Grand Estate

Was it what! We went to Ickworth Estate, near Bury St Edmonds, where they have miles and miles of lovely grounds. Some are well maintained gardens, while others are beautiful tracks through english woodlands. We were lucky enough to see some wild red deer, the spotted deer too and of course heaps of sheep. We took the 3.5 mile walk though there are a number of others, the longest being 7 miles. I believe my favorite spot would have to be the wooded area were we found a carpet of snow drops on the forest floor, just the sweetest little bulbs.



During our walk we went along a lovely river, though at some spots could be considered a creek. We looked over a walled kitchen garden which was created in the early 18th century. There was a lovely old church, though not in use anymore. The place was created by the fourth Earl of Bristol, Frederick Hervey 1730-1803. The rotunda found near the old church was based on the designs of Mario Asprucci, an Italian architect, the architects who adapted the design and oversaw construction were Francis Sandys and his brother Joseph Sandys. Begun for the eccentric 4th Earl of Bristol in 1795, the house was still unfinished when the Earl died in 1803 and was completed by the 5th Earl of Bristol (later 1st Marquess of Bristol).



The Grand place also has the usual of tourist type shop and a very nice restaurant overlooking the gardens. We stopped in for a hot chocolate, of course and then had our picnic of custard filled Croissants, sandwiches, chocolate and sweeties, oh and some fruit for good measure.