Helmingham Hall Gardens

Helmingham Hall, Suffolk
Helmingham Hall Gardens - © Chris Holifield

Helmingham Hall Gardens are located in Helmingham in Suffolk, there are a number of attractions for visitors to see. These include the Hall, the Gardens, the Church and the famous Gardens, the historic estate has over 500 years of history with the Tollemache family. The gardens are a must see for visitors the Grade I listed gardens are impressive and offer visitors with plenty to see and explore when visiting. The tranquil surroundings and beautiful location make for an enjoyable day out.

Attractions


Helmingham Hall Gardens are well known for the beautiful gardens, the stunning countryside setting adds to the visitors’ experience. Visitors can take a stroll through the gardens and see a range of flora, plants, trees and flowers that combine to create a colourful spectacle in the highly regarded gardens.

The Herbaceous Borders is a highlight for visitors to see, here are a number of roses and visitors will see a wide range of colours displayed. Originally the garden had been in eight sections thus back in 1986 arched tunnels and grassed walks were created which now grow runner beans and sweet peas among other things. There are a range of colours on display here depending on the season, summer displays reds, bronzes and yellows with pinks and creams in evidence earlier in the season.

The Orchard is located over the garden moat, here visitors can see a tennis court that has been designed to fit in to the surroundings of the rest of the garden. There are a number of wild flowers present here including marsh orchids, primroses and cowslips among others. There are walkways to help visitors make their way through the longer grass here. The Orchard provides a nice contrast to the formal gardens displayed elsewhere.

The Knot Garden was created in 1982, here visitors can see the garden that can be seen from both the walkways and the house. Here there are two knot patterns planted in box, each pattern is divided into four squares. There are also a range of plants that were introduced in to the UK in the 18th century.

The Hall dates back to the 15th century, it was originally built in a traditional style, over the years there have been a number of changes made to the outside of the house although its basic form as a manor house has not been altered over the years. In the late 18th century a number of alterations were made to the house and the Tollemache family who have a long association with the house have restored and rebuilt the house when it has been in need of restoration. The house has a sixty foot moat to protect it and still has its two drawbridges that are pulled up every night and lowered again every morning.

The Park is approx 400 acres in size and is well known for the fallow and red deer that reside here, the deer have been in the park since the 17th century. Historically it is thought the Mound may have been used the Helmingham Volunteers in order to practise their musketry during the time of the Napoleonic Wars. John Constable is known to have lived for a time at Helmingham Rectory and went on to paint a number of versions of A Dell in Helmingham Park. The park contains a number of historic trees, there are some Helmingham oak trees that are approx 900 years old.

The Church of St Mary is located on the edge of the Park and is thought to have existed since back in 1258. The western tower of the church was completed in 1543, inside the church contains a number of memorable memorials that include several generations of the Tollemache family. The memorials were renovated back in 1976 as a tribute to the 4th Lord Tollemache who is credited with helping to save Helmingham when he oversaw the restoration and repair of the house.


How to Get There


The Gardens can be accessed by both car and train:

By Car:

Helmingham is located approx 9 miles from Ipswich and 85 miles central London. The approx journey time is 2 hours 10 minutes from London. From London take the A11 then the A12 all the way until junction 55 when it becomes the A14, take the A14 until junction 52 and exit on to the B1113 exit to Gt. Blakenham/Wattisham Airfield. At the next roundabout take the forth exit on to Norwich Road, turn right on to Sandy Lane and continue along Sandy Lane/Sandy Hill and Rectory Road until the junction with the B1078 Lower road. Turn Right on to the B1078 then left on to Stonewell Hill, drive until the junction with the B1077 and follow the road along to the Gardens.

There are free parking facilities on site.

For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is IP14 6EF.

By Train:

From London Liverpool Street Station in central London there are regular trains available to Ipswich Station. The journey time is approx 1 hour 20 minutes. Visitors can then take a taxi to the Gardens.

Contact Details


Helmingham Hall Gardens
Helmingham
Stowmarket
Suffolk
IP14 6EF
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44 (0)1473 890799

Fax: +44 (0)1473 890776

email: events@helmingham.com

Website: Helmingham

Facilities & Information


Opening Times:

Open from early May until middle of September:

Open between 14.00 until 18.00 (Sunday, Wednesday & Bank Holiday Monday in May & September)

Open between 14.00 until 18.00 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday in June, July & August)

NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure the Gardens and attractions are open before going.

Further Information:

Adults: £5.00 approx, Children: £3.00 approx


Facilities:

For Disabled visitors there is full wheelchair access to all of the gardens and disabled toilets facilities.

The Coach House offers a range of cakes and cream teas along with scones and a range of drinks & refreshments.

The shop sells a range of gifts, souvenirs, books and memorabilia.

There is a picnic area where visitors can enjoy a picnic in scenic surroundings.

Map



View Larger Map

For Local Search and Directions see: Helmingham Hall Gardens Map

Tips & Other Considerations


Opening hours may vary depending on the time of year and other factors. It is recommended visitors double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open.

Follow sensible travellers tips and stay alert, vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Ensure valuables i.e. your wallet/purse are hidden away from public view. If you have a bag try to use a shoulder bag with a good quality, strong strap, that is put across your shoulder not on your shoulder making it more difficult for anyone to take your bag.

If you are travelling by car to Helmingham in Suffolk, ensure you are well prepared with maps and Sat Nav to aid your journey, particularly if you are not familiar with the local area and roads. Use the journey & route planner for door to door directions for your trip. Check the traffic updates before you travel.

If you are travelling by public transport, check for service updates prior to beginning your journey for any delays, disruption or cancellations to services that may impact on your journey. Ensure you have the service timetables for the trains, buses and coaches. Remember when the last services are and ensure you make it to the train/bus/coach stops in time.





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