Holt Hall: 70-years of school trips and more

Holt Hall, 1988. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

The Grade II listed Victorian country house, located to the north of Holt in north Norfolk, boasts 75-acres of woodland, lakes and gardens.

The hall was purchased by Norfolk County Council in 1947.

Three years later it became the first residential co-educational school to be opened by an education authority in England, with the first coach-load of pupils arriving on April 17, 1950.

At the time, this newspaper reported: “Yesterday Holt Hall welcomed the first pupils of a new type of school – the only school of its kind in the country.

St John Ambulance training, mock accident at Holt Hall, 1986. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

“The aim is to make the children self-reliant and they will be encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves and for each other”.

Since then, the facility has provided residential stays and day visits for schools, public events, holiday activities for families and camping.

Evacuees in the grounds of Holt Hall during the 1940's live experience. The Victorian Grade II listed hall has been providing outdoor education since 1950. Copyright Archant Norfolk

The Fairyland trust's Real Halloween event at Holt Hall. Steve Utting and Jane Goldsmith showing people how to recycle PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

The Fairyland trust's Real Halloween event at Holt Hall. Al Huckstep with his daughter Fenna. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Places -- W West Runton Scouts seen in action during the trek cart challenge at the Norfolk Youth Service presentation day at the Holt Hall centre Dated -- 8 July 1967 Photograph -- C5668

The Fairyland trust's Real Halloween event at Holt Hall. Ruby Harvey, Maggie Richmond and Ellie Richmond enjoying the festival. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

Abbie Panks from the Fairyland Trust picks up 250 pumpkins for the Real Halloween event being held at Holt Hall on the 30th - 31st October, from Oakley Farm in Outwell. (Image: Archant © 2010; TEL; (01603) 772434)

Holt Hall Enviromental and Outdoor Learning Centre hold their annual open day and return of the Vintage Lover Fair with over 20 stalls around the hall and buildings. Pictured is Tracey Caney. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Holt Hall endeavour course was nearing the end of its two week run when Peter Lown, of Lowestoft, and Roger Booth, of King's Lynn, were caught going over the assault course, dated 6th January 1964. Photo: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Holt Hall, May 1992. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Holt Hall, 1995. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Amelie and Alby Barker from Wymondham at the Real Halloween at Holt Hall, with the wands they had just made and a few pumpkins too! (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Holt Primary School children wave goodbye to the Duke of Kent as he leaves Holt Hall Environmental & Outdoor Learning Centre. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Duke at Holt Hall with headmaster, 1963. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant Library)

Scole Schoolchildren about to be evacuated to Holt Hall pic taken 4th nov 1991 c12590 pic to be used in edp dml nov 2011

Holt Hall, Kelling Road, Holt The Fairyland Trust have organised a weekend with a chance to learn about conservation, nature and wand making This picture shows Sarah Wise / Abbie Panks For:EDP Copy:Norfolk

Holt Hall's Fairy Fair 2011, where kids and parents can learn about narural in magical ways. Isabel Last, Hayley Wright, Amberley White with their fairy den. (Image: Archant)

Norfolk County Council has said it can no longer afford to run Holt Hall. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2012)

Witches Sarah Wise, Abbie Panks and Hannah Burns from the Fairyland Trust. Picture: SUBMITTED (Image: Archant)

Norfolk County Council has been providing outdoor learning day and residential trips at Holt Hall since 1950, this picture was taken in 1992. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

The former head of Holt Hall has warned if that if the much loved outdoor education centre is closed the countys children will be the real losers. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Norfolk Smallholders show at Holt Hall. Claire Colchester from Pugs and Drummers group shows off her ferret polecat cross to Isabella Morgan 6. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

VW camper van festival at Holt Hall. (Image: Archant)

Holt Hall's Fairy Fair 2011, where kids and parents can learn about narural in magical ways. Activities in the Fairy Post Office. (Image: Archant)

Airhotel at Holt Hall. Performer Anton Van Havermout as Bassong makes his way up to one of the suspended hotel rooms. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: © ARCHANT NORFOLK 2012)

The Fairy Fair 2014 at Holt Hall. Left to right, Gina Dimascio, 4, Elsa Dimascio, 6, Roma Dimascio, 11 and Dakota Dimascio, 4. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2014)

Sheringham's Woodfields School Sixth Form Centre students at Roots and Shoots at Holt Hall Environmental & Outdoor Learning Centre. Alistair Grant digging one of the gardens. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2012)

The Fairyland trust's Real Halloween event at Holt Hall. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

The fairies take over Holt Hall over the bank holiday weekend to hold their annual Fairy Fair in the grounds celebrating all things nature where kids and parents can learn about the natural world. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Holt Hall Enviromental and Outdoor Learning Centre hold their annual open day and return of the Vintage Lover Fair with over 20 stalls around the hall and buildings. Pictured is Bec Tate the Norfolk milliner with some of her hats for sale. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

Holt Hall environmental and outdoor learning centre open day with pond dipping and outdoor learning activities. Picture: MARK BULLIMORE (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)