10 Best Things to Do in Ipswich

The River Orwell is where you'll find the most serene scenes in Ipswich. Departing from the historic marina in town, you can sail along this bustling shipping channel where you'll pass by age-old docks and the idyllic British countryside.

As you make your journey, be sure to pre-pack your lunch and enjoy the views that range from grand estates and salt marshes to mudflats renowned for their variety of wildlife. Make your way as far as the Orwell Bridge and you'll get a glimpse of the peregrine falcons and seals that call this place home.

Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich offers a great appreciation for the region's ancient history. With this splendid estate dating back to the 12^th century, numerous well-to-do families have owned the property over the centuries. Since its transformation into a museum in 1896, the estate is where you can find a fantastic selection of Tudor and Victorian artwork.

The facade of Christchurch Mansion is already an impressive sight, but the indoor gallery spaces are just as awe-inspiring. Check out works by many of Suffolk's most renowned artists, including a large collection of paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable. You can also explore a refined Tudor kitchen, a Georgian saloon, and a striking Victorian wing inside.

Christchurch Park is a must-visit spot in Ipswich for any self-confessed anthophile. Opened in 1895, this sprawling 33-hectare space provides the perfect escape, as you'll find it positioned easily within reach of the town centre. It hosts the Christchurch Mansion, an impressive Tudor-style museum.

As Ipswich’s first public park, Christchurch Park is a highly regarded conservation area featuring a wealth of heritage-listed parklands and gardens. Here, you'll get to roam a series of picturesque ponds, dense woodlands and grassy knolls as you look up at the towering oak and chestnut trees estimated to be around 400 years old.

The New Wolsey Theatre is the ideal place to experience Ipswich's burgeoning arts and culture scene. Established in 2002, this 400-seat space lives up to the region's proud live-performance traditions. Located in the middle of the city, the theatre offers a first-rate variety of shows held throughout the week, ranging from in-house productions to acclaimed touring acts.

If you decide to attend the New Wolsey Theatre, every seat in the house has a wonderful view of the stage. Plus, the Stage Right Cafe ensures you have the best visit possible, serving a selection of light bites and drinks.

Holywells Park should be your number one choice for a picnic spot in Ipswich. With 28 hectares of pristine parkland, this wide-open green space has origins that go all the way back to medieval times. Here, you'll discover plenty of activities for the whole family, with a walled garden, an outdoor theatre, a maze, and a conservatory known as The Orangery just some of the sights on offer.

As you roam the beautiful grounds and soak up the sunshine, there's a much-loved galleon-themed playground and picnic area your kids will love. The Stables Cafe serves delicious meals throughout the day, with its homemade tea and scones held in particularly high regard.

Opened in 1881, the Ipswich Museum has an outstanding collection of curiosities spanning archaeology, geology, ethnography and natural history. Great for learning about the natural world, you get an up-close look at thousands of artefacts, including Iron Age instruments and a life-sized model of a woolly mammoth.

Spread across 5 extravagant gallery spaces, there's an array of exotic exhibits, including one of the most complete collections of British birds on display in the country. You can also dive 10,000 years into Suffolk's past, with chalk fossils, glacial erratics and the incredible teeth of a long-extinct megalodon shark just some of the highlights found here.

Anglia Indoor Karting offers some action-packed fun after you've finished exploring Ipswich's natural highlights. Suitable for children aged 5 years and older, you don't need to have prior experience with racing to get the most out of this exhilarating day at the track.

Anglia Indoor Karting offers a range of easy-to-drive karts with no gearbox or clutch to worry about. In terms of speed, there are safe battery-operated vehicles as well as adult karts that reach over 40 mph. Experience all the fun at this professionally designed indoor racing circuit.

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the region. Located just a short drive from Ipswich’s town centre, it’s home to over 80 animal species, including a few rare creatures you might not find anywhere else.

Besides alpacas, wallabies and tortoises, there's an array of farm animals and a stunning butterfly house within the park. Dining is also a huge focus at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. The property's 200-year-old barn has been converted into a cosy restaurant that's great for lunch or dinner get-togethers. There's also a woodland bar and a field kitchen serving coffee.

Suffolk Food Hall has a fantastic offering of farm-fresh cuisine. Set on the outskirts of Ipswich, you’ll come across a flourishing artisan bakery, craft butchery, fishmonger, and a deli counter serving some of the region's top locally made products.

There's plenty of seating inside the food hall, as you're also presented with freshly roasted coffee and a restaurant serving top-notch sharing plates. Visit the thriving garden centre or the 2 escape rooms once you’ve had your fill of delicious food.

The Ipswich Waterfront hosts many of the region's top restaurants, bars and hotels. As the harbour has undergone a major regeneration project in recent years, this historic destination has seen a selection of age-old buildings transformed into lively dining destinations, providing a spectacular centrepiece for the town.

Take a walk along the scenic promenade and see how this storied trading dock has come on leaps and bounds. You'll quickly find many of the restaurant's feature waterfront terraces, ensuring your delightful meal is accompanied by stunning views of yachts coming and going late into the evening.