Helmingham Hall Gardens
Moated brick manor house started by John Tollemache in 1480.
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Parkland / open spaces
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Pet friendly
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Shop
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Helmingham and the Tollemache family have been together for many hundreds of years.
The Hall and the old oak trees that stand today have seen much of the history of England pass before them, and many generations of this family.
Helmingham Hall was completed in 1510, surrounded by its deep moat, serene gardens and ancient 400 acre deer park which is the home to herds of both red and fallow deer.
The gardens today have been extensively redesigned by the current Lady Tollemache, a Chelsea Gold Medallist, and are open to visitors who find themselves enchanted by the herbaceous borders, walled kitchen garden, herb, knot, rose and wild gardens.
A delicious range of local food is served in the Wright’s Café and the Stable Shops offer a wide range of local produce, plants and garden accessories and local crafts. Many fantastic family events are held throughout the season.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Helmingham Hall Opening Times and Events
Helmingham Hall offers a variety of attractions and events throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times, events, and conditions for visiting.
General Garden Opening Times
- The gardens are open from 1st May to 30th September, Sunday to Thursday, from 10am to 5pm.
- Tickets are available on-site, and no advance booking is required for general admission.
- Admission prices: Adults £10, Children £5 (under 5s free), and discounted rates for groups of 30 or more.
- On event days or in cases of severe weather, the estate may be closed to general admission.
Illuminated Garden Trail
- The Illuminated Garden Trail runs from 14th November to 19th December each year.
- In 2025, the trail is open Thursday to Sunday in November and daily in December until the 19th.
- Features include light displays, festive food and drink, and unique gift shopping.
- Tickets are required, and Historic Houses memberships or discount vouchers are not valid for this event.
Group Visits
- Group visits are available from 3rd May to 30th September, Sunday to Thursday, from 10am to 5pm.
- Self-guided group admission: £10 per person for groups of 12 or more, £9 per person for groups of 30 or more.
- Private tours with a gardener are available Monday to Thursday for groups of 12 or more, at £20 per person (£19 for groups of 30 or more).
Shops and Café
- The shops are open in line with the garden opening times and offer a variety of gifts and local crafts.
- The café is currently closed and will reopen in May 2026.
Membership
- Annual membership costs £50 per person and includes unlimited garden access during the open season, discounts at the café, and other perks.
For more details on events, group bookings, and accessibility, please contact Helmingham Hall directly.
Free garden entry for Historic Houses members. No pre-booking required.
£9.00 per adult
£4.50 per child
Under 5s free
On event days however we do not accept Historic Houses Membership and entry charges may vary, please check our website for details of each event.
2026
£10.00 per adult
£5.00 per child
Under 5s free
A wide variety of groups and clubs, as well as tour operators, visit Helmingham Hall Gardens from all over the world every year. We also offer a selection of teas and lunches for groups by prior arrangement.
Groups of over 30 people receive discounted entry.
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Guide dogs welcome
Getting here
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 6EF
For those travelling by public transport, the nearest train stations are Ipswich or Stowmarket.
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