Step aboard a vintage automobile, part of a collection of vehicles that were once vital to the daily lives of people from Ipswich and its surrounding region.
Take a trip to the past at the Ipswich Transport Museum for a glimpse into the transportation heritage of Suffolk’s largest town. This exhibition has superbly preserved motorized and non-motorized vehicles. Watch volunteers perform restoration work on wrecks.
Ipswich Transport Museum started in 1965 with the purchase of a 1930s bus and today has about 100 vehicles. It’s located in the former building of a trolleybus station.
From bicycles and buses to cars used by emergency services, the museum has something to entertain all ages. See a hearse, horse-drawn carts, tractors, trams, trucks and wagons. Climb aboard one of the vehicles, sit at the driver’s seat and ring the bell. Children will enjoy posing for a photo while wearing a policeman’s hat and jacket.
Highlights include the 1938 Dennis Ace bus, the first vehicle acquired by the museum. Spot a horse-drawn tram from 1880 and examples of trolleybuses from the first half of the 20th century. Among the commercial vehicles are electric carts and floats used to deliver coal, milk and vegetables. In the emergency services area follow the evolution of ambulances, fire engines and police cars.
Go to the restoration area to observe as the museum’s volunteers work diligently to bring cars back to their original glory. Look inside the re-creation of a mechanic’s workshop and a car parts store. Have fun driving trains in the large model railway. The Ipswich Engineering Collection has exhibits from Suffolk-based agricultural and railway equipment manufacturing companies.
Reach the museum easily by catching a bus from Ipswich town center. The journey will take about 25 minutes. Free parking is available on the street adjacent to the museum building.
Ipswich Transport Museum is generally open on Sundays, every day during August and select other days. Hours vary, so check the museum’s official website while planning your visit. The admission fee offers discounts for children and families.
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