Kentwell Hall Summary

• Address: Long Melford, CO10 9BA (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1787 310207
• Fax: +44 (0)1787 379318
• Owner: Patrick Phillips Esq
• Administrator: The Estate Office
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Kentwell Hall website

Kentwell is not a stately home stuffed with museum pieces - this is a lived-in house full of interest and vitality, which exudes a strong sense of history. It has been the cherished home of Patrick and Judith Phillips and their family since 1971, and is one of the most remarkable private restoration projects of the age. Works still continue so that there is always something new to see.

Stroll through the house with its working Tudor Kitchen and magnificent Hall with Minstrels' Gallery. See the imaginative way the Phillips' have decorated, furnished and equipped the main rooms in the House.

You can compare and contrast how in some parts they have accentuated the original Tudor; whereas elsewhere it has clearly and idiosyncratically become very much their own home. Also puzzle over the exquisite Tudor Rose Maze in the Courtyard, and admire the part-timbered Moat House, an original service building of circa 1500 with Dairy, Bakehouse, Brewhouse and Solar.

Or why not wander in the enchanting gardens, marvel at the Camera Obscura, muse at the quaint shapes and creations of the Phillips' Topiary practised on ancient yews and box, and take a leisurely walk around the carp-filled Moats or shady Woodland Walks? And finally don’t forget to explore the Farm with its Rare Breed farm animals, or treat yourself to some tasty home-made refreshment.

Kentwell's Re-Creations:

Kentwell started its Re-Creations in the late 1970s to show everyday domestic life at this great House at chosen dates in the Tudor period, when Kentwell was built and had its heyday. Recently there have also been Re-Creations of life during WWII to re-create a time when Kentwell was requisitioned by the Army.

Now there are more than ever, the biggest is the Great Annual Re-Creation of Tudor Life which runs for three weeks in June/July. The scale of the other Re-Creations varies but no matter what its size, each strives for the same degree of authenticity.

Whatever the year, their aim is to bring the period to life through the dress, speech, activities, historical events and atmosphere of the time. Keen to offer interesting events throughout the year Kentwell has in recent years introduced "Scaresville - a sight for a fright!" in October, their award winning Halloween experience, guaranteed to set the heart racing and make you scream. Not for the faint-hearted!

More recently Kentwell has also added a "Victorian Christmas" offering all the family enjoyment and fun in the run up to Christmas, with a Victorian Christmas household, Dickens' readings and a traditional Father Christmas. For more details, including the different prices that they charge for their Special Events, do visit their Website.

Weddings, Private and Corporate Functions:

Kentwell Hall makes a spectacular, prestigious and highly memorable location for any event. There is a choice of handsome rooms of various sizes inside the Hall. Kentwell has its own selection of tents and pavilions, while larger ones can be hired. All can be used in conjunction with the Hall.

The Overcroft, in the nearbly Stableyard is a huge timber framed space which can accommodate large numbers for meetings, functions and fairs of all sorts. Kentwell offers a peaceful and tranquil sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They can provide full catering for any occasion, and can accommodate any number from twelve for a Grand Private Dinner to up to several hundred using the Overcroft or Gardens and Marquees.

Opening Times - 2011

• 1st April - 11th October: 11 am - 5 pm
• Please see their Website for details of opening dates

Admission Prices - 2011

House, Garden and Farm:

• Adult - £9.95
• Child - £6.50
• Seniors - £8.80

Gardens & Farm Only:

• Adult - £7.00
• Child - £4.70
• Seniors - £6.15

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Kentwell Hall

Mary Sparkes (13 January 2012)

My husband and I used to reenact in the Civil War Society and spent two weeks at Kentwell in 1981 on a living history fortnight, this was the year before we got married. It is often talked about by us to our two daughters and now four grandchildren! Very memorable experience, well worth doing if you can. It was a lovely setting and that was back then, no doubt even more stunning now, good luck to you all there.

Bob Atkin (15 August 2010)

We were warmly greeted by the lady at the entrance. We were pleasantly intrigued by Kentwell as it is very much a lived in home and not an art gallery or museum where everything is meticulously placed! It was nice to be able to take photographs inside the building too, a rare luxury these days at most stately homes. We visited Houghton Hall in Norfolk the previous day and must say we enjoyed Kentwell far more. The restoration being undertaken by the Phillips family is good to see and great credit is due to them for their tireless work in saving this magnificent building for future generations.

See more reviews of Kentwell Hall

Additional Info for Kentwell Hall

• Gardens
• Groups
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Accommodation
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Haunted
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

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