Ipswich is famous for its beautiful waterfront, but did you know that Ipswich has a history of aviation and that it was active in supporting the efforts of World War II? Whether you have a passion for planes, boats or cars we have an itinerary that will fire up the engines and have you racing out the door.
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Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter |
| Address: | Clifford Road Primary School, Clifford Road, Ipswich, IP4 1PJ | Telephone: | 01473 251605 | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/place/clifford-road-air-raid-shelter-museum/ |
| This preserved air raid shelter was discovered in 1989 under the playground of an Ipswich school. Built during the first three months of the war, the shelter was subsequently sealed up some years later. The Air Raid Shelter is now open to the public and provides a real experience of what it was like for those using air raid shelters during World War II. |
| Additional Information | Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter is open at varying weekends across the year so it is best to check the website for more details. |
East Anglian Sailing Trust |
| Address: | Suffolk Yacht Harbour Ltd, Levington, Ipswich, IP10 0LN | Telephone: | 01728 747057 | |
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| Operating as a registered charity, East Anglian Sailing Trust provides people with disabilities opportunities to enjoy sailing. Specialist equipment is used, where necessary, to meet the needs of each person, and sailing trips can be enjoyed by family and friends too. |
| Additional Information | Sailing trips are seasonal and weather dependent. Please contact East Anglian Sailing Trust directly if you are interested in finding out more information about what is available. |
Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run |
| Address: | Christchurch Park, Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE | Telephone: | | |
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| Organised by the Ipswich Transport Museum, the Ipswich to Felixstowe classic car run is an annual event. Take a visit to Christchurch Park as around 500 vehicles set out on the journey to Felixstowe. Admire vintage cars, buses and lorries, as well as military vehicles, scooters and motor bikes. Once at Felixstowe the vehicles will then be proudly displayed along the sea front for the remainder of the day. |
| Additional Information | This event usually takes place in May. Check the Ipswich Town & Waterfront website for current events and what’s on. |
Ipswich Maritime Museum Window |
| Address: | Albion Quay, Ipswich Dock, IP4 1AX | Telephone: | | |
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| The Ipswich Maritime Museum is one of a kind, offering 24 hour access to all those interested in the maritime history of Ipswich. The window museum is regularly changed and updated, and is a tribute to the heritage and importance that Ipswich played in trade and shipping around the Eastern coast for centuries. |
| Additional Information | Ipswich Maritime Trust also puts on a number of events and talks throughout the year. Check out their website for upcoming events, and other interesting maritime facts about Ipswich. |
Ipswich Transport Museum |
| Address: | Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road, Ipswich,IP3 9JD | Telephone: | 01473 715666 | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/place/ipswich-transport-museum/ |
| The museum was founded in 1965, and has a collection of more than 85 vehicles, making it unique in England. The vehicles all originate from the local area, a large number were actually built here. A programme of events is scheduled each year, each one offering a different insight into the life of the vehicles and the museum. The museum website is also a fascinating place to gain information on Ipswich’s rich history. |
| Additional Information | The Ipswich transport Museum is open at specified times between March and early December. Prices £5 adult, £3 children. |
Landguard Fort |
| Address: | Manor Terrace, Felixstowe, IP11 3TW | Telephone: | 08703 331181 | |
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| Okay, so not quite Ipswich, but we couldn’t miss out this piece of remarkable history, so close to Ipswich. The fort was built at the command of Henry the Eighth, and is the only fort in England to have fended off a full scale invasion attempt. Languard Point has been a lookout point since the mid 15th century, right up to the 1950s. It was not until the 1990s that the fort was opened to the public by the Landguard Fort Trust. |
| Additional Information | Open March to November. Entry - adults £4, children £1.50. |
Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum |
| Address: | Parkers Place, Off Eagle Way, Martlesham, IP5 3UX | Telephone: | 01473 624510 | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/place/martlesham-heath-control-tower-museum/ |
| R.A.F. Martlesham Heath has been central in the development of Great Britain’s aviation. The museum is located in the original Control Tower, which was in use during much of World War II. Visit the museum for a fascinating afternoon of aviation history, and discover how Ipswich was active during the war efforts, and how the people contributed to the running of the control tower. |
| Additional Information | Open Sundays 2.00 – 4.30pm. Entrance is free. Due to the constraints of the building access for wheelchairs users is very limited. |
Museum of East Anglian Life |
| Address: | Iliffe Way, Stowmarket, IP14 1DL | Telephone: | 01449 612229 | |
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| Okay, so we’ve sneaked another place of interest that is just outside of Ipswich, but when you visit you’ll understand why. After all, Ipswich is part of East Anglia, and this outdoor museum really does showcase the lives of people who lived in East Anglia in years gone by. The museum also puts on a comprehensive programme of events and activities throughout the year suitable for adults and children. |
| Additional Information | The museum is open during Spring and Summer, and closed during winter months. You are advised to check the website for current opening times. Entry £6.90 adults, £3.90 children. |
Open Top Bus Tours |
| Address: | Tower Ramparts, Ipswich, IP1 3BB | Telephone: | 0845 0713428 | |
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| Take a tour around Ipswich in an open top bus, and see Ipswich from a different viewpoint. Journey around the town, and take in some of the main attractions such as the parks, Christchurch Mansion, and Ipswich Waterfront. Hop on, hop off, hop back on again. The day is yours to spend as you like. |
| Additional Information | Open top bus tours operate during July and August. Prices £5 adults, £3 children. |
Orwell Cruises |
| Address: | Orwell Quay, Ipswich, IP3 0BW | Telephone: | 01473 258070 | |
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| The Orwell Lady is a key feature of Ipswich Waterfront. Running cruises for up to 118 passengers per trip, take a trip along the River Orwell and into Harwich Harbour. Cruises run regularly, daytime, themed evening cruises and the very popular Cream Tea afternoon cruises. |
| Additional Information | Prices vary depending on cruise type. Reservations may be made at the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre. |
Sailing Barge Victor |
| Address: | Common Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1BY | Telephone: | 07981 382958 | |
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| What better way to take in the views of Ipswich’s coastline than to travel along the River Orwell on board Sailing Barge Victor? Built in 1895 this is one of the oldest remaining Thames Barge Sailing Barges which remains in use, and is enjoyed by many each year. Fully restored, you can enjoy cream teas and there is also a fully licensed bar on board. |
| Additional Information | Sailing trips are organised throughout the summer and may be booked through the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre. Sailing Barge Victor is also available for private hire. |
Spirit Yachts |
| Address: | New Cut West, Ipswich, IP3 0EA | Telephone: | 01473 214715 | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/spirit-yachts/ |
| For most of us a luxury yacht is a dream, but that shouldn’t stop us admiring these beautiful hand-crafted wooden yachts as they are moored in the waters of Ipswich Waterfront. Spirit Yachts is officially recognised as a Queen’s Award Yacht Designers and Builders – inspirational for anyone living or working in Ipswich! |
| Additional Information | As well as designing and building yachts, Team Spirit also takes part in a number of international events each year. In 2013 Team Spirit achieved first of class in three races in the Antigua Regatta Awards. |
Suffolk Aviation Heritage Display Centre |
| Address: | Former WT Station, Foxhall Road, Kesgrave, IP4 5TL | Telephone: | | |
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| Bringing together collections of aviation equipment, clothing and artefacts which tell a story of the history of aviation as it evolved across Suffolk. Collection pieces have been gathered over many years, including items which have been donated from members of the public. Exhibitions are regularly updated and visitors can get a real sense of life during key moments in aviation and aircraft design in Suffolk. |
| Additional Information | Open Sundays from March to October, 11am to 4pm. Entrance is free, with onsite parking. Disabled access in unrestricted throughout. |
