Come and see some of the finest gardens in the region and one of the most coveted Victorian stately homes in the UK.
Visit Somerleyton Hall Gardens
Just six miles from Ivy House, we always recommend a jaunt to Somerleyton Hall and Gardens. Its gardens are some of the finest in the region and the hall is one of the most coveted Victorian stately homes in the UK.
Reasons why we recommend a visit…
Explore the Finest Gardens in East Anglia…
This is one of the most opulent gardens in East Anglia, which is set over 12 acres. The garden is transformed into a re-imagined series of interconnected ‘rooms’ and the themes are captivating.
Restored by landscape architect and historian George Carter in 2012 until 2014, arguably Nesfield Parterre, situated west of the hall, is the centrepiece to Somerleyton’s gardens. Instagram-worthy locations here include the equatorial sundial with signs of the zodiac.
Head to the White Garden within the former winter garden, a small part of its original design still survives! Other must-sees include the impressive specimen of trees and of course the Walled Garden, with English country style colourful florals during the season.
Possibly the most Instagramable location is the Somerleyton Maze, planted back in 1846. Don’t forget to adorn your glad rags and have one of the most stunning yew hedge mazes in Britain framing your shots.
Finally, for a long stroll, head to the Historic Parkland with ancient oaks from the 1600s, along with cattle, wild ponies and deer roaming freely.
You can check out what is happening behind the scenes in the gardens before your visit by heading to the Somerleyton Instagram or Facebook page. The gardens are open on Thursdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. Opening times are 10am and 5pm (last entry 4pm) but do check the website for updates as opening times vary depending on the season.
A Fabulous Hall
Somerleyton Hall is known globally as one of the best Victorian stately homes in Britain, and for good reason. It’s a finely preserved Jacobean Manor house that was also a historic residence where its once well-used chintz ballroom was a popular rendezvous. People often marvel over the Jacobean Oak Parlour and the charming library with beautiful bookcases.
There are also some wonderful portraits of the Crossley family (through the generations), so that you can see the faces behind the home, as well as a range of other art works, sculptures and tapestries.
The Hall & Tearoom is currently closed but you can bring a picnic or else don’t forget to book one of our famous Afternoon Teas at Ivy House to round off your day.
Fast Facts About the Hall
Somerleyton is actually an early Victorian mansion built on the foundations of a 13th-century house.
The house and grounds was rebuilt in 1844-1851 and the architect replaced its features with an ornate structure with touches of French, Italian, and Dutch styles.
Lining the oak staircase you’ll see the coats of arms which belonged to the 14 families who have owned Somerleyton over the years, since the 13th century.
On the domed Entrance Hall, supported by a dozen oak pillars, you’ll notice some attractive stained glass with patterns of birds AND two large stuffed polar bears (souvenirs of Lord Somerleyton's excursion to the Arctic in 1897).
A short walk across fields from the Hall you’ll happen across 15th-century St Mary’s Church.
The gardens are recognised for being notable because of the great number and wide variety of evergreens. Somerleyton was one of the first houses to plant conifers in the 17th century, which is around the time they were first introduced to the UK.
You’ll find a unique Tunnel Garden which is home to a collection of old and unusual gardening utensils.
The most striking feature, of course, is the yew maze - a journey of 365 feet (assuming no wrong turns!)
Advanced bookings aren’t necessary, though if you’d like to round-off your day of opulence perusing the estate, you might like to pre-book a traditional Afternoon Tea with us here at Ivy House for your return (with or without a glass of bubbly prosecco). 24 hours noticed needed and available Monday - Saturday and can be ordered between 14:30 and 17:30.
Admissions
Somerleyton Hall
Lovingland
Suffolk
NR32 5QQ
Tel: 0871 222 4244
Adults £7.95
Over 60s £6.95
Child (4-16year) £5.25
It’s fine to just turn up on the day and pay by card or cash