Ipswich is a one of the oldest towns in England and has a rich heritage to explore; from maritime trade and Viking invasion to Royal connections, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and the Industrial Revolution.
Throughout the town centre there are medieval churches, wonky Tudor houses and grand Victorian buildings, all with stories and secrets to discover. Marvel the Tudor grandeur of Christchurch Mansion, hear the world's oldest ring of bells at St Lawrence Church, search for the world's third oldest door at St Mary-le-Tower, wander the historic streets and visit the medieval pubs.
At Ipswich Museum you can discover thousands of years of history brought back to with natural history and ancient history exhibits including Ice Age specimens, Egyptian mummies and local Anglo-Saxon artefacts, including some from the historic Sutton Hoo hoard.
More modern but equally stunning is the Willis Towers Watson building, an iconic feature of Ipswich created by Norman (now Lord) Foster and the most recent grade I listed building in the country.
Bringing Ipswich up to date is the University of Suffolk on the stunning waterfront, part of Ipswich's Innovation Quarter and also adding to the transformation of this area. Alongside the quays are the Jerwood DanceHouse, Salthouse Harbour Hotel, floating restaurant and marinas.
All can easily be enjoyed on foot over a weekend, or spread your exploration over a longer stay in the area.
The ruins of a 13th-16th Century Friary Church are the only substantial remains of a medieval community's foundation in Ipswich. The church of the Dominicans, the Blackfriars, whose Friary of the...
Magnificent Tudor Manor in Christchurch Park The jewel in Ipswich's heritage crown, Christchurch Mansion is a stunning 15th-Century Manor in Christchurch Park, just a short walk...
The Cornhill has been at the centre of the town's life since Anglo-Saxon Times, and has been the focus of markets, public meetings, fairs and civic ceremonies. It was here in 1555-56 that the...
Foot and bicycle ferry connecting Suffolk and Essex since 1912 Where the rivers Stour and Orwell meet, Harwich Harbour separates Harwich on the Essex side and Shotley& Felixstowe on the...
Grade 1 listed gardens surrounding a moated Tudor Hall A magnificent Tudor Hall with spectacular gardens in the Suffolk countryside, just 9miles north of Ipswich. The gardens are open...
The Ipswich Art Gallery is temporarily closed The Ipswich Art Gallery is an exciting contemporary gallery with a changing programme of art exhibitions featuring works of international...
Representing 50+ Arts Organisations in SuffolkIpswich Arts Association has 50+ member organisations, which means also that hundreds of individuals are associated with its activities. In 2017 the...
Come and visit Ipswich County Library in Northgate Street. We're now fully open again for events, social groups and meet-ups. A list of current activities can be found here. Face masks and...
The Ipswich Institute provides lending library facilities and an extensive programme of leisure learning courses, talks and trips to over 2,000 members in the centre of Ipswich. It also serves as a...
CLOSED FROM OCTOBER 2022 The Museum will close at 5pm on Sunday 2 October 2022 for a major redevelopment project, reopening in 2025 as an exciting new centre for heritage, stories, and...