Best Suffolk stately homes to visit according to TripAdvisor

1. Ickworth House and Gardens

Work to build Ickworth House began in 1795 (Image: Denise Bradley)Where: The Rotunda, Horringer, IP29 5QE

Cost: £12 per adult, £6 per child

Explore the house and stroll around the Italianate Gardens which include a Mediterranean temple garden and a walled garden dating back to Tudor times. 

In December the estate steps back in time for a staged splendour inspired by traditional Georgian era celebrations. 

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2. Kentwell Hall

Kentwell Hall has nearly a thousand years of history (Image: Newsquest)Where: Long Melford, Suffolk, CO10 9BA

Cost: Annual membership is £22.50 for adults and £15 for children

Kentwell is a family home which has been occupied for over 500 years. 

From December 9 the stately home is hosting Dickensian Christmas, which turns the clock back to the year 1869. 

Mr Dickens will even be there reading from his own novel A Christmas Carol.

READ MORE: Suffolk Christmases spanning 14 centuries are celebrated at Sutton Hoo

3. Helmingham Hall

Helmigham Hall is home to the Tollemache family (Image: Newsquest)Where: Helmingham, Stowmarket, IP14 6EF

Cost: £8 for adults, £4 for children

This historic estate dates back more than 500 years and the basic form of a courtyard manor house still remains despite a number of external changes. 

Despite the main gardens being closed until May, in December the venue hosts an illuminated garden trail that transforms the garden into an enchanted winter wonderland. 

4. Melford Hall

Queen Elizabeth I visited Melford Hall in 1578 (Image: Tudor Morgen-Owen)Where: Long Melford, Sudbury, CO10 9AA

Cost: £11 per adult, £5.50 per child

Melford Hall is a turreted brick mansion and features Regency, Georgian and Victorian interiors. 

There is even an original Jemima Puddleduck toy gifted by Beatrix Potter.

Those who enjoy a winter stroll can walk along the mile long walk around the estate, or the six mile walk through the countryside. 

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5. Otley Hall

Otley Hall can be hired for private functions such as weddings (Image: Andy Abbot)Where: Hall Lane, Otley, IP6 9PA

Cost: £5.50 per adult, £2.25 per child

Otley Hall is a Tudor building set in 10 acres of award-winning gardens, which visitors can stroll through on Tuesday through to Friday. 

On Saturday, December 9, there will be an after-dark tour of the hall followed by mulled wine and mince pies.