Summer of Play- An Ickworth Playcation
Endless possibilities to play await you at Ickworth Estate this summer. We're inviting you to transform the Walled Garden and reclaim it as a hub for families and friends to connect with nature and each other.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
The Walled Garden transforms for another year into a space to create, explore, move, and make believe. We can’t wait for you to join us this year on an Ickworth Playcation! Inside the Walled Garden you’ll be greeted with a variety of opportunities to fill the long summer days with play. Lose track of time performing on your own stage, playing in mud kitchens, connecting with nature in the sensory garden, storytelling, and competing in different sports. With multiple games and activities available, there’s plenty to excite children of all ages and adults that are young at heart too.
The Walled Garden is open daily from 09:30-16:00. The Welcome Hub is located under the star marquee at the top of the Garden, this is where you can chat to the team to find out more about our daily activities. The food & beverage trailer and BBQ will be open inside the garden serving hot and cold drinks and tasty treats.
The West Wing shop has a selection of children’s toys and games perfect to use with the whole family during your visit.
The Rotunda is open during the summer holidays and with children’s activities, a fascinating collection, and interactive games downstairs in the basement, you can continue the fun inside the House and connect to the stories that make Ickworth so unique.
Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Children are welcome
- Meeting point
Self-led activities can be found on the path to the Walled Garden and inside the walls. Visit the Welcome Point on arrival for assistance on where to go on arrival.
- What to bring and wear
Any activities will be outdoors, wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Accessibility
Many of Ickworth Estate's footpaths are a mixture of loose and hard gravel, woodchip and grass and may be hard going with manual wheelchairs. The Multi-use trail to the Walled Garden is perfect for wheelchair users and pathways to the picnic areas the accessible.
- Other
All activities are self-led on the journey to and inside the Walled Garden. Families can choose what they want to take part in on arrival.
Upcoming events
Ickworth on the World Stage Garden Exhibition
Discover the world in our new garden exhibition exploring the influence of the Hervey’s global travels on the Italianate garden at Ickworth.
An Introduction to Ickworth Tour
Join the team caring for Ickworth's treasures to discover more about the Hervey family and their collection.
Ickworth on the World Stage
Follow one family's unconventional adventures as Ickworth sets sail with the Herveys in 2025.
Costumed Interpretation
A chance to meet our team of costume volunteers. Watch as they bring the world of the 1930’s servants to life and chat to them about the highs and lows of working in ‘the big house’.