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 Gardens is open to visitors during the summer season, from May to September, on Sundays through Thursdays. The gardens are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and there is no need for advance booking. Admission prices are £10.00 for adults, £5.00 for children (children under 5 enter for free), and discounted rates are available for groups of 30 or more.
Special events may have different opening times and require advance booking. On event days or in cases of severe weather, the estate may be closed to general admission. Visitors are advised to check for updates on the day of their visit.
The gardens are wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets and designated parking available. However, some paths may be narrow or affected by weather conditions.
The café is currently closed and will reopen in 2026 alongside the gardens. Shops at Helmingham offer a variety of locally sourced gifts, plants, and artisanal treats.
Helmingham hosts a range of events throughout the year, including garden tours, music performances, plant fairs, and car shows. Specific events include:
- Music by Moonlight events on 1st May 2026 and 26th June 2026.
- Spring Plant Fair on 24th-25th May 2026.
- Theatre in the Gardens on 29th May 2026.
- Music in the Gardens events on various dates from 7th June to 23rd August 2026.
- Midsummer Nights from 25th June to 13th August 2026.
- Festival of Classic and Sports Cars on 2nd August 2026.
Group visits are welcome, with tailored packages and benefits such as guided tours, free admission for group leaders, and coach parking. Group admission is available from 3rd May to 30th September 2026 and 2nd May to 30th September 2027, on Sundays through Thursdays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Helmingham is located in Suffolk, about 9 miles north of Ipswich, and is accessible by car or public transport. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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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