Ickworth Estate: Bringing Ickworth to life - Open Days, exhibitions & pop-up talks
Ickworth Estate, Horringer, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE
Step behind the scenes at Ickworth Estate and discover something new.
Enjoy free access throughout the festival from 0900–1700 (last entry to Estate 1600, with facilities open between 1000 and 1630).
Wander through the Suffolk Craft Society’s Summer Exhibition (12–14 September, Gallery with lift access), showcasing contemporary artworks inspired by ‘Ickworth on World Stage’ or learn about the heritage of our planting in our Garden Exhibition (Daily, Italianate Garden).
Throughout the week, you can also enjoy pop-up encounters with our teams. The House team will provide a closer look at a piece from our collection, whereas the Gardeners team will shed light on the bulbs and seeds from the estate - and for the green-fingered fans amongst us, discuss what bulbs to plant in the autumn, what seeds to collect and how to store them.
Visiting on Sunday 21st September - Don’t miss the immersive costume interpretation as the 1930s come to life in the Servants' Quarters.
With daily cycle hire, specialist talks in the gallery, and Ickworth Estate food options (including weekend BBQs and sweet bakes),
👉 There are so many events happening at Ickworth across the festival; from behind the scenes inside tours, guided walks with our rangers and even the opportunity to ride in a Rickshaw! For more details Click here
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Suffolk Craft Society in the Gallery: 1000-1600. Collection Pop up talk: 1400.
- Saturday 13 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Suffolk Craft Society in the Gallery 1000-1600. BBQ: 1000-1530
- Sunday 14 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Suffolk Craft Society in the Gallery: 1000-1600. BBQ: 1000-1530
- Monday 15 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Garden Pop up talk bulbs at Ickworth: 1200 & 1400.
- Tuesday 16 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. House Tour - Introduction to Ickworth: 1045-1130. Outdoor Tour - History of the House and Gardens: 1000-1100. Collection Pop up talk: 1400
- Wednesday 17 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Garden Pop up talk bulbs at Ickworth: 1200 & 1400.
- Thursday 18 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Collection Pop up talk: 1400
- Friday 19 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. Garden Pop up bulbs talk: 1200 & 1400. Holiday House open to view: 1100-1500.
- Saturday 20 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. BBQ: 1000-1530
- Sunday 21 September:
- Estate: 0900–1700. BBQ: 1000-1530. Information Session in the Gallery: Volunteering Opportunities
Location & directions
Ickworth Estate, Horringer, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP29 5QE
- Directions:
- Do not follow sat-nav. Follow road signs to Ickworth Estate. To find The House Pop-up talks - Head into the Rotunda and ask the House Host where to go for the pop-up talk. To find the the Garden Pop-up talks - Head into the Walnut Paddock (opposite Porter’s Lodge) to find the garden table or gazebo.
- Contact on day:
- Daisy Bodewes
- Telephone number:
- +441284736136
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The House can be accessed via a step-free ramp. Inside the House there is a lift to access the first and second floors as well as the basement. We have an audio guide recorded with VocalEyes, aimed at those who are Blind or partially sighted. The West Wing toilets are located in the basement and access is step-free via the moat entrance. There is disabled parking bays in the carpark and an accessible toilet. Staff and Volunteers are available to assist with access needs. There is a shuttle bus that can take visitors from the carpark to the house. The Italianate Garden, which is a bicycle and dog free area.
Additional information
The estate is open from 0900-1700. Estate Last Entry 1600. House last entry is at 1500. The cafes close at 1630. Dogs are welcome across the estate on a short lead, apart from the Italianate Garden, the vegetable patches, The Rotunda and West Wing. Porter's Lodge Cafe is dog friendly, with soft beds and tasty treats. With daily cycle hire, specialist talks in the gallery, and Ickworth Estate food options (including weekend BBQs and sweet bakes), this is a beautiful time to enjoy Ickworth from a slightly different perspective. You can hire a bike from our cycle hub, with push, recumbent or electric bikes available (Daily, prices online). Please note that for our other events (see separate entries), pre-booking may be advised.
