Ickworth Heritage Open Days
Part of Heritage Open Days!
- Date
- 11th September 2026 - 14th September 2026
- Time
- 9:00am - 5:00pm
About this event
Enjoy free entry to Ickworth Estate from the 11th-14th September this Heritage Open Days.
Tours
House tours are run from 10:45-11:30 and are pre-bookable online. Our Life Below stairs Tour will run on the 11th and 14th September, and An Introduction to Ickworth on the 12th and 13th September. Pre-booking advised as spaces are limited, to find out more head to our website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/suffolk/ickworth-estate/events.
Specialised talks
This year we are hosting carving demonstrations and expert stonemasons talks from Michael Evennett. Learn about the stonemasons and crafts guild, and watch live stone demonstrations from 10.00-15.30 on Friday 11th, Saturday 12th September and Monday 14th September, with specialised talks happening at 13.00 each day, bookable online.
Suffolk Craft Society Summer Exhibition
Open daily 10:00-16:30. This year we are welcoming the Suffolk Craft Society back to Ickworth for the third time to showcase their Summer Exhibition in the West Wing Gallery. This year’s exhibition takes inspiration from the theme ‘Collectors’ and showcases a selection of contemporary artworks by talented local artists. The Suffolk Craft Society was formed in 1970 to promote the value and importance of contemporary crafts and to support individual craftspeople in the creation of their work.
Alongside these specialist events there is free access to the estate from 9:00-17:00 from 11th-14th September.
Timings
Friday 11 September:
Life Below Stairs Tour 10:45-11:30, and Stonemasons / Craft Guild Expert Talk 13.00-13.45
Saturday 12 September:
An Introduction to Ickworth Tour 10:45-11:30 and Stonemasons / Craft Guild Expert Talk 13.00-13.45
Sunday 13 September:
An Introduction to Ickworth Tour 10:45-11:30
Monday 14 September:
Life Below Stairs Tour 10:45-11:30 and Stonemasons / Craft Guild Expert Talk 13.00-13.45
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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.
