As one of England’s oldest towns, Ipswich has a range of buildings from different historical periods all set in the town’s old medieval town layout. In the town centre early timber framed buildings are evident, as well as examples of architecture from the Tudor and Elizabethan eras. The town centre also includes examples of modern architecture. We have included a selection of most impressive buildings, historic and modern, that makes own town proud.
Download PDF Version of this Guide
The Ancient House |
| Address: | Butter Market, Ipswich, IP1 1BT | Telephone: | Not available | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/place/the-ancient-house/ |
| The Ancient House is one of Ipswich’s most famous buildings. Built in 1567 this Grade I listed building was originally named the ‘Sparrows house’, after the Sparrowe family took ownership in the 1590s, and where it remained for almost 300 years. As staunch royalists, the Sparrowe family made a number of adaptations to the building, which included decorating the exterior walls with extravagant pargetting, with the Royal Arms of King Charles II set proudly in the centre. Four continents are positioned under each window, Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia. Australasia is missing as it was undiscovered at this time. |
| Additional Information | The Ancient House has transferred ownership during its lifetime. For a while it was a bookshop, whilst nowadays it is home to Lakeland, where some of the interior architecture has been preserved and can still be admired. |
Arlingtons |
| Address: | 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, IP1 1HE | Telephone: | 01473 230293 | |
| Web: | http://www.arlingtonsbrasserie.com/history/ |
| Now a thriving popular restaurant, Arlingtons was once the building that housed the Museum for the town. It opened in1847, with an aim to educate the working classes about natural history. In 1851 HRH Prince Albert became the official Patron of the museum. The museum transferred to its current location in 1881, but the current owners have preserved much of the history, which you can read more about on their website. |
| Additional Information | Arlingtons is now a continental restaurant serving traditional French cuisine. It is also a lively café. Open every day from 8am until 10pm. Early evening closing on Sundays/Mondays. |
Blue Plaque Tours |
| Address: | Across Ipswich | Telephone: | Not Available | |
| Web: | http://www.ipswichsociety.org.uk/IpswichBluePlaques |
| Across Ipswich town centre you will find a number of Blue Plaques. Installed by the Ipswich Society they are a tribute to some of the most distinguished people who were born in Ipswich or subsequently lived here. Download the leaflet and follow a trail around Ipswich to discover some of the Ipswich’s fascinating history, the people and the houses they lived in. |
| Additional Information | Some famous people who are included in the Blue Plaques include Nathaniel Bacon, Thomas Gainsborough, and Thomas Wolsey. |
Christchurch Mansion |
| Address: | Christchurch Park, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE | Telephone: | 01473 433554 | |
| Web: | www.Christchurch-Mansion |
| Christchurch Mansion is a beautiful example of a Tudor mansion, and widely considered to be one of the jewels in the crown of Ipswich’s history. With over 500 years of history there is much to see and explore at the mansion. Helpful fact sheets are placed in each room and there are always a number of helpful and informative staff on hand to help fill in the gaps. When you’ve completed your visit, take time out for refreshments in the Mansion Café, and don’t forget to make time for a stroll around the stunning Christchurch Park. |
| Additional Information | It is free to enter Christchurch Mansion. At certain times during the year additional events are planned, including activities for children. Opening times vary across the year, so please check the website before planning your visit. |
Fore Street Baths |
| Address: | Fore Street, Ipswich, IP4 1JZ | Telephone: | Not Available | |
| Web: | |
| Built in 1894 Fore Street Baths is a small traditional swimming pool. Still in use today by the public, schools and for classes, the building retains many of its Victorian features and charm. Even if you are not wanting to take a dip in the water we recommend a visit, and to admire the exterior architecture. |
| Additional Information | Did you know that Fore Street Baths is the second oldest operational swimming pool in England? |
The Ipswich Martyrs |
| Address: | Christchurch Park, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE | Telephone: | Not Available | |
| Web: | |
| Erected in 1903, this Memorial is dedicated to the memory of the Nine Ipswich Martyrs, Protestants who were burnt at the stake during the reign of Queen Mary. Their crime was merely their religious beliefs. The memorial stands 27 feet tall, the design and creation by the Art Memorial Company of West Norwood. |
| Additional Information | The memorial was paid for by private donations, following a series of articles by Nina Frances Layard which appeared in the East Anglian Daily Times between 1898 & 1902, and which brought public attention to the executions. |
Ipswich Museum |
| Address: | High Street, Ipswich, IP1 3QH | Telephone: | 01473 433550 | |
| Web: | www.Ipswich-Museum |
| Ipswich Museum was built in 188 – the original museum building is now home to Arlingtons. The Queen Anne style of architecture was designed by Londoner Horace Cheston. Look up and you will see a display of swags, dragons, floral and fossil mouldings, false pillars and framed sections. Inside the museum admire the natural history glass cabinets, original pieces that date back to Victorian and Edwardian times. |
| Additional Information | Entrance to the museum is free. Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. |
Ipswich Tourist Information Centre |
| Address: | St Stephens Church, St Stephens Lane, Ipswich, IP1 1DP | Telephone: | 01473 258070 | |
| Web: | http://www.allaboutipswich.com/visiting-shopping/what-to-see-do/tourist-information-centre.aspx |
| Ipswich boosts 13 mediaeval churches within its boundaries, and St Stephen’s Church is the home to the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, following its conversion in the 1990s. Retaining its splendid stained glass windows and a number of other original features, you certainly get more than you expect when you visit. |
| Additional Information | The Tourist Information Centre is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. As well as providing information on local events and places of interest, you can book yourself in for one of their themed guided tours. Learn about the waterfront, architecture, and other interesting facts about Ipswich. |
Ipswich Town Hall |
| Address: | The Cornhill, Ipswich, IP1 1BH | Telephone: | 01473 433465 | |
| Web: | |
| The focal point of the town centre, this impressive building stands proud at the Cornhill. Open to the public you can admire the architecture inside and out. The Town Hall houses two art galleries, and is home to the Suffolk Craft Society. |
| Additional Information | The Town Hall, the Town Hall Café and the Suffolk Craft Society are open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Entrance is free. |
Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House |
| Address: | Friars Street, Ipswich, IP1 1TD | Telephone: | 01473 218217 | |
| Web: | http://www.unitarianipswich.org.uk/building.html |
| Believed to be the only remaining example of a purpose-built timber-framed Dissenting Meeting House of its time, the Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House has maintained the original features since its opening in 1700. This Grade I listed building was originally built by English Presbyterians and moved to Unitarian positioning during the 18th century. There is rich content on the history of this building on the above link which we encourage you to read. |
| Additional Information | The Ipswich Unitarian Meeting House is a living building with sermons and membership activities and events planned throughout the year. This should not deter anyone from visiting and admiring the architecture from the outside. |
The Old Custom House |
| Address: | Key Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BY | Telephone: | NA | |
| Web: | NA |
| Built in 1844, this brick built Custom House replaced the original wooden construction. Facing onto the wet dock, the building has an impressive frontage with twin stairs and balustrades, portico, Tuscan columns and deep pediments. An impressive building at an impressive location. |
| Additional Information | The Old Custom House is now home to the Associated British Ports, and is only open to the public during the Heritage Open day weekend. |
Otley Hall |
| Address: | Hall Lane, Otley, Ipswich, IP6 9PA | Telephone: | 01473 890264 | |
| Web: | http://www.otleyhall.co.uk/ |
| Voted one of the top 20 Historic Houses in the UK and described by Pevsner as “one of the most interesting 15th and early 16th century houses in Suffolk”, Otley Hall is a Grade I listed building. With 10 acres of awarding winning gardens we believe it is worth a visit. Enjoy the splendour of the Great Hall and the Linenfold Parlour, as well as admiring the detail of the exterior, including the herringbone brickwork and vine leaf pargetting. |
| Additional Information | The house and garden is open to the public for tours throughout the year. Check availability on the website. |
Pykenham’s Gate |
| Address: | 7 Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3BX | Telephone: | NA | |
| Web: | NA |
| Opposite Ipswich County Library is Pykenham’s Gatehouse. This Grade I listed building was built in 1471 by William Pykenham, who had been appointed as Archdeacon of Suffolk and who believed he needed a building more fitting to his status. Admire the large brick four-centred arch and the timber-frame with its wattle & daub filling between the studs. The room above the gateway was used as accommodation by the gatekeeper. |
| Additional Information | Pykenham’s Gatehouse is now owned by the Ipswich Building Preservation Trust and home to the Ipswich & Suffolk Club. |
University Campus Suffolk – Waterfront Building |
| Address: | 19 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ | Telephone: | 01473 338000 | |
| Web: | http://www.ucs.ac.uk/waterfront-building |
| The UCS Waterfront Building was opened in 2008. This impressive building overlooks Ipswich Waterfront, and its curved design with glass frontage picks up many reflections from the water. A living building, you can admire the exterior, and if you get the chance to view the UCS building from the top of Bishop’s Hill you will also get the best view to admire the unusual grassed roof. |
| Additional Information | The UCS Waterfront Building is open to the public during the Heritage Open Day weekend. |
Willis Building |
| Address: | Friars Street, Ipswich, IP1 1TD | Telephone: | NA | |
| Web: | |
| Designed by architect Sir Norman Foster, and build in the 1970s, and officially opened former Prime Minister Sir Harold Macmillan. The Willis building is a Grade I listed building, the youngest building at the time to have been awarded this status. This impressive building with its 890 sheets of toughened dark tinted glass and grand piano shaped design reflects everything around it like a prism. The Willis Building is home to the Willis Group Holdings, a major employer in Ipswich. |
| Additional Information | The Willis Building is open to the public during the Heritage Open Day weekend. If you get the chance to visit at this time you will also get to visit the impressive roof garden which provides great views across Ipswich town centre. |
Wolsey's Gate |
| Address: | College Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BF | Telephone: | NA | |
| Web: | |
| Thomas Wolsey was greatly interested in education. He sought permission to build a school in Ipswich, which was to act as a feeder to what is now Christ Church, Oxford, which he also founded. The school was built and opened in 1528 near to St Peter’s Church, but was soon dismantled after his fall from power. The gateway to the Cardinal College of St. Mary is now all that remains, commonly known as Wolsey’s Gate. |
| Additional Information | Wolsey's Gate is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. You can find Wolsey’s Gate beside St Peter’s by the Waterfront. The best view is on the dock side of the one way system, accepting that passing traffic can obstruct viewing at times. |
