The magnificent Helmingham Hall and Gardens

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Helmingham Hall is a moated manor house in Helmingham, Suffolk, England. It was begun by John Tollemache in 1480 and has been owned by the Tollemache family ever since. The house is built around a courtyard in typical late medieval/Tudor style. The present Helmingham Hall may have been initially constructed in 1510 on the site of an earlier house called Creke Hall. The exterior was altered between 1745–1760, again in 1800 by John Nash, and in 1840. The original half-timbered walls have been concealed by brick and tiles. 

The house is surrounded by a moat, over which it is reached only by two working drawbridges, which have been pulled up every night since 1510. These were originally operated with a windlass but in recent years this has been replaced by an electric motor. 
Queen Elizabeth I is said to have twice visited Helmingham: first in 1561, and later to attend the christening of Lionel Tollemache as her godchild. Lionel Tollemache marked the first of ten consecutive generations of the family with that name. Furthermore, Helmingham has been privileged to receive Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family on many occasions over the last few years. 
My previous visit here was to the deer park and church, but today's visit was to see the gardens and get some closer images of the magnificent moated Tudor house.


The front of the Hall as you approach on the Oak Drive. (below)


The Oak Driveway 

Some of the famous Helmingham oaks in the Park are estimated to be up to 900 years old, and many have immense girths, but the splendid oak avenue leading up the front drive was planted about 1680. This avenue and many trees in the Park suffered terribly in the great storm of 1987; a large replanting scheme is being carried out so that future generations will see little change.


The main drawbridge at the front of the property.


The second drawbridge. 


Side view from the garden



Some views of the garden, above and below, taken on a really bright day. Consequently the colours are not as vibrant, I don't think, as they could be.




Meadow Brown

One part of the garden was devoted to a sort of `wild area` and had many butterflies in it. It is a long time since I have seen so many butterflies in one small area.



Two images of Small Skipper.

Many events are hosted at Helmingham Hall, including Motor Shows and outdoor Cinema showings. The gardens are an obvious attraction and in winter, when the gardens are closed, a wander around the outer Deer Park is well worth the effort.


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Location: Helmingham Hall, Ipswich, IP14 6EF

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