Christmas at Ickworth

In the House

Saturday 30 November- Sunday 5 January (timed, ticketed entry)

Ickworth House is decorated for Christmas, creating a wonderful experience for the whole family. Our theme this year takes you on a journey across the continent. Explore the atmospheric Ruins of Rome, climb the snow-capped Swiss Alps, take a trip through a Bavarian cabin or wander the colourful Venetian Carnival, all while discovering Ickworth's inspirational art collection.

During the Christmas period the house is open daily from 11am - 3.30pm (last entry at 3pm) in the ground floor wings and the first floor landing. There is a slope entry to the house, through the Rotunda, which is accessible for wheelchairs, and a lift up to the first floor. To ensure the protection of our historic collection, floors and spaces, we apologise that pushchairs and large mobility scooters are not permitted in the house. There are some wheelchairs available to borrow, as well as baby hipseats.

Please be aware, to ensure everyone has the best experience possible, we will be operating a timed ticket system for entry to the house over Christmas. Spaces are every 15 minutes. Please book your tickets online in advance at the link below or from our events page.

We are aware that some of our visitors may appreciate sessions in the house that are quieter, with fewer people or lower light levels. On December 7, 15, 20 and January 2 we have set aside some designated relaxed hours. These time slots can also be booked online below.

Family-friendly winter trail

Saturday 30 November - Sunday 5 January

Out in the gardens there is a fun, family-friendly trail that winds its way through the Albana woodland, bringing the themes of the house out into the grounds.

The whole family can get involved with things to spot and activities to complete on your way round. Pick up your special trail sheet from the Welcome Point and set off into the woodland opposite Porter's Lodge café. UK-based artists, Pickle Illustration, have created a series of colourful designs that you will see on your way round. In each of the illustrations you will spot a 'missing' item from the house. Can you find them all during the trail and then seek them out inside Ickworth house? 

Outdoor trail, open daily from 9am - 4pm.

Price per trail is £3 and can be collected from the Welcome Point

Crafts in the Gallery

19 December - 5 January

During the Christmas school holidays there will be self-led craft sessions for children taking place in the West Wing Gallery. The crafts will tie in with our theme, Christmas on the Continent, and youngsters can get crafty making their very own paper boats and Venetian masks, like the ones they will have spotted in the house.

The West Wing Gallery is a great space for families, located up above the café. You will find the staircase and lift in the lobby space between the shop and café. Feel free to grab a takeaway drink or snack to take up with you and make yourselves comfortable. Tables and chairs will be set out with all the craft bits and pieces you'll need and there will be volunteers on hand to help out if you need them. There is no booking required for this event. 

Running from 10am - 4pm. Suggested donation £3

Normal admission charges apply for access to Ickworth Estate. Free for National Trust members. Ticketed events have an additional charge.

Please note: Ickworth Estate is closed 24 - 25 December.