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Visiting Ickworth Estate with the family

A graphic with a black background with 'Stranger folk' written in green writing
Head to Ickworth Estate this autumn to take part in Stranger Folk | © National Trust

There are lots of different family activities designed to help you explore and discover Ickworth Estate this Autumn. However you choose to spend your day with us, your adventure starts here.

Head outside and enjoy all that Ickworth Estate has to offer this Autumn. Explore the Albana woodland with its leafy trails, or take a stroll through the parkland to discover the breathtaking views across the canal lake. Spend time with friends and family in the Italianate Garden and surround yourself with the season's warm, golden tones.   

Planning your family visit at a glance

Key Family Events 2026

  • October Half Term | 24 October - 1 November
  • Christmas | 16 November - 3 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Check out upcoming events

Make the most of your visit to Ickworth

Daily

Explore on two wheels

The cycle hub at Ickworth is located in the main carpark. It is open from Thursdays - Sundays and every day during Suffolk school holidays. There are all sorts of bikes available to hire for different ages and abilities. There are also children's trailers for children who are older than 12 months and smaller than 1m 5cm tall. The friendly team will fit you out with a bike that suits you, a helmet if you need one, and direct you to the cycle-friendly routes. 

Exploring on two wheels enables you to see a little more of the huge estate than you might have otherwise. There are lovely views of the parkland from the monument trail, which is the green route on the map.

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 

Open 10am - 4pm with last hire at 2pm

A visitor family waits to hire bikes at the cycle hub at Ickworth
The friendly cycle hub team will help kit you out with bikes | © James Dobson
Discover our upcoming events
Children playing in the autumn leaves at Rowallane Garden, County Down
Children playing in autumn leaves | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Autumn Events at Ickworth Estate

We have an extensive and varied programme of events for you this summer at Ickworth Estate with events being added all of the time so do keep checking back. Some activities are included in your admission, some have a small charge and some may require pre-booking. Please check each event for more details.

Rotunda & West Wing Closure - Monday 5 - Friday 9 October

The Rotunda and West Wing will be closed Monday 5 - Friday 9 October for a fire alarm upgrade and fixed wire testing. During this period some of the Pikachu TCG cards and crafts will be unavailable in the West Wing. We apologise for any disappointment caused.

The Pikachu Art Adventure

1 October - 15 November | 10am - 4pm

This Autumn, explore The Pikachu Art Adventure and discover 30 new Pikachu TCG artworks hidden around Ickworth Estate. Track down every card, uncover fun facts about Pikachu, explore the wide range of styles that bring Pokémon's most iconic characters to life and reflect on what makes each artwork unique. Collect an exclusive stamp as a memento of your adventure and head to the West Wing Gallery design your own Pikachu Pokémon card inspired by Ickworth Estate. 

Stranger Folk

13 October - 8 November | 9am - 5pm | Free - normal admission charges apply for non-National Trust members

Forget plastic fangs and horror films - this Halloween adventure crackles with old magic. British folklore sneaks into the real world, set against the backdrop of Ickworth Estate. Go on a quest with the Stranger Folk app this Halloween; download our new Stranger Folk app and begin an immersive adventure inspired by British folklore. The interactive game features goblins and other creatures who lurk at some of the historic houses we look after in the UK. More information on how you can download the app can be found here.

Three children enjoing the silent disco at Plas Newydd, Anglesey. They're wearing lit up headphones and are clustered around a lit up disco ball.
Enjoy a silent disco at Ickworth Estate this October Half-Term | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

October Half Term

Circus Pazaz Circus Skills Workshops

24 - 27 October | 45 minute sessions 10am - 4:30pm | £5 per person - booking essential

Circus Pazaz are returning to Ickworth this October half term and this time you're performing! Step right up and discover the joy of circus skills in this fun, hands-on workshop for all ages!  This fun-filled workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn exciting circus skills, build your confidence on stage, and discover your inner performer. Join experienced instructors to learn a range of exciting skills, including juggling, plate spinning, flower sticks, hula hooping and more. Book your place here.

Silent Disco

28 October | 1 hour sessions 12pm - 4pm | £5 per person - booking essential

Three channels, one dance floor and endless family fun! Join the Silent Disco at Ickworth House and show off your best moves.  

Pop on your headphones, choose your favourite music channel and dance your way through an unforgettable session packed with tunes, laughter and feel-good energy. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just want to have fun with family and friends, there's something for everyone.

Perfect for children and grown-ups alike, this unique event offers a chance to let loose and create fantastic half-term memories together in one of Ickworth's most spectacular indoor spaces. Book your place here.

The Crafty Foxes - Autumn Craft Workshops

29 October | various times | £3.50 per person - booking required

 The Crafty Foxes are back at Ickworth, this time for Autumn craft workshops in our West Wing Gallery. Held in our gallery space, create three Autumn crafts that you will take home with you at the end of the session. All materials provided, children must be supervised at all times. Book your place here. 

Anglian Potters

31 October - 1 November | 10am - 4pm

Join the fantastic Anglian Potters this weekend for their 2026 Exhibition in the West Wing Gallery. Admire beautiful handmade ceramics, meet the makers, enjoy live demonstrations, and see clay transformed into works of art before your eyes. Who knows? You may even discover a new creative passion of your own

An illustration of a cartoon snow leopard who is light grey with dark grey spots. He has a curious look on his face
Meet Shadow the Ickworth Snow Leopard this Christmas | © National Trust/Nami Ralph

Christmas at Ickworth Estate

16 November - 3 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

Celebrate the festive season with us 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. 

Shadow's Snowy Return: A Magical Winter's Trail

28 November - 3 January (closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) | 10am - 4:30pm

Follow Shadow and his friends mischievous winter adventures through the grounds of Ickworth Estate and into the Italianate garden in this magical outdoor family festive trail.

Winter Adventures: Shadow's Snowy Return

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

Once upon a Christmas, many years ago,
A curious creature came to Ickworth bringing magic and snow.
He was Shadow the Snow Leopard from a land far away,
And loved Ickworth so much, he came back to play.

Shadow the Ickworth snow leopard is returning to Ickworth for a new wintery Christmas adventure, and this time he is not alone. Follow Shadow and friends as they get up to mischief and mayhem around the Rotunda in this magical festive experience. 

View of the Rotunda from the path with newly restored roof at Ickworth, Suffolk

Discover more at Ickworth

Find out when Ickworth is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

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Getting active and out and about on your bike, or with a walk or run, is the perfect way to explore the 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.

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