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.
An Invitation to a Summer Evening at Heveningham Hall, with talk by renowned garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd
On Monday 22nd June from 4.45 to 7pm, join us for a special summer evening with exclusive access to the private walled garden at Heveningham Hall, featuring a talk by the renowned garden designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd.
Over the past 30 years, the current owners have lovingly restored Heveningham Hall and its grounds, including the Grade I listed mansion. Arabella contributed to the design of the remarkable walled garden with its serpentine wall, where the event will be hosted. The estate sits within the historic Capability Brown parkland and has been carefully enhanced in collaboration with contemporary landscape architect Kim Wilkie.
Arabella Lennox-Boyd will share insights from her distinguished international career, spanning public commissions and private estates around the world, as well as her multiple RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals.
The evening will include champagne and strawberries, time to explore and enjoy the beautiful walled garden, and the opportunity to socialise with members and friends of SPS in a truly exceptional setting.
- Heveningham Hall, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 0PN
- Monday 22nd June, champagne & strawberries from 4.45pm, talk at 5.15pm, followed by further drinks & canapes, event closes at 7pm
- Tickets: £35 members, £45 non-members. Please book your ticket in advance.
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.