Ipswich Museum

Ipswich Museum showing interior views
Ipswich Museum which includes interior views
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich Museum featuring heritage elements
Ipswich Museum


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

Journey through the lives of Suffolk’s ancestors and learn about extinct civilizations as you tour the Ipswich Museum. Find family-friendly exhibits of artifacts that date back to the Iron Age, Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and Saxon times. Ipswich Museum opened in 1846 with a mission to teach the townspeople about natural history. In 1881 it moved to its present location, a purpose-built Victorian building.

Study a vast collection of wildlife from around the world displayed in Victorian cabinets. Major highlights are a giraffe, a lion and a rhinoceros. Standing alongside the animals are examples of hunting trophies. There’s also a diorama made in 1906 that presents an overview of African wildlife.

Look up at the life-size woolly mammoth in the Suffolk Wildlife Gallery. Here you’ll discover what life was like in Britain during the Ice Age and see typical animals of the time, such as the bear, boar and wolf. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Ogilvie British Bird Gallery. It honors ornithologist Fergus Menteith Ogilvie and features taxidermy displays of various types of British birds.

Another interesting exhibit is dedicated to geology and has objects dating back 70 million years. See the teeth of the extinct Megalodon shark in addition to marine life from the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. Get an overview of Ancient Egypt via a pharaoh’s burial casket, ceramics and jewelry pieces. See replicas of a Saxon workshop and burial chamber and a Roman kitchen.

The museum is at the northern edge of Ipswich’s town center. Get here on foot easily from other major city attractions, including the Ancient House and Christchurch Mansion. Parking is possible, for a fee, at nearby Claude Street. Adjoining the museum is Ipswich Art Gallery, where you can browse rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Ipswich Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Visit the museum’s official website for information about traveling exhibitions and special events such as children’s workshops.

Plan a trip to see Ipswich Museum

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The Great Hallingbury Manor Hotel
County Hotel Chelmsford
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

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B&B HOTEL Ipswich

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Novotel Ipswich

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Holiday Inn Ipswich by IHG

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Bridge Guest House

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Toothbrush Apts - Ipswich Fonnereau Road

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Things to do near Ipswich Museum

While visiting Ipswich Museum, you can enjoy a variety of activities nearby, including theatre performances, sporting events, and entertainment options. Don't miss the chance to participate in fun activities such as the Easter egg hunt, which adds a delightful twist to your experience. Ipswich offers a vibrant atmosphere that complements your museum visit, making it a perfect destination for both culture and leisure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Cardinal Park, only 311m from Ipswich Museum, offering a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Felixstowe Market and Carters Teapots, both around 6.8km away, for unique gifts and local products.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Portman Road, a sports stadium 311m from Ipswich Museum, perfect for catching a local match. For relaxation, Crown Pools, located 62m away, offers outdoor swimming and family fun. Enjoy a round of golf at Fynn Valley Golf Club, 1.9km distant, amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Foxhall Stadium, located 1.9km from Ipswich Museum, offering an adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. For water sports enthusiasts, Alton Water, 3.7km away, provides exciting outdoor activities. For a more adventurous outing, Combat Paintball Ltd, situated 18.0km from the museum, promises exhilarating paintball action.

Nightlife

After exploring Ipswich Museum, enjoy a show at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, just 311m away, or catch a film at the Ipswich Film Theatre, merely 124m away. For more entertainment, the New Wolsey Theatre, also 124m away, offers a vibrant cultural experience.

Find the best attractions near Ipswich Museum

While visiting Ipswich Museum, you can explore a variety of fascinating attractions, including historic sites, charming churches, and urban parks, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the Ipswich Transport Museum for a unique experience. Be sure to check reviews and information about Ipswich museums to enhance your visit and discover the rich heritage of this vibrant area.

  • Ipswich Waterfront: A picturesque and historic part of Ipswich, the Waterfront boasts charming views of the marina and vibrant cultural vibes, perfect for leisurely walks and dining by the water.
  • University Campus Suffolk: This modern educational hub offers a dynamic atmosphere with contemporary architecture and city vibes, making it an interesting spot to explore academic life and innovation.
  • Custom House: A stunning historic building that reflects Ipswich's rich maritime heritage, Custom House is an architectural gem and a cultural landmark, ideal for those interested in local history and art.

Best time to go to Ipswich Museum

The best time to visit Ipswich Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Ipswich Museum falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Ipswich Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.8°F (8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ipswich Museum

To save money on your visit to Ipswich Museum, consider travelling in the cheaper months of January to February and November, as prices are lower during these times compared to the summer months. Booking your stay on a Thursday can also help you save, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter your preferences and arrange package deals for flights and accommodation to get the best rates. Additionally, look for free activities in the area to enhance your experience without straining your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ipswich Museum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ipswich Museum is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Ipswich Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Ipswich Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.