Overview
Explore the Heart of Ipswich with a walking tour. Step down hill from Christchurch Mansion through the town contrasting the history of Ipswich Museum, The Ancient House and St. Peter’s Street with the glass listed building of Willis Towers Watson finishing at the bustling waterfront for refreshments. Finally, head to the bustling waterfront and enjoy fine food or a luxurious stay at the likes of Salthouse Harbour Hotel which overlooks the Neptune Marina.
Christchurch Park
70 acres of green parkland, gardens and woods in the centre of Ipswich with an arboretum, waterfowl, museum, gallery and monuments including war memorials, Burton Fountain and The Brett Fountain. Also Tennis courts, bowling green, children’s playground and refreshments are available.
Christchurch Mansion
The spectacular mansion house dates from the mid 16th century and houses the largest collection of Gainsborough and Constable paintings outside of London. You can explore the period rooms including the Tudor kitchen, Georgian saloon, Victorian Wing and other exhibitions.
Ipswich Museum
Charting Suffolk’s history and containing exhibits from around the world Ipswich museum has a variety of collections to view including the Ogilvie British Bird Gallery and Suffolk Geology Gallery. Be sure to introduce yourself to the woolly mammoth model!
The Corn Exchange
Situated on the Corn Hill also known as Market Hill in the centre of Ipswich, the Corn Exchange is a large impressively decorated building with high ceilings built in 1882 replacing the original structure dating from 1812.
Giles Circus
Giles Circus contains a statute unveiled in 1993 of the Daily Express’s cartoonist and illustrator’s character Grandma looking up at the window where Carl Giles once worked. It will make you smile.
The Ancient House
The Ancient House, or Sparrowes House dates from the mid 16th century and is situated in the Buttermarket area. Used today as a retail shop the building is decorated with detailed pargeting and wooden carvings.
Willis Towers Watson
Designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster and built in the 1970’s the listed glass building is an iconic Ipswich landmark. The office building was built with a swimming pool in the basement and insulating roof garden. In 1990 it became the youngest Grade 1 listed building in Britain.
Cardinal Wolsey Statue
The life size bronze statue of Cardinal Wolsey unveiled in 2011 is situated in historic St. Peter’s Street, yards from where it is believed he lived. St. Peter’s Street hosts many impressive Tudor buildings amongst the cafes and restaurants.
Old Customs House
The Old Customs House was designed by John Medland Clark and dates back to 1845. The building sits on the waterfront and is impressively decorated with stone columns and balustrades and is ornately decorated internally.
Ipswich Marina
Once at the heart of the trading port the Neptune Marina is now a bustling vibrant waterfront combining historic buildings, with residential accommodation, restaurants and bars overlooking the water.
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