Somerleyton Hall and Gardens
Discover Somerleyton Hall & Gardens, a stunning Victorian estate in Suffolk with a famous yew maze and 12 acres of beautiful gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wisteria in bloom, gardens waking up
Somerleyton Hall and Gardens
Best Time
Wisteria in bloom, gardens waking up
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Somerleyton Hall & Gardens, a stunning Victorian estate in Suffolk with a famous yew maze and 12 acres of beautiful gardens.
"The gardens are absolutely stunning! Highly recommend."
Book House Tickets Early
The Hall is open select days; book ahead to guarantee entry!
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring 12 acres of gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Yew Maze
Gardens
Get lost and find your way through the famous 1846 yew hedge maze – a classic garden adventure!
Victorian Walled Garden
Gardens
Explore the productive kitchen garden and historic greenhouses, a testament to Victorian horticultural ingenuity.
Rose Garden Blooms
Gardens
Wander through the vibrant rose garden, especially beautiful when the roses are bursting into bloom.
Aerial Estate Views
Overlooking the estate
See the grandeur of the historic estate and its sweeping gardens from a unique aerial perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book House Tours in Advance
Embrace the Gardens' Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book House Tickets Early
The Hall is open select days; book ahead to guarantee entry!
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring 12 acres of gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for amazing homemade treats, especially the brownies!
Check for Events
Look out for special events like plant fairs and workshops. 
Tips
from all over the internet
Book House Tickets Early
The Hall is open select days; book ahead to guarantee entry!
Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be exploring 12 acres of gardens, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Cafe Delights
Don't miss the cafe for amazing homemade treats, especially the brownies!
Check for Events
Look out for special events like plant fairs and workshops.
Wheelchair Friendly
The grounds are largely accessible for wheelchairs, making it a great day out for many.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the beauty and charm of Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, highlighting the stunning gardens, the iconic yew maze, and the delicious homemade treats at the cafe. While the Hall's interior opening times can be limited, the expansive grounds offer a rich experience for all. Some note the gardens have a more 'lived-in' feel than highly manicured estates, which many find adds to its unique appeal.
"A wonderful trip. I went with the Brownies when I was young and 20 years later wanted to visit on my birthday this year. Plenty of parking on arrival. Tickets booked in advance. Walked around the gardens. Dry day but if wet take appropriate clothing and umbrella. Wheelchair friendly. Lots to see for your ticket. Staff were friendly and really care about the grounds. Delicious carrot cake in the cafe afterwards ."
Rebecca Louise
"We chose to look round the gardens only, partly as the house is only open on select days in the summer, few or none of them in the school holidays. There are many differing parts to the gardens, from formal to more relaxed. This is not a National Trust property, so don't expect a garden that is pristine. This is obviously a garden in private ownership, managed by three valiant gardeners. It is used by the family for most of the year, hence we got glimpses of goal posts, pony jumps and inflatables for the swimming pool. The cafe was lovely. Possibly the best cup of tea (proper cup and saucer, teapot, loose leaf tea) and the best brownie I have ever had."
Jenny Bhambri-Lyte
"I came here today with my 8.5 month daughter, and we had an amazing time! The gardens are absolutely stunning! We were greeted at the entrance by a lovely lady, whom I had a chat with for a bit. Very friendly and helpful staff. I shall be bringing my daughter back when she's a little older. Highly recommend :)"
Rach D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Somerleyton Hall is located in Suffolk. Driving is the most common way to reach it, with ample parking available on-site. For public transport, you can take a train to nearby stations like Lowestoft or Norwich and then arrange a taxi or local bus service.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available for visitors upon arrival.
While driving is easiest, you can reach Somerleyton via train to nearby stations and then a taxi or bus. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Hall itself is only open on select days, often not during school holidays. The gardens are generally open more frequently. Always check the official Somerleyton Hall website for the most current opening times and dates for both the house and gardens.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for house tours, as they are on limited opening days. Booking online can also save you time.
Admission prices vary depending on whether you are visiting the house and gardens or just the gardens. Check the official website for current pricing. Special events may have different admission fees.
Somerleyton Hall is an RHS partner garden, so RHS members may receive discounted entry. Group booking discounts might also be available; it's best to inquire directly with the estate.
Yes, you can often choose to visit just the gardens, which is a popular option, especially when the house is not open.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the famous yew maze, the Victorian walled garden with its greenhouses, the rose garden, and the arboretum. The Hall itself is a magnificent example of Victorian architecture.
The gardens are largely wheelchair friendly, allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the grounds.
Typically, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the gardens, but it's always best to confirm their policy on the official website before your visit.
Children often enjoy the maze, looking for hidden items in the gardens, and exploring the historic greenhouses. Special events like Halloween haunts also cater to families.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the beauty of the Hall and its gardens.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely cafe on-site that serves delicious homemade food, including cakes and light meals, often using produce from the kitchen garden.
The cafe offers a range of options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. They are known for their excellent brownies and proper tea.
Picnic areas may be available, but it's advisable to check the estate's policy on bringing your own food. The cafe is a highly recommended alternative.
During special events like plant fairs, there are often additional food and craft stalls offering a variety of treats and local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
The formal gardens, the yew maze, the historic greenhouses, and the Hall itself offer numerous picturesque opportunities. Wisteria season is particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historic estates to protect privacy and the integrity of the site. It's best to check the official policy before flying.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require prior permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for children's quizzes or treasure hunts that are often organized within the gardens, encouraging little ones to explore and discover. The open spaces are perfect for running around, and the cafe offers kid-friendly options. Consider visiting during special family-friendly events like the Halloween haunt, which adds an extra element of excitement.
While the Hall itself might have limited opening times, the extensive gardens offer plenty to keep children entertained, making it a memorable day out for the whole family. 🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
+1Don't miss the restoration efforts on the historic greenhouses, which offer insight into past gardening techniques.
+2📸 Photographers
+1The iconic yew maze offers unique perspectives, and the historic greenhouses present a more atmospheric and textured subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Gardens
Beyond the structured areas, the estate features a beautiful rose garden that bursts into color during the summer months, and an arboretum showcasing champion trees. The gardens are a testament to the dedication of the estate's gardeners, who work to preserve its heritage while keeping it a vibrant and engaging space.
+1 The RHS partnership highlights the garden's horticultural significance. For those interested in the history of gardening, the restoration efforts on the historic greenhouses are particularly noteworthy. These structures represent a significant piece of horticultural engineering from their era.
The History of Somerleyton Hall
The estate's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Victorian country houses and their surrounding gardens.The Hall itself offers a glimpse into the lives of its former inhabitants, with opulent interiors and a rich history. While the house is only open on select days, its presence dominates the estate, providing a stunning backdrop to the gardens.
Beyond the Hall, the gardens are a living piece of history, with the yew maze dating back to the mid-19th century. The ongoing restoration of the greenhouses further connects the present day to the horticultural practices of the past.
Seasonal Events and Workshops
+1The estate also holds plant and craft fairs, particularly in the autumn, which are popular with both locals and visitors. These fairs provide an excellent opportunity to purchase plants, crafts, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the gardens.
+2 Attending these events can offer a unique perspective on the estate and its community involvement. These special occasions transform the already beautiful grounds into dynamic event spaces, attracting a diverse range of attendees. Checking the Somerleyton Hall website for their upcoming events calendar is highly recommended to plan your visit around these engaging activities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit