Membership offers

Gainsborough’s House – 10% discount on entry price plus up to 3 children go free

Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury combines the childhood home of Thomas Gainsborough – a Grade I-listed eighteenth-century Merchant house and garden – with exhibition galleries. Gainsborough (1727–88) is one of Britain’s greatest artists and his birthplace and childhood home is a national asset. The house was opened to the public in 1961 to promote the wider knowledge, appreciation and enjoyment of the art of Thomas Gainsborough and to preserve and enhance the house and its collections for the benefit of present and future generations.

In 2019, Gainsborough’s House embarked on a major capital redevelopment which has transformed the site with a new three-storey exhibition wing, a study area, improved print workshop, a new cafe, shop, and office spaces as well as the full restoration of the Georgian townhouse.

Helmingham Hall – 2 for 1 entry offer

This spectacular 16th century moated brick manor house has been home to the Tollemache family for centuries. The Hall remains a private residence but the stunning gardens are open to the public every day during summer. In this beautiful and tranquil setting, Chelsea Gold Medallist Lady Xa Tollemache has created a garden of both elegance and complexity. With a tea room, ice cream parlour and shop, not to mention the picturesque St. Mary’s Church on the edge of the park, there is plenty at Helmingham for visitors of all ages. SPS members can take advantage of 2 for 1 entry throughout the season, not including special event days. .

Layer Marney Tower – 2 for 1 entry offer

Layer Marney Tower is a Tudor Palace in Essex, built as a statement house by Henry, 1st Lord Marney, Henry VIII’s Lord Privy Seal. It was built in the 1520s to the height of fashion, much to Henry VIII’s delight.

The Palace was never finished as Henry Marney died in 1523 and his son two years later. The front facade and stable block (now the Long Gallery) were built and still stand today; the tower is England’s tallest Tudor gatehouse. Wander the gardens, climb the tower, enjoy the exhibitions and view the Marney family effigy tombs in the church. There is a tea room, shop and play area.

Little Hall, Lavenham – 2 for 1 entry

Built in the 1390s, Little Hall is the only example of domestic medieval architecture open to the public in Lavenham. The seven fully furnished rooms give a fascinating insight into domestic life over the past half a millennium. It was restored by twin brothers, the Gayer-Andersons, in the 1920s and 30s. Keen artists and collectors, their eclectic collection of antiques, pictures and porcelain remains on display. Little Hall is complemented by a traditional walled garden and its central location means that it is easy to explore the rest of Lavenham on foot.

Pakenham Water Mill – 2 for 1 entry

A short hop from Bury St Edmunds, this imposing  18th century building sits in an idyllic rural setting on its beautiful millpond. As well as the magnificent sight of the mill itself in action, there is a programme of special events on Sundays. Ample parking, a tearoom,  gift shop and guided tours on request are also available. So, whether you have a passion for engineering, want to stock up on baking supplies or simply enjoy a slice of cake while your children feed the swans, why not step back in time and sample a thousand years of history this Summer?

Raveningham Hall estate and gardens – 2 for 1 entry

Raveningham Hall is a traditional rural estate in South Norfolk, home to the Bacon family since 1735. Its glorious gardens include an Edwardian rose garden, an 18th century walled kitchen garden, a fine Victorian range of glasshouses, a stocked conservatory and melon pits – all in working order – as well as contemporary sculptures to enjoy. A Millennium project to build a lake on the north side of the house is now firmly established, as is an arboretum that was planted after the destruction of the 1987 gale. 

Thelnetham Windmill – 2 for 1 entry

Standing on the edge of the fens and dating from 1819, Thelnetham Mill is one of only four preserved tower mills in Suffolk. Having undergone decades of painstaking restoration by volunteers it is now open to the public on a number of specific dates from April to September. Guided tours are offered and, weather permitting, the sails will be turning, with stone-ground flour available to purchase. The mechanically inclined will appreciate the vintage Ruston and Hornby diesel engine on display and outside there is a new granary building and adjacent wildflower meadow to enjoy.  The nearby Thelnetham Fen Nature Reserve is a beautiful remnant of the wetland landscape which once swept along this valley and is free to visit to round off your trip.