You'll find plenty of things to do in Ipswich, one of the best countryside towns in Suffolk. It has a beloved waterfront that comes alive with high-end restaurants, bars and hotels, but the town has plenty of other exceptional foodie experiences in the surrounding areas.

Ipswich offers more than just great dining – there are superb outdoor adventures, including seemingly endless parklands to explore and a chance to sail down the River Orwell. Meanwhile, there's a slew of first-rate museums and galleries revealing the town's ancient past. Check out our guide to the most beautiful attractions in Ipswich.

What are the best things to do in Ipswich?

  • 1

    The River Orwell

    The renowned shipping channel in Ipswich offers scenic views

    The River Orwell
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    The River Orwell is where you'll find the most serene scenes in Ipswich. Departing from the historic marina in town, you can sail along this bustling shipping channel where you'll pass by age-old docks and the idyllic British countryside.

    As you make your journey, be sure to pre-pack your lunch and enjoy the views that range from grand estates and salt marshes to mudflats renowned for their variety of wildlife. Make your way as far as the Orwell Bridge and you'll get a glimpse of the peregrine falcons and seals that call this place home.

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  • 2

    Christchurch Mansion

    A captivating museum home to venerable art of the past

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    Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich offers a great appreciation for the region's ancient history. With this splendid estate dating back to the 12th century, numerous well-to-do families have owned the property over the centuries. Since its transformation into a museum in 1896, the estate is where you can find a fantastic selection of Tudor and Victorian artwork.

    The facade of Christchurch Mansion is already an impressive sight, but the indoor gallery spaces are just as awe-inspiring. Check out works by many of Suffolk's most renowned artists, including a large collection of paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. You can also explore a refined Tudor kitchen, a Georgian saloon, and a striking Victorian wing inside.

    Dirección: Soane St, Ipswich IP4 2BE, UK

    Horario: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 433554

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    foto de Velvet (CC BY-SA 3.0) modificada

  • 3

    Christchurch Park

    Take a wander through this elegant parkland

    Christchurch Park
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    Christchurch Park is a must-visit spot in Ipswich for any self-confessed anthophile. Opened in 1895, this sprawling 33-hectare space provides the perfect escape, as you'll find it positioned easily within reach of the town centre. It hosts the Christchurch Mansion, an impressive Tudor-style museum.

    As Ipswich’s first public park, Christchurch Park is a highly regarded conservation area featuring a wealth of heritage-listed parklands and gardens. Here, you'll get to roam a series of picturesque ponds, dense woodlands and grassy knolls as you look up at the towering oak and chestnut trees estimated to be around 400 years old.

    Dirección: 33 Bolton Ln, Ipswich IP4 2BX, UK

    Horario: Daily from 7 am to 9 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 433512

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  • 4

    New Wolsey Theatre

    A renowned theatre showcasing Ipswich's burgeoning arts scene

    New Wolsey Theatre
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    The New Wolsey Theatre is the ideal place to experience Ipswich's burgeoning arts and culture scene. Established in 2002, this 400-seat space lives up to the region's proud live-performance traditions. Located in the middle of the city, the theatre offers a first-rate variety of shows held throughout the week, ranging from in-house productions to acclaimed touring acts.

    If you decide to attend the New Wolsey Theatre, every seat in the house has a wonderful view of the stage. Plus, the Stage Right Cafe ensures you have the best visit possible, serving a selection of light bites and drinks.

    Dirección: Civic Dr, Ipswich IP1 2AS, UK

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 295900

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    foto de Bob Jones (CC BY-SA 2.0) modificada

  • 5

    Holywells Park

    Pristine parkland for picnics and enjoying the sunshine

    Holywells Park
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    Holywells Park should be your number one choice for a picnic spot in Ipswich. With 28 hectares of pristine parkland, this wide-open green space has origins that go all the way back to medieval times. Here, you'll discover plenty of activities for the whole family, with a walled garden, an outdoor theatre, a maze, and a conservatory known as The Orangery just some of the sights on offer.

    As you roam the beautiful grounds and soak up the sunshine, there's a much-loved galleon-themed playground and picnic area your kids will love. The Stables Cafe serves delicious meals throughout the day, with its homemade tea and scones held in particularly high regard.

    Dirección: Cliff Lane, Ipswich IP3 0PG, UK

    Horario: Monday–Saturday from 7.30 am to 4.45 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 4.45 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 432000

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    foto de John Goldsmith (CC BY-SA 2.0) modificada

  • 6

    Ipswich Museum

    An astounding collection of ancient natural history

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    Opened in 1881, the Ipswich Museum has an outstanding collection of curiosities spanning archaeology, geology, ethnography and natural history. Great for learning about the natural world, you get an up-close look at thousands of artefacts, including Iron Age instruments and a life-sized model of a woolly mammoth.

    Spread across 5 extravagant gallery spaces, there's an array of exotic exhibits, including one of the most complete collections of British birds on display in the country. You can also dive 10,000 years into Suffolk's past, with chalk fossils, glacial erratics and the incredible teeth of a long-extinct megalodon shark just some of the highlights found here.

    Dirección: High St, Ipswich IP1 3QH, UK

    Horario: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 433551

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    foto de Cmglee (CC BY-SA 3.0) modificada

  • 7

    Anglia Indoor Karting

    For action-packed karting fun in Ipswich

    Anglia Indoor Karting
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    Anglia Indoor Karting offers some action-packed fun after you've finished exploring Ipswich's natural highlights. Suitable for children aged 5 years and older, you don't need to have prior experience with racing to get the most out of this exhilarating day at the track.

    Anglia Indoor Karting offers a range of easy-to-drive karts with no gearbox or clutch to worry about. In terms of speed, there are safe battery-operated vehicles as well as adult karts that reach over 40 mph. Experience all the fun at this professionally designed indoor racing circuit.

    Dirección: 12 Farthing Rd, Ipswich IP1 5AP, UK

    Horario: Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, Sunday–Friday from 9 am to 8 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 240087

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  • 8

    Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

    Fascinating animals a short drive from the town centre

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    Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the region. Located just a short drive from Ipswich’s town centre, it’s home to over 80 animal species, including a few rare creatures you might not find anywhere else.

    Besides alpacas, wallabies and tortoises, there's an array of farm animals and a stunning butterfly house within the park. Dining is also a huge focus at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. The property's 200-year-old barn has been converted into a cosy restaurant that's great for lunch or dinner get-togethers. There's also a woodland bar and a field kitchen serving coffee.

    Dirección: Pannington Hall Ln, Ipswich IP9, UK

    Horario: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 604206

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  • 9

    Suffolk Food Hall

    Farm-fresh cuisine with the flavours of Ipswich

    Suffolk Food Hall
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    Suffolk Food Hall has a fantastic offering of farm-fresh cuisine. Set on the outskirts of Ipswich, you’ll come across a flourishing artisan bakery, craft butchery, fishmonger, and a deli counter serving some of the region's top locally made products.

    There's plenty of seating inside the food hall, as you're also presented with freshly roasted coffee and a restaurant serving top-notch sharing plates. Visit the thriving garden centre or the 2 escape rooms once you’ve had your fill of delicious food.

    Dirección: Wherstead, Ipswich, IP9 2AB, UK

    Horario: Monday–Thursday from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 786610

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    foto de Adrian Cable (CC BY-SA 2.0) modificada

  • 10

    Ipswich Waterfront

    The town's luxurious promenade for outstanding dining and views

    Ipswich Waterfront
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    The Ipswich Waterfront hosts many of the region's top restaurants, bars and hotels. As the harbour has undergone a major regeneration project in recent years, this historic destination has seen a selection of age-old buildings transformed into lively dining destinations, providing a spectacular centrepiece for the town.

    Take a walk along the scenic promenade and see how this storied trading dock has come on leaps and bounds. You'll quickly find many of the restaurant's feature waterfront terraces, ensuring your delightful meal is accompanied by stunning views of yachts coming and going late into the evening.

    Dirección: Neptune Quay, Ipswich IP4 1QJ, UK

    Teléfono: +44 (0)1473 226082

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Hudson Brown | Colaborador/a habitual