Town Hall Galleries

Discover this beautiful historic venue, right in the heart of Ipswich. Our gallery spaces feature a…

Willesborough Windmill

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Surrounded by over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and the great lake, the Palace was created a World Heritage Site in 1987. Conceived in 1705 by Sir John Vanbrugh, Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture steeped in inspirational history. Visit the room where Sir Winston Churchill was born before taking a guided tour of the gilded State Rooms graced with priceless portraits, exquisite porcelain and the magnificent tapestries which were commissioned by John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, charting his famous victory over the French during in the Wars of the Spanish Succession. A permanent visitor experience ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ is open inside the Palace bringing to life enticing tales of the last 300 years, seen through the eyes of the household staff. Visitors can delve deeper in to the lives of the illustrious Marlborough family in the information rooms with touch screens and audio/visual units. The Palace is surrounded by award winning Formal Gardens including the tranquil Secret Garden, the majestic Water Terraces, the fragrant Rose Garden, the Grand Cascade and Lake. An audio garden tour is available to hire. The Pleasure Gardens can be reached by a miniature train, which includes the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly…

Broughton Castle

Broughton Castle is essentially a family home lived in by Lord and Lady Saye & Sele and their family. The original medieval Manor House, of which much remains today, was built in about 1300 by Sir John de Broughton. It stands on an island site surrounded by a 3 acre moat. The Castle was greatly enlarged between 1550 and 1600, at which time it was embellished with magnificent plaster ceilings, splendid panelling and fine fireplaces. In the 17th century William, 8th Lord Saye & Sele, played a leading role in national affairs. He opposed Charles I’s efforts to rule without Parliament and Broughton became a secret meeting place for the King’s opponents. During the Civil War William raised a regiment and he and his four sons all fought at the nearby Battle of Edgehill. After the battle the Castle was besieged and captured. Arms and armour from the Civil War and other periods are displayed in the Great Hall. Visitors may also see the gatehouse, gardens and park together with the nearby 14th century Church of St Mary, in which there are many family tombs, memorials and hatchments. Gardens The garden area consists of mixed herbaceous and shrub borders containing many old roses. In addition, there is a formal walled garden with beds…

26a East St Helen Street

One of best preserved examples of a 15th century dwelling in the area. Originally a Merchant’s Hall House with later alterations, features include a…

Brook Cottage

4…

Christ Church Cathedral

12th century Norman Church, formerly an Augustinian monastery,…

Ditchley Park

The most important house by James Gibbs, with magnificent interiors by William Kent and Henry Flitcroft. For three centuries the home of the Lee family, restored in the 1930s by Ronald and Nancy (Lancaster) Tree, it was…

Richard Jefferies Farmhouse And Museum

Dating from the early 18th century, the Museum was the home of Richard Jefferies, nature writer, who is cited by historians as an authority upon agriculture and rural life…

West Dean Gardens

Situated within the 6,400 acre West Dean Estate, West Dean College and Gardens is at the heart of the newly designated South Downs National Park. The 19th century flint-faced mansion was once home to Edward James, whose patronage of many emerging talents in the 1920s, 30s and 40s has ensured him a place within the history of art. Today, West Dean College is a centre for study of arts, crafts, conservation, writing, gardening, food and music, offering over 700 short courses and full-time graduate and post-graduate diplomas and MAs. The Gardens are a showcase for variety in planting and excellence in presentation. Highlights include: the magnificent 90 metre-long Edwardian pergola; the restored Victorian walled kitchen garden and glasshouses featuring exotic fruits and vegetables; the Spring Garden with tranquil, winding rivers and intricate flint bridges; and the ever-popular picnic lawn. For breathtaking views of the Lavant Valley, enjoy the 2 1/2 mile circular Parkland walk up to St Roche’s arboretum. Also within the grounds are the Gardens Restaurant and Gift Shop. West Dean College provides a stimulating and relaxing environment for meetings and conferences, creative breakout sessions can be incorporated into your event. The College, Gardens, Farms, Forests…