Christmas at Ickworth Estate

November Nostalgia

16 - 29 November | 11am - 3pm

Join us in the Servants Quarters as we get ready for the festive season. Step into the 1930s as we stir up nostalgia and Christmas merriment. Sights, sounds, and smells will immerse you in the past. For two weeks at the end of November, Ickworth’s servants’ quarters’ will once again be transformed with a traditional festive 1930s experience. Visitors will step into a warm, nostalgic world to get them in the mood for December’s festivities. Picture a Christmas tree, stockings hanging on every fireplace, ribbons streaming across windows and overhead, plenty of fresh greenery from Ickworth Estate, and plenty of traditional decorations. There will be sensory elements, with Christmassy smells and audio recordings of Ickworth’s actual servants from the 30s and 40s discussing the festivities playing aloud.

Shadow the Snow Leopard Returns

3 December - 3 January 2027 (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) | 11am - 3pm

Shadow the Snow Leopard is returning to Ickworth Estate in an all new adventure. More details will be released very soon, watch this space!

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.