Family activities at Ickworth

Blow off the cobwebs and enjoy all that Ickworth Estate has to offer this winter. Dig out your wellies and go and explore the changing seasons in the Albana to the breathtaking views across the fairy lake. Enjoy spending time with friends and nature at Ickworth Estate.

Planning your family visit

• There are toilets and baby changing facilities at the Welcome Point, in the West Wing and by the Walled Garden (open April to October only).

• The multi-use trail, Geraldine's, Erskine's and Albana Walks are pushchair and buggy friendly

Christmas at Ickworth Estate

2 December - 2 January | 10am - 4pm | Free*

Staged Splendour

Saturday 2 December to Tuesday 2 January | 11am - 3pm | Free

Join us this December as Ickworth is transformed into a truly Georgian theatre. Known for their love of the theatre, lavish parties, and get-togethers at Christmas, they liked to celebrate for an entire month.

Visit Ickworth from Saturday 2 December to Tuesday 2 January to experience an estate completely transformed by the Georgians most popular festive traditions. From the Age of the Theatre to Masquerade Balls, we will be celebrating the outrageous, excessive and, at times, garish nature of the Georgians celebrations.

Step into the Rotunda for a lavish experience at the theatre and revel in the glorious indulgence of the Christmas festivities that await you, from an extravagant dining set to immersive theatrical staging throughout. Be inspired by Georgian traditions and their love for a festive get together!

Christmas Crafts

Saturday 2 December to Tuesday 2 January | 10am - 3pm | Suggested donation £3

Get crafty this Christmas and head to the West Wing Gallery to take part in making your very own masquerade masks and theatre glasses to accompany your visit.

Festive Outdoor Family Trail

Saturday 2 December to Tuesday 2 January | 10am - 4pm |Free*

Explore the great outdoors this winter with our family trail finding Georgian animals nestled into our woodland.

* normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members. Ickworth Estate is closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Get on a bike

Why not hire one of our bikes or bring your own and follow one of our two family friendly multi-use trails around the estate – the River Linnet or the Monument trail. We’ve even got a short route especially designed for little legs! The routes are suitable for all weathers too, so even if it's raining, you can still enjoy exploring the estate.

An winter of exploration

Adventure Play area

Why not spend some time running off steam in our play area? Situated by the car park, our wooden play area is suitable for children of all ages. There are picnic benches available too. *May close in adverse weather*

Grab an Explorer bag

Drop into the welcome point (next to the plant centre) and pick up one of our family explorer bags. Packed with items such as binoculars, bug pots and ID sheets, discover what calls Ickworth Estate home. Free to use, just drop it back when you are finished. Use the binoculars to go and seek out the dragon in the stumpery.

Wildlife area

Explore our wildlife area all year round, what critters will you find.

Build a bug hotel

In the wildlife area by the adventure playground have a go a building a bug hotel. *Open all year round*

Activities are free but normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members.