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Ipswich guide

Ipswich is Suffolk’s county town, and a place where life centres around the water.

Situated 10km inland on the banks of the River Orwell, Ipswich shares the same coastal lifestyle, maritime history and foodie culture as many of the Suffolk Coast’s most famous towns and villages.

Did you know?

Ipswich stands on the estuary of the river Orwell, about twelve miles from the sea. It is one of England’s oldest towns, with evidence of a Roman settlement in the area. Thomas Wolsey, better known as Cardinal Wolsey was born in Ipswich, before rising to power during the reign of Henry VIII. Actor Ralph Fiennes and director Trevor Nunn were also born in Ipswich.

Interestingly, Ipswich was one of the first towns in England to have gas powered street lights. In 2007 Ipswich was given the award for cleanest town.

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Location

Ipswich Highlights

1. Explore Ipswich's Waterfront

TTDA - Sailing Barge Victor - boat on water

No visit to Ipswich is complete without a stroll along the water’s edge, or an evening meal with a sunset view of the harbour at the Salthouse Eaterie. On Ipswich’s iconic waterfront, cafés and restaurants stand alongside galleries, shops and museums, while yachts and boats sail in and out of the marina. It’s a scene not dissimilar to Orford Quay, or Woodbridge’s riverside.

Whilst you're exploring the marina, hop on board the Sailing Barge Victor or the Orwell Lady and explore the River Orwell.

2. Dine on board the Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant

TTDA - Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant - boat

Experience stunning views of the River Orwell aboard the Allen Gardiner. As well as enjoying a fabulous meal every cruise includes an informative commentary on both the intriguing history that made this area, and the wildlife which now inhabits it.

3. Soak up the Suffolk Culture

TTDA - Christchurch Mansion - exterior

Ipswich has an ingrained love of the creative arts. Looking out over the marina is DanceEast, the visionary dance house that brings the world’s best dancers and shows to Ipswich. The John Russell Gallery stands on Ipswich’s iconic waterfront, while further inland you’ll find the best collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings outside of London at Christchurch Mansion; and the New Wolsey Theatre, where theatregoers can see anything from a West End show to a local production.

4. Discover Ipswich's Maritime History

Towns & Villages - Ipswich - Old Customs House

The Old Custom House is a reminder of a time when thousands of international traders would stop in Ipswich to register their imports, before unloading them to sell or sailing on to other towns further up the River Orwell. You can dip into Ipswich’s maritime past at the Window Museum, a regularly changing display that can be found on the waterfront between the Old Custom House and Stoke Quay.

5. Shop till' you Drop!

Towns & Villages - Ipswich - shops

Ipswich is home to a plethora of independent shops in its historic lanes of specialist, mixed in with all the top national brands.

Along the main high street you'll find a range of big names such as Marks & Spencer, Fat Face, H&M and Jack Wills. The cobbled streets which lead off from the high street arw home to fabulous independent shops including Just Essentials, Urban Vintage, Zeebra Chic, Music World and Rockafella Industries.

6. Give yourself a burst of adrenalin

TTDA - Anglia Indoor Karting - Track

Take the family to Anglia Indoor Karting with indoor racing karts and their professionally designed, exhilarating multi-level circuit, Anglia Indoor Karting brings the thrill of motorsport to all adrenaline-seekers!

The Karts are easy to drive, with no gears or clutch pedal – simply brake or accelerate! The fleet consists of kubz karts, cadet karts and adult karts.

There's a wide range of special events and offers; 'arrive and drive' sessions, 'kubz karting club', happy hour and 'access karting club' for those with limited mobility, learning difficulties, and other special requirements, among many other packages and events.

7. A Night at the Theatre

Red Rose Chain - Avenue Theatre

Creators of Theatre In The Forest at Sutton Hoo, East Anglia's largest outdoor theatre event, Red Rose Chain's creative venue The Avenue Theatre, has an exciting line up of Shakespeare, plays and family theatre. This summer, enjoy the magical 'Midsummer Night's Dream' running from 24 July - 24 August.

Useful Information

Public Conveniences and Baby Changing Facilities in Ipswich

Majors Corner IP4 2AS (Disabled facilities)

Chantry Park IP2 0BJ (Disabled facilities)

Norwich Road (Whitehouse Park) IP1 6JY

Gippeswyk Park IP2 9AA

Castle Hill Recreation Ground IP1 6NE

Dumbarton Road Recreation Ground IP4 3JN

Holywells Park IP3 8EJ (Disabled facilities and baby-changing)

Alexandra Park IP4 1NY (Disabled facilities)

Bourne Park (Gardens) IP2 8LF (Disabled facilities)

Bramford Lane Recreation Ground IP1 5JX

Christchurch Park - Reg Driver Visitors Centre IP4 2EE

Christchurch Park - Henley Road (Upper Arboretum) IP1 3SH (Disabled facilities)

Useful Links

For more information about Ipswich town, events, culture and history, please All About Ipswich website: www.allaboutipswich.com

Accessibility

Check out AccessAble's detailed access guides to Suffolk and work out if a place is going to be accessible to you.

The access guides cover multiple locations and venues across Suffolk, including places to stay, attractions, places to eat, stations, shops, trails and more.

The access guides are 100% facts, figures and photographs, checked by AccessAble's trained surveyors in person, people who know everyone's accessibility needs are different and understand how important it is for information to be detailed and accurate.

How to Get to Ipswich - Public Transport

With Suffolk on Board you can plan journeys using public transport from and to a town or village, named station or stop, or point of interest.

As many destinations along the Suffolk coast are rural there can be limited public transport services on many routes, but there are journey solutions through various local community transport services that will get you to where you want to go/your final destination. These tend to need to be booked in advance but you can find out more and plan your journey at Suffolk on Board.

By Bus: Good local bus services available plus national coach services too.

Timetables can be found at www.ipswichbuses.co.uk

By Rail: Ipswich is on the main London – Norwich line. Local services also up to Lowestoft. Greater Anglia operates frequent train services .

All train tickets can be purchased via the Greater Anglia Website or the app.

Car Parks in Ipswich

Athena Hall Car Park, Wykes Bishop Street, Ipswich IP3 0DT - 94 spaces including 4 blue badge

Bond Street, Ipswich IP4 1JE - 20 spaces

Cromwell Square, Ipswich IP1 1UP - 64 spaces

Crown Car Park, Charles Street, Ipswich IP1 3JG - 236 spaces including 12 disabled bays

Fore Street Car ParkStar Lane, Ipswich IP4 1J - 30 spaces

Great Gipping Street Car Park, Portman Road, Ipswich IP1 2BS - 132 spaces

New Portman Road Car Park, Portman Road, Ipswich IP1 2BP - 563 spaces

Ipswich Village Car Park, West End Road, Ipswich IP1 2DZ - 329 spaces

Regent Theatre Car Park, Cobden Place, Ipswich IP4 2EA - 62 spaces

South Street Car Park, South Street, Ipswich IP1 3NU - 54 spaces

Upper Barclay Street Car Park, Upper Barclay Street, Ipswich IP4 1HU - 30 spaces

William Street Car Park, William Street, Ipswich IP1 3HX - 77 spaces

Ipswich Tourist Information Centre

Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen's Church, St Stephen's Lane, Ipswich, IP1 1DP 01473 432017 Open Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm; Email: tourist@ipswich.gov.uk

Walking in Ipswich

Walking in East Suffolk has just become easier. In partnership with East Suffolk Council, walking app Go Jauntly has launched a collection of East Suffolk walks.

Go Jauntly is a free community-based app to promote walking, wayfinding and nature connection. You can find local walks created by people who know and love them, discover the greenest walking routes from A to B, create your own jaunts and enjoy outdoor adventures with friends and family.

Go Jauntly is available to download, for free, on the App Store and the Play Store.