Helmingham Hall Gardens

Historic manor surrounded by lush gardens and flowers.
Colourful floral tunnel with bright green pathway
Enchanted garden with ornate gate and stone sculptures.
Colourful garden with flowers and a bench.

The Tollemache family have been guardians of Helmingham since 1487, with the moated Tudor Hall completed in 1510. The surrounding garden moat predates the house and is believed to be of Saxon origin, adding another layer to Helmingham’s remarkable history.

Helmingham is renowned for its Grade I listed gardens, redesigned by Lady Tollemache, a Chelsea Gold Medallist, and set within a 400-acre deer park surrounding the Hall. At the heart of the gardens lies the formal parterre, framed by the striking backdrop of the Tudor Hall and moat, offering one of Helmingham’s most iconic views.

Visitors can explore the walled kitchen garden with its richly planted herbaceous borders, alongside the rose and knot garden, herb
garden, wild gardens and the peaceful Apple Walk, where espaliered and heritage apple trees create a charming and seasonal highlight. Many of the rare and beautiful plants found throughout the gardens are native to Britain prior to 1750, making Helmingham a place of both beauty and botanical interest.

The café provides a relaxed spot to pause during your visit, offering classic café favourites alongside a selection of hot and cold drinks. The Courtyard is also home to three on-site shops, including our own Stable Shop, where visitors can browse a thoughtfully curated range of gifts, garden items and local produce.

Throughout the year, Helmingham hosts an exciting programme of events, from seasonal highlights to special garden occasions. For the latest information on opening times and events, please visit www.helmingham.com.

Fact File

Opening Times: Open 3rd May – 30th September, Sunday – Thursday 10am – 5pm (last entry 4pm)
Admission Rates: Adult £10.00, Children £5.00
Group Rates: Any Size. Groups 30+ £9.00 per person.
Facilities: Plant Sales, Shops, Café and Garden Produce.
Disabled Access: Yes.
Toilets on Site: Yes.
Car/Coach Parking: Yes, Disabled Parking too.
Guided Tours: Yes – booking required.
Events: Some highlights are: The Helmingham Festival of Classic and Sports Cars, Spring and Autumn Plant Heritage Fair and Music in the Gardens, Illuminated Garden Trail in the Winter.
Please refer to website for the full list of events.
Length of Visit: Allow 2 hours.
Booking Contact: Billie King – Admissions | Helmingham Hall Gardens, Stowmarket, Suffolk IP14 6EF
01473 890799 | Fax No: 01473 890776
Email: info@helmingham.com
Website: www.helmingham.com
Location: B1077, 9 miles north of Ipswich, 5 miles south of Debenham

Updated: January 2026