Ickworth
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
An Italianate Palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics. The Italianate Garden mirrors the architecture of the house, whilst also encasing an idiosyncratic Victorian stumpery, contrasting light and shade. The Rotunda is home to one of the finest silver collections, family portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds, works by Titian and Velázquez, and Neoclassical sculpture including Flaxman’s ‘Fury of Athamus’. Below stairs, the Servants’ Quarters recreate domestic service through the stories and memories of those who lived here. In 2019/2020, Ickworth is set to secure its future thanks to a major new conservation project. Ickworth is embarking on a multi-million pound major conservation project which will see us heading up to the roof. To find out more about the work visit the website and discover how Ickworth will be re-imagined during the works.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- Peter CBungay, United Kingdom68 contributionsStunning IckworthIckworth house is well worth a visit. The house along with the history is fascinating, we've been to quite a few houses but Ickworth is up there at the top. The grounds are extensive you certainly can't do it all in one visit! The stumpery is the best we've ever seen. Well worth a visitVisited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2023
- Paula J11 contributionsQuality Time at IckworthWhat an amazing day we had here. So much to see and great history. Beautiful grounds with too many walks for simply one visit. The silver collection and the paintings are incredible and it's all so peaceful. Thank goodness for the National Trust that we are able to share these beautiful buildings. I also really appreciate not being ripped off in the cafe..Good prices, great choices and quality. Amazing day. Very happy.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2023
- Lorna JCowplain, United Kingdom223 contributionsGreat day out.It’s been over 40 years since I last visited and it didn’t disappoint. It was quiet,no rampaging children. Lots of space if you had a dog. Nice to see they are not allowed in the restaurant. We spent all afternoon here, loved the history and the church in the grounds. How the other half used to live.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 13, 2023
- 111TWIGAMINHAAFRIKABristol, United Kingdom7,257 contributionsUnique building, glamorous landscape and gardens...Amazing building, a unique property well kept under the umbrella of the National Trust. Beautiful gardens, woodland walk, views and an abundance of birdlife. Excellent guidebook, cafe and shop and very pleasant volunteers.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 15, 2023
- A145 contributionsFascinating houseInteresting place to visit. Went on an introductory tour led by a volunteer who explained about the background to the building, the family history and some of the paintings. Went round the house again on our own afterwards with a guide book. As has happened on several occasions this last week we couldn't go into all the rooms because of lack of volunteers. The volunteers that were there were very friendly and helpful. Interesting grounds though we couldn't explore too far because of the high winds.Visited July 2023Written July 17, 2023
- helzie8United Kingdom109 contributionsBeautiful buildingIt’s an awe inspiring building from the outside and the gardens are pleasant to walk around. We did go inside, the main rooms are beautiful, full of books, chandeliers and ornate furniture and there is the below stairs area too so you get to see the servants quarters which is good. A slight criticism is we did find going round the inside a bit dry and museum like. On the plus side you can hire bikes and there are plenty of places to walk with woods, a walled garden and trails to explore.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 21, 2023
- HauteMedocLoverWarwickshire, United Kingdom126 contributionsBeautiful Property and GroundsVisited with friends and teenagers and some had bikes but I rented from the shop, 2 std bike and an Electric one for me £24 for 2 hours total so fantastic value but this was the BEST cycling experience I’ve ever had……. Choice of 3 different tracks and did them all, so over 20km in total but I could have done it several times more on my magic bike!! Property and cafe were fabulousVisited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 30, 2023
- CHRIS L226 contributionsNational Trust Gem.Great place for a day outGreat place to visit, Gardens are beginning to show colours of spring. Interesting house, Guides are helpful & knowledgeable. Nice Cafe serving a good selection of teas, Coffees & food.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 3, 2023
- 55mo55London, United Kingdom234 contributionsAn Italianate Palace in SuffolkLovely grounds , stunning architecture, superb art . A real treasure house with delightful gardens. A National Trust property which as usual comes with one drawback the range of food offered at the Cafe( cakes and biscuits as usual excellent but hot food and sandwiches really disappointing and hot food only served after 12, why in this day and age . They should with their purchasing power and captive audience be able to offer at least the same as a costa coffee) However great place to bring a picnic and lovely grounds to enjoyVisited July 2023Written August 5, 2023
- Delia PIpswich, United Kingdom522 contributionsCulture and ClassWe were looking for somewhere to spend the day that wasn’t going to cost a fortune, is wheelchair friendly and above all, interesting. We ventured out to Ickworth house near Bury Edmunds, which is a National Trust property. There was plenty of parking, plenty to see in the vast and interesting gardens and the house was amazing. The volunteers were knowledgeable, welcoming and genuinely committed to making your experience at the house pleasurable. We were most surprised by the access to the house as they had a lift so we could get around the house and plenty of places to rest, seek cover in the event of rain (not necessary today) and cafes and a shop. It’s not all about spending money though. They allow you to take a picnic and enjoy the grounds and there really is something for everyone. Children are very well catered for and there are events on all year with adult craft classes during the day and something magical for a dark evening in the winter months currently advertised in the cafe. Such an amazing place I was so pleased we went. I would thoroughly recommend Ickworth House and we will certainly return.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,554 reviews
Excellent
837
Very good
487
Average
130
Poor
55
Terrible
45
guildf0rd
Guildford, UK81 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great dry dog walk! We were in the area and looking for a dry walk in February. There are miles and miles of completely dry footpaths . Gorgeous place
Written February 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan B
Braintree, UK45 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The Rotunda is very interesting and the inside is palatial with an excellent guided tour.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and the parkland is expansive.
Although it was very busy on the day we visited nowhere on the estate felt overcrowded.
It is worth hiring or taking a bike to see the whole of the parkland.
The gardens are beautifully maintained and the parkland is expansive.
Although it was very busy on the day we visited nowhere on the estate felt overcrowded.
It is worth hiring or taking a bike to see the whole of the parkland.
Written January 28, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
carol b
Great Dunmow, UK99 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Have visited Ickworth loads of times, primarily walking the long trails around the estate with my dog. So when I saw they were doing a Christmas light walk, I thought I'd try it. There are literally miles of paved walks at Ickworth, but unlike other light trails I've been on, they chose to restrict the lights to the Italianette Garden and the front of the house. The pancake stall sold out of pancakes upon our arrival at 7pm. We saw many families turned away with disappointed children. No other food or drink options until you enter the cafe within the house (cold jacket potato and mulled wine served in a teacup, so that was also cold within seconds). Strangley, no music was playing in the walk! I've never attended a Xmas light trail without Xmas music before. The lights were frankly pathetic. A few lit up trees but no entertainment value at all. I'll never rely on the National Trust to provide a fun evening ever again
Written November 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel B
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Went to see the light display at Ickworth. We have been to the other ones in the area and they were all really good so decided to drive the extra few miles to see them.
What a disappointment. The trail was so short that we had been all the way around in about 15 minutes.
They were incredibly underwhelming, especially after Wimpole last year.
There was nothing special and what was there was poorly executed.
The route was unclear leaving us wondering where we were going on several occasions and when we had completed the circuit we were left wanting.
Since then I have looked at reviews from previous years and they seem much the same.
Disappointing. Over priced.
I would suggest that the organisers take a look at Anglesey abbey and wimpole hall to see how this is supposed to work before ripping of any more of the unsuspecting public.
What a disappointment. The trail was so short that we had been all the way around in about 15 minutes.
They were incredibly underwhelming, especially after Wimpole last year.
There was nothing special and what was there was poorly executed.
The route was unclear leaving us wondering where we were going on several occasions and when we had completed the circuit we were left wanting.
Since then I have looked at reviews from previous years and they seem much the same.
Disappointing. Over priced.
I would suggest that the organisers take a look at Anglesey abbey and wimpole hall to see how this is supposed to work before ripping of any more of the unsuspecting public.
Written November 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca D
7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Absolutely loved it.
Going back a 2nd time.
My daughter loved it too.
I won't be stopping at cafe again, was a bit pricey.
Didn't include in star review, as I was there for lights, not coffee.
Going back a 2nd time.
My daughter loved it too.
I won't be stopping at cafe again, was a bit pricey.
Didn't include in star review, as I was there for lights, not coffee.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces11674306400
Bury St. Edmunds, UK2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Exstremely poor and disappointing for the price.
This is the first and last time I'll go to the lights.
Just lights lighting up the trees in different colours. We had a large area of grass with balls that changed colours
We had a dragon and smoke, the interesting bit and that's it.
😞
This is the first and last time I'll go to the lights.
Just lights lighting up the trees in different colours. We had a large area of grass with balls that changed colours
We had a dragon and smoke, the interesting bit and that's it.
😞
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julianna1963
Bury St. Edmunds, UK148 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Worse than poor. Vastly over priced at £12.50 for an extremely disappointing 20 minutes. Would not recommend for any ages including children
Written November 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anteallachleicester
Leicester, UK795 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Had a fabulous time at Ickworth as we had the pleasure of staying at the hotel.
Very interesting to explore inside the rotunda part of the building. Loved the servants areas downstairs just as much as the opulence upstairs. The grounds though are the star. Dozens of acres of grounds to explore. Hiring bikes was definitely the highlight of our stay, so that we could explore the estate cottages and the monument (obelisk). Despite neither of us having ridden for nearly 20yrs it was a very easy route with nice wide paths. There was only one hill that needed real effort, a lot of the time we were free-wheeling.
We renewed our membership here and this was done by a very helpful and informative staff member. The gentleman who we hired the bikes from was also extremely friendly and got the bikes set up perfectly before we set off.
The cafe had a huge inside seating area and plenty of seating out on the massive patio. Although visitors could use the hotel restaurant in the orangery (they do afternoon tea here too).
All in all a great place to visit.
Very interesting to explore inside the rotunda part of the building. Loved the servants areas downstairs just as much as the opulence upstairs. The grounds though are the star. Dozens of acres of grounds to explore. Hiring bikes was definitely the highlight of our stay, so that we could explore the estate cottages and the monument (obelisk). Despite neither of us having ridden for nearly 20yrs it was a very easy route with nice wide paths. There was only one hill that needed real effort, a lot of the time we were free-wheeling.
We renewed our membership here and this was done by a very helpful and informative staff member. The gentleman who we hired the bikes from was also extremely friendly and got the bikes set up perfectly before we set off.
The cafe had a huge inside seating area and plenty of seating out on the massive patio. Although visitors could use the hotel restaurant in the orangery (they do afternoon tea here too).
All in all a great place to visit.
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luke P
Stowmarket, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Solo
National Trust loves to run an event and take everyone's money but then causes a mile tailback for 45 mins, polluting the environment which allegedly they are here to protect
Written October 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria
Barton, UK8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful gardens but we were shouted at by the staff as “THAT is not allowed in the house”… that being our infant child in a pushchair.
Wheelchairs can go in though.
Wheelchairs can go in though.
Written October 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jacquic47
Norwich, UK4 contributions
is their a reduction in price to wheelchair users and carers
I am a nt member is parking free
Martyn w
3 contributions
Yes parking is free for NT members
Lobster4563
Orlando, FL8 contributions
Can we do fortnite dances here? 👄
paul r
Stowmarket, UK60 contributions
Would you like a silly answer to a silly question?
E-in-Leigh
Essex35 contributions
Are there any lambs being born here yet?
Charles_and_Susan
Nottingham, UK5,871 contributions
Lots of lambs when we visited today.
fieldofdaisies
Attleborough, UK18 contributions
How long would you allow to view the house and gardens?
countyroamer
Greater London, UK79 contributions
To be honest, it depends on the weather! The house itself is fascinating, and you could easily spend a couple of hours in there. But if the weather is fine, the gardens are certainly worth a visit, and the café is an excellent place to have lunch or a cream tea. I'd say a minimum of 3 hours.
Best wishes and I hope that helps.
Steve C
Norwich, UK11 contributions
There used to be deer and a deer hide at the park, is this still the case or have all gone now? Thanks.
Lee529
Bury St. Edmunds, UK41 contributions
Hi, we walked all round the park and never saw any deer!
If you particularly want to see a wonderful herd of deer, which are always close by ( they will eat apples from your hand) then go to Helmingham Hall, not sure if they close for the winter at the beginning or end of October though, but well worth a visit.
AliSmall12
Luton, UK6 contributions
I would like to know if the cafes are available without paying to get in?
Ruralgourmet71
Bildeston, UK85 contributions
Sadly not.
Geoff L
Cromer, UK9 contributions
can you take photos inside the house
jonnydubsE17
London, UK34 contributions
You can yes, just without the flash.
bananasplitpoop
Annapolis, MD20 contributions
I know dogs are not permitted in the play area but does the fencing restrict vision? I'd like to watch my kids while with the dog outside the fence.
MrsKimBonner
Newmarket, UK206 contributions
You will still be able to see, it's a slatted fence
Linda L
Ipswich, UK13 contributions
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?
nw0709
Wellingborough, UK66 contributions
Some areas are suitable. There's an under the stairs tour which is really good. I think I recall a lift. The staff are very helpful so if there's a way they will organise it for you. There's a lovely café.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ickworth
- Ickworth is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Ickworth:
- (0.11 km) Dower House Apartments
- (0.27 km) Old Piggery ***** 5 Star Self Catering Cottage
- (0.51 km) The Cart Lodge
- (1.08 km) The Ickworth Hotel
- (3.65 km) The Chantry Hotel
- Restaurants near Ickworth:
- (0.33 km) The Six Bells Horringer
- (0.48 km) The Beehive
- (3.73 km) Francela Restaurant
- (3.57 km) Maison Bleue Restaurant
- (3.80 km) Cheers Restaurant