Suffolk County Christmas Fair FAQ

Do I require a ticket?

Yes, the Suffolk County Christmas Fair is a ticketed event and tickets can be booked online in advance for a discount price. The advance ticket discount price ends at 23.59 on 20/11/2025, after which tickets can still be purchased online, subject to availability but at a higher rate.

All tickets, including travel options must be booked online, there will be no payment on the gate. 

We operate on a time slot entry basis to help alleviate queues where possible and provide the most enjoyable experience for all visitors. Visitors must arrive at their selected travel method (shuttle bus, onsite parking etc) within their selected timeslot window but may stay at the event for as long as they wish.

Can I change my booked arrival timeslot?

Yes, you can change the time of your ticket up to 1 hour
before your arrival time; though only through the website (and subject to
availability of other timeslots on the day). Please note that tickets can only be swapped to other timeslots with availability on the same day and that are like for like in price. Peak tickets cannot be swapped to off peak  times, and vice versa. 

Please follow the below instructions:

  • Either log into your account or register using the email you used to purchase the tickets (if
    on a desktop this is likely to be to the right of your screen or if on a mobile at the bottom).
  • Go to ‘My Orders’
  • Locate the order you wish to change and click the hyperlink ‘CLICK HERE TO CHANGE YOUR SLOT’.
  • Select your new time from the calendar and click Save in the pop-up box.
  • Click Continue
  • You will receive a confirmation email with your updated tickets, or you can re-download them from your account. 

Is there a booking fee?

Yes, in order to cover payment and ticket processing fees a small booking fee of 80p is added per order.

Is there car parking at the venue?

To reduce traffic through Hintlesham village and keep queues to a minimum we encourage visitors to make use of and book one of the free shuttle services to the event from either Hadleigh town centre or Ipswich Park & Ride. 

For this reason we only have a limited amount of parking available at the venue, and a parking ticket must be booked online with your entrance tickets to be able to park on site. Parking is £5 per vehicle, or for visitors wishing to arrive within the last two hours of the event a parking ticket can be booked for free. 

Please note that parking is on grass which naturally can be uneven at times. Please take care when navigating the carpark.

Is there disabled parking at the venue?

Yes, a limited amount of Blue Badge parking is available close to the event entrance. A disabled parking ticket (free) must be booked when purchasing event tickets and your Blue Badge must be displayed upon entry.

Please note that disabled parking is on grass which naturally can be uneven at times. Please take care when navigating the carpark.

Alternatively, there are disabled parking bays at the Ipswich Park & Ride site, these are subject to availability on a first come basis. 

Where can I pick up the shuttle services from?

We have two locations available for the free shuttle bus services. Please make sure you select the correct shuttle ticket for everyone in your party if using this service. You will each be required to show a bus ticket to board (this is separate to your entrance ticket).
 

IPSWICH PARK & RIDE – London Road, Ipswich IP8 3TQ

HADLEIGH BUS STATION – Magdalen Road, Hadleigh IP7 5EZ

 

 

Is there parking at the Ipswich shuttle site?

Yes, there is a large hard-standing carpark and visitors using this location will be able to park there for free and board one of our buses for free (you must book a shuttle ticket for every person in your party when booking your separate entrance tickets). 
 
 

Is there parking at the Hadleigh shuttle site?

The Hadleigh shuttle service is intended for use by visitors who live in Hadleigh and can travel to the pick up point on foot or by public transport. 
Paid parking in local Hadleigh car parks is extremely limited and usually at capacity on weekends, and we are not in control of these locations so it is advised not to travel to this site by car (please book the Ipswich park & ride location instead). Please do not park in local roads, as this makes access difficult for residents and we may not be able to provide this free service in future if traffic problems occur in the town centre.  

How often do shuttle buses run?

The shuttle buses run approximately every 10 minutes from both the Ipswich & Hadleigh pick up points to Hintlesham Hall and back again. 

The first bus from the pick up points to Hintlesham Hall board at 1.30pm on Friday and 9.30am on Saturday & Sunday.

The last bus from Hintlesham Hall to the drop off points leaves at approximately 8.30pm on Friday, 6.30pm on Saturday & 5.30pm on Sunday. 

How long are the shuttle service journeys?

The journey time from either location to the venue is approximately 10 minutes. 

Is the event wheelchair friendly?

We want everyone that attends our events to have a positive experience and try to make them as accessible as feasibly possible. 

The shuttle buses are wheelchair friendly and drop off directly at the ticket checkpoint at the entrance to the event. 
The event is all on one level and we create tracked pathways across grass areas, where this allows and the shopping marquees all have hard flooring with an access ramp on one of the entrances.  
However, the existing main pathways that run throughout the grounds are all gravel, which can be problematic for some wheelchair users, especially those with a smaller wheel width. If you usually find gravel difficult, we would regrettably not recommend you attending the event for your own comfort.
 

Do you offer a discount for carers?

Yes, carers can gain free entry to the Suffolk County Christmas Fair when accompanying the ticket holder that they care for.

Carers are required to book a carer ticket and may be asked to show eligibility at the gate. 

Are dogs permitted at the event?

The Suffolk County Christmas Fair is a dog friendly event and some of our stalls are also aimed at your four-legged friends.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, however they must be kept on a short lead at all times.

Although we are allowing dogs to enter the shopping marquees, please be mindful that this is a busy event and even the most laid-back dog can become overwhelmed in crowded environments. For this reason, we reserve the right to stop allowing dogs into the marquees if we feel necessary for their comfort and safety.

Dogs are not permitted into Hintlesham Hall tearoom. 

Will food & drink be available?

Yes, a wide variety of quality food and drink options will be available to enjoy on site. Get in the Christmas spirit with festive tipples, warming hot drinks, German sausages, roasted chestnuts and delicious, sweet treats plus a selection of high quality food stalls.

The Hintlesham Hall Lounge will also be open, serving refreshments and light lunches.

Will Father Christmas be attending?

Father Christmas will be making appearances at regular intervals on all three days of the Suffolk County Christmas Fair.

He will be walking around the event, talking to visitors and posing for photo opportunities. If you need help finding him during your visit, please ask a steward, who will be able to help locate him. 

There is no Santa’s Grotto, or individual family visits to Santa at this event.

If you have a question that you do not see answered here or on our event information page please feel free to send us an email tickets@county-events.co.u