Everyday family fun

The adventure starts here…

Our wildlife area is the perfect place to get closer to nature and taking part in our '50 things to do before you are 11¾' activities. See if you can complete No. 34 discover wild animal clues, or take a look at our skies and have a go at No. 44 watch a bird. To help you on your adventure borrow an explorer backpack with all the tools you need: compasses, magnifying glasses and bug viewers, as well as identification guides for the birds, insects and plants that can be found on the estate. These are available from our new shepherds hut based by the wildlife area along with lots more information to make the most of our outdoors.

Our play area and den building

On fine days, older children will love the swings, slides and zip wire in our adventure play area. Or why not lend a hand and have a go at building dens in our shaded Albana walk? Let off some steam on our ‘trim trail’ and try out exercises such as hurdles, leap frog, monkey bars and more.

Explore across the estate

Ickworth has been given the go ahead to open a new all-weather, multi-use trail this autumn that will give families the opportunity to get active and discover the wider parkland and abundant wildlife that calls it home.

Then discover our magical Stumpery at the back of our Italianate gardens. See if you can spot the sleeping dragon in her nest on this fern festooned walk. Find the wooden throne and imagine yourself as Lord of these beautiful gardens.

Indoor activities

On rainy days keep your little ones amused with our classic toys in the West Wing Gallery.  Younger children will love playing with the dolls houses and classic wicker pram or imagine taking part in Ickworth’s roof project with some wooden construction tools and building blocks. Curious young minds will love stepping back in time and picturing life as a servant at Ickworth in the 1930s by exploring the winding corridors and touchable exhibits of the servants’ quarters. In the Suffolk school holidays, every day, we run indoor seasonal themed kids’ arts and crafts in our gallery.

Feeling peckish?

We always provide child-sized meals and drinks in our cafés. High chairs are available to use in our main West Wing café, where we can also warm baby food and bottles. We also have a dog friendly café at Porter’s Lodge cottage with comfy indoor seating where the family and your four-legged friend can shelter if the weather turns. You’re very welcome to bring your own food to with you. We’ve a number of picnic tables by the adventure play area and numerous wonderful picnic spots across the estate.

Good to know

A number of our parkland walks are accessible by prams and pushchairs. Just pick up one of our maps or speak with one of our Visitor Experience Assistants to learn more.

Baby changing areas are located in the main car park and West Wing toilets.

Baby carriers and hip seats are available to borrow from the West Wing reception.

One of our volunteer drivers may even let you have a ride around the grounds on the Ickworth golf buggy!