Historic Buildings You Can Stay In!

Surrounded by beautiful Suffolk countryside, The Ickworth Hotel is the perfect destination for people who want to relax, unwind and discover some of Suffolk's unique history.

As well as high-quality accommodation, the hotel offers meals, afternoon teas and a choice of pampering beauty treatments. The perfect choice for everything from a romantic weekend away to a large family party, the hotel has something for everyone.

Home to the Hervey family from 1829 until 1996, Ickworth House was influenced by the Italian travels of Frederick Augustus Hervey. The most striking thing you’ll notice as you arrive is the Rotunda. At over 100 feet high, this impressive building was the brainchild of Fredrick Augustus, 4th Earl of Bristol and the Bishop of Derry (also known as the Earl-Bishop), created to house his family and provide galleries for his art collection.

The Earl-Bishop was never able to view the completed building due to his untimely death in 1803 on the road to Albano. It was only in 1821 that work resumed on the building and Italianate Garden. The family moved into the East Wing, now The Ickworth Hotel, in 1829, with the Rotunda state rooms used as a gallery and entertainment space. The Herveys were dedicated hosts, inviting many of the great and good to stay. Today, reminders of Ickworth’s notable guests can be found in its room names. Louis and Amelie allude to the King and Queen of France, who stayed here in the 18th century, while Lady Montagu refers to a well-known 18th century poet.

To book visit: The Ickworth hotel website.

Although it’s within easy reach of the centre of Bury St Edmunds, West Stow Hall feels a million miles from the hustle and bustle of the market town. The Grade I listed property offers you the chance to step back in time at one of the region’s most historic homes.

Legend has it that West Stow Hall was built by Sir John Croftes, Master of the Horse to Mary Tudor, Queen of France and Duchess of Suffolk whose final resting place is at St Mary's Church in Bury St Edmunds, and that he had her coat of arms placed over the door to the gatehouse by way of a compliment to her.

In the grounds there is a Studio which, with its ground floor access, is ideally suited for less mobile guests. Each room is light, spacious and furnished with great care to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible. A good night's sleep is followed by a hearty breakfast featuring local produce.

Also hidden in the grounds are two lovely holiday homes, Gardener's Cottage and Orchard Cottage. Orchard Cottage is full of light, bright and airy with full length windows & double doors that give lovely views of the orchard and paddocks beyond, whilst Gardener's Cottage, which is located within the old walled garden, offers two large bedrooms and a family bath/shower room.

For more information visit West Stow Hall website.

Set in the medieval village of Lavenham, The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa played an important role in the areas wool trade of the early 1400’s. Many of the features of its past remain to this day; including the old bar, which was once the main haunt of the local American airmen who were stationed nearby in World War II.

The Swan's bedrooms are all steeped with character too, with original beams, panelling, four-poster beds, a mix of rich fabrics and luxurious furnishings co-ordinated in soft and mellow colours. Some offer quirky split level accommodation whilst others have four poster beds with a separate relaxation areas.

An exciting addition to The Swan's offer is the luxurious Priory Suite, just a short stroll from The Swan. The Priory Suite at Lavenham priory offers a unique way to experience Historic Lavenham, with it's own private lounge, complete with kitchenette and dining area, as well as a courtyard garden. Enjoy elegance and understated luxury like no other surrounded by oak beams and timeless character, King size 4 poster bed and large en-suite bathroom.

Visit The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa website to book.

Built between 1500 and 1578, Kentwell Hall is one of the UK’s finest Tudor houses. Located close to Lavenham, the house offers a mix of self-catering cottages and B&B accommodation.

Hall Barn, which sleeps 14 includes original features such as timber frame beams, nooks and crannies and large traditional garden and antique furniture, whilst Lodge Cottage sleeps 14 in the hall's original gatehouse lodge.

If you choose this stunning setting for your wedding, you can spend your first night as a married couple in the grand suite of the house. The bedroom is said to have once been used by The (Grand Old) Duke of York and has been restored with its original wallpaper and is decorated with antique furniture, including a gilded 'cupid' bed. The extravagant bathroom is fully painted with murals inspired by the estate and has a very heavy marble bath, which was originally found in the gardens and lifted up through the window.

During your stay, you can spend your days exploring the beautiful Kentwell Estate and learning about the history of this stunning corner of the country.

For more information visit Kentwell Hall website.

If you’re planning a weekend away in Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds & Beyond has fantastic choice of properties available for you to choose from. Take a look at our Places to Stay Guide and plan your getaway now!