Ickworth
Things to see & do
This section of the page features an image gallery, so if you're using a screen reader you may wish to jump to the main content.
-
The Rotunda
The Rotunda
The 4th Earl of Bristol in 1779 builds the Rotunda to house his family and his art collection. The basement which opened in 2012, completes the Rotunda telling the stories of upstairs and downstairs life.
© Andrew Butler
-
The collection
The collection
There are over 750,000 items from over 200 fascinating collections online, and thousands from Ickworth.
Each item in the collection is detailed online so check out our highlights and have a browse.
See highlights from our collection
© NTPL/Angelo Hornak
-
The gardens
The gardens
We have more than 70 acres of gardens at Ickworth, including informal woodland trails, and a formal Italianate garden behind the Rotunda.
There you'll find the Victorian stumpery, one of the largest stumperies in the UK, the temple garden and the wonderful 19th century orangery.
Find out more about the gardens
© David Kirkham / NTPL
-
The park
The park
There's evidence of a deer park at Ickworth as early as 1259 and beneath much of the parkland are traces of ancient field systems and roadways.
Ickworth is one of the most important parks in Britain for ancient specimen trees, some of which pre-date the arrival of the 15th century Hervey family.
© National Trust
-
Guided tours
Guided tours
Take a guided tour of the Rotunda's state rooms or basement, or discover the secrets of the park and gardens on our guided tours running this year. There's also family tours for youngsters giving a fun taste of everything. Just give us a call to find out which tours are running on the day of your visit.
© Jonathan Rhodes
-
Events
Events
We've loads of events planned all year. Outdoor theatre treats include 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'As You Like It'. We'll have living history days, conservation in action days, holiday trails, children's crafts, activity days and more.
© Sean Reid
Eating and shopping
- Great gifts for all occasions at our gift shop, open every day from 10.30am - 5pm
- Enjoy delicious food at our fully licensed restaurant, open every day from 10.30am - 5pm
- Sit under the trees at Porter's outdoor cafe, open every day from 10am - 5pm
- Bring a picnic, find a special spot and enjoy the view
Treat yourself delicious meals, or how about one of Annie's homemade cakes?
© Andrea Hirt
Explore
Ickworth is an 1,800 acre pleasure ground for you, your family and friends. We've numerous marked trails or just make your own to discover that perfect view or picnic site and enjoy the fresh air.
Get involved
We thrive on volunteer help and we're always looking for more to join our family. Volunteering and make new friends, have fun and feel great. Email us to find out more, we'd love to hear from you.
Groups
If you're visiting as a group we've got lots for you to see and do. Ickworth makes for a great day out for the house, gardens, park and eating.
Holiday on the estate
Gardener's cottage sits next to a tranquil lake in the heart of Ickworth
We've four beautiful holiday cottages on the estate for you to enjoy. Each cottage has its own special place from secluded woodland glade to being surrounded by sheep and water birds. There's also the very special Ickworth Hotel designed especially for a great family break to spoil your children and yourself. Suffolk has so much to explore and enjoy and with Bury St Edmunds on our doorstep, Ickworth makes for a very special place to stay.
Going local
The dazzling historic gem of Bury St Edmunds is just three miles away from Ickworth.
Packed with history, quirky and unusual shops, there's loads to do. It's home to some great restaurants, real ale pubs and bistros.