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The Best of the Books

Get up close with some of Ickworth’s finest and oldest books. Chat to our conservation team about how they care for such a special collection as they turn the pages of our historic books.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

At Ickworth we look after 8,000 books. Most of them are on bookshelves or tucked away in stores, with only a few opened every year for visitors to see. We’ll have a team of conservation staff and volunteers set-up at a station in the far east corridor with some of our very best and most significant books. They’ll be happy to chat to visitors about how we care for our books and to turn the pages of the books we’ll have on display. This is an informal, non-ticketed event but offers a unique chance to access our books.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Booking details

Call 0344 249 1895

Suitability

Although aimed for adults, children are welcome.

Meeting point

Rotunda.

What to bring and wear

The Rotunda can be cold so please wear suitable clothing.

Accessibility

There is ramp access into the Rotunda, wheelchairs are available to borrow and lift access to all floors of the Rotunda.

Other

Visitors will not be able to touch the books.

Upcoming events

Behind the Shutters 

Explore the secrets of Ickworth's history and collections through a guided tour that takes you behind the scenes as winter conservation work takes over the Rotunda.

Event summary

on
13 Jan to 13 Feb 2026
at 14:45 to 15:30+ 110 other dates or times

Active Ickworth: Social Walk 

Join one of our new social walks and meet up with likeminded individuals as you enjoy a short walk around the beautiful grounds at Ickworth Estate.

Event summary

on
20 Jan to 23 Jun 2026
at 10:30 to 11:30+ 11 other dates or times

February Half Term: Indoor Adventure Golf 

Join us for a game of indoor crazy golf this February Half Term.

Event summary

on
14 Feb to 22 Feb 2026
at 10:00 to 10:30+ 80 other dates or times

Costumed Interpretation 

Immerse yourself in Ickworth's servants' quarters as our team of costumed volunteers bring the world of the 1930s life. Chat to them about the highs and lows of working in ‘the big house’ and enjoy whole-family fun.

Event summary

on
22 Feb to 15 Mar 2026
at 11:00 to 15:00+ 1 other date or time