Ickworth House, Park and Gardens

Location: Horringer, Near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP29 5QE

Telephone: 01284 735270

Email: ickworth@nationaltrust.org.uk

Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth

An Italianate palace in the heart of Suffolk.

Ickworth House is a unique place created from the vision of an eccentric man – Frederick Hervey, the Earl-Bishop; commissioned to be a magnificent showcase to house his priceless treasures within the ancient deer park and gardens of the Hervey family Country estate. For 200 years, the eccentric, and sometimes infamous, Hervey family added to the treasures inside and out, also creating the earliest Italianate garden in England.

Upstairs in the recently conserved Rotunda, you’ll find the exquisite Huguenot Silver collection and can follow the family’s history through outstanding portraits by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds. Downstairs, you’ll find the 1930s servants’ basement, restored using real stories and memories of former staff who kept this country estate running.

Outside, you’ll find the beautiful Parkland with its own story to tell. The site of a medieval village, Historic Church and Walled Garden, the Earl-Bishop’s monument and plenty of Ancient trees. There’s a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered.

● Enjoy days out with family friendly activities throughout the year.

● Step back in time, open the drawers, and bang out a tune on the piano in our restored basement.

● Discover the enchanting stumpery in the Italianate garden.

● Wander at leisure across acres of parkland pleasure grounds and chart the changing seasonal landscape.

● Picnic anywhere you like, but our North Lawn offers fantastic views.

● Prepare to get a bit messy and build a den or two in the Albana Walk.

Please note, occasionally some areas of the Rotunda will be closed for vital conservation. To avoid disappointment call the team before you travel.

Offer for YAC Pass holders:
Free entry with every accompanying paying adult or National Trust Member