![The ickworth Hotel with the Ickworth rotunda hero 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/The-ickworth-Hotel-with-the-Ickworth-rotunda-hero-1500x390.jpg?w=1504&h=390&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.3364&fp-y=0.4974&dm=1677234561&s=6d42e0dad43227b36e054592a544c63b)
Back to Blogs
Discover
Historic Buildings You Can Stay In!
Book a memorable stay in one of Bury St Edmunds & Beyond's historic buildings...
After a day out exploring the local area, you’ll need somewhere equally historic to retire to. To help you find the perfect base for your cultural escape to Suffolk, we’re taking a look at some of the most characterful properties in the region.
The Ickworth Hotel
![The Ickworth Hotel exterior The Ickworth 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/The-Ickworth-Hotel-exterior-The-Ickworth-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655892219&s=23a2a8331901f57eb9070333c2620b91)
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.
A Holiday Cottage in the Grounds of West Stow Hall
![West Stow Hall Sue Warren 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/West-Stow-Hall-Sue-Warren-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655891104&s=542e7293a79b3aa1a453acfd7ef6f043)
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.
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
![The Swan at Lavenham Hotel and Spa exterior 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/The-Swan-at-Lavenham-Hotel-and-Spa-exterior-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655395068&s=7662c81b20b9b7b9b1960122ebba577c)
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.
Stay in the Grounds of Kentwell Hall
![Kentwell Hall exterior summer Kentwell Hall 965x540](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Full-Width-Images/Kentwell-Hall-exterior-summerKentwell-Hall-965x540.jpg?w=965&h=543&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1655129035&s=ad5ba4b0194bf3270dd6b61b5039628a)
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!
Related Blogs
![New Sightseeing PedalCab Rides Launched to Delight Visitors to Bury St Edmunds this Summer](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Burys-Best-By-Bike-hero-1500x390.jpg?w=1500&h=390&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.3452&fp-y=0.4554&dm=1720602549&s=814b3f5f48806e5afcf2bd8f57c054c0)
News
New Sightseeing PedalCab…
Join Ecocarriers Bury St Edmunds for a Bury's Best, By…
![Suffolk Regiment Museum Re-Opens After Refurbishment](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Suffolk-Regiment-Museum-1500x390.jpg?w=1500&h=390&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1716203507&s=aec4996d833c7315db7ed48dbad7bdf7)
News
Suffolk Regiment Museum…
The Suffolk Regiment Museum has reopened its doors to…
![Cathedral Launches Three Gins](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Cathedral-Gin-hero-1500x390.jpg?w=1500&h=390&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1717754453&s=4d2797b7141938e175158fdc52964150)
News
Cathedral Launches Three Gins
St Edmundsbury Cathedral has partnered with Heart of…
![New Film on Suffolk Regiment's Battles in Normandy](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Suffolk-Regiment-Badges-1500x390.jpg?w=1500&h=390&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1717578362&s=c187288ff44c72e87a9f1e53cb84660d)
News
New Film on Suffolk…
The Bloodiest Square Mile film - a tribute to all the…
![Suffolk Regiment Museum in 10 Objects](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Suffolk-Regiment-Museum-Hero-1500x390.jpg?w=1500&h=390&auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=crop&dm=1716206171&s=163633d468f598315fd297e293b9d105)
News
Suffolk Regiment Museum in 10…
From a teddy bear to a chocolate box and a fan to a…
Latest news
![Abbey Gardens family 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Abbey-Gardens-family-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1652275168&s=b6bd35533a1c7bd1ddc9af5cb332588d)
News
Bury St Edmunds Parks awarded Green Flag Status!
Bury St Edmunds Parks awarded Green Flag status!
![Burys Best By Bike hero 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Burys-Best-By-Bike-hero-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.3452&fp-y=0.4554&dm=1720602549&s=9a9a607225afcb57e27b70aed3143ca2)
News
New Sightseeing PedalCab Rides Launched to Delight Visitors to Bury St Edmunds this Summer
Join Ecocarriers Bury St Edmunds for a Bury's Best, By Bike PedalCab rides around the town's iconic historic sights!
![Abbey gardens hero 1500x390 2024](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Abbey-gardens-hero-1500x390-2024.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1720702975&s=6175c66b51bf48449190bb1b2d89b1c9)
News
Abbey Gardens in Top 20 Most Visited Free Attractions in England and Top in the East of England
The historic Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds with the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund is in the Top 20 most visited free attractions in England and the top free attraction in the East of…
News
Unmissable Events for Families this Summer
Whether you're heading here for a summer holiday or simply looking for a fun day out, these unmissable family events and activities are sure to keep everyone entertained!
![Theatre in The Park hero image 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Theatre-in-The-Park-hero-image-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1720428255&s=a499c13c9b8a61672deeb0e8b804fcbc)
News
Get Ready for Theatre in The Parks This Summer
The popular outdoor theatre season returns for 2024 with a new programme of performances in the beautiful Abbey Gardens and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village.
![Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Bury-St-Edmunds-Tour-Guides-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1705586876&s=862b6e66ef83e0437ac2329bae7af599)
News
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides in the top 10% of attractions worldwide
Reviews of Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides via Tripadvisor have resulted in them being rated in the top 10% attractions worldwide, classing them as a winner in the Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
![Suffolk Regiment Museum 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Suffolk-Regiment-Museum-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1716203507&s=bddc78c644c3d3ae7bcf76dd9a646667)
News
Suffolk Regiment Museum Re-Opens After Refurbishment
The Suffolk Regiment Museum has reopened its doors to visitors after an eight-month long refurbishment.
![Pickwick Afternoon Tea 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Pickwick-Afternoon-Tea-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.485&fp-y=0.5262&dm=1718272069&s=a600ffc1b248685e08a90eb5030ab358)
News
The Angel Hotel Launches a new Dickens-themed themed afternoon tea experience
The Angel Hotel launches new themed afternoon tea experience based on the life & works of Charles Dickens.
![Cathedral Gin hero 1500x390](https://bury-stedmunds.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/assets/images/Main-Images/Cathedral-Gin-hero-1500x390.jpg?w=728&h=376&q=95&auto=format&fit=crop&dm=1717754453&s=49cc6a4596077ef8a04159bf9e6f6d67)
News
Cathedral Launches Three Gins
St Edmundsbury Cathedral has partnered with Heart of Suffolk Distillery to produce three Cathedral-inspired gins.