Glemham Hall: The Elizabethan Stately Home Between Our Two Barges

If you go down to one of our Barges for Rent today, you’re in for a historic surprise. Specifically, you’ll be ten minutes from Glemham Hall, an Elizabethan stately home set inside of 300 acres of parkland. With house tours allowing the public to investigate the rumours of its haunted staircase, and the gardens of this red brick mansion being open to the public, Glemham also plays host to an annual folk festival that makes it a fantastic spot to discover when in Suffolk.

Built around 1560 by the De Glemhams, a family that prospered greatly in the Tudor period, the hall was passed down through plenty of generations before being sold in the early 18th century to Francis North, the 2nd Baron Guilford. Under the tenure of the North family, Glemham underwent significant major structural changes that brought it into the modern day – by which we mean the Georgian period, obviously. Traces of this structural upgrade can still be found when gazing at the Hall’s facade today.    

At the end of the century, plans for the park were drawn up by Humphry Repton, a man widely considered to be the “last great English landscape designer of the 18th century”. Showcasing his extraordinary ability to create a memorable environment, the parkland remains one of the most impressive places to gather in Suffolk.  

When it comes to experiencing the house and gardens for yourself, you can either book a guided tour or attend one of the many events that take place at Glemham Hall each year. Perhaps the most exciting of these events is the annual FolkEast festival that takes place across three days in August. From standout folk acts to workshops and a unique Art Arcade, FolkEast has become one of the most unmissable events on the Suffolk calendar. 

To conclude then, Glemham Hall Suffolk is an iconic Elizabethan country estate nestled in Little Glemham, near Woodbridge. This magnificent hall estate is renowned for its history, charm, and versatile use as a wedding venue and event space. Owned by the Cobbold family, including notable figures like Major Philip Hope Cobbold and Captain John Murray Cobbold (associated with Ipswich Town Football Club), the estate has long been a hub of cultural and historical significance.

Visitors to Glemham Hall are often captivated by its Grade I listed architecture, complete with elegant reception rooms and domestic offices that reflect its storied past. Originally built by the de Glemham family and later passed to Sir Henry Glemham, the hall remains a beloved landmark of the region.

The Glemham Hall Estate is well-known for hosting a variety of events, including the Folkeast Music Festival and The Classics at Glemham Car Show. These popular gatherings celebrate everything from music to car shows, drawing visitors from across the country. Whether attending the Glemham Hall Car Show or exploring the grounds during one of the many Glemham Hall events, guests can enjoy a rich blend of history and entertainment.

With connections to Strutt Parker, the estate’s legacy continues to thrive, offering unique opportunities for those with an eye on properties like Glemham Hall for sale. The owner may want to continue the hall’s tradition of hosting events and sharing its grandeur with the public. Its lodge cottage and sprawling grounds further highlight its versatility as both a wedding venue and a central feature of the Little Glemham Hall community.

For anyone interested in heritage, the Glemham family, or the artistic and social history of Suffolk, Glemham Hall Little Glemham Woodbridge is a must-visit destination. It’s a place where the past meets the present, reflecting the hard work and vision that so many have worked so hard to achieve.

To visit Glemham Hall as part of your holiday, or to enjoy the festival, be sure to take a look at our Barges for rent now to view our current availability.