For 2026, we have an exciting calendar of events planned that showcase the best of our county. Including talks by Suffolk-based authors, visits to unique and unusual heritage attractions, exclusive access to private houses, and engaging activities with experts in their field who call Suffolk home – there is something for everyone. Find out more below, including links on how to book.
A Private Tour of Columbine Hall, a historic moated manor house, restored by the owner, with beautiful landscaped gardens
On Wednesday 16th September, from 2.30pm to 5pm, join us for a private tour of Columbine Hall and its beautiful landscaped gardens, followed by afternoon tea.
Hew Stevenson and his late wife, Leslie Geddes-Brown, bought Columbine Hall in 1993 and it has been a labour of love over more than 30 years in restoring the house, the gardens and the landscape. Unlike National Trust houses, Columbine Hall is constantly evolving. The furniture in the house changes and the gardens have new schemes and new plants every year.
Kate Elliott came straight from school to become gardener at Columbine Hall in 1997 when she was sixteen. The garden was then in its infancy and she has developed it so well it has been awarded a star in The Good Gardens Guide. In 2009 Kate was one of the three shortlisted in Horticulture Week’s Professional Gardener of the Year Awards for her colour-themed walled vegetable garden project at Columbine. She is a member of the Professional Gardeners’ Guild and the Institute of Horticulture.
- Columbine Hall, Stowupland, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 4AT
- Wednesday 16th September, 2.30pm to 5pm, to include a tour of the manor house and grounds, followed by afternoon tea.
- Tickets: £25 members, £30 non-members. Please book your ticket in advance.