Kentwell Hall
Kentwell Hall
4.2
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
Closed
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
A 50 year restoration project The House: part original Tudor, with later classical elements, mixed with the owners' personal style. Tudor portraits, interesting artefacts and historic tapestries make this a family home with a difference. The Gardens: romantic moats, extensive lawns, walled gardens, massive clipped yews, espaliered fruit trees and giant cedars surround the House. Over 30 acres of tranquil breathing space, with a surprise to delight around every corner. The Moat House: this rare survivor of a 15th Century service building rises sheer from the moat and contains our working dairy, bakery, brewhouse and stillroom. Special Events: Kentwell Hall pioneers domestic living history events in the UK with something for everyone to enjoy together. But we're not just all about history - a wide variety of family events, open air cinema and themed days all bring this historic venue to life throughout the year. Tea Rooms Free on-site car parking Under 5's are free
Duration: More than 3 hours
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4.2
853 reviews
Excellent
555
Very good
127
Average
53
Poor
54
Terrible
64
Wendy B
20 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
An excellent day out for the Tudor High Summer 1535 event gates opened at 11 when the flag was raised and the musicians started to play. The vast estate was brought to life by the fabulous volunteer living historians spread throughout the gardens, farm and woodlands often with children and grandparents all taking part in traditional costume, talking in the dialect of the time, working traditional crafts to serve the great house. The children were amazing, never once slipped out of dialect and demonstrated the crafts they had learnt from their parents-special mention to the young girl and her dad on the wood turning lathe. Really interesting mix of woodworkers, felters,dyers, wood cutters, glassblowers, potters, bakers, basket makers and washer women. The vast kitchen gardens, flower and herb gardens with ancient apple trees was really impressive and tended by volunteers in full costume of the day. The servants in the dairy, bakehouse, brewhouse and great kitchen all used traditional methods and recipies to prepare food and drink for all the workers trades and gentry.
The fact that the volunteer living historians dress, talk, eat and drink and use tools of the time they immerse themselves in the history and for the visitor this enables you to step back in time with all the sights sounds and smells and see the house and gardens 'alive and working'! A fantastic experience highly recommended, lots to see, check out the camera obscura, free parking, picnic area outside the front gates with toilets.There is a stable yard tea room, but no details of the menu on website so if you need to check for allergies as I do better to take a packed lunch and use the picnic area. You can save £2 on the gate ticket price by booking online. No dogs allowed, but dog walking in the wooded area near the car park.
The fact that the volunteer living historians dress, talk, eat and drink and use tools of the time they immerse themselves in the history and for the visitor this enables you to step back in time with all the sights sounds and smells and see the house and gardens 'alive and working'! A fantastic experience highly recommended, lots to see, check out the camera obscura, free parking, picnic area outside the front gates with toilets.There is a stable yard tea room, but no details of the menu on website so if you need to check for allergies as I do better to take a packed lunch and use the picnic area. You can save £2 on the gate ticket price by booking online. No dogs allowed, but dog walking in the wooded area near the car park.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynda S
4 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Visited Kentwell Hall today for The Tudor Hands on History event and was completely blown away by the accuracy, enthusiasm, professionalism and the overall spectacle of the day. It was very evident how much time and effort had gone into this outstanding event. I would absolutely recommend visiting; ‘The Tudor Hands on History’ event is on from August 10th to August 18th 2024, 1100 - 1600 each day.
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience and day out today! We shall definitely be back…..
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience and day out today! We shall definitely be back…..
Written 10 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucas P
12 contributions
Feb 2025 • Family
Kentwell hall is a lovely place to visit for any ages, The walk around the gardens and fields were lovely with beautiful flowers and cute little shacks. I would recommend going in snowdrop season because the amount of snowdrops is astonishing and how beautiful the fields look with them there is astounding. The staff were lovely. The food there was limited but was lovely. There are farm animals there as well. Even young children can enjoy them self with animals and little adventures and games.
Written 1 March 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tazallie1
Essex, UK11 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
I’m a mobility scooter user and my partner and I attended the enchanted lights tonight. It was a lovely evening seeing the outside of the house and gardens lit up with beautiful lights.
This is an outdoor event which needs to be born in mind when considering accessibility. I have a basic lightweight all terrain mobility scooter, not one of the serious rambler types but a basic folding one with a strong motor. You do need a wheelchair or scooter equipped for rougher terrain as this event is on compact gravel, loose gravel, unmowed grass and mud. And that can’t be helped due to the nature of the route through woods, gardens and along grassed areas and going over ramps securing the cables.
There is one section that is down steps but an alternate route was signposted and you could still go and see the lights in the section just not travel through it, so you don’t miss anything. A second section through the yew castle might be too narrow for larger scooters or wheelchairs but again there is an alternate route available but my scooter made it with no problems.
If you have the right set up with your wheelchair or mobility scooter then this is a fantastic event, but please remember it is an outdoor event on uneven ground at a historical house and gardens. But me and my little scooter had no issues and had a great time. And all the staff and stewards were fantastic and so helpful.
There is disabled parking reserved nearer the entrance and ticket office but it is on grass with a muddy road/path leading to the ticket office. If your mobility or setup won’t manage this, you won’t manage the rest of the event due to the nature of it and the age of the house and grounds and it retaining it’s historical appearance.
But wow it really did look enchanting and beautiful tonight.
This is an outdoor event which needs to be born in mind when considering accessibility. I have a basic lightweight all terrain mobility scooter, not one of the serious rambler types but a basic folding one with a strong motor. You do need a wheelchair or scooter equipped for rougher terrain as this event is on compact gravel, loose gravel, unmowed grass and mud. And that can’t be helped due to the nature of the route through woods, gardens and along grassed areas and going over ramps securing the cables.
There is one section that is down steps but an alternate route was signposted and you could still go and see the lights in the section just not travel through it, so you don’t miss anything. A second section through the yew castle might be too narrow for larger scooters or wheelchairs but again there is an alternate route available but my scooter made it with no problems.
If you have the right set up with your wheelchair or mobility scooter then this is a fantastic event, but please remember it is an outdoor event on uneven ground at a historical house and gardens. But me and my little scooter had no issues and had a great time. And all the staff and stewards were fantastic and so helpful.
There is disabled parking reserved nearer the entrance and ticket office but it is on grass with a muddy road/path leading to the ticket office. If your mobility or setup won’t manage this, you won’t manage the rest of the event due to the nature of it and the age of the house and grounds and it retaining it’s historical appearance.
But wow it really did look enchanting and beautiful tonight.
Written 13 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thecriticalcook
Horley, UK78 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
We had a wonderful afternoon here despite the weather . The house is absolutely fascinating , a long term restoration project with information on the building and its collection of contents available in every area .
The gardens with the roses and amazing topiary made for the most beautiful setting .
There were some very tame farm animals and we enjoyed petting the lambs .
We visited the tearoom for good coffee , and delicious home made cake and were served by the friendliest lady who chatted with us about the 60’s music playing and we said how impressed we were with the property . She told us the gentleman who had just left was the owner who had lunch there everyday . If I had realised I would have thanked him for his dedication to restoration and for saving and sharing this amazing house and I would have said how friendly and welcoming we found both the lady at the entrance and the lady in the tearoom .
The gardens with the roses and amazing topiary made for the most beautiful setting .
There were some very tame farm animals and we enjoyed petting the lambs .
We visited the tearoom for good coffee , and delicious home made cake and were served by the friendliest lady who chatted with us about the 60’s music playing and we said how impressed we were with the property . She told us the gentleman who had just left was the owner who had lunch there everyday . If I had realised I would have thanked him for his dedication to restoration and for saving and sharing this amazing house and I would have said how friendly and welcoming we found both the lady at the entrance and the lady in the tearoom .
Written 13 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JW
6 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We had the most delightful half day at Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall with all things festive. The experience was excellent, authentic and felt very special for Christmas. We were lucky with the weather which was a sunny winters day; the grounds are muddy so advise wellies or boots.
The house is delightful and we actually need to return to see the bedrooms of it after spending so much time within the grounds and activities of Kentwell. Particular favourites were the Carol reading and toy makers in Kentwell village.
The house is delightful and we actually need to return to see the bedrooms of it after spending so much time within the grounds and activities of Kentwell. Particular favourites were the Carol reading and toy makers in Kentwell village.
Written 15 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin j
9 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Great day out! The house is absolutely fascinating and the story of the owners’ extraordinary restoration efforts exciting and inspiring. The garden is also beautiful and our conversation with the gardener was great fun. We are regular National Trust visitors but this made a nice change, more quirky, more personal. Well worth the entry fee!
Written 30 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Freedom53440619216
Suffolk, UK15 contributions
May 2024 • Friends
We had a fabulous day at Kentwell for the Mayday celebrations. The house is amazing and so much to see. The staff and volunteers were engaging enthusiastic and interesting. We dressed up enjoyed dancing, watched Tudor food being prepared- real food! I cannot believe I have not been before. One of the best days out in Suffolk.
Written 5 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stuart G
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
What a wonderful weekend visiting Kentwell Hall during the tudor recreation (1535). This was a truly magical immersive experience that the whole family loved. What struck us most was the smells which bring it to life in such an authentic way. As soon as you enter the grounds you smell the wood fires and then each station has its unique smells, the wool in the spinning shed, the heat of the glass blowers, the clay in the pottery, baking bread in the bakery, the bouquets of the stillroom. It is a fully living experience. It was informative whilst also deeply relaxing as we wondered around the house and grounds. It seemed to us that there are clever little curiosities everywhere. The more we settled in the relaxed vibe, the more we noticed. We will be going again next year!!
Written 19 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ivy
London, UK10 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The receptionist was very offhand and definitely NOT welcoming. The volunteers in costume varied greatly in their preparedness for interaction. Some were excellent, some of the younger ones seemed half hearted in their commitment and very lacklustre. The hand fasting ceremony was very well done and acted as a good focal point for the day. It was a shame the croquet equipment was unavailable as were the rings for the hoopla. A good day out but not nearly as good as our first visit a few years ago.
Written 30 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello when in the Christmas time at. Kentwell hall as would love to get tickets ? We have not got season tickets yet are they for sale for next year yet please ??
Thank you
Written 26 October 2018
KentwellH
Long Melford, United Kingdom
Dickensian Christmas at Kentwell Hall is on 7 - 9 December and 15 - 16 December. Tickets are available now on-line on the Kentwell Hall website.
Season tickets are available to purchase and are valid for 12 months from the 1st January 2019.
Written 26 October 2018
Is it worth £28.50 for just over an hour at Scaresville, and do you have to pay for food and drink? (It mentions you can have refreshments when you arrive but it doesn't state what they are, or whether you are pay on top) Thanks.
Written 19 October 2017
KentwellH
Long Melford, United Kingdom
Hi, We believe that the cost of Scaresville is brilliant value for money and TA feedback agrees with this. It is a unique experience. There is food and drink on site, from burgers & chips, tea, coffee's etc. The main bar at the end of your experience.
Written 22 October 2017
I would have thought not but why don't you ring and ask the phone number is 01787 310207.
Written 30 July 2017
Hi David, Did you visit the Wind in the willows characters that were all around the courtyard which was especially for the children?
Written 19 December 2016
It was a Tudor day so i think you may have the wrong event.
Written 20 December 2016
Can anyone tell me if there is a section that you have to crawl through ? Someone told me there was 2 years ago . Many thanks
Written 24 October 2016
No need to crawl anywhere on the route
Written 27 October 2016
KentwellH
Long Melford, United Kingdom
Hi 102Andrew,
Ticket prices for the 2015 season are now available on the Kentwell Hall website's 'What's On' guide. Select the event or house opening day you are interested in visiting and you will be taken to the event page which provides more information and ticket prices.
Our tickets vary according to the type of event or opening, but if you book online ahead of your visit you will qualify for discounted tickets and can save up to 10% on the gate price.
Many thanks,
KH
Written 3 February 2015
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