Things to do in Ipswich

Activities, attractions and tours

Ipswich Waterfront showing a bay or harbour and a sunset
Ipswich which includes a small town or village
Ipswich which includes a church or cathedral
Ipswich which includes a garden and autumn leaves
Ipswich

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What to do in Ipswich

Popular places to visit

Ipswich Waterfront

Ipswich Waterfront

Now a lively district with a harmonious blend of historical landmarks, bars, restaurants and cultural centers, this area was formerly an industrial dockyard.

Ipswich Waterfront
University Campus Suffolk which includes a bay or harbour

University Campus Suffolk

Student life in Ipswich is everywhere as you wander between the modern faculty buildings of this institution of higher education.

University Campus Suffolk
Blackfriars which includes a ruin and signage

Blackfriars

A mishmash of architectural styles and varied dining options fill this district that cuts through the site of a former Dominican friary.

Blackfriars
Ipswich Museum which includes interior views

Ipswich Museum

Displays of exotic animals, ancient Egyptian artifacts and millennia-old fossils showcase ethnographic and natural history from countries around the world.

Ipswich Museum
Custom House which includes a bay or harbour

Custom House

Set amid the gentrified buildings of Ipswich Waterfront, this classical landmark stands as a reminder of the town’s importance as a maritime trading center.

Custom House
Christchurch Mansion featuring a house and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people

Christchurch Mansion

Experience over 900 years of history while exploring the elegantly furnished rooms and browsing the art galleries in this Tudor mansion.

Christchurch Mansion

Portman Road

Catch an event at Portman Road during your trip to Ipswich. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Portman Road

Jimmy's Farm

Enjoy an outing to Jimmy's Farm during your stay in Ipswich. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Jimmy's Farm

Ipswich Regent Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Ipswich Regent Theatre, a popular theatre in Ipswich. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Ipswich Regent Theatre

Areas of Ipswich

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Whitton

Check out the historical sites, restaurants and spas while spending some time in Whitton. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Ipswich Museum or Christchurch Mansion.

Whitton
Colchester showing markets and signage as well as a large group of people

Colchester

Photo by Mike Campbell

Felixstowe

Sudbury

Sudbury

Bury St Edmunds

Bury St Edmunds

Harwich

Harwich

Photo "Capel St. Mary" by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA)

Capel St. Mary

Photo "Manningtree" by Glyn Baker (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original

Manningtree

Photo "Westerfield" by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oxymoron (CC BY-SA)

Westerfield

Frequently asked questions

Is Ipswich worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and walking trails, discovering cool things to do in Ipswich is easy. Be sure to add Ipswich Regent Theatre to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Ipswich?
Once you've checked off top attractions like Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum and Wattisham Station Heritage Airfield Museum, spend the rest of your day enjoying Ipswich's retail and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ipswich?
The top tourist attraction in Ipswich is Ipswich Regent Theatre, so be sure to put it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Ipswich?
Three days in Ipswich is plenty of time to enjoy the city's leading attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Ipswich Regent Theatre, Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum and New Wolsey Theatre are top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a little longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Bury St Edmunds.
Is Ipswich a walkable city?
It depends on what you want to do and see in Ipswich. Several key attractions, such as Ipswich Regent Theatre and New Wolsey Theatre, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Ipswich's best neighbourhoods, Whitton is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Westerfield is 3 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ipswich with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all the family, check out these great ideas for what to do in Ipswich with kids.
What to do in Ipswich for adults?
The Willis Building and Ipswich Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Ipswich. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Ipswich?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Ipswich is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can visit without reaching for your wallet. Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.