volunteers, including the two new designated parkwalkers for a great event this week!
After the run
After the run I decided to explore the parkland, following the signposted nature trails through the woodland. Some of the woodland is quite dense off the main paths, and the trees are a mixture of coniferous and deciduous trees in different areas.
I couldn't help but feel the decision to carve a bear ner the playground was related to Paddington Bear given the Queen's affection for him.
Adjacent to the car park lies an arboretum, and so I took the opportunity to explore the many exotic trees. The arboretum has been refreshed in recent years, leaving a mixture of younger and more mature trees from around the world can all be found here.
Norwich Gates are located to the north of the main building complex, and serve as the main entrance, although there are several other entrances too.
