Christmas at Ickworth Estate

Winter Adventures: The Snow Leopard of Ickworth

From 1st December 2025 - 4th January 2026 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Family trail in the Italianate Garden 10am - 4.30pm and Rotunda open 11am - 3pm, no booking required.

This Christmas the Ickworth Snow Leopard comes to life in a festive family-friendly adventure as he explores Ickworth after dark, leaving a delightful trail of mayhem and snow in his wake. Follow Shadow’s journey of mishaps and adventures through the Rotunda and in the Stumpery in the Italianate Garden, discover his encounters and friendships with the local wildlife in this heart-warming snowy winter’s tale he’ll never forget. 

The story of Shadow the snow leopard and his festive escapades was written by Bethan Davidson who has worked at Ickworth for two years as part of the visitor welcome team. Visitors had often asked Beth about the cat-like creature on the Hervey (the family that owned and built Ickworth) family crest and after a lot of curiosity and a bit of digging, Beth soon discovered that the mysterious creature is an ‘Ounce’, more commonly known as a snow leopard, and represents strength and courage. 

“A snow leopard at Ickworth?! How strange! How magical!” said Beth. “I could feel a story spinning and a curious creature coming to life. We thought it was about time to give our snow leopard his very own tale (or tail!) this Christmas.”
 

Stumpery Stories - Winter Adventures: The Snow Leopard of Ickworth

20 & 21 December | 10:30am - 11:15am | £5 per child | booking essential

Join us for a storytelling session in the Stumpery with the author of our Christmas story, The Snow Leopard of Ickworth. 

This will begin to the entrance of the Winter Trail as you enter the Italianate Garden. Here you will be joined by author Bethan Davidson who will be reading her own story, The Snow Leopard of Ickworth, written especially for this Christmas. Our story will come to life amongst the magic of the Stumpery, hearing about all the mischief and mayhem caused by our Snow Leopard. You will then settle down in the Stumpery to hear the rest of the tale. A little present will then be given to the children taking part in the session.

This session is perfect for children aged 3 - 7 but other ages are welcome. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Book your child's place here

Opening times

Ickworth Estate is open from 9am - 5pm across the parkland.

Normal admission charges apply for access to Ickworth Estate. Free for National Trust members. You don't need additional tickets for the Christmas events.

During Winter Adventures the upper floors will be open from 11am - 3pm each day.

The family trail will be available in the Italianate Garden (assistance dogs only) between 10am and 4.30pm.

The West Wing cafe and shop are open from 10am - 4pm daily.

Please note: Ickworth Estate is closed 24 - 25 December.

Making the most of your visit - helpful hints and tips

Arrival and Parking

It can get busy during weekends and school holidays, so we recommend that you arrive early (we are open from 9am) before 10:30am or later after 2pm (the Rotunda indoor experience is open until 3pm). There may be a short wait upon arrival as we check you in but we will get to you and get you parked as quickly as we can. If you are a National Trust member, having your membership card ready for scanning by our team will help to speed up the process. We have plenty of Blue Badge spaces so please make sure our team are aware if you require one when you arrive at the kiosk. There are toilets next to the car park and our team are on hand to welcome you and answer any questions you may have at our Welcome Point.

Have the best experience

The story of the snow leopard starts in the Italianate Garden (open 10am - 4:30pm) and we recommend you head there first (assistance dogs only), unless you have arrived later in which case we recommend you head straight to the Rotunda for the indoor experience which closes at 3pm. The story then continues inside the Rotunda (open 11am - 3pm). 

To ensure the best experience for you, we have limited the number of people into the Rotunda at any one time. This means there may be a short wait outside or you can come back later. We will get you inside as quickly as we can.

Can I go round more than once?

Absolutely! There is so much detail to admire and you may find that you see things you missed the first time round. 

Buggies and bags

Buggies/prams/pushchairs are not allowed inside the Rotunda and will need to be left outside. You will be asked to leave any large bags just inside the front door. 

Why are dogs not allowed on the outdoor trail?

We do not allow dogs other than assistance dogs into the Italianate Garden due to historic features and fittings that can be damaged beyond repair by dog urine. It is very difficult to wash off all traces of dog urine and once one has urinated, all others follow causing irreparable damage. We are sorry for any disappointment and inconvenience caused.

Is the experience accessible?

The indoor experience is fully accessible with a ramp into the Rotunda and then a lift to take you between floors. The outdoor trail has a bark chipping surface which is a little soft in places. Most wheelchairs and pushchairs should be able to navigate with little issue.

Rainy Day?

Don't let a rainy day dampen your spirits. A lot of the outdoor trail is under the cover of the canopy of the trees which provides a good level of protection from the rain. Waterproofs and wellies are recommended. The Rotunda is all indoors and perfect to get out of the rain.