Fun Things to Do in Ipswich

Fun Things to Do in Ipswich

Looking for things to do in Ipswich? This historical English town has a collection of lovely green spaces and a picture-perfect waterfront. With so much to explore, we’ve narrowed down our favourites.

River Orwell

The River Orwell is one of the main places to see in Ipswich. Whether you decide to stroll along the water’s edge or opt for a boat ride – check out the many River Cruises on offer where you can dine as you drift along the water. There are many options which leave from Ipswich’s Waterfront and marina, but whichever one you take will enable you to see the scenery dramatically change as you leave Ipswich, sail under the Orwell Bridge and pass by the Shotley Peninsula.

Ipswich Waterfront

This vibrant waterfront has a great mix of cafes, restaurants and luxury apartment buildings to have a nosy at. Watch the world go by, enjoy a meal, or listen to some live music in one of the bars and unwind after a day of exploring. One of our favourites spots is Briarbank – this microbrewery down on the waterfront is great to visit and regularly hosts beer festivals!

Getting to Ipswich Waterfront from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre

You can reach the waterfront within 12 minutes by foot from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre.

Christchurch Mansion and Christchurch Park

Christchurch Mansion

One of the top places to see in Ipswich is the historic Christchurch Mansion. This Tudor mansion was built in the 16th century as a gentleman’s town residence, and now has a range of displays and art collections for you to browse, all for free! The largest collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable’s work outside of London lives here, along with collections of Victorian toys and games and The Wolsey Art Gallery. With over 500 years of history to explore, wander through a variety of period rooms – from the Tudor kitchen, the Georgian saloon, through to the Victorian wing. Events take place in Christchurch Mansion’s grounds throughout the year. There is also a cafe on-site, for tea, coffee, cakes, or a light lunch.

Christchurch Park

Christchurch Park is Ipswich’s oldest public park. Although it opened in 1895, it was the site of an Augustinian Priory which dates as far back as the 12th Century. It is one of the wildlife hubs of Ipswich, with a wilderness area and over 100 species of birds. The arboretum is perfect to relax, while the children will love the children’s playground. Head to the park for a lovely wander and immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery – the perfect way to spend a few hours during your trip to Ipswich.

Getting to Christchurch Mansion and Park from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre

You can reach the park within 2 minutes walking, and the Mansion within 5 minutes from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre.

Parks in Ipswich

Take a stroll in one of Ipswich’s many parks. While Christchurch Park is just around the corner from easyHotel Ipswich, you can also take your pick from the likes of Orwell Park, Alexandra Park and Chantry Park. For great views of the river, head to Orwell Park for the perfect scenic shot. Alexandra Park is located in the heart of the town and is great if you want to fit in a quick walk without venturing too far out of the centre. Finally, Chantry Park is located on the outskirts of Ipswich and hosts many open-air concerts with international stars such as the Backstreet Boys and Ed Sheeran. Chantry Park stretches over 124 acres, so is well worth exploring during your trip to Ipswich.

Head to the theatre

A trip to the theatre is a great activity for the whole family whilst visiting Ipswich. From theatre to live music and comedy, enjoy an evening at one of Ipswich’s entertainment venues. The New Wolsey Theatre is central to cultural life in Suffolk and the theatre is passionate about producing shows by minority artists. Its recent musical revivals include Sweet Charity, The Last Five Years and Made in Dagenham. You can reach the theatre in less than 10 minutes by foot from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre.

If an evening of comedy takes your fancy, then head to the Regent Theatre to catch a few comedians. This theatre has played host to Tim Minchin, Jimmy Carr and Lenny Henry to name a few, so be sure to check out the schedule before your trip to enjoy a night of comedy. The Regent Theatre often hosts famous travelling shows too, like We Will Rock You – all that and just a 5 minute walk from easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre!

Suffolk Ski Centre

Another great way to spend a day out in Ipswich is at the Suffolk Ski Centre. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your existing ski skills or want to try your hand at taking to the slopes with a professional instructor at your side, the centre offers a range of sessions to bring out the adrenaline junkie in you. The Centre also consists of a multi-activity leisure park where visitors can spend hours of fun on a wide range of outdoor activities, including mini-golf and tobogganing.

Anglia Indoor Kart Racing

For more fun things to do in Ipswich, Anglia Indoor Kart Racing is a must-do! The centre caters to all abilities making it the perfect activity for families due to the range of circuits that cater for both junior and adult drivers.

Museums

Explore Suffolk’s heritage and discover other historical wonders around Ipswich’s many museums.

Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum gives its visitors the chance to learn more about the town’s fascinating past across the ages alongside its impressive collections from all over the world. Best of all, it’s free to visit!

Ipswich Transport Museum

Find out everything there is to know about transport and engineering in and around the Ipswich area at the Ipswich Transport Museum. The museum itself was once a trolleybus depot and is now home to a wide range of exhibits dating back as far as 200 years.

Sutton Hoo Exhibition

This famous archaeological site dates back to the 6th and 7th century to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. Run by the National Trust, the exhibition hall itself displays a treasure trove of ancient artefacts that were unearthed and have provided many clues into what it was like to live during this period of history.

Directions to easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre

Getting to easyhotel Ipswich Town Centre from the train station: you can reach easyHotel Ipswich Town Centre in under 20 minutes on foot. In a bus, car or taxi, it will take you 11 minutes to reach the hotel.

For the perfect staycation, Ipswich ticks all the boxes. Find out more about some of the UK’s best loved cities to visit in our handy UK staycation guide.