Set within 1800 acres of immaculate National Trust Parkland within the rolling Suffolk countryside, and 3 miles South West of the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, the Dower House Apartments is truly an unique location to get away from it all.

This 11 apartment house was once home to the 4th Earl of Bristol and his family who lived in the property whilst the magnificent Ickworth House was being built over 200 years ago but has now transformed into 11 individual one, and two bedroom apartments each with lounges.

The Dower House is located just a 10 minute walk away from this truly impressive and majestic country estate with a central rotunda that was built to show off the priceless treasures collected from the Earls tour around Europe in the eighteenth century.

The Dower House is perfect for those with an independent spirit, Just 800 yards from the main Ickworth hotel, it offers spacious accommodation within its own four acres of gardens. These are ideal for large families, groups of friends, or those who simply want to get away from it all.

Facilities available include the following:
Self contained one or two bed apartments with lounge, bathroom and space enough to add extra beds and cots.

Kitchenette with microwave and convection oven, fridge and dishwasher for those that want to rustle up light meals or snacks

A wide selection of DVDs, Playstation and board games

Table tennis and air hockey In the converted garage

Trampoline and outdoor games

A laundry room with washer/dryer

A take away menu – collection from the hotel required

Full access to all the facilities in the main hotel, which includes swimming pool, tennis court, OFSTED registered Crèche, Spa, Horse riding, Bicycle hire and all of the lounges and restaurants.

Complimentary entry into the national Trust Rotunda (Well worth a visit)
Access to all 1800 acres of the Ickworth estate, which includes family church, walled gardens, vineyard, lakes, ponds and nature walks.

For a fee of £8 per hour, babysitters can be arranged.

The recently refurbished Butlers Lodge, just a stones throw from the main hotel, is great for larger families, with three bedrooms, a bathroom full kitchen, large living space and its own walled garden.

Whilst there is always plenty to do on and around the Ickworth estate, we also recommend a visit to one or two of the following places and attractions. Packed lunches or pick nicks can be booked with the hotel for you to take with you on your adventure.

Duxford Air (Imperial) Museum 45 min drive

This summer at Duxford, fun family activities will take place every day throughout the school holidays. Bring the family for a chance to get hands-on with Second World War history and to discover more about the Battle of Britain in this 70th anniversary year. During school holidays the Duxford’s Department for Learning offers a variety of hands-on activities for families.
All activities are included in the standard admission to the Museum and as usual children aged 15 and under come FREE.

Jimmys farm (Made famous by the BBC) 45 min drive

As seen on TV, home of the rare breed Essex Pig. This is a working farm and is open for visitors 7 days a week. There's loads to do at the farm for a great family day out. They have a Nature Trail, Woodland Walk, Beautiful Garden's, Farm Shop, Adventure Play Area and Field Kitchen. You can buy all of their home reared free range pig produce, beef and lamb in their butchers as well as an abundance of herbs and veggies from their garden.

Banham Zoo (One of the nations top 3 zoos) 40 min drive

Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to thrill and entertain families, here are a few suggestion for great things to do at Banham Zoo.... Amazing Animals! – get even closer!
EXPERIENCE AN INCREDIBLE BIRD OF PREY DISPLAY, FEEDING TALKS, SAFARI ROADTRAIN, ACTIVITIES & EDUCATION CENTRE, GIRAFFE FEEDING EXPERIENCE and More.

Bressingham Steam Museum 35 min drive

Take a trip on one of the four railways at Bressingham, the collection of working locomotives will take you round our magnificent gardens and woodland, or ride on the steam Carousel.

A trip to the locomotive sheds brings the power and the glory of mighty steam engineering up close. The National Dad's Army collection lets you wander through Walmington-on-Sea looking at original props and vehicles from the series, you'd be a stupid boy to miss it!
Whether your passion is Gardens, Steam, Exhibits, Rides or even a mixture of them all, we are confident that Bressingham has something for all.

We recommend you spend no less than four hours here, and you can easily spend all day!

Bury St Edmunds (Historic market town) 5 min drive
Newmarket (Home of horseracing with museum) 15 min drive
Cambridge (Historic university city now 800 yrs old) 30 min drive
Thetford (Dads Army museum) 20 min drive
Lavenham & Long Melford (Picturesque villages) 20 min drive
Southwald seaside 90 min drive
Aldeburgh seaside 60 min drive
Local golf course 10 min drive
Local pubs 5 min drive

Rates for the dower house and Butlers lodge are based on 2 adults sharing on a Bed & Breakfast basis, children stay for free you just pay for the meals they take.

Children’s tea is always available at the hotel from 5pm to 6pm, just turn up for this.

Family dining is also available in the conservatory restaurant from 6pm to 8.30pm (booking required)

Adult only dining is available in Frederick’s restaurant between 7pm and 9.30pm (Strongly recommend booking for this restaurant).

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