Summer of Play at Ickworth Estate
- Date
- 18th July 2026 - 2nd September 2026
- Time
- 9:00am - 4:00pm
About this event
Head to Ickworth Estate for a Summer of Play packed to the rafters with activities and events, designed to keep the whole family entertained all summer long.
There are ten different play zones in the Walled ‘Play’ Garden, each designed with children and adults who are young at heart and mind. There’s Sport’s Zone for those wishing to get active, a Quiet Zone for anyone wanting to take a moment and relax and even a Soft Play Zone for under 5s. Bring a picnic or take advantage of our food and ice cream trailer. With toilets available nearby, spend a couple of hours or the entire day in the Play Garden.
Get Crafty on one of the themed craft workshop sessions (additional charge, booking recommended) taking place every Tuesday and Thursday. Create and decorate items to take home and enjoy.
Drop in to one of the Story Telling sessions on Mondays or Forest Bathing sessions on Fridays.
Roll up, roll up, the circus is coming to Ickworth Estate on Wednesday 19 August! For the very first time, the Big Top is coming to Ickworth as this summer as Circus Pazaz bring their fabulous, feel‑good show bursting with colour, skill and laughter. Head to our website to book tickets.
Enjoy an outdoor theatre performance from one of our three different shows heading to Ickworth this summer. Meet the Dragon Whisperer and her magical dragons as Jellyfish Theatre presents The Dragon Wagon on Wednesday 29 July. Follow the Yellow Brick Road with DOT Productions presents The Wonderful Wizard of Oz on Sunday 23 August. Be immersed in Shakespearean mayhem with The Pantaloons and their unique performance of Twelfth Night. Visit the website to book tickets.
For more information, plan a visit and to book activities, head to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth-estate
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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.
