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 Gardens offers a variety of attractions and events for visitors to enjoy throughout the year. Below is a detailed summary of the opening times, events, and facilities available:
General Opening Times
The Gardens are open from May to September, Sunday to Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and there is no need to book in advance. Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults: £10.00 per person
- Children: £5.00 per child (under 5s free)
- Groups of 30 or more: Discounted rates available
Note that the Gardens may be closed on event days or in cases of severe weather. Visitors are advised to check for updates before visiting.
Membership
Annual Membership provides unlimited access to the Gardens during the open season (May to September, Sunday to Thursday, excluding event days). Membership benefits include:
- Exclusive preview day on Saturday, 2nd May
- 10% discount at the Café
- A complimentary single-visit ticket for a friend or family member
- Free entry to Music in the Gardens Sundays
- Free entry to Midsummer Nights evenings (starting 2026)
The cost of membership is £50 per person.
Special Events
Helmingham Hall hosts a variety of events, including:
- Spring Plant Fair: 24th-25th May 2026, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is £10 in advance or £12 on the day (children under 15 free).
- Festival of Classic and Sports Cars: 2nd August 2026.
Note that membership cards and discount vouchers are not valid on event days.
Group Visits
Group visits are welcome from 3rd May to 30th September, Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Group rates are available, and private tours with a gardener can be arranged.
Facilities
The Gardens, shops, and café are wheelchair accessible. Free parking is available on-site. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Helmingham Hall Gardens offers a rich experience for visitors, combining history, horticulture, and a variety of events and activities.
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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