Wyken Vineyards

When	Days	Hours
Wyken Gardens, Woodland Walk and Vineyard	Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun	13:00–17:30

Vineyard, gardens and woodland walk are closed Saturdays (though the vineyard can still be seen from Wyken Road). The wider estate - Leaping Hare Restaurant and Shop, plus a Saturday farmers market - keeps separate, broader hours (Wed-Sun 9am-5pm, farmers market Sat 9am-1pm) but that is not the vineyard/garden walk itself.

Opening hours can change for private events - it's always worth checking the vineyard's website before you visit.

What's the vibe?

Wyken Vineyards offers a distinctive experience, blending rustic Suffolk countryside charm with sophisticated dining and shopping, creating a lively and creative atmosphere.

Restaurant & Café: Wyken Vineyards is home to the renowned Leaping Hare Restaurant, housed in a beautifully converted medieval barn, serving seasonal modern British dishes made with estate-reared meats and kitchen garden produce. Lunch is served Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm, with dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:45pm. Booking is recommended for lunch and highly recommended for dinner. A café operates throughout the day from 9am, serving breakfast, a lunch menu, and cakes and scones in the afternoon - no booking required for the café.

Opening Hours: The restaurant and café are open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm, with dinner service on Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Vineyard Tours: Guided vineyard tours run from April to September, lasting approximately one hour and followed by a tasting of two still wines, a sparkling wine, and the estate's gin. Pre-booking is required; tours cost from £25 per person. Private tours for groups of 12 or more can be arranged at any time of year - contact the vineyard directly for availability.

Events: A popular Farmers' Market takes place on site every Saturday morning, from 9am to 1pm.

Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in the gardens, restaurant, or café.

Children: Children are very welcome. High chairs are available, and families can explore the estate's gardens and woodland walks.

Note: For the most up-to-date specific opening times and tour availability, it is advisable to check the Wyken Vineyards website directly.

Wyken Vineyards, established in 1988, cultivates seven acres of south-facing slopes on sandy loam over chalk - a site with roots going back to a Roman vineyard - producing an average of 12,000 bottles annually. The estate grows Bacchus, Pinot Noir, Auxerrois, and Madeleine Angevine, with the Pinot Noir and Auxerrois grapes forming the basis of their sparkling wine, Wyken Moonshine. Still wines include Wyken Bacchus and Wyken Pink rosé, and the estate also produces its own gin and Good Dog Ale.

Their wines have received notable recognition; Wyken Moonshine was named East Anglian Wine of the Year in 2017, and Wyken Bacchus has taken both East Anglian Wine of the Year and English Wine of the Year honours, as well as Best East Anglian Wine in 2013.

Wyken Vineyards demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. Much of the meat served in their restaurant, such as venison, hogget, pork, and game, is reared on the estate, and vegetables and herbs are harvested from their kitchen garden. The estate primarily uses solar panels for electricity and firewood from rotational coppice for heating. The Leaping Hare Restaurant has earned a 5-star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and has received the Michelin Green Initiative Award for the past two years, highlighting its dedication to eco-friendly practices. The vineyard has its own winery on-site, contributing to the farm-to-plate vision.

By Car: Wyken Vineyards is located at Wyken Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP31 2DW. It is situated in the Suffolk countryside, less than half an hour's drive from Bury St Edmunds.

By Public Transport: The nearest bus stops are Blackbourne Middle School and Memorial in Stanton, both requiring approximately a 70-minute walk to the vineyard. Bus lines 304, 338, and 73 serve these stops. Due to the rural location and walking distance, a taxi from Bury St Edmunds town centre or a car is generally recommended for convenience.

Book train tickets in advance via Trainline.

• Other Vineyards:
  • Giffords Hall Vineyard: A family-owned vineyard about 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, offering tours and tastings of their sparkling and still wines.
  • Burnt House Vineyard: Also around 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds, with a cellar door and tasting room for their sparkling and still wines.
• Notable Restaurants:
  • Pea Porridge: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Bury St Edmunds, known for its focus on seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking.
  • 1921 Angel Hill: Located in Bury St Edmunds, this restaurant offers modern British cuisine.
• Notable Hotels:
  • The Abbey Hotel & Apartments: Situated in the historical district of Bury St Edmunds, offering comfortable accommodation with a garden.
  • All Saints Resort: A golf hotel near Bury St Edmunds featuring a spa, health club, and indoor pool.
• Notable Attractions:
  • Abbey Gardens: Beautiful formal gardens in Bury St Edmunds, surrounding the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund.
  • Pakenham Watermill: A historic working watermill located near the vineyard, offering a glimpse into rural heritage.