There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover the Ickworth Estate. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here…
A summer of fun and exploration
Get on a bike
Why not hire one of our bikes or bring your own and follow one of our two family friendly multi-use trails around the estate – the River Linnet or the Monument trail. We’ve even got a short route especially designed for little legs! The routes are suitable for all weathers too, so even if it's raining, you can still enjoy exploring the estate.
*New for 2022* Located in the car park, our cycle hire hub has a variety of bikes for all ages, including trailers and balance bikes so the whole family can enjoy exploring the parkland, including your four-legged friends.
Challenge your friends and family on our mini games course on the North Lawn. Grab a challenge card from the activity hub and have a go at sack racing, bean bag throwing and noughts and crosses. There is even a podium for first, second and third.
Join us for a nature discovery trail around the woodlands of Ickworth and spot the wildlife that calls the parkland home. Free - no booking required. Normal admission applies.
Join us and have a go at Geocaching around the Ickworth Estate. Discover this global digital treasure hunt as we explore the parkland and find the geocaches hidden along the way. Free - no booking required. Normal admission applies.
Be transported back to the 1930's and have a go at playing with games whilst dressed in 1930's costumes. Hear about the characters that lived at Ickworth during this period. Free - no booking required. Normal admission applies.
On Friday 5 August join Alice down the rabbit hole in her magical adventures through Wonderland in this brand-new open-air adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s family favourite ‘Alice In Wonderland.’ Pre-booking required.
Adventure Play area
Why not spend some time running off steam in our play area? Situated by the car park, our wooden play area is suitable for children of all ages. There are picnic benches available too.
Giant Games
Daily during the Suffolk school holidays by the Adventure Play Area
Have a go at chess, draughts, jenga and dominones with our giant outdoor games. Challenge your friends and family and see who is victorious!
Grab an Explorer bag
Drop into the welcome point (next to the plant centre) and pick up one of our family explorer bags. Packed with items such as binoculars, bug pots and ID sheets, discover what calls Ickworth Estate home. Free to use, just drop it back when you are finished.
Build a bug hotel
In the wildlife area by the adventure playground have a go a building a bug hotel.
Bug hunting
National Trust images / John Millar
Bug hunting
50 things activities
Why not have a go at some of our '50 things to do before you are 11¾' activities? You can download the activity list and plan your adventures here.
Sleeping dragon
Discover our magical Stumpery at the back of our Italianate garden. See if you can spot the sleeping dragon and her egg nest on this fern festooned walk. She is well hidden so the first one who spots her definitely deserves a sticker!
From top picnic spots to where to get tasty ice cream treats, here are our top tips for keeping cool and enjoying the sunshine at Ickworth this summer.