Secrets of the mystical woodland await
Hidden within ancient woods, four magical creatures call to all young explorers. Each offering a unique adventure to embark upon, full of mystery and wonder…
Are you ready to step inside?
Opening Times
We're Closed!
Thursday 16 July 2026
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Opening dates
Saturday & Sundays
27th June – 31st October
Summer holidays
20th July – 28th August
October half term
26th October – 30th October
GETTING HERE
BY CAR
We’re just off the A140 between Ipswich and Norwich, follow signs for Helmingham and the B1078. We have free on-site parking, including priority spaces for blue badge holders.
BY TRAIN
The nearest train stations are Stowmarket, Needham Market and Ipswich, from there it’s a 20-minute taxi to Helmingham. Book your return taxi in advance in case of poor signal.
BY FOOT
Guildenacre can be accessed via the surrounding public footpaths in and around Helmingham. Remember that public footpaths may become muddy in wet weather, so wellies are recommended.
Ticket Pricing
Advance Tickets
(Booked before the day of your visit)
Ticket Type Price
Adult £8.00
Child (5+) £11.50
Child (3–4) £6.00
Child (2 and under) FREE
On-the-Day Tickets
(Booked on the day of your visit)
Adult £9.50
Child (5+) £13.00
Child (3–4) £7.50
Child (2 and under) FREE
Please note: On-the-day tickets are subject to availability. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred date and time and to benefit from our lower advance ticket prices.
New adventures await you
Sustainably built, and designed to fully immerse visitors in a magical story of woodland creatures, Guildenacre will reconnect you with nature, whatever your age. As well as the play equipment, you’ll find there are imaginative and educational tasks scattered around the area, to give you a new love for the flora and fauna that makes its home on the Helmingham estate.
The Guardians of Guildenacre
Deep in the middle of a whispering forest, where golden leaves dance in the breeze, stands a tree as old as time. It’s called the Whispering Oak. And it has a very big secret.
The Whispering Oak glows with magic. It keeps the forest happy and growing. But sometimes, the forest needs help. So the Whispering Oak calls its Guardians….
and now it is time to meet those Guardians.
Meet VEX the Vixen
Vex the Vixen is fast and clever. She sneaks, she scouts, and she seeks. When something is hiding, Vex is the one who finds it! Whilst Vex may be quick, you’ll often see her golden tail as she flashes past, she calls her home The Ember Den.
[Click the arrows to meet the next Guardian]
Meet EIRA the Owl
Eira the Owl watches from The Canopy Keep. She sees far, far away—even in the dark! When the forest has a question, Eira is the one who knows the answer. Eira’s powers are in her golden eyes, her home is high up in The Canopy Keep.
[Click the arrows to meet the next Guardian]
Meet FLINT the Badger
Flint the Badger is big and strong. He digs safe tunnels for small animals to hide. When he stomps, the ground rumbles! But he’s kind and always takes care of others. Flint’s powers come from his golden stripes, his home is Flint’s Hollow.
[Click the arrows to meet the next Guardian]
Meet ATLAS the Stag
Atlas the Stag has golden antlers that shine. He walks gently and listens to the wind. Atlas hears what the trees whisper, and he helps them stay strong. Atlas and his golden antlers can be found in The Elderglade.
[Click the arrows to meet the next Guardian]
