Summer of Play at Ickworth Estate
- Date
- 18th July 2026 - 2nd September 2026
- Time
- 9:00am - 4:00pm
About this event
Endless possibilities to play await you at Ickworth Estate this summer.
We're inviting you to transform the Walled Garden and reclaim it as a hub for families and friends to connect with nature and each other.
We’re all about getting creative this year at Ickworth Estate, so head to our ‘Play’ Garden and you’ll be greeted with overflowing opportunities fill the long summer days.
Explore a journey of play activities as you head to this area of the estate as you create, explore, move, wonder and make-believe. In the ‘Play’ Garden, lose track of time weaving through wild mazes, playing in mud kitchens, immersing yourself in the sensory garden, storytelling and performing on the Summer House stage.
With many different activities, there’s plenty to excite all ages of children, and adults that are young at heart.
July 18 - September 2
9am - 4pm
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
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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.
