Kentwell Hall, Suffolk
Kentwell Hall is a historic manor house located on the Kentwell estate in Suffolk. Visitors to Kentwell can take a tour of the manor house as well as seeing the impressive gardens and the farm located here. There are regular re-creations visitors can see that show what is was like to live and work during Tudor times, helping visitors get a better understanding of the history and tradition in the house. The house is located in scenic surroundings in the countryside and offers visitors a feeling of peace and tranquilly. With a range of attractions to see a trip to Kentwell makes for an enjoyable day out.
Attractions
Kentwell Hall has been a stately and family home for over 500 years, there have been a number of families that have lived here over the years. Despite the changes in ownership the manor house has remained much as it was since 1500. Over the past 30 years there has been a determined project to restore the house, gardens and the traditional farm. Visitors can see the results of this now with the imposing manor and beautiful gardens.
The House is on the whole was it was when built although some changes have been made over the years to both the windows and chimneys, essentially though the exterior of the house still displays its Tudor origins. Inside the house visitors will see a mix of periods however the dominant period in evidence is the Tudor period.
The West Wing of the house was originally added to provide service and lodging accommodation, the Great Kitchen has a large fireplace stove and ovens maintaining many of its period features.
The Centre Block is Gothic in its design and is the work of Thomas Hopper who designed it back in the 1820s, the design is bold and striking. The Jacobethan Dining Room is red in colour.
The East Wing of the house is home to the main oak Stair of the 17th century and the New Library/Billiard Room, there is also the Old Library/Drawing Room which has a very classical design and displays classical features.
On the first floor the main feature is the State Bedroom along with its Boudoir. Two rooms were formed out of the original Great Chamber, these two have been subject to recent improvements. Each of the other bedrooms here has its own theme, the themes vary from Chinese to Jacobethan to Victorian. The Moat House is a separate building that dates back to approx 1500, it has survived over they ears and has altered little. The Moat House has been decorated in a style reminiscent of the late 15th century.
The Gardens visitors will see currently are an amalgamation between the traditional features historically laid in the garden along with a more recent planting and landscaping programme. The Walled Garden still displays its origins from the layout set back in the 17th century, in recent years the garden has become home to large Herb Garden and a Potager.
The Main Moats is one of the main features, over the years it has been gradually extended firstly to include the Garden to the East in the 17th Century and then in the 18th century to create fine canal-type vistas. There are two original bridges still used to cross it.
From 1980 the Wildlife Pond was dug, the lawns were levelled and the Ha-Ha wall was introduced in order to separate lawns from the paddock, this has been gradually introduced over the past 20 years, the effect is to help create an altogether more formal approach to the Hall.
The Cot Garden and Barns Sward, contains a circle of mature oaks that were planted to honour the Queens Golden Jubilee. The Cot Garden is seen as being in keeping with a garden to grace a cottage in the 16th century.
Kentwell is a popular location for wedding and private functions, with great scenery and tranquil surroundings, the location is a peaceful oasis. The estate is known for Open Air Performances, they have been held here since 1982 and visitors can now see a range of concerts, operas and plays here. Visitors can enjoy supper in the floodlit Gardens making for an enjoyable summers entertainment.
How to Get There
The House can be accessed by both car and public transport:
By Car:
Kentwell is located approx 72 miles from central London. The approx journey time is 2 hours from London. From London take the A11 then the A12 and then the A406 North Circular at junction 4 exit on to the M11 towards Cambridge. Exit the M11 at junction 8 on to the A120 West for Colchester. At the Marks Farm roundabout take the A131. At the roundabout take the first exit on to the B1064/Sudbury Rd. At the junction with the A1092 take the slight left on to the A1092 and take the first left and the hall is further along the road.
There are free parking facilities on site.
For those using Satellite Navigation systems the postcode is CO10 9BA.
By Train:
From London Liverpool Street Station in central London there are trains available to Marks Tey station in Suffolk. The journey time is approx 55 minutes. From Marks Tey there are trains available to Sudbury Station, the journey time is approx 20 minutes. Sudbury Station is approx 3 miles from Kentwell.
Contact Details
Kentwell Hall
Long Melford
Suffolk
CO10 9BA
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1787 310207
Fax: +44 (0)1787 379318
Website: Kentwell
Facilities & Information
Opening Times:
Open from April until October:
Open between 11.00 until 17.00
NOTE: It is recommended visitors check before going to ensure Kentwell is open before going.
Further Information:
Entrance Fee:
Adults: £9.15 approx, Children: £5.90 approx, Concessions: £8.05 approx
For Garden & Farm
Adults: £5.60 approx, Children: £4.25 approx, Concessions: £5.60 approx
Facilities:
For Disabled visitors there is wheelchair access to the ground floor of the house and many other areas at Kentwell.
There are a range of drinks and refreshments and hot and cold lunches available on site.
The Kentwell shop sells a range of gifts, souvenirs, books and memorabilia.
There is a picnic area close by where visitors can enjoy a picnic in a scenic setting overlooking the house.
Map
View Larger Map
For Local Search and Directions see: Kentwell Hall 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 travel 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 Kentwell 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 Route & Journey Planning tool for door to door directions. Check for the latest information and 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.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
