Big Queer Walk at National Trust’s Ickworth Estate
Bury Pride's first ‘Big Queer Walk’ at National Trust’s Ickworth Estate
- Date
- 25th May 2026
- Time
- 10:00am - 1:00pm
About this event
Bury Pride's first ‘Big Queer Walk’ at National Trust’s Ickworth Estate, a chance to socialise, meet other members of our local LGBTQAI+ community, all while getting some fresh air and enjoying nature.
The walk will start at 10:00am, next to the Porter’s Lodge, the little cottage with a cafe in, which is opposite the entrance to the car park. Once gathered, we’ll take a slow wander down through deer park gate, past Parson’s Pond and down to the church, before heading into the Walled Garden for a chance to sit on the picnic benches, take in the view and nose at the rainbow of vegetables being planted. For anyone wishing to stretch their legs a little longer an extension to the route is available looping a short distance around the Canal Lake at the bottom of the Walled Garden , before heading back in again to pick the rest of the group up and heading back up to the main facilities and choosing which cafe we wish to gather in.
Please feel free to bring a flask of tea or pick up a hot drink from Porter’s Lodge Cafe before we gather if you want something on route, snacks always welcome.
Electric scooters can be pre-booked directly with the Ickworth team. The chosen route is a wide, open path, with plenty of space for manual or electric wheelchairs, buggies, dogs on leads and scooters. The Walled Garden is on grass, with a small drop to get in. The route back is uphill, so we can take this a little slower.
If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to the walk leaders on the day while we gather (we’ll be coming round to say hi anyway) or email bsepride@gmail.com
The entrance/ parking fees have kindly been waived by the National Trust for us for this initial trial event, so just say you’re here for the Big Queer Walk at the kiosk, park on up and join us at Porter’s Lodge, ask any of the Ickworth Team for directions if you’ve never been before.
For more about accessibility, parking and routes, take a look on the Ickworth Estate website.
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About the Venue
A Georgian Italianate palace in an idyllic English landscape.
Ickworth's impressive Rotunda - a magnificent showcase commissioned by the 4th Earl of Bristol to house his priceless treasures collected on tours around Europe in the 18th-century - is an architectural marvel.
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. The exquisite craftmanship of the finest Huguenot silversmiths is breathtaking, and you can follow the family's history through outstanding portraits by Gainsborough, Hogarth and Reynolds.
After walking in the tranquil parkland, experience 1930s domestic service in the restored servants' basement, sharing the real stories and memories of former staff who kept this country estate running.
Ickworth offers a delicious selection of food throughout the year. Whether you're coming just for a meal, or to make a whole day out our West Wing, Squash Court Cafe and Porter Lodge Cafe offer a mouth-watering choice of hot food, snacks and a great cup of coffee.
After a busy day enjoying our special place, make sure you find that special gift or memento of your visit. Browse our West Wing Gift Shop and Plant & Garden Shop, for seasonal and inspirational gifts.
Cycle Hub
Explore Ickworth Estate on two wheels! Our Cycle Hub is open daily throughout the school holidays for cycle hire, 10am to 4pm with last hire at 2pm. Hire starts from just £3 and you can hire for two hours or all day. Visit https://bit.ly/IckworthBikes for more details. Normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members.
Dog Friendly
Dogs are welcome in the parkland, on woodland walks, the walled garden and at Porter’s Lodge café, which is the perfect place to start or finish your dog walk. There are tasty treats, plenty of hot and cold drinks, and of course water bowls with lots of shade for your furry friend. Please keep your dog on a lead at all times on the estate.
Only assistance dogs are allowed in the West Wing, house and Italianate garden.
