Ipswich Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

Built on a strong trading past, this port town retains historic charm and has grown to be an appealing cultural centre. 

Understand the reason for Ipswich’s long history as you stand at the Waterfront where shipbuilding and trading began nearly 1,000 years ago. The rather stern-looking Customs House is a reminder of the town’s mercantile past. Today this area has excellent shopping and dining just a short walk from the University of Suffolk.

Celebrating its long history, Ipswich’s museums appeal to varied interests. Bring kids to the Ipswich Museum to see taxidermied animals and learn about 70 millions years of history in the local area and other countries. Climb aboard all types of vehicles at the Transport Museum. The Ancient House, built in the late 1500s, displays fascinating exterior plaster decoration known as pargeting. Christchurch Mansion, of the same vintage, offers a peek into the past in a Tudor home now containing the Wolsey Art Gallery.

New Wolsey Theatre is much more modern, offering original plays, music, pantomime and other performances. See the Willis Building, constructed in 1975, with a sleek modern appearance but walls curved to match the path of the town’s medieval streets.

Thomas Wolsey, whose name appears throughout the town, is one of Ipswich’s most famous former residents. Wolsey’s Gate is the only remaining part of a school that he founded in the early 1500s. See the Cardinal Thomas Wolsey statue depicting this educator seated in flowing robes and extending a hand to encourage students.

The Question Mark sculpture is a more modern work of art, also intended to serve as motivation for students in its position outside the Waterfront Building of the University Campus Suffolk. Surrounding the university area, look for lively pubs and cafés serving students and faculty.

Ipswich is a Suffolk County port town on the River Orwell, leading to the North Sea. Drive here from London in less than 2 hours or take a train in 2 to 3 hours. While you’re here delve into the town’s fascinating past and enjoy all the amenities of a thriving modern city and cultural center.

Where to stay in 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 Crown Pools.

Whitton
B&B HOTEL Ipswich
B&B HOTEL Ipswich
4 out of 5
Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, England
The price is £54 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£54
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ipswich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8/10 Very Good! (996 reviews)
"Excellent property quite and pleasant"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

B&B HOTEL Ipswich
easyHotel Ipswich
easyHotel Ipswich
3 out of 5
3-5 Northgate Street, Ipswich, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £29 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£29
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Ipswich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (821 reviews)
Great hotel and excellent value
"Basic small room but had everything I needed. Bed TV WiFi air con and en suite bathroom."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

easyHotel Ipswich
Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel
Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel
4 out of 5
Belstead Road, Ipswich, England
The price is £101 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
£101
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Ipswich. Enjoy a full-service spa, a marina and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Doesn’t feel like you’re in UK vibes
"Great stay perfect place for a nice walk"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way
7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way
2 out of 5
7 Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Ipswich, England
Stay at this apartment in Ipswich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Ipswich Waterfront and Portman Road are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"Lovely little place to stay like home from home"

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way
Student Only Athena Hall
Student Only Athena Hall
2 out of 5
3 University Ave, Ipswich, England
Stay at this apartment in Ipswich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and concierge services. Popular attractions Ipswich Waterfront and Custom House are located ...
Student Only Athena Hall
No1 Dove Street
No1 Dove Street
3.5 out of 5
1 Dove Street, Ipswich, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Ipswich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Ipswich Waterfront and The Old Ipswich County Court and Gallows ...
Tasteful apartment.
"Not the apartment I was expecting but very nice nonetheless - had expected ground floor apartment as travelling with older relative who has some mobility issues - access via very steep stairs. We were lucky with street parking but this could be an issue, probably best to book parking with landlord ..."

Reviewed on 12 Apr 2022

No1 Dove Street
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ipswich

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
61
5 - Excellent 23%
4 - Good
135
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
59
3 - Okay 22%
2 - Disappointing
12
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely part of the country

3/5 - Okay

Philip

Lots of traffic city centre

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Did not visit for pleasure. Funeral.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Only went to the waterfront area which seemed quite run down to start but did manage to find a couple of decent dining and social areas. It’s a shame they cannot invest some more to attract people to an otherwise lovey town.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

The Marina in front of the hotel is great but unfortunately the town is very run down.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The Three Wise Monkeys has a lovely gin bar in the basement and Love Thy Burger was a pleasant dining experience.

Cities near Ipswich