Ickworth (National Trust)
The Rotunda
Horringer
Bury St Edmonds
Suffolk
IP29 5QE
England
Website
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
Telephone
01284 735270
Fax
01284 735173
Explore acres of space, woodland, wildlife, and a stunning architectural oddity, all with a story to match.
See how one eccentric man's passion for art, Italy and for having a party led to the creation of this remarkable house and its renowned collection of paintings, portraits, furniture and other treasures.
Through our Ickworth Lives project, learn about the servants and workers who kept this country estate running and share their memories. Discover what 'upstairs downstairs' domestic life was really like in our innovative displaying of the servants' quarters in the Rotunda basement.
Let your imagination run riot as you stroll in one of England's finest, and possibly earliest, Italianate gardens, and explore the intriguing Stumpery.
Go wild, amble or ramble in miles of beautiful woodland walks or even bring a bike.
Venue Type:
Historic house or home, Garden, parklands or rural site
A celebration of sewing circle costumes and crafts
A celebration of all the work that has been undertaken by the Ickworth sewing circle displaying the costumes they have made over the years at Ickworth, from Tudor gardeners outfits, Georgian finery to the 30's servants. A chance to see the wonder Conversation Piece costumes mimicking one of the paintings in the house.
Suitable for
When
12-3pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Sense and Sensibility
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society. Bring a picnic along with family and friends and follow the sisters as they find their path and lose their hearts under a beautiful summer sky in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility.
Suitable for
When
7:30-9:30pm
Admission
Adult: £14 Advance
Adult: £15 on the night
Child: £10 Advance
Child: £11 on the night
Per Item: £40 Advance family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Per Item: £50 on the night family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Booking Advisable.
A 5% booking fee is applied.
Please dress for the weather. The performance is outside and will go ahead in most weather conditions for this time of year.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Conservation in Action - Dust - 25 June
Dust is inevitable and it comes in many forms including clothing fibres, dirt, stone, and skin to name but some. Come and talk to the conservation assistants in the Rotunda to find out how dust can damage our collections, and how we monitor and minimise dust levels.
Suitable for
When
1-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Sense and Sensibility
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society. Bring a picnic along with family and friends and follow the sisters as they find their path and lose their hearts under a beautiful summer sky in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility.
Suitable for
When
7:30-7:30pm
Admission
Adult: £14 Advance
Adult: £15 on the night
Child: £10 Advance
Child: £11 on the night
Per Item: £40 Advance family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Per Item: £50 on the night family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Booking Advisable.
A 5% booking fee is applied.
Please dress for the weather. The performance is outside and will go ahead in most weather conditions for this time of year.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Conservation in Action -
With thousands of visitors at Ickworth each year, wear and tear is a major cause of deterioration. Come and talk to us about the work we do in the Rotunda to protect the house and collections and discover Ickworth through the eyes of our conservation team.
Suitable for
When
1-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Conservation in Action - Light and textiles - 23 July
The conservation team will be taking light readings throughout the Rotunda. Light is one of the main factors of deterioration for historic properties and caring for items to last for ever for everyone is a constant challenge. Come and speak to the House team and find out how they tackle the problem of light.
Suitable for
When
1-5pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Relay for Life (Cancer Research UK)
Entertainment throughout the day in support of Cancer Research UK, while teams of all ages pace the Relay for Life track for 21 hours in recognition of the ongoing work to beat cancer. Food stalls, bands, a riot of colour & heaps of enthusiasm.
Suitable for
When
12-11:45pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
If you are interested in booking a team, scll Lorraine to sign up a team on 07515 759478.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
As You Like It outdoor theatre
Performed by The Lord Chamberlain's Men, this all male troupe of travelling players breathes new life into this summer comedy classic. As You Like It runs the glorious gamut of pastoral romance: cross-dressing and love-notes
poetry, gentle satire and slapstick and passion.
Suitable for
When
7-9:30pm
Admission
Adult: £17 Advance
Adult: £20 On the night
Child: £10 Under 17 (advance)
Child: £12 Under 17 (on the night)
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Advisable.
A 5% booking fee will be applied.
Please dress for the evening weather conditions, the performance will go ahead in most weather conditions.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Look Out Archery
Fun for all the family with bows to suit all ages. Have a go on this fantastic range in the wonderful setting of Ickworth. Can you master this this traditional sport, what ever your age or experience, the instructors will help you along for a great experience.
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Per Item: £3
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Fun bird feeders
Look after the birds in your garden
come along and make bird feeders from natural materials. Mix a tasty, energy filled treat for the birds to hang in your gardens. Have fun making a bird mobile craft to hang above your bed and take a walk down to our bird feeding hide.
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Sense and Sensibility
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society. Bring a picnic along with family and friends and follow the sisters as they find their path and lose their hearts under a beautiful summer sky in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility.
Suitable for
When
7:30-9:30pm
Admission
Adult: £14 Advance
Adult: £15 on the night
Child: £10 Advance
Child: £11 on the night
Per Item: £40 Advance family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Per Item: £50 on the night family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Booking Advisable.
A 5% booking fee is applied.
Please dress for the weather. The performance is outside and will go ahead in most weather conditions for this time of year.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Bee day
Guided walks to the Ickworth bee hives to learn all about how bees work together to produce honey and help the environment. Have fun making some bee crafts and candles from wax (small charge for candle making).
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Per Item: £1.5
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Magical wand making in the stumpery
There be dragons in the stumpery. Come to the stumpery and see its transformation with crystals and dragons. Have fun making a wand decorated with crystals and enjoy the magical trail through the garden.
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Per Item: £2
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Bat walk
Discover the difference between the calls of a Pipestrelle and a Daubentons
learn about their habitat and what we can do to improve it. Understand why Ickworth is one of the premier bat sites in the UK. End the evening with a hot chocolate and a chat with our experts.
Suitable for
When
8-10pm
Admission
Adult: £10
Child: £5 16 or under
Plus normal admission charges.
Booking Essential.
A 5% booking fee is applied at the box office.
Wear suitable clothing for outdoors and sturdy shoes or boots for uneven paths and ground.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Conservation in Action - Meet the house team - 20 Aug
A rare opportunity to chat to the conservation team about the challenges of looking after this wonderful and unique building. What their days involve, what they get upto behind the scenes to preserve the precious contents for ever for everyone.
Suitable for
When
1:30-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Games day
Join us for a games day and fun on the lawn. Lots of fun races, hopscotch, noughts and crosses, giant snakes and ladders and achieveing a few of your 50 things to do before youre 11 and 3/4s.
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Nature crafts
Make leaf prints and rubbings, design your own nature sticky cards. Follow the nature trail and make some fun crafts
Suitable for
When
11am-3:30pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Sense and Sensibility
Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society. Bring a picnic along with family and friends and follow the sisters as they find their path and lose their hearts under a beautiful summer sky in their quest to find the perfect balance of sense and sensibility.
Suitable for
When
7-9:30pm
Admission
Adult: £14 Advance
Adult: £15 on the night
Child: £10 Advance
Child: £11 on the night
Per Item: £40 Advance family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Per Item: £50 on the night family of 2a/2c 16 or under
Booking Advisable.
A 5% booking fee is applied.
Please dress for the weather. The performance is outside and will go ahead in most weather conditions for this time of year.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Conservation in Action - Pests
They'll be checking the insect traps and will also be available to talk to you about the conservation work we do here and about the different pest problems we face. Booking not needed. Contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
1-4pm
Admission
Adult: £11.50. Child: £5.50. Family: £28.50. Group: n/a.
Website
Conservation in Action - Dust - 17 Sept
Dust is inevitable and it comes in many forms including clothing fibres, dirt, stone, and skin to name but some. Come and talk to the conservation assistants in the Rotunda to find out how dust can damage our collections, and how we monitor and minimise dust levels.
When
1-4pm
Admission
Normal admission charges apply.
Booking Not Needed.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Wood and country craft fair
Great crafts, entertainment, food and fun.A weekend for everyone to enjoy as woodcraft and contry craft professionals and enthusiasts come together to demonstrate and sell their crafts. This is also a rare opportunity to buy quality Ickworth wood milled from the estate. The fair includes live bands, locally brewed ales, pottery tent with Raku firing, plenty of local foods and produce, craft stalls and children's activities including Look Out Archery to test your skills.
When
10am-4pm
Admission
Adult: £7 Non-member
Child: £1 NT Member
Child: £3 Non-member
Family: £5 NT Members
Family: £20 Non-members
Booking Not Needed.
The event takes place on an open field with roughly mowed grass. There is disabled parking in the field.
If you are interested in holding a stall at the craft fair please email or call Liz Thomas.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
Wood and country craft fair
Great crafts, entertainment, food and fun.A weekend for everyone to enjoy as woodcraft and contry craft professionals and enthusiasts come together to demonstrate and sell their crafts. This is also a rare opportunity to buy quality Ickworth wood milled from the estate. The fair includes live bands, locally brewed ales, pottery tent with Raku firing, plenty of local foods and produce, craft stalls and children's activities including Look Out Archery to test your skills.
When
10am-4pm
Admission
Adult: £2 NT Member
Adult: £7 Non-member
Child: £1 NT Member
Child: £3 Non-member
Family: £5 NT Members
Family: £20 Non-members
Booking Not Needed.
The event takes place on an open field with roughly mowed grass. There is disabled parking in the field.
If you are interested in holding a stall at the craft fair please email or call Liz Thomas.
Ffi contact: Elizabeth.Thomas, 01284 736127, elizabeth.thomas@nationaltrust.org.uk.
Website
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