If you’re looking to sample some of the most interesting or unusual features of Ipswich life then we’ve put together some of our personal favourites. Whether you are visiting Ipswich for the weekend, here on an overnight business trip, or whether you live here and are looking for some inspiration we hope we’ve included a good mix for you to choose from.
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The Ancient House |
| Address: | The Butter Market, Ipswich, IP1 1BT | Telephone: | | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/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 are set prominently in the centre. Four continents are positioned under each window, Europe, Africa, Americas and Asia. You will note that Australasia is missing – 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 Brasserie |
| Address: | 13 Museum Street, Ipswich, IP1 1HE | Telephone: | 01473 230293 | |
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| Renowned for its French bistro cooking set Arlingtons is also famous for its unusual restaurant layout with its gallery seating, and a programme of musical events to enjoy whilst you dine. But there is much more to Arlingtons than meets the eye. Originally it was the Museum for the town, followed by a time when it was a popular dance hall, before finally becoming the restaurant and café that you can enjoy today. |
| Additional Information | Open every day from 8am until 10pm. Early evening closing on Sundays and Mondays.
Price: ££ |
The Brewery Tap |
| Address: | Cliff Road Dock Estate, Cliff Rd, Ipswich, IP3 0AT | Telephone: | 01473 225501 | |
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| The Brewery Tap is one of Ipswich’s finest Free Houses, offering a great selection of ales, English lagers and local ciders. The restaurant includes a wide selection of meals using locally sourced produce, and there are regular themed evening, events and live music. A favourite pub amongst the locals of Ipswich. |
| Additional Information | Open seven days a week. Times vary so check the website for opening hours.
Price £ |
Christchurch Mansion |
| Address: | Soane Street, Ipswich, IP4 2BE | Telephone: | | |
| Web: | www.Christchurch-Mansion |
| Christchurch Mansion is a beautiful example of a Tudor mansion, and is widely considered to be one of the jewels in the crown in the history of Ipswich. With over 500 years of history there is much to see and explore. Helpful fact sheets are placed in each room and there is 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. |
Clarice House |
| Address: | Bramford Road, Ipswich, IP8 4AZ | Telephone: | 01473 463262 | |
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| Ipswich’s corner of indulgence, Clarice House is perfect if you are looking for a day of pampering and relaxation. With swimming pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room you will experience luxury and come away refreshed and ready to tackle life’s every day challenges. |
| Additional Information | Day Spa Packages which include access to the facilities, as well as a treatment, lunch and use of robe and towels. Please check the website for current offers. |
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. |
The Giles Statue |
| Address: | The Giles Circus, Queen Street, Ipswich, IP1 1SW | Telephone: | | |
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| The Giles statue is located in an area of the town centre known as the Giles Circle. The statue is a tribute to Carl Giles who lived his adult life in the town, and the position of the statue is set so that Grandma is looking up at the office window where Giles used to work and from where he created many of his works. |
| Additional Information | Carl Giles was famous for his illustrations in the Daily Mail but did you know he was offered work as an illustrator for Walt Disney in the USA, but decided his future laid here in Ipswich? |
Image Salon |
| Address: | 16 Old Foundry Road, Ipswich, IP4 2AS | Telephone: | 01473 222188 | |
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| Why not treat yourself to some ‘you time’? Enjoy the highest standards in beauty therapy with this nationally award winning salon. With treatments that include massage, facials, specialist treatments, make-up and nail treatments, with high quality products such as Elemis and Dermalogica. |
| Additional Information | Image salon was awarded Professional Beauty Award 2013, run by Professional Beauty magazine. |
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. |
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. |
Walking Tours Around Ipswich |
| Address: | Across Ipswich | Telephone: | | |
| Web: | http://ipswich-waterfront.co.uk/walks-around-suffolk/ |
| There are many starting points that you could take for your walk around Ipswich. We have included the link to Walk 4 Life which gives you many walking routes at different locations across the town. Whether you want to follow the route of the Olympic Flame, along Nacton shores or by Ipswich Waterfront there is a good selection, with plenty of detail, including length and timings. |
| Additional Information | We recommend you take a walk along the banks of River Orwell where you can admire the splendid of the stunning Orwell Bridge, and enjoy the flora and fauna of this unspoilt area. |
New Wolsey Theatre/New Wolsey Studio |
| Address: | Civic Drive, Ipswich, IP1 2AS
St George's Street, Ipswich, IP1 3NF
| Telephone: | 01473 295900 | |
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| Seating 400, this great theatre is located in the centre of Ipswich. Attracting audiences from far and wide, it is also a favourite amongst local people. There is a great range of productions for children, as well as the popular Under-12s and Under-18s Comedy Nights (no parents allowed at the Under 18s Comedy Nights), and the StoryTeller sessions for the younger audiences. |
| Additional Information | The New Wolsey Theatre is fully accessible, with Infra Red Hearing Enhancement, Touch Tours and Audio Described performances. Pricing is very reasonable. |
