Enjoy Ickworth's Multi-Use Trail

The circular trail was created as part of a multi-million-pound scheme to give greater access to historic parkland and estates cared for by the National Trust.

A partnership with Sport England, Ickworth is one of ten National Trust places to build the new trails, to encourage visitors to enjoy different activities.

National Trust Ickworth is 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 in Europe, 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.

Tim Watson, General Manager at Ickworth said: “At the National Trust we’re passionate about getting people outdoors and closer to nature. We have had great feedback from visitors using the trail so far.”

“Our aim is to make access to the outdoors as easy as possible and for people to feel comfortable about heading off into the countryside. We are looking forward to celebrating this new trail with our launch in March. I will be donning my trainers in March and hope lots of people will join me across the weekend to support our Ickworth Uncovered conservation project. I am particularly looking forward to the bespoke medal at the end, which will hopefully make some of those hills worth the challenge.”

Tim Hollingsworth, CEO at Sport England, said: “Sport England is delighted to be able to use money raised by National Lottery players to help deliver the new multi-use Ickworth Trail. Visitors now have the ability to explore the wider site on accessible trails and be active outdoors to foster physical and mental wellbeing benefits.

“Developing urban and rural spaces to make them activity friendly is a priority in Sport England’s strategy, Towards an Active Nation. We’re proud of our continued partnership with the National Trust which helps make it easier for people to get active outdoors.”

For more information on visiting National Trust Ickworth visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth