Blackfriars offers both visitors and locals alike a pleasant shopping stroll which gently leads you down towards Ipswich’s prestigious waterfront.

Located on the east edge of the town centre and covering Fore Street, Eagle Street, Upper Orwell Street and Orwell Place it is wrapped around the ruins of the Dominican Friary (Blackfriars).

It provides ample car parking space including a large multi story car park just off Blackfriars walk which makes it ideal location for shopping, lunchtime eating or a business meeting and if you are visiting after 3pm take advantage of the cut price parking at £1 in the Cox Lane and Tacket Street car parks.

There is a variety of restaurants, pubs, cafe’s including a lovely selection of unconventional independent and specialist traders in this steadily growing community. You will be able to find anything from goth and punk to modern designer fashion from items for your BMX to East Asian goods. Alternatively you could treat yourself to a new haircut, massage or even a tattoo.

As you make your way down Fore Street take a moment look up at the assorted styles, designs and antiquity of the houses, office businesses and shops and you will notice the historical bearing of this area. In fact, there are more listed buildings in Fore Street than any other street in town.

One event not to be missed is the Blackfriars ‘Food, Fashion and Flowers Market’. It is the perfect place to take friends and family and is held two to three times a year. As you wander through this bustling market you will be able to take in the assortment of stalls lining the street including food, clothing, accessories, flowers and plants as well as some unique gifts and crafts. There is quiet often some form of musical, dancing and children’s entertainment to enjoy whilst you browse the stalls or relax with a beverage.

You might also like to visit Fore Street Swimming Baths. Built in 1894, this Victorian swimming pool is the second oldest operational pool in the country and is run by Ipswich Borough Council.
By Kathie Jones, Historic Ipswich (UK)