Gainsborough's House
Gainsborough's House
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Gainsborough’s House explores the life and art of Thomas Gainsborough. One of the greatest artists of his age, he is renowned throughout the world for his portrait and landscape paintings. The house, ‘a most excellent Brickt Mansion,’ was bought by John Gainsborough, the artist’s father, in May 1722. Thomas Gainsborough (1727-88) was born in Sudbury and was baptized there at the Independent Meeting-House in Friars Street on 14 May 1727. He lived here until around 1740 when, as a young teenager, he was sent to London to pursue a career as an artist. He returned to Sudbury in the spring of 1749 until 1752 when he painted his celebrated Mr and Mrs Andrews. He never lost the influence of his native town and county. ‘Nature was his teacher, and the woods of Suffolk his academy,’ noted an obituary after his death in 1788.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
268 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
104
Average
28
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Steve S
Eastbourne, UK15 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The museum is much larger than apparent from its roadside frontage. It seamlessly combines the original house which the artist lived in with a large modern extension. Interesting collection of paintings and etchings with rooms containing period items as well as those relating to Gainsborough. The guides were very helpful in explaining any questions we had, but even if the guides are not present, detailed information sheets cover all the major items. Worth paying extra to see the Camera Obscura which is locate on the top floor giving panoramic views of the town. And to finish off the tea room in the courtyard serves excellent cakes and real leaf tea.
Written April 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
West Malling, UK42 contributions
Mar 2023
Having visited Gainsborough’s House before the very extensive refurbishment and extension we were pleased to pay a return visit now the exhibition is so much bigger. A wonderful experience with knowledgeable people on hand on each floor to fill in extra information. One small point is although there are lifts there were very few chairs available and which meant I had to cut my visit a little short as my back would not hold out long enough to see everything. Even with a break in the very pleasant coffee shop there was too much time spent standing for me personally to gain the best out of my visit.
Written March 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann W
13 contributions
Nov 2022
The newly refurbished and reopened house/museum and galleries are an absolute delight. The house is full of period atmosphere (the 18th century background music adds to this). The two art galleries are full of gorgeous paintings. One is dedicated to Gainsbourgh's work; the other hosts temporary visiting items. When I visited it was displaying works by 19th and 20th century Flemish artists. The exhibits are extremely well-explained, by audio guide, written captions or a picture sheet. This last method is particularly good as it negates the need for viewers to huddle around the artworks and block them for others. The staff were all very approachable and knowledgeable and the buildings' designs and materials are most attractive. The gift shop has beautiful items. And, as a final treat, the cafe provided an imaginative menu served by very attentive staff.
Written November 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CambridgeKev
Cambridge, UK197 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
This was our first visit back to the museum since the substantial redevelopment.
What a beautiful display opportunity and what an exceptional range of exhibits
What a disappointment that they are not presented in an intelligible format.
The paintings are displayed in multiple rooms that have a key to the exhibits based on a description using compass points eg the north wall left to right or south wall left to right etc.
The problem is that the laminated sheets provided in each area to describe the exhibits bear little resemblance to the displays on the wall.
I have A1 eyesight and the tiny pictures used to present the paintings are difficult to see in the subdued lighting and a number of the paintings do not exist or have been moved since these sheets were produced.
An annoying sentence at the base of each sheet states something to the effect that booklets describing the exhibits will be produced when the museum opens.
It is open and these are not available.
This is an excellent facility with an incredible collection of historic paintings. If you want to wander around and stare in amazement at the beautiful art, the museum is not to be missed.
However, if you want to read and learn about each exhibit don’t expect to enjoy the challenge of interpreting the confusing and out of date information sheets available in each room to guide you.
What a beautiful display opportunity and what an exceptional range of exhibits
What a disappointment that they are not presented in an intelligible format.
The paintings are displayed in multiple rooms that have a key to the exhibits based on a description using compass points eg the north wall left to right or south wall left to right etc.
The problem is that the laminated sheets provided in each area to describe the exhibits bear little resemblance to the displays on the wall.
I have A1 eyesight and the tiny pictures used to present the paintings are difficult to see in the subdued lighting and a number of the paintings do not exist or have been moved since these sheets were produced.
An annoying sentence at the base of each sheet states something to the effect that booklets describing the exhibits will be produced when the museum opens.
It is open and these are not available.
This is an excellent facility with an incredible collection of historic paintings. If you want to wander around and stare in amazement at the beautiful art, the museum is not to be missed.
However, if you want to read and learn about each exhibit don’t expect to enjoy the challenge of interpreting the confusing and out of date information sheets available in each room to guide you.
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonathan S
14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Exquisite exhibition of Gainsboroughs, showing off all his skills with the relationship between flesh and fabric, esp lace. And of course those skies of his - raw sienna pinks and golden ochre (the latter also used as a glaze/background with blue silk). And those lovely sketchy, blue-green trees. Beautiful Reynolds upstairs in the charming family house. Friendly staff.
Written April 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
135SophieB
Brussels, Belgium21 contributions
Apr 2023
Lovely museum with a surprisingly diverse collection (not only Gainsborough but also other artists) of paintings, furniture, Sudbury silk and other artefacts. The house itself is beautiful and the renovation is stunning (though I didn't visit the exhibition in the new wing so cannot comment on that part). Friendly staff who gave a lot of additional information.
The cafe and gift shop were excellent.
The cafe and gift shop were excellent.
Written April 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lindaadd
Suffolk, UK444 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
First visit here, although lived here many years. Decided to give it a look following the refurb. It was much bigger and busier than I anticipated. I would say it is a museum about Suffolk rather than Gainsborough. There are several room, one of which is dedicated to the town’s artist. There is also a room for Constance and Cecil Morris. There is another room about the history of the silk industry.
The price is about right without the added exhibition. We did pay to see the current Flanders’s exhibition but with hindsight I would give this a miss
I would have liked to have seen a concessions tariff too
The building is beautiful and clean. There are numerous toilet facilities and a lift so all can visit and view, budget allowing
The price is about right without the added exhibition. We did pay to see the current Flanders’s exhibition but with hindsight I would give this a miss
I would have liked to have seen a concessions tariff too
The building is beautiful and clean. There are numerous toilet facilities and a lift so all can visit and view, budget allowing
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandyPandora
Harpenden, UK913 contributions
Mar 2023
We purchased tickets on the day of our visit and opted for house, galleries and exhibition. We started in the galleries (after a trip to the cafe), which are on three floors (in the world's slowest elevator!). Loved the room on the top floor with the huge window and view of the Suffolk countryside. We then visited the house. There are information sheets in each room.
There is a lovely cafe (Watering Place Cafe) on site overlooking the garden. Time your visit as the cafe gets busy. The jacket potatoes are really good.
There is also a good two-room gift shop selling a variety of products, some of it locally made. There are some beautiful things to buy.
The closest car park is the small Stour Street car park if you can get a space. It's a few minutes' walk down the road.
There is a lovely cafe (Watering Place Cafe) on site overlooking the garden. Time your visit as the cafe gets busy. The jacket potatoes are really good.
There is also a good two-room gift shop selling a variety of products, some of it locally made. There are some beautiful things to buy.
The closest car park is the small Stour Street car park if you can get a space. It's a few minutes' walk down the road.
Written April 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony
Chelmsford, UK49 contributions
Sep 2021
I took an old friend to see Gainsborough’s House are we were passing through Sudbury. We found the staff to be welcoming and friendly and were able to answer all questions we posed them. It was a delight to see Gainsborough’s artworks up close and walk through the house he inhabited. All together a worthwhile visit.
Written September 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
F1LoverAnn
Louth, UK240 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
This is a good place to visit. Loads of Thomas Gainsborough pictures on view, and some Constables. The museum at the back of the house is good, the shop is good, and the cafe is good. The birthplace house is excellent. I would visit the place again. The staff are very helpful and informative.
Written April 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
judith414
Shrewsbury, UK3 contributions
what is the entry fee
Christine W
London, UK109 contributions
Basic entry fee is £7 or £16 for a family ticket. Friends and Art Fund Members are free.
Gainsborough's House (Sudbury) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Gainsborough's House
- Gainsborough's House is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Gainsborough's House:
- (0.07 mi) The Lady Elizabeth Hotel
- (0.14 mi) The Angel With Rooms
- (0.19 mi) The Mill Hotel
- (0.16 mi) FRIARS RETREAT, family friendly in Sudbury
- (0.16 mi) FRIARS RETREAT, characterful, Sudbury
- Restaurants near Gainsborough's House:
- (0.01 mi) The Watering Place
- (0.02 mi) Painters Café - Sudbury
- (0.04 mi) David's of Sudbury
- (0.09 mi) The Secret Garden
- (0.04 mi) Lydia Turkish Kitchen
Gainsborough's House Information
Excellent Reviews | 124 |
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Very Good Reviews | 103 |
Gainsborough's House Photos | 61 |