Garden & Great Halls of Suffolk

Tuesday

Departing Henley in Arden we head to Audley End House (EH), one of England’s grandest stately homes. Equipped with original and reproduction Victorian fixtures and fittings the house creates an atmospheric portrait of daily Victorian life. We continue to our hotel for our 3-night stay

Wednesday

Today we visit magnificent Helmingham Hall Gardens with its beautiful park, home to a herd of red deer. Discover a classic parterre flanked by hybrid musk roses and a stunning walled kitchen garden with exquisite herbaceous borders and beds of vegetables interspersed by tunnels of sweet peas, runner beans and gourds. There is also a herb and knot garden along with a rose garden of unsurpassable beauty. Later we continue to nearby Otley Hall and Gardens - a 15th century Tudor moated hall. It is one of the top 20 Historic Houses in the UK and considered as the oldest house in Suffolk to survive largely intact, with a wealth of medieval architectural features. The Hall is surrounded by 10 acres of beautiful award-winning gardens.

Thursday

This morning we visit Ickworth House Parkland and Gardens (NT) – With over 1800 acres of parkland, gardens and new all-weather path to enjoy, Ickworth is the perfect place to get back to nature. Discover formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands all which invite gentle strolls. Head into the Rotunda and see Ickworth’s array of treasures including an internationally renowned art and silver collection. The Italianate garden that encircles the Rotunda is a mix of classical Italy and a touch of drama with a gothic-style stumpery. We return to Bury St. Edmunds in the afternoon for free time.

Friday

Departing after breakfast, we visit Lavenham. Known as England’s best preserved medieval village and one of Suffolk’s important wool towns, you can spend time exploring one of the most picturesque villages in England. Departing after lunch, we commence our journey homeward.