Whether you’re visiting for shopping, dining, work or a day out, finding parking can make all the difference to your day. There are plenty of options to suit every need, from central multi-storeys to budget friendly longstay car parks.
This guide covers everything you need to know about parking in Ipswich, including the best places to park in the town centre, near the Waterfront, and for shopping, nights out, and full day visits. No matter your plans, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for you!
If you’re looking for convenient parking in Ipswich town centre, there’s many centrally located car parks that provide easy access to shops, restaurants, attractions, and more. We recommend:
Crown Car Park – Ideal for visiting the town’s main high street with just a short walk to the town’s main retail and dining areas. Doing some mid-week exploring? Park for just £2.70 from after 2pm Mon-Fri.
Tower Ramparts Car Park – Conveniently located just outside of Marks & Spencer, close to the main shops and not far from the Regent Theatre. Staying a while? You can park for up to 24 hours at Tower Ramparts Car Park.
Buttermarket Car Park – A great central option within a short walking distance of the town centre, with leisure, dining, and retail options all within the same building as the car park.
These car parks offer reasonable pricing and short distances to key attractions, making them some of the best places to park in Ipswich town centre.
The stunning Ipswich Waterfront is home to popular restaurants, bars and attractions. Parking nearby ensures easy access to everything you may want to do and an overall relaxed visit. Our top choices are:
Duke Street Car Park – Ideal for visiting Isaacs, Barlas Coffee, and waterfront walks. Only making a short visit? You can park for less than £4 for 2 hours.
St Peter’s Dock Car Park – Perfect for dining at Marinero Lounge or Pizza Express and great for catching those beautiful marina views. Visiting Monday – Friday? Park for just £2.70 after 2pm.
Fore Street Car Park – This car park is a convenient option just a 3 minute walk from Ipswich Waterfront’s main attractions. You can park here for just £4 for up to 3 hours. Want more time? Park for just £2.70 after 2pm Monday – Friday.
These car parks provide quick access to Ipswich Waterfront, allowing for the ultimate evening out with no hassle.
Planning dinner, a show or a cinema trip? Many Ipswich car parks offer convenient access and great evening rates. Check out our favourite evening parking options:
Crown Car Park – This car park is a well-lit multi-storey, ideal for trips to the town centre restaurants, pubs, and theatres.
Buttermarket Car Park – This parking is perfect for the cinema and entertainment options within the Buttermarket. Buttermarket Car Park has been awarded with the Safer Parking Award, giving you peace of mind when parking later in the day. If you’re arriving after 7pm and leaving before 7am, you can park for just £2.
Duke Street Car Park – Open 24/7, this car park is excellent for Waterfront dining or a night out on the town.
Most central car parks are well-lit and regularly used in the evenings, offering reassurance of safety for visitors in the evening.
For those looking to save money, there are several budget-friendly options available. We recommend:
Apex Parking Blackfriars – Park all day for just £3.95 with their Earlybird offer when arriving before 10am.
London Road Park and Ride – If you’re coming from outside of Ipswich, this is a cost effective and stress free way to reach the town centre. Enjoy a free parking space at Park and Ride and just pay for your bus travel.
If you’re visiting for the day or commuting to work, long-stay car parks provide flexibility and value. We recommend these long stay options:
Norwich Road Shoppers Car Park – This car park is just a short walk from the town centre and a 17-minute walk from Portman Road Stadium. Park for up to 24 hours for just £7.50.
Princes Street Car Park – Pay just £7.50 to park here for up to 24 hours or £15 on a matchday. Arriving after 10pm? Park here for free!
West End Road Car Park – This car park is close to the town centre, train station, and less than a 10-minute walk from Portman Road Stadium. Pay just £7.50 to park here for up to 24 hours or £15 for matchday parking.
These locations are ideal for those looking for reliable and convenient long stay parking in Ipswich.
Make your visit smoother with these practical tips:
Arrive early at peak times – Central car parks fill up quickly on weekends and during events.
Consider Park and Ride – A convenient alternative to town centre parking.
Look for EV charging points – Available at selected car parks such as Crown and Tower Ramparts.
Use parent and child spaces – Found in many central locations.
Check for accessible parking – Blue Badge bays are widely available across the majority of the town’s car parks.
Plan ahead for football matches – Ipswich Town fixtures can significantly increase demand near Portman Road Stadium and the town centre
Be mindful of evening tariffs – Some car parks offer discounted overnight rates.
From convenient multi-storeys in the town centre to scenic spots near the Waterfront, Ipswich offers a great range of parking options to suit every visit. Whether you’re shopping, dining, commuting or enjoying an evening out, planning ahead ensures a stress-free experience.
Use this guide to discover the best parking in Ipswich, and explore our website for up to date information on car parks, attractions and local businesses.
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Brought to you by Ipswich Central, the Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre and waterfront thanks to Ipswich Borough Council and Towns Deal funding.
The copyright of all content on this site, including images, belongs to Locus Management Solutions Ltd. Company registered in England.
Registration No: 5339846. Registered Office: The Master’s House, 19 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AQ.
