Top Things to Do in Ipswich: Culture, Coastlines, and Cafés

Ipswich is a lovely city that you’ve probably heard about for its beautiful location on the River Orwell. Interestingly, did you know that it is a part of the Suffolk Coast? It is these little nuggets that make Ipswich a charming town, that make a strong case for itself in terms of becoming your next holiday destination. And then there are charming cafes and eateries to check out, along with the generous sprinkling of culture all around. To put it simply, you’ll fall in love instantly once you land in Ipswich!

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s take a look at the top things to do here.

What You Can Do for a Memorable Trip to Ipswich

Here is a list of things that you can do in Ipswich for a memorable trip.

1. Check Out the Nearby Beaches

Yes, Ipswich doesn’t have a direct ocean shoreline. However, it is still part of the Suffolk Coast and you can easily visit several charming towns within an hour of the place. These offer some gorgeous beaches- look up Thorpenes, Dunwich, and Felixstowe. They make for wonderful day trips indeed.

2. Chill On the Waterfront

Ipswich is all about enjoying the waterfront life. It’s ideal for a long and leisurely meal as you watch the yachts all around. This is the ultimate zone for accessing some of the town’s best bars, cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries, boutiques, and whatnot! What you’ll fall in love with is how most of them are housed in converted dock buildings. Sip a cool cocktail, listen to live music, or simply laze around! This is perhaps the best place to stay in Ipswich on your holiday. Explore the best serviced apartments in Ipswich for a comfortable and convenient stay right by the waterfront.

3. Refresh Your Mind at Christchurch Park

This park is the centrepiece of local life, and you can visit it throughout the year. Plonk yourself down on the lovely bench and watch the world at work. Marvel at the fountains and get the kids off to the play zone for a swell time. Check out the beautiful nature trail or take a picnic in the afternoon- the possibilities are endless!

4. Enjoy Petting the Animals at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park

If you’re an animal lover and are coming to Ipswich with your kids, there’s no better place to visit than this one! You’ll love Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park with its diverse animals like meerkats and zebras, a petting farm, adventure playground, butterfly house, and natural trail.

Get Sporty at the Suffolk Leisure Park

The Suffolk Leisure Park has something to cater to every need. For starters, go skiing or snowboarding to your heart’s content or even take a course if you want to learn! There is tobogganing and climbing walls with a high ropes course, too. Love golfing? There is a mini course and driving range for you to check out here as well.

1. Walk Back In Time at the Christchurch Mansion

Explore this magnificent Tudor mansion with 500+ years of history and a chequered legacy. You’ll go back in time as you check out the Georgian saloon, Tudor kitchen, Victorian games and toys, and of course, the fabulous painting collection (John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough, to name a few legends).

2. Discover Ipswich’s Rich History of Innovation at the Transport Museum

You’ll love paying a visit to the Ipswich Transport Museum with 100+ engineering and transport items that were either used or created in the area. This includes mobile cranes, fire engines, bicycles, prams, wheelchairs, vintage trams, buses, and whatnot!

3. Be a Part of Ipswich’s Dining & Pubbing Circuit

Ipswich is home to several country pubs and fine dining eateries alike. You’ll love the endless selection of clubs, entertainment venues, and restaurants here. Some must-visit places include the Briarbank Bar & Brewery, Allen Gardiner River Cruise Restaurant, Isaacs on the Quay, and the Woolpack.

4. Explore the Great Outdoors

You can go hiking along the Ipswich Blue Plaque Trail, which is an amazing way to see the town in its most natural way. You can also learn about some of the most iconic citizens of the place on this trail as well. The Ashton Water Circular Trail is another attraction by the waterside, which covers about 7.9 miles and takes only 3 hours to finish on average.

5. Take a Leisurely Boat Trip in the Afternoon

How about a leisurely afternoon boat trip or Sunday lunch on the water? There are numerous boat trips and experiences that you can check out in Ipswich. This includes everything from short and long trips to afternoon tea on the boat and even sailing on traditionally-rigged vessels from the 19th century.

6. Indulge in Retail Therapy

Are you in the mood for shopping? Check out the cluster of brands lining the main high street and the charming independent boutiques nearby. There are several options to buy antiques, hand-crafted gifts, local produce, and one-off creations. The Town Hall Galleries is where you can buy souvenirs. Other must-visit places include the Suffolk Craft Society, Suffolk Food Hall (cheesemonger, delicatessen, chocolatier, café, garden and home centre), and the Ipswich Market (local fruits, vegetables, flowers, plants, clothes).

7. Explore Ipswich’s Café Circuit

Café visits are a ritual when you’re in Ipswich! The town is home to innumerable quaint, beautiful, and vibrant cafes that you can check out on your trip. Some of the top choices include St Shoebill, Screamin’ Bean, Café Kalina, and the Dancing Bean Roastery.

8. Take in the Marvellous Ipswich Regent Theatre

This theatre is situated on St. Helen’s Street and is a legendary venue that goes back to 1929. It can accommodate 1,551 people, while being the biggest performing arts venue throughout East Anglia. You’ll be amazed to know that it has hosted Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles in the past, along with setting up an annual beer festival as well.

9. Satiate Your Curiosity at Ipswich Museum

The Ipswich Museum is a fascinating Victorian marvel with a huge collection of natural history exhibits. You’ll love the woolly mammoth and the massive Victorian glass cases with their artefacts, animals, and wonders from the Ancient Egyptian, Roman, Iron Age, Saxon, and modern-day periods.

10. Satisfy Your Cultural Cravings at New Wolsey Theatre

The New Wolsey Theatre is another must-visit, offering audio-described, signed, and captioned shows. It can accommodate 400 people and has a dynamic program with everything from modern theatre and comedy to drama and legendary pantomimes. If you’re a theatre lover, this is the place to be!

Explore Ipswich In a Unique Way On Your Trip

Ipswich offers many-hued attractions for you to check out, ranging from cultural and historical sites to the lovely waterfront and nature trails. You will also love the café, dining, and shopping circuits in the town, in addition to its lively atmosphere and welcoming community. Check out the top things to do, as mentioned above, and set the stage for a memorable trip ahead!