Bucket List: 10 Best Places to Visit in Ipswich, United Kingdom
Ipswich is a famous tourist destination and one of the oldest cities in England. Famous for its beautiful and historic waterfront, Ipswich was ranked as a global tourist spot in 2020 by Trip Advisor, gained an award as the cleanest town in 2007, and also ranked as the 3rd happiest place in the United Kingdom. Apart from certain recognition awarded to the port town, there are a lot of best things to do in Ipswich, the United Kingdom from visiting scenic public parks and exploring the town’s rich history.
To start your exploration of the historic town, here are the 10 best things to do in Ipswich, United Kingdom.
1. Christchurch Park
Situated at the center of the town is Ipswich’s first public park, the Christchurch Park. The 33 hectares public park was opened in 1895, featuring a children’s playground, tennis courts, table tennis table, wild range of plantation, wilderness ponds, a bird reserve, a cycling path, and a butterfly garden.
Moreover, the public park also has a manor house museum that is free of charge.
2. River Orwell
If you are looking for a less touristy and more private tour, then book a boat tour to explore the River Orwell. Boat tour agency in Ipswich offers various tours including sightseeing cruises, an afternoon tea cruise, night party tours, and special cruises.
But if you prefer to walk, then head to River Orwell’s shoreline to watch the scenic water, wildlife, and the imposing bridge.
3. Ipswich Waterfront
When visiting Ipswich, the cultural and historical marina “The Waterfront” is a must-visit for any tourist. Constructed in 1842, the Ipswich Waterfront is the perfect place to go for a walk, casually lounge in cafés, and restaurants, or even grab a drink at several bars while watching the waterfront.
4. Ipswich Transport Museum
To delve deeper into Ipswich’s rich history, the Ipswich Transport Museum is the place to go. The museum started collecting 50 years ago, about the history of transport and engineering objects that were created and used in Ipswich.
Today, Ipswich Transport Museum houses over 100 collections including trolleybuses, trams, fire engines, Lorries, and horse-drawn vehicles.
5. Christchurch Mansion
A Grade I Listed Building situated on the grounds of Christchurch Park, is a Tudor brick mansion house the Christchurch Mansion.
The century-old mansion was established in 1885, consisting of a Tudor kitchen, a Georgian saloon, and an intricately designed Victorian wing. In addition, the mansion exhibits fine art collections of Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable, and various Suffolk artists.
6. New Wolsey Theatre
If performing arts is your cup of tea, or you’re looking for something interesting to do in Ipswich, visiting New Wolsey Theatre is a worthwhile experience. Established in 1979, the 400 seater theatre is known for its production of the “Rock n Roll Panto”.
Furthermore, New Wolsey Theatre has shown notable performances such as the 20th Century Boy, Our House, and Reasons to be Cheerful.
7. Ipswich Museum
For a fun and educational tour with kids, visit the natural heritage museum of culture and history, the Ipswich Museum.
The outstanding regional museum was founded in 1846, featuring local history, a wide range of collections of natural science to world cultures, the Ipswich story, and the Victorian Natural History Gallery.
8. Ancient House
An iconic and historical 15th-century building, and also a Grade I Listed building situated in the Buttermarket Area is the Ancient House. The structure consists of four panels featuring images of the four continents including America, Asia, Africa, and Europe that were not yet known back then.
Today, the Ancient House features a small attic art gallery and hosts seasonal exhibits.
9. St Mary le Tower
Constructed in 1951, another notable structure and a Grade II Listed Building, is St Mary le Tower. The Anglican Church is one of the oldest churches in Ipswich with an iconic spire soaring to 176 feet and features a combination of medieval and Victorian styles through its interiors and façade.
10. The Saints
Traveling to another country won’t be complete without shopping for unique finds and tasting the local cuisine of Suffolk. To get to know more about the local’s culture, drop by the Saints where several interesting local cafés, restaurants, shops, and boutiques are lined up.
Shop local souvenirs to take home, or dine to try Suffolk seafood, English wine, and locally brewed beers.
References
- TOP TEN THINGS TO DO IN IPSWICH, Visit Suffolk
- (2018), 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN IPSWICH ACCORDING TO TRIPADVISOR, All About Ipswich
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