Fun Things to Do in Ipswich for Under £20

Free Things to Do In Ipswich

Want to discover Ipswich without spending a penny? There’s so much to see and do in town, and we’ve pulled together some of our top picks.

Explore the Waterfront: Full of a vibrant energy and packed with food and drink, Ipswich Waterfront is perfect for making a coffee and going for a stroll, or picking a bench and reading a book whilst taking in the scenery.

Visit Christchurch Park and Mansion: Right in the heart of town, Christchurch Park offers 70 acres of rolling lawns. Grab some snacks and enjoy a picnic in the park, or head inside Christchurch Mansion to explore over 500 years of history, including a large collection of Thomas Gainsborough paintings.

Attend a Free Event: Ipswich’s calendar is packed year-round, from outdoor cinema screenings and food markets at Cornhill to live music at the annual Ipswich Music Day. Check out local event guides or follow All About Ipswich on social media to see what’s on this weekend.

 

Things to Do in Ipswich for Under £10

Got a small budget for an afternoon out? These specific spots deliver big value for under a tenner per person.

Game On at Mulligan Game Cafe: Located on Upper Brook Street, this cosy independent gaming hub (formerly Geek Retreat) lets you grab a coffee and play from a massive library of tabletop board games. It’s the ultimate low-cost afternoon hang for game lovers.

Test Your Bowling Skills: Superbowl UK, located in the Buttermarket, offers standard games for £9, but if you book in advance online, you can grab off-peak early-bird games for as low as £2.99.

A night out with the big screen: If you’re after catching the latest box office hits, Omniplex Cinema, in the Buttermarket, is your new cinema spot. With tickets starting at just £7.95, there’s even room left in your £10 budget for a snack or a drink.

Retro Arcades & Gaming at Press Start: Head to Press Start Gaming Lounge on Prince of Wales Road. For just a few pounds, you can plug into retro consoles, play arcade classics, or test out modern multiplayer setups over a cold drink.

 

Things to Do in Ipswich for Under £20

For less than £20 per person, you can level up your plans with competitive action, creative workshops, and live entertainment.

Beat the Clock at an Escape Room: Gather a crew and test your brainpower. Book a room at Cluetopia on Fore Street or Ipswich Escape Rooms, where team prices run between £16–£20 per person for an hour of immersive puzzle-solving.

Get Creative at Pennikkity Pots: Choose a piece of unglazed pottery, pick your paints, and spend a relaxing two hours creating a custom mug or bowl at Pennikkity Pots Ceramics Cafe on Town Hall Passage. Most basic ceramic pieces fall under the £15–£20 mark.

Bar Games & Karaoke at Boom Battle Bar: Located in the Buttermarket, Boom Battle Bar offers private Boom Box karaoke booths starting around £10–£15 per person, alongside augmented reality darts, shuffleboard, and axe throwing.

Indie Live Music at The Smokehouse: To experience Ipswich’s grassroots music scene, grab tickets for a gig at The Smokehouse on South Street. Tickets for touring indie bands, local showcases, and hip-hop nights typically cost between £8 and £15.

Independent Foodie Stops: If you’re new to Ipswich, one of the best ways to discover the town is through its amazing food options. There’s plenty of places to enjoy a meal for under £20 per person. Find our favourites here.

 

Ready to start exploring? There’s plenty more to do in Ipswich that doesn’t require breaking the bank. Now that you’ve got a concrete hit-list, grab some mates or set up a date night and get out there!