A notable part of the Helmingham estate, and probably its biggest visitor attraction, are the award-winning formal gardens. The warmer days of late spring see them burst into life and the greys and browns of winter become a myriad of vibrant colours. This affords the opportunity to take off the long lens, used predominantly for photographing the wildlife in the deer park, and get the wide angle and macro/close focus lenses out of the camera bag.
The main garden lies to the west of the Hall, extending from the moat through a small open area then into a walled flower and vegetable garden, with a wildflower meadow beyond. The wall is about 3 metres high, so casts a shadow, and the whole area is protected with estate fencing to keep the deer out. Otherwise it would be devastated in no time at all!