Getting Active at Ickworth Estate
Getting active and out and about on your bike, or with a walk or run, is the perfect way to explore the 1,800 acres of parkland, woods and views of Ickworth Estate. Accessible routes and woodland paths cover over 26 miles of beautiful trails, offering routes for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Walking at Ickworth Estate
Whether you want a gentle amble through the woodland, a good circular walk to get the blood pumping, or a longer trail to seek out those far-reaching views, Ickworth can offer something for all occasions.
If you haven't visited before, there are some ideas below, or you may want to pop into the Welcome Point in our main car park where you will find the friendly team are always keen to give advice and directions.
For all of our walking trails, please scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Visitor favourites
The multi-use trail
The multi-use trail is a surfaced path, perfect for wheels, feet and paws. It can be split into two separate circular routes (the 4.5k Linnet Valley Trail, or the 9k Monument Trail), or tackled as one long walk. It's a good one for getting your steps in, working up an appetite and seeing some fabulous views along the way.
The Albana Wood
A number of paths loop their way through the Albana woodland and the first portion is surfaced and safe for wheels. This is a good one for little legs as you can circle back or change course whenever youngsters get tired and make it as long or short a walk as you like. Here you are likely to hear a lovely array of birdsong and will catch cheeky squirrels darting this way and that.
Geraldine's and Erskine's Walk
Behind the Porter's Lodge Café you can amble into the Geraldine's and Erskine's walks which will weave you through peacful trees and shrubberies to occasional views of the Rotunda across the North Lawn. It is in here that our first spring bulbs make theirselves known and where you are most likely to spot early snowdrops.
You can find a PDF of our walks map here
We have tried to cater for all abilities with our walks but if you are unsure of which walk suits you or would like some advice then please contact us by calling 01284 735270 or by emailing us at ickworth@nationaltrust.org.uk
Social Walks
Join one of our fortnightly social walks and meet up with likeminded individuals as you enjoy a short walk around the beautiful grounds at Ickworth Estate.
Whether you’re looking to improve your fitness, take time to focus on your wellbeing, or meet other people, this short walk is the perfect opportunity to socialize with others and explore the estate at a comfortable pace. This free social walk will be between 2-3 miles long and take roughly around 60 minutes to complete.
Cycle hire is currently closed for the winter
Our cycle hire is currently closed but is reopening on the 7 February.
Cycling at Ickworth
Located in the car park, the cycle hire hub has a variety of bikes for all ages and abilities, including trailers, balance bikes, electric bikes and a pair of recumbent bikes, so the whole family can enjoy exploring our 1800 acres of parkland. Alternatively, you're welcome to bring your own bikes to explore our multi-use trail.
Opening times
7 February - 1 November 2026 (closed 5 - 6 & 12 - 13 February)
Thursday to Sunday, 10am - 4pm (last hire at 2pm).
There may be closures for operational reasons, please refer to the opening times on the website homepage to check these on the day of your visit.
Open every day during Suffolk school holidays (except Christmas).
Closed during November, December and January, see our website for events during this period.
Cycle hire prices
- Adult/child bikes: £8 for two hours or £16 all day
- Balance bikes: £3.50 or £7 all day
- Trailers: £8 for two hours or £16 all day
- Electric 'e' bikes: £8 for two hours or £16 all day
- Recumbent bikes: £8 for two hours or £16 all day
The two seat trailers are ideal for little ones over 12 months old and up to a maximum height of 105cm and weight of 45kg. These limits are in place for safety reasons, due to uneven terrain and speed bumps in the park. There's a handy boot space to store bags and picnics in the back of each trailer.
Good to know
We have put a variety of safety measures in place, to ensure you're able to make the most of your time with us:
- All cycle equipment is checked before and after each use.
- If you have your own helmets, please bring them with you. We have helmets available to borrow as well.
- We recommend you wear protective gloves whilst cycling.
- Card payments only please.
- Under 18's must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times while cycling on the estate.
Cycle hire is on a first come, first served basis. We cannot guarantee bikes will be available, however, we would suggest coming along earlier in the day to give you the best chance of hiring what you require.
We have adult and children's bikes, balance bikes and a limited number of trailers.
All-weather trail
Why not try out the all-weather trail at Ickworth? The route offers a 9km off-road path through Ickworth’s beautiful historic parkland, ideal for families wanting a safe environment to explore.
Something for everyone
Cycles for little legs
Enjoy exploring the great outdoors with your little ones. At Ickworth cycle hire, we have a wide selection of bikes and equipment available, including children’s bikes, balance bikes and trailers.
Making memories
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced off-roader, discover the wider estate at Ickworth. Find breath-taking views of ancient woodland, open fields and landmarks.
Experienced explorers
The multi-use trail provides smooth terrain whatever the weather, and our top-quality bikes are ready to take you on an adventure around the estate
The cycle hub at Ickworth Estate has something for everyone.
Find out more
The visitor welcome cycle team is very happy to have a chat if you have any queries before you come. Just give them a call on 01284 735270.
Running at Ickworth Estate
Trust10 Trail Run
New for 2026 - Join us to run a beautiful 10K trail run around the historic parkland at Ickworth Estate.
Fourth Sunday or every month | 9:30am - 11am | pre-booking required
Trust10 at Ickworth Estate is two loops of our multi use trail – complete them both and you’ve done a 10k! Or complete the first 5k loop and call it a day, and build up to more distance as you feel confident. There is no pressure to complete the full 10km, just breathe in the surroundings and nature (and possibly enjoy some coffee and cake afterwards at the Porter's Lodge café!)
This is a non-marshalled event, and there are no facilities along the route so please take a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. The route is waymarked with arrows, and a map can be seen when registering. Please remember to sign back in once you have completed the run. The event may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions.
Please note that runners with dogs are not permitted. Not suitable for under 14s, minors must be accompanied by an adult.
Our partners
Established by Royal Charter in 1996, Sport England's vision is to transform lives and communities through sport and physical activity.
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
Walks at Ickworth Estate
Ickworth Estate | Lady Hervey Walk
A four mile circular route taking you to the outer reaches of the estate, woodland and visiting Ickworth's two lakes.
Ickworth Estate | Linnet Valley Trail
This route forms the first ½ of the Multi-use track (the 2nd is the Monument Walk). Taking you past Ickworth Lodge and along the River Linnet and up past the Walled Garden and St. Mary’s Church. Buzzard and Kingfishers frequent this area of the park; Roe Deer can be seen at Dawn and Dusk.
Ickworth Estate | History Walk
With its history traced back to Domesday, Ickworth Estate has quite a story to tell. Originally managed as a working estate, its status today as a pleasure ground dates back only as far as the early 18th Century. Walk with us around this beautiful parkland and let your imagination fly with our stories of its development over the centuries under the care, love and sometimes eccentric attentions of the Hervey’s and St. Edmundsbury Abbey.
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.
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.
Ickworth Estate | Monument Trail
This route forms the second ½ of the Multi-use track (The first half is the Linnet Valley trail). Taking you to the Monument at the southern end of the park, passing St Mary’s Church, The Walled garden and returning past the Fairy Lake. One of the highlights is the spectacular view across the Linnet Valley to the Rotunda.
