There’s nothing more British than a day spent wandering the halls and grounds of a historic country house. In Bury St Edmunds we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by a selection of beautiful stately homes that are now owned by the National Trust and are open for the public to enjoy. They have been lovingly preserved and give us a glimpse of what life would have been like for the inhabitants of these incredible houses throughout the centuries.

Whatever the time of year, National Trust properties never fail to charm. In the autumn winter the cosy cafes that every property boast are the perfect place to relax after you’ve discovered what the house has to offer and been for a bracing walk. In the spring, most of the houses are surrounded by daffodil-filled gardens and lamb-filled pastures, and there’s nothing like a stroll around the grounds on a great British summer’s day.

Here are just a few of our favourite National Trust properties within easy distance of Bury St Edmunds:

Ickworth:

Ickworth House is only a few minutes drive outside of town, but is set in the middle of a stunning park that is covered in daffodils and lambs in the spring. The house itself is Italianate and incredibly striking and houses an impressive art collection, but the gardens and grounds are even better.

The Summer House

My favourite spot is just down the hill past the estate church: the summer house. There are high red brick walls on three sides, which keep the wind out, and a picturesque lake on the fourth. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic on a summer’s day.

The playground and the ‘trim trail’ walk that starts just behind it are wonderful for families.

Melford Hall:

About a 20 minute drive from Bury St Edmunds, in the classic Suffolk village of Long Melford, Melford Hall stands surrounded by beautifully manicured lawns. It’s small (for a National Trust property) but perfectly formed, and boasts a great cafe. In the summer, you’ll often find volunteers giving visitors free croquet lessons on the lawn!

The grounds are beautiful for a stroll and it’s worth wandering up the hill to have a look at the huge village church, built when the wool industry was booming.

Melford Hall

Oxburgh Hall:

This property is a good 45 minute drive away from Bury St Edmunds, but it’s worth it. Oxburgh Hall is surrounded by a picture-perfect moat and stunning grounds, but the best bit is the priest’s hole which you can actually crawl into. It’s not recommended for claustrophobics, but it’s incredibly exciting for adults and children alike!

Oxburgh Hall

Have you been to any of these properties? Have we missed out your favourite National Trust property in Suffolk?  Please comment!