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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Mostly wheelchair accessible
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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.
Enjoy a breathtaking blend of history, elegance, and horticultural artistry as you explore our Gardens. Surrounded by a medieval moat, these Grade I-listed gardens feature enchanting herbaceous borders, a classic parterre, and serene wildflower meadows. Carefully crafted with seasonal beauty in mind, they offer a stunning display of colour, structure, and tranquility throughout the year.
The three “Stable Shops” are wonderful places to spend time. You can browse through lovingly curated selections of local crafts, handmade gifts and garden-inspired wares and uncover a unique reminder of your time with us.
Our cosy café is a very welcoming spot to rest and recharge after exploring the estate. With home-baked cakes, hearty lunches and the comforting aroma of fresh coffee, it’s a real treat to be enjoyed time and time again.
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.
Opening Times
General Garden Admission
The gardens are open to general admission from May to September, Sunday to Thursday. Please note that the gardens are currently closed to general admission. On event days and in rare cases such as severe weather, the estate may close to general admission. We recommend checking the website on the day of your visit for the latest updates.
Self-Guided Group Admission
Groups are welcome to visit Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm during the following dates:
- 3rd May – 30th September 2026
- 2nd May – 30th September 2027
Please note that opening times and admission prices may vary on event days.
Guided Tours
Monday Garden Tours
Public guided tours are available every Monday from May to September.
Special Events
Illuminated Garden Trail 2026
Bookings are now being taken for the 2026 Illuminated Garden Trail. Calendar and pricing information is available via a separate link. Bookings for 2027 are also now open.
Midsummer Nights
This special event runs from 25 June 2026 to 13 August 2026.
Free garden entry for Historic Houses members. No pre-booking required.
Adult £10
Child (5 – 15) £5
Child (under 5) £0
Memberships are not accepted on event days and standard admission prices may vary, please check website for event listings and ticket prices.
A wide variety of groups and clubs, as well as tour operators, visit Helmingham Gardens from all over the world every year. Book for self-guided admission or for a tour with one of the Gardening Team! Group bookings also available for many events. Discounted entry for groups of 30+. Visit the website or make contact for more details.
- 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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