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Ickworth Estate
An Italianate Palace in the heart of Suffolk
The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE
Important notice
The West Wing lift is currently out of order. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Opening times for 10 December 2023
Asset Opening time State Rooms 11:00 - 15:00 Servant's Quarters Closed Gardens 10:00 - 16:30 West Wing Café 10:00 - 16:00 Parkland 09:00 - 17:00 Welcome Point & Plant Shop 09:00 - 16:30 Porter's Lodge Café 10:00 - 16:00 Second-hand bookshop 10:00 - 16:00 Shop 10:00 - 16:00 Cycle Hire Closed Estate: open daily all year, 9am-5pm (may close in adverse weather.) Everything closed 24-25 December. House: *Rooms open subject to volunteer availability **Find house tours on 'Things to see and do' page.
MTWTFSS2728293012345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031OpenPartially openClosedWhole Estate Ticket - House, Gardens and Parkland
Ticket type Gift aid Standard Adult £13.20 £12.00 Child £6.60 £6.00 Family £33.00 £30.00 Family with 1 adult and up to 3 children £19.80 £18.00 Group Adult £11.40 Group Child £5.70 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
Audio guide
Audio-described guides for blind and partially sighted people available from Welcome Point that takes in the approach to the Rotunda and the ground floor rooms.
Guided tour
Daily House tours and monthly outdoor tours. See upcoming events for more info.
Book shop
Second-hand bookshop downstairs from the shop in the West Wing. Lift available.
Plant shop
Large plant shop at the Welcome Point by the car park
Cafe
Porter's Lodge cafe serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice cream. Dog friendly.
Restaurant
West Wing Cafe serving light meals, sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks.
Car park
Large car park and overflow (not always available in wet weather).
Shop
Large gift shop with extensive range of books, gifts and local produce.
Dogs
Dogs on leads welcomed in the parkland. Sorry no dogs in the Italianate Garden and Walled Garden. Dog water available across property. Dog cup cakes and ice cream available from Porter's Lodge.
Toilet
By Welcome Point, in the West Wing and down by the Walled Garden.
Blue Badge parking and drop-off point. Accessible toilets. Lift to all levels in the Rotunda and West Wing. Wheelchair and mobility vehicle hire available (restricted access for vehicles in the Rotunda and West Wing).
Accessible route and/or map
Albana path (partially accessible - tree roots in some places) and multi-use trail are accessible. Map available from Welcome Point.
Lift
Lifts available in West Wing and the Rotunda.
Accessible toilet
Available at all toilets. Additional Accessible toilet in Rotunda basement.
Narrow corridors
Tight section in basement
Designated parking
Accessible parking spaces in main car park. Car park has hard surface tarmac, and a tarmac path which leads to the main tarmac drive.
Powered mobility vehicle available
Fully off-road PMVs available. Pre-booking preferred, please contact 01284 736141 prior to visit.
Drop-off point
Drop off point at the back of West Wing - please speak to welcome team for more information on arrival.
Ramped access/slopes
Ramped access into the West Wing and Rotunda.
Induction loop
Fixed induction loops are available at Welcome Point, Porter's Lodge Cafe, West Wing Cafe and Gift Shop. A portable induction loop is available, please contact Welcome Team prior to visit.
Seating available
Available across the estate and Rotunda.
Level access to food outlet
Level access at Porter's Lodge Cafe.
Steps/uneven terrain
Steps and uneven terrain in Italianate Garden. Steps into the house and basement. Off-road areas of the estate.
Level access to shop
Level access to Plant Shop and Welcome Point.
Transfer available
Accessible E-Shuttle run daily between Porter's Lodge and the Rotunda.
Level access/terrain
Geraldine's Walk, near to Porter's Lodge.
Wheelchairs available
Available from Welcome Point, West Wing and Rotunda.
By road
from A14 take junction 42 towards Westley; on west side of A143. For all other routes head towards Horringer.
Parking: Welcome kiosk situated on the drive for entry, visitor information and direction to the main car park or overflow car parking as applicable when visiting. Please stop at the kiosk and have any membership cards ready.
Sat Nav: Please don't use our postcode for your SatNav, the main entrance to the Ickworth Estate is via Horringer Village on the A143 and follow the brown signs. Please avoid routes through Chevington (as this is a no through road).
On foot
4½ miles via footpaths from Bury St Edmunds, please use the main entrance through Horringer village.
By train
Bury St Edmunds 3 miles
By bus
Ickworth is on the road between Bury St Edmunds and Clare/ Haverhill. There are regular bus services from Bury St Edmunds town centre including the Number 14 and 15 bus. The bus stop is in the village of Horringer and it's about a 15 minute walk from the bus stop to Ickworth's visitor centre.
By bicycle
4½ miles via the road and cycle paths from Bury St Edmunds, please use the main entrance through Horringer village for access to Ickworth. We have a multi-use cycle trail as part of the estate offer.
Planning your visit
Christmas at Ickworth Estate - Staged Splendour
Join us this December to experience Ickworth Estate completely transformed by the Georgians most popular Christmas traditions. From the Age of the Theatre to Masquerade Balls, we will be celebrating the outrageous, excessive and, at times, garish nature of the Georgians celebrations. Families can take part in our Georgian Christmas trail and help reunite the lost birds back to the menagerie, then enjoy getting crafty in the West Wing Gallery making masks and theatre glasses to accompany your visit.
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Visiting Ickworth with your dog
Ickworth is a three pawprint rated place. Let your four-legged friends lead you on a voyage of exploration around miles of parkland, offering new and exciting discoveries.
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Group visits to Ickworth
Want to visit Ickworth as a group? Find all the information you need, from how to book tickets to the benefits you may be entitled to.
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Check out our events at Ickworth Estate
See what events may be taking place during your visit or what's coming up at Ickworth Estate. From daily house tours to guided ranger walks, there's lots to add value to your visit.
Highlights
House
The Rotunda, museum accredited, forms the centrepiece of the Ickworth estate. Showcasing an internationally renowned art and silver collection.
Garden
The Italianate garden encircles the Rotunda; a mix of classical Italy and a touch of drama with a gothic-style stumpery.
Parkland
Miles of parkland with rolling landscape, ancient woodlands, working farmland and an all-weather multi-use trail.
Eating
The West Wing and Porters Lodge cafés offer hot and cold drinks, light meals, snacks and cakes. Indoor and outdoor eating available.
Shopping
Shop filled with gifts, cards and homeware. Plant Shop has gardening accessories and seasonal plants. Second-hand bookshop stocked with pre-loved books.
Cycle hire
Cycle hire hub offering a variety of bikes for all ages for exploring the estate.
Holiday cottages
Characterful cottages across the estate offering stays for four to 12 people.
The Ickworth (not National Trust)
Stately house luxury family hotel, open to residents and non-residents for dining, afternoon tea, spa treatments and accommodation.
Spotlight events
Christmas at Ickworth Estate - Staged Splendour
Rejoice in the festivities by stepping back for the social highlight of the season with an evening at the theatre. Be inspired by Georgian traditions and their love for a festive get together. Put on your finery and join us for an experience full of joy and splendour.
Check out our events at Ickworth Estate
See what events may be taking place during your visit or what's coming up at Ickworth Estate. From daily house tours to guided ranger walks, there's lots to add value to your visit.
Things to see and do
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Christmas at Ickworth
Christmas is returning to Ickworth Estate from 2 December with a Georgian Staged Splendour.
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Explore the house at Ickworth
Discover the house and the treasures collected by the flamboyant 4th Earl of Bristol at Ickworth, a magnificent Italianate palace in the heart of Suffolk.
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Family activities at Ickworth
There are loads of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover the Ickworth estate this Winter. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.
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Visiting the garden at Ickworth
Ickworth's garden was the first of its kind in the UK. Designed for privacy, space and freedom, it's a distillation of the gardens of classical Italy given an individual English touch.
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Explore the parkland at Ickworth
Explore the parkland at Ickworth, encircled with layers of history, landscape and classic architecture. Enjoy space, freedom and inspiring views as you wander at your leisure.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Cycling at Ickworth Estate
Find out more about cycling at Ickworth, including the cycle hire hub available in the car park. Pack a picnic and start your adventure.
Nordic walking at Ickworth
Explore the picturesque parkland at Ickworth on one of the regular Nordic walks around the estate (normal admission applies). To take part, join Positive Steps Fitness and Wellbeing, members of British Nordic Walking and the International Nordic Walking Federation, for a taster session or technique course, then sign up for a walk. For more information and to get involved, email info@positivestepspt.co.uk.
Eating and shopping
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Eating and shopping at Ickworth
Treat yourself in one of the cafés at Ickworth with a variety of tasty treats, light snacks and hot and cold drinks. Or grab a bargain as a souvenir of your visit in the shop or Plant Centre.
Top trails
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Albana Walk
A short circular walk through some of the woodlands around Ickworth. If you have the energy when you walk along the Trim Trail try your hand on various fitness objects, ranging from pole climbing to ladder walks and leap frog.
Trail
Ickworth Estate | Walled Garden and Canal Walk
A circular walk taking you to the Walled Garden, and Canal lake, which is a haven for wildlife. There is a great view of the Walled Garden from the far side of the Canal lake, with St. Mary’s church, and the Rotunda behind.
Places to stay
The Round House
Cosy up in this folky rotunda deep in the woodlands of the Ickworth Estate.
Ickworth Gardens House
An idyllic stay on the Ickworth estate with a lakeside garden and homely interior.
Ickworth Keeper's Cottage
Escape city life in this Victorian cottage set on the Ickworth estate and surrounded by farmland.
Horringer Park Gates
Stay in this characterful Georgian cottage, once the home of the Ickworth estate gatekeeper.
Carpenters Cottage
A Victorian farm cottage set on the Ickworth estate and finished with an elegant décor.
Upcoming events
Event
Christmas at Ickworth
Join us as we transport Ickworth back to the Georgians for a lavish experience at the theatre. Step into the Rotunda and revel in the glorious indulgence of the Christmas festivities that await you.
Event
Georgian Christmas Family Trail
Take part in our Georgian Christmas trail and help reunite the lost birds back to the menagerie.
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Group Led Cycle Tour of Ickworth Estate
Explore more of the estate this Winter on a cycle led tour, on Thursdays and Fridays throughout November and December.
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Walk with our Rangers
Join our Ranger team as they take you on a journey through the parkland and woodlands we care for.
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A Life Below Stairs Tour
Hear the stories of the servants who lived and worked at Ickworth as you discover the hustle and bustle that went on below stairs.
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A Conservation Tour
Take a step behind closed doors in the Rotunda to see Ickworth through the eyes of our Collections Team.
About Ickworth Estate
With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and brand new all-weather path to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature.
Discover formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands all which invite gentle strolls, long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics.
Head into the Rotunda and see Ickworth's array of treasures. Then stop off at one of our cafés to get a bite to eat and treat yourself in one of our shops.
History
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History of Ickworth
Discover Ickworth’s fascinating history, from the people who’ve lived here over the centuries, to the estate’s role in the Great War.
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The people who lived at Ickworth
Learn about the different generations of the Hervey family, and how they each contributed towards creating the Ickworth estate.
Art and collections
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The silver treasures of Ickworth
Ickworth is home to one of the most important collections of 18th-century silver in Europe. Learn more about the collection at Ickworth in Suffolk.
Our work
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Our work on the estate at Ickworth
The ash trees of Ickworth are under threat from a disease that’s arrived from Europe. Find out how we are managing this and other issues across the estate.
Project
Project
Earl Summerhouse Restoration Project
The 1st Earl’s Summer House is one of the oldest buildings at Ickworth Estate. This year we are carrying out vital conservation work on the Summer House so that you can experience the Walled Garden from this idyllic setting once again. Find out more about this project and how you can support it.
Project
Project
Raising the roof at Ickworth
Discover how Ickworth completed a major conservation project to repair the Rotunda roof and safeguard the future of this classic Italianate building for years to come.
Support us
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Volunteer opportunities at Ickworth
There are many different ways that volunteering with the National Trust at Ickworth can benefit you. Find out more and meet a member of the team.