Ickworth House, Park & Garden

Ickworth
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk
IP29 5QE

Tel: +44 (0)1284 735 270
Fax: +44 (0)1284 735 175
Email: ickworth@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk


Ickworth is one of the most unusual and most surprising of National Trust properties, an elegant Italianate house and gardens set within spectacular English parkland. The estate, which today comprises 1800 acres, was owned by the Hervey family from the middle of the fifteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century.

The House

The present house at Ickworth was begun in 1795, the creation of a famously eccentric Hervey: Frederick, 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry. Inspired by Italy, Ickworth's extraordinary central rotunda and curving wings were intended to house treasures the Earl Bishop collected from all over Europe. Today, the magnificent state rooms display Old Master paintings, including works by Titian, Velasquez and Gainsborough. Ickworth is also noted for its Georgian silver and Regency furniture.

The Gardens

The gardens surrounding the house were created in the first half of the nineteenth century by the First Marquess of Bristol. Those in the formal Italian style to the south of the house feature the Gold and Silver Gardens, a Victorian Stumpery and the Temple Rose Garden. A raised terrace walk separates the south garden from the park. Beyond the church are the remnants of an eighteenth century garden created by the First Earl. His summer house (c1703) and ornamental canal still survive. The kitchen garden, protected by high brick walls, is now a vineyard producing Ickworth Walled Garden Wines.

The Park

The extensive wooded parkland, created in part by Capability Brown, is a living landscape rich in plant, animal and bird life. Some parts are cultivated and grazed yet much can be explored and enjoyed. The Park offers space and freedom and is managed by the National Trust to respect the needs of all its users and inhabitants, animal and man.

The Perfect Day Out

Ickworth has something for everyone: an exciting play area, a trim trail, a family cycle route, enchanting gardens, woodland walks, an excellent licensed restaurant, a well stocked shop, and a house with a fascinating history and exquisite collections.

  • Disabled visitors - drop off point to ramped front door, blue badge parking, accessible lavatory, all floors accessible, Braille guide, tactile tour, free use of batricars in park and garden.
  • Good routes for prams, wheelchairs and Batricars (map available)

     

    Opening Times
    (2008 times)
    House:
    15th March to 30th September:
    1.00pm - 5.00pm. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

    1st October to 2nd November:
    1.00pm - 4.30pm. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

    Garden, Shop and Restaurant:
    15th March to 2nd November 10.00am - 5.00pm. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

    During School Holidays:
    The Garden, Shop and Restaurant are open every day between 10.00am - 5.00 pm.

    Park:
    Open every day 7.00am - 7.00pm.

    Admission Charges
    (2008 prices)
    House, Park & Gardens:
    Adult £8.30 (Gift Aid); Child £3.30 (Gift Aid); Family (2 adults + 2 children)£19.80 (Gift Aid); additional children £1.75 each.

    Groups of 12: Adults £6.70. No group rates on Sundays or BH Mondays.

    Park & Gardens:
    Adult £4.20 (Gift Aid), Child £1.10; Family £9.50.

    National Trust Members and under 5yrs free.

    Directions
    In the village of Horringer, on the A143, 2 miles south of Bury St Edmunds and is signposted from the A14.
    Show map of Ickworth House, Park & Garden...

    Ickworth House, Park & Garden Postcode for SatNav: IP29 5QE

    Nearby Attractions
    Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (3 Miles)*
    Recently restored to its original Regency glory after a two-year re-development programme, the Theatre Royal offers a wide range of contemporary and period drama, as well as dance, music, comedy, family shows, guided tours and workshops.
    St Edmundsbury Cathedral (3 Miles)*
    For nearly 1,000 years the site of Suffolk's Cathedral has been one of worship and pilgrimage.
    Pakenham Watermill (3 Miles)*
    Pakenham Water Mill, the last working watermill in Suffolk is one of the county's hidden gems. It is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, only 7 miles from Bury St Edmunds.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    The Ickworth Hotel (2 Miles)*
    Surrounded by some 1,800 acres of glorious English parkland the Ickworth Hotel has an idyllic location. The house and estate we see today were created by the Earl Bishop of Bristol in the late 18th Century.
    Angel Hotel (3 Miles)*
    Situated on one of the prettiest squares in the country, opposite the Abbey Gardens, is the historic Angel Hotel, dating from 1452. Angel Hotel offers traditional Georgian elegance and charm, coupled with contemporary design.
    Best Western Priory Hotel (3 Miles)*
    This privately owned historic country house is set in private gardens and offers warm hospitality and high standards of service. The Best Western Priory Hotel is an ideal getaway from the frenetic pace of modern life.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Francis Farm Cottages (5 Miles)*
    Taking the name of and built on land once owned by French Benedictine Monks, as far back as 1198, these sympathetically restored farm buildings offer accommodation with a great deal of character. Set amidst rolling countryside.
    Fen House (8 Miles)*
    Fen House is situated in the picturesque village of Pakenham, the only British village to have a working watermill and windmill. 10 Minutes from Bury St Edmunds the accommodation is set in countryside surrounded by fields.
    River Lark Lodge (13 Miles)*
    Peacefully set on the banks of the River Lark, this detached Scandinavian style lodge lies in a quiet marina. The Riverside Island Marina complex is set in woodlands, with a one mile circular walk around the island.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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