Ickworth walled garden and canal walk, near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
A circular walk taking you to the Ickworth walled garden and canal lake. The view from the far side of the canal lake is one of the best at Ickworth, looking over the seasonal meadow, and sneaking a peek at the church and the Rotunda in the distance. Ensure you look at the old summerhouse and even manage a picnic here in summer – it's a real sun-trap.
Earl's Summer House.
Ideal for families...don't forget to bring your picnic on a nice day.
Map
Start:
West Wing reception, grid ref: TL810610
1
Starting at West Wing reception, head back in the direction of the car park. Take first turn left. Continue past toilets sign and take the second left, heading towards the garden entrance and five-bar gate. Go through the gate and follow the road.
Fallow Deer
Keep an eye out for fallow deer in the deer park, a common species of deer in Britain with a spotted coat.
2
Continue straight on, looking out for Parson's pond on your right, then continue on to the private family church on your left. The church has now been restored and is open to visitors. The site of the original Ickworth Hall will be found behind the church. The path bears right and continues downhill to the bottom of the deer park and a bridge.
Parson's Pond
This pond is near the site of the parsonage, burnt down in the 16th century. From the original deeds the parsonage consisted of a 'hall, a parlour, a dairy and buttery, two little lower chambers, and three upper chambers.' The original Ickworth village also stood in this vicinity and was home to approximately 100.
3
Turn left at the bridge and follow the grass path for approximately 200 metres to reach the canal lake, which will be on your left. You might be lucky to see a buzzard in flight here.
Canal Lake/Buzzards
The canal lake is a real haven for wildlife and gets absolutely covered with lily pads in summer. Over recent years, buzzards have been returning in greater numbers to Suffolk. Years of persecution and toxins associated with farming practices had seen the range of this large bird of prey move away from the Eastern region. Buzzards are now regularly seen soaring over Ickworth’s park and woodlands
4
Continue on along the bank of the canal lake, taking the track on your left leading to the entrance to the walled garden (a black metal gate at the bottom of the hill). Take time to explore the garden and summerhouse (great for a picnic in summer), continuing to the top of the garden and exit through the gate by the small information hut and the Bothy.
Estate view
There are some fantastic views of the estate from this side of the canal lake. This view is taken facing north and captures the walled garden and St Mary's church
5
After looking at the walled garden, turn right and re-trace your steps along the road (or straight across the grass in front of you if no sheep present), back to the family church, the House and car park.
Walled Garden
Table grapes were grown here in Victorian times and were stored over winter in the summerhouse. The east side of the Walled-garden was planted as a vineyard in 1995, but the vines have now been removed, and the whole area is being restored to the estate's former walled kitchen garden, and currently in summer is full of wild flowers.
End:
West Wing reception, grid ref: TL810610
