Ickworth House is a neoclassical country house located in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. It is surrounded by parkland, providing a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The house was built between 1795 and 1829 and was formerly the main residence of the Hervey family, who owned the estate since 1467.
The design of Ickworth House was commissioned by Frederick Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry. He hired Italian architect Asprucci to design a classical villa in the Suffolk countryside. The Earl passed away in 1803, leaving the completion of the house to his successor.
Ickworth House is home to a collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Velรกzquez, Titian, Poussin, and Claude Lorrain. Additionally, it houses a unique series of 18th-century family portraits, painted by artists like Gainsborough, Reynolds, Vigรฉe-Lebrun, Batoni, Kauffmann, Ramsay, Van Loo, and Hogarth. These artworks provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the period.
In addition to its impressive art collection, Ickworth House also boasts the best collection of fine Georgian silverware. Visitors can also admire excellent examples of Regency furniture and porcelain, showcasing the craftsmanship and design aesthetics of the period.
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The Rotunda, Horringer
No exhibitions in Ickworth have been found.
Ickworth has 2 ratings.
Ickworth, located in Horringer, England, is a grand National Trust property that offers visitors a blend of history, art, and nature. The estate is centered around an impressive Italianate-style mansion with its distinctive rotunda, surrounded by extensive parklands and gardens.
The house itself contains an impressive collection of paintings, furniture, and decorative arts, showcasing the tastes and lifestyle of the aristocratic Hervey family who once called Ickworth home. Visitors often praise the well-preserved state rooms and the informative guided tours that bring the house's history to life.
The gardens and parklands are a significant draw for many visitors. The formal Italian Gardens, the walled garden, and the extensive walking trails through the estate's woodland areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many reviewers highlight the beautiful landscaping and the seasonal changes in the gardens.
One of the most appreciated aspects of Ickworth is its family-friendly nature. The property offers various activities for children, including play areas and interactive exhibits, making it an excellent destination for families.
The on-site cafรฉ and restaurant receive positive mentions for their quality of food and service, though some visitors find the prices a bit high.
While most visitors find the experience enjoyable and educational, a few negative points are occasionally mentioned. Some visitors feel that the entry fee is steep, especially for those not members of the National Trust. Additionally, during peak seasons, the property can get crowded, which might impact the visitor experience.
Overall, Ickworth offers a well-rounded experience combining history, art, and nature, appealing to a wide range of interests and age groups. Its well-maintained grounds, impressive architecture, and rich historical context make it a worthwhile destination for those interested in English heritage and beautiful landscapes.
It was a lovely day on Tuesday 29/09/26 so my wife and I decided to go to Ickworth to have a walk around the grounds . when we arrived and parked up we saw a golf buggy bus thing for helping disabled people to get access to the house or other locations i.e. church , walled garden etc this is where I meet Alan the volunteer who was the driver. He was a very helpful knowledgeable gentleman who helped me into the vehicle and took us down to the church and in to and around the walled garden pointing things of interest after that he dropped us off, and headed back up to the car park, as my wife and I wanted to do a bit of walking as best as I could and we set off further down the path way to do some exploring and after a while we sat and had a rest on one of the many benches provided, then we caried on our way to suddenly hear the sound of tyres on the pathway behind us it was Alan and his colleague Barry in the buggy coming to check up on us and make sure we were ok (what a lovely and kind thing to do) he stopped and asked if we were ok and wanted a lift as further along the pathway was a steep slope back up to the car park. They took us up to the house so we could get something to eat and drink. I just wanted to say a big thank you to them both for being so kind, caring and thoughtful
Visited on 29 Sept 2026
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