Welcome to England's oldest Anglo-Saxon town.
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.
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Ipswich Transport Museum
The Ipswich Transport Museum has the largest collection of transport items in Britain devoted to just one town. Everything was either made or used in and around Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk....
Kentwell Hall
Kentwell - a romantic, moated, mellow red brick Tudor mansion in a tranquil parkland setting. Kentwell Hall is one of the finest moated Tudor Houses in England, set in over 25 acres of its own...
Nancy Blackett
Nancy Blackett is a familiar sight, sailing on the River Orwell, the favourite yacht of author Arthur Ransome. ‘Swallows and Amazons’ author Arthur Ransome bought her when he moved to this...
Obolensky Statue
This is a statue dedicated to a Russian Prince who played Rugby Union for England after escaping the Russian revolution, he then joined the RAF in World War 2 but died in an aeroplane crash near...
Old Custom House
The Old Custom House is now the offices of Ipswich Port Authority and was opened in 1845. Whilst the Waterfront area has recently undergone a massive regeneration with restaurants, a hotel, marina...
Orwell Lady River Trips
"Join us on the river." Family-owned since 2001, Orwell Lady offers a unique and unforgettable river trip experience, time after time. Immerse yourself in the picturesque Suffolk countryside...
Pykenham Gatehouse
The Pykenham gatehouse was built in about 1471 for William Pykenham, Archdeacon of Suffolk, as the entrance to his residence, it was then restored by the Ipswich Building Preservation Trust. The...
River Church
A modern church for Ipswich, celebrating life. A new Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB) church in Ipswich town centre, with a vision and passion for reaching out to students, young adults,...
Sailing Barge Victor
A majestic and historic sailing vessel. Sailing Barge Victor is a 19th-century barge with comfortable, modern facilities for boat trips and river cruises down the Orwell. A sailing trip on...
St Bartholomew's Church
St Bartholomew stands guard over the double door entrance to this grand building. One of the finest churches of architect Charles Spooner, it was consecrated in 1895 but not finished until 1907....