Reviews of Ickworth House and Park

There is something grand about Ickworth. The Rotunda is an impressive structure - and I'm sorry but the house is no more gloomy than many another National Trust property. The Rotunda was never a family home but was always intended as a place to house the collection or to hold grand events.

The park is impressive with several lakes an ponds. In Spring there is a mass of Daffodils and there are some nice wildflowers in the Italianate garden. You can have some very pleasant long walks.

The italianate garden mainly makes use of Shrubs - there is very little planting and what there is it not inspired.

There is also a Vinyard and the wine can be bought in the shop (the wine is nice!).

The restuarant is a little pretentious with waited service.

(3.0/5)

Beautiful parkland - great for picnics and dog walking, but generally disappointing. Main gardens ordinary and without any great attraction or charm. House rather gloomy.

(2.0/5)

A bit scruffy around the edges - in need of some inspired planting (and weeding), but there were some parts well worth a visit. With children in tow, we particularly enjoyed the Stumpery, Italienate gardens (huggable topiary) and woodland walks - more detailed review here (http://littlegreenfingers.typepad.com/little_green_fingers/2009/05/garden-visit-no-2-ickworth.html.html)

(3.0/5)

A wonderful park in the great English manner. The more formal gardens are pleasing if not outstanding. Well worth visiting in the spring but generally full of interest at most times of the year.

(3.0/5)