May Half Term at Ickworth
Join Ickworth Estate this May Half Term for fun for all the family!
- Date
- 21st May 2026 - 31st May 2026
About this event
Head to Ickworth Estate this May half-term for a great family day out. Head to the North Lawn and let the children play with traditional garden games whilst you relax in our deckchairs. Explore our magical stumpery in the Italianate Garden and seek out the dragon hidden amongst the ferns or run off steam in our large adventure play area.
There’s over 26 miles of pathways, long and short, that take you to all parts of the parkland, take a walk on foot or why not bring your bikes? Don’t forget to pick up an explorer's bag from our Welcome Point You can always hire one from us from our cycle hub.
If the weather isn’t great or you fancy something a little calmer, go down into the basement of the Rotunda and visit the servant's quarters where everything can be touched. Discover what life was like living at Ickworth, dress up and learn how to fold napkins. There are even more games to be found and played with. Grab a Young Historians trail sheet and learn more
Normal admission charges apply, free for National Trust members.
Highlights
Traditional garden games on the North Lawn | 23 – 31 May
Cycle hire | 21 – 31 May | 10am – 4pm (last hire 2pm) | bikes from £3.50 each
Hands-on basement experience | 11am – 3pm
Young Historians House Trail | 11am – 3pm
Adventure play area | open daily, 9am – 5pm
Parkland walks and gardens to explore
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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.
