The Lanes is one of the more energetic business communities in the town centre. Most visitors will start their exploration of Ipswich at the Tourist Information Centre.

The Lanes is a great place to accommodate a business trip. Start by bringing your clients to the many charming little independent stores, coffee and tea shops, which all hark back to the traders of yesteryear and working successfully, side by side with the larger national stores.

After the stress free meeting why not take them into the Ancient House? It is owned by Ipswich Borough Council, the tenants are Lakeland Kitchenware and English Heritage take care of the house. The house has many of its original features, a museum room and a courtyard that is open during the summer. One of the most popular rooms in the Ancient house is called the Chapel or Attic room and is thought to be an upper part of a grand hall which has been panelled over.

Don’t forget to remind your guests that the Ipswich is famous for being the oldest continuously inhabited town in the country, and in fact just five minutes walk away in Carr street, pottery and firing kilns were discovered which date back to the mid seventh century. This is known as ‘Ipswich Ware’ and it seems it has been exported as far afield as Yorkshire.

The Lanes is another community in Ipswich which inspires and excites and it is its quirky, yet stylish flair that will promote any future business opportunities.
By Kathie Jones, Historic Ipswich (UK)