We were lucky enough to visit Helmingham twice this summer(?). Once for the Suffolk Festival of Speed and once for the Suffolk Dog Show.
The hall is perhaps a 15min drive north of Ipswich and is quite unassuming until you get into the grounds. Once there the hall is an impressive building that began life in 1480.
I particularly like the idea of the moat - a concept that was met with a swift rebuttal when I suggested to my better half that it would be a good way to keep out unwanted visitors!
The gardens are Grade I listed and I gather that the Lady Tollemache is responsible for them.
Although we visited the hall to attend two events, I would suggest that the hall and surrounding gardens are worth a visit in their own rights. read more