Heritage Britain

Places to Visit in Otley, Suffolk

Otley Hall, Otley

Otley Hall

Hall Lane
Otley
Suffolk
IP6 9PA
Tel: +44(0)1473 890264
Fax: +44(0)1473 890803
Email: click here
Otley Hall online: information and bookings

Otley Hall is a stunningly beautiful 16th century moated Hall. Still a family home, it is set in 10 acres of gardens in the tranquil Suffolk countryside, only 8 miles north of Ipswich.

A Grade 1 listed building, the house is a perfect example of unspoiled late medieval architecture. Particularly impressive are the Great Hall and Linenfold Parlour, both of which look out onto the Rose Garden. According to Farrer (Old Suffolk Houses, Vol. 6), these two rooms are unequalled in Suffolk.

A wealth of notable features includes a cross or screens passage, richly carved beams, superb Linenfold panelling, and 16th-century wall paintings celebrating the marriage in 1559 of Robert Gosnold III and Ursula Naunton. Outside, the lofty chimneys, herringbone brickwork and vineleaf pargetting, magnificent today, give a tantalising glimpse of an even more glorious past.

Otley Hall gardens was placed 6th in a poll recently undertaken by The Independent in the "Top 50 Best British Gardens to Visit" and came second in the 'gardens with significant architecture' category.

Otley Hall welcomes groups and individuals by appointment all year round for private guided tours of the House and Gardens. A fully trained historic guide will accompany you on your tour to share interesting and intriguing knowledge and facts about the Otley Hall gardens.

In addition, there are historically accurate recreations designed by Sylvia Landsberg, author of The Medieval Garden. These include an orchard, a herber, and a knot garden.   

With their exquisite blend of wild and cultivated terrain, the 10 acres of gardens at Otley Hall provide a feast for the senses. They include parts of an important design by Francis Inigo Thomas (1866-1950), featuring an H-canal, nutteries, croquet lawn, rose garden and moat walk.

Otley Hall, Otley

Facilities
• Historic House
• Gardens
• Tea Room
• Picnic Area
• Car Park
• Private Group Tours
• School Tours Available

Weddings and Conferences
WEDDINGS IN OTLEY, SUFFOLK
We know how important your wedding is to you. Here at Otley Hall we will provide you with a personal, friendly and professional service to make sure you have a lovely day to remember forever.

Otley Hall is a grade I listed historic house in Suffolk and has a long and distinguished history. It is situated in ten acres of gardens and is the perfect location for a dream wedding.

We are licenced to hold civil ceremonies and have three rooms licenced for this purpose.  The Great Hall with original 16th century features overlooks the rose and croquet lawns and can hold 60.  The Gosnold Suite, adjacent to the main building also holds 60, and the Linenfold Parlour, lined with superb linenfold wood panelling is perfect for more intimate occassions and holds 25.  We welcome civil marriages, civil partnerships, marriage blessings and naming ceremonies.

Further Information
OPEN DAYS AND EVENTS
Otley Hall holds 3 public Open Days per year on the Sundays of the bank holiday weekends in May and August. Dates for 2011 are Sundays May 1st & 29th and August 28th. Open Days are a fun day out for all the family. The beautiful house and gardens are open for all to explore with our experienced guides on hand to give detailed information on the history of the hall. Attractions include Tudor dancers, archery on certain dates and children's activities. Refreshments are available. Admission costs £6 for adults and £3.00 for children and the days from from 1pm-5pm

Other events are held throughout the year including Shakespearean plays, ghost story evenings and Christmas tours. Please check the 'what's on' page of our website for more information.

In case of alteration, please check prices, opening times and any specific important information before booking or visiting

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