SHUTTLE BUS
THINGS TO DO
Every Saturday, you can take advantage of the free All About Ipswich shuttle bus which runs on a loop between the waterfront (DanceEast) and town centre (Revolution).
Ipswich is the perfect place to stay during your break in the county, with a number of great attractions and events, diverse shops, restaurants and a fantastic cultural offering for you and your family and friends. Use our online interactive planner to plan your stay.
Waterfront REGATTA QUAY
The service begins at 10am and finishes at 6pm.
Waterfront Gallery
UCS Waterfront Building
1
St Peter’s and St Nicholas Street
2
The Saints is one of the main linkages between the county town’s retail heart and the stunning waterfront boasting an eclectic mix of established, independent restaurants, bars and retailers. The area is a quality and quirky shopping destination located in a beautiful, historic setting and is the perfect spot for a bite to eat with friends or a family day out.
Blackfriars
Upper Orwell Street, Fore Street, Tacket Street
3
The historic remains of the Blackfriars monastery provides the name for an area on the eastern fringe of the town centre and is an eclectic mix of eateries, bars, coffee shops and independent boutiques. The area is the second linkage zone between the beautiful waterfront and the thriving town centre. Why not pop in to the Blackfriars coffee shop for tea and cake, or book into one of the lovely restaurants for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
DanceEast
Jerwood DanceHouse, Foundry Lane
4
Based in the Jerwood DanceHouse in The Mill, DanceEast brings world class dance to the region, with a diverse programme of performance, classes and training opportunities. Facilities include danceeats! café and restaurant. 01473 295230
Ipswich Museum High Street
5
Open all year round, Tuesday to Saturday inclusive. Entry free. 01473 433551
Ipswich Transport Museum
Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road
St Peter’s by the Waterfront
7
St Peter’s StREET
Housed in the former Medieval Church, St Peter’s is a concert venue and exhibition centre which is also home to Ipswich Charter Wall Hangings, depicting 1,500 years of the town’s history and an exhibition of Thomas Wolsey, Ipswich’s most famous son.
Orwell Lady River Cruises
8
Orwell Quay
6
Discover one of the finest museums of its kind in the country with more than 100 major exhibits - including commercial vehicles, buses, horse-drawn vehicles, fire engines and cycles - and displays on Ipswich’s remarkable engineering history. A tea room and souvenir shop is on site.
QUIDS IN
Ipswich Regent Theatre 3 St Helens Street
This theatre and concert venue is one of the largest seated venues in East Anglia. The Regent presents the very best touring theatre productions, music and comedy. From West End shows such as Cats, Chicago and Calendar Girls, to opera, ballet and orchestral concerts from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Top comedians including Lee Evans, Michael McIntyre and Russell Brand and international music artists including Bryan Adams and the Foo Fighters have all performed at the venue. 01473 433100
Tickets and details from Tourist Information Centre
The Ipswich Corn Exchange is a multi-purpose arts and entertainments complex, offering the best in live entertainment with the capacity to host conferences, weddings, art exhibitions and dinner dances. The venue is owned and operated by Ipswich Borough Council.
01473 258070
Sailing Barge Victor River Cruises CoMMON QUAY
9
Enjoy the beautiful River Orwell at a leisurely pace aboard the Sailing Barge Victor. Built in Ipswich in 1895, and a real piece of local ship-building history, Victor operates cruises from May until the end of September from her berth outside the Old Custom House. Victor holds up to 40 passengers and has a licensed bar, covered lounge, and open sun deck. Cruises include Afternoon Tea and Evening Supper Cruises. Tickets and details from Tourist Information Centre.
Guided Walks
From Tourist Information Centre
10
Bring the history and heritage of Ipswich to life. Discover stunning architecture, hear about famous people connected to the town - from Darwin and Dickens to Giles and Wolsey. Regular public walks from May until the end of September. Themed, seasonal and special walks - some including afternoon tea - at other times and throughout the year.
Why not use our interactive planner to plan your stay in Ipswich. Find out about events such as Celebrate Ipswich, the fabulous Maritime Festival or the Ipswich Cycling weekend. Other events coming up include the Heritage Fortnight and the Christmas Lights switch-on.
13
Take to the River Orwell aboard the Orwell Lady, a two deck motor cruiser equipped to hold up to 118 passengers, with licensed bar, covered lounge and open sun deck. From short cruises to the Orwell Bridge, cruises through areas of natural beauty and wildlife to the bustling Harwich Harbour. Regular public cruises, afternoon tea and evening theme night cruises are available.
01473 258070
Founded by Darwin’s tutor and mentor, Professor Henslow, this was one of the first museums in the country. Collections include Egyptology, Geology and Archaeology, the Roman Suffolk Gallery and Anglo Saxon Ipswich plus the nationally important Ogilvie Bird Collection.
12
The Gallery is located within the main UCS Waterfront Building, facing onto the idyllic Ipswich Waterfront. The Gallery hosts a wide range of exhibitions from worldwide artists including paintings, photography, drawings, installation and projection.
A fabulous choice of places to eat, drink or people watch, quayside walks, river cruises, and diverse venues such as Cult Café featuring touring artists and local musical talent, make the Waterfront a must for any visit to Ipswich.
Saints
On weekdays, a free shuttle bus makes a circular tour of the town centre every 20 minutes from 7.15am –7.15pm, connecting leisure, retail and business districts.
Ipswich Corn Exchange
Park for £1 per hour in selected Ipswich Borough Council and NCP car parks or arrive after 3pm and pay just £1 for the rest of the day. These special prices are available in the following car parks: Bond Street Crown Car Park Gt Gipping Street Ipswich Village New Portman Road Regent Theatre Upper Barclay Street William Street
IP4 1JG IP1 3JG IP1 2BS IP1 2DZ IP1 2BP IP4 2EA IP4 1HU IP1 3XH
18 Spaces 224 Spaces and 12 Blue Badge Bays 120 Spaces and 12 Blue Badge Bays 329 Spaces 530 Spaces and 23 Blue Badge Bays 60 Spaces and 4 Blue Badge Bays 27 Spaces and 3 Blue Badge Bays 74 Spaces and 3 Blue Badge Bays
www.allaboutipswich.com/gettinghere Details correct at the time of going to print.
14
Cornhill
The Grand Hall can seat 982 for concerts or up to 300 guests for a ball. Smaller rooms are available for hire, offering a more intimate environment. The building houses two cinema screens showing independent and world cinema. 01473 433465
New Wolsey Theatre
15
Civic Drive
The New Wolsey Theatre is a 400 seat theatre in the heart of Ipswich. It was established in 2000, building on the foundations of the regional repertory company that had opened the theatre in the late 1970s. The New Wolsey co-produces and collaborates with leading UK producing theatres and companies and engages extensively with a wide range of people through its creative learning work. In 2007, The New Wolsey won an Edinburgh Festival Fringe First with Hoipolloi for their co-production of Story of a Rabbit which went on to tour nationally and internationally. More recently, physical theatre company, Gecko, has relocated to Ipswich to become a New Wolsey Associate Company.
SHOPPING Shopping in East Anglia’s Waterfront Town provides the discerning shopper with a vast array of global brands and individual bespoke items from its blend of national retailers and independent boutiques.
01473 295900
Ipswich has two major shopping centres, The Buttermarket and Tower Ramparts, a bustling high street and a charming cluster of shops in characterful areas such as Blackfriars and The Saints. These areas are the main linkages between the county town’s retail heart and the stunning waterfront. The charismatic streets stock a plethora of local and international brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Penelope Chilvers shoes, Paul Smith and Diesel clothing.
01473 258070
John Russell Gallery Wherry Lane
11
Open March to December. Check website for times.
The John Russell Gallery is a contemporary gallery on the Waterfront featuring exhibitions of works by established artists and emerging talents.
01473 715666
01473 212051
FOOD & DRINK
All these places and more are featured at
WWW.ALLABOUTIPSWICH.COM
Christchurch Park, Mansion & Gallery
East Anglia’s Waterfront Town is bursting with a range of eateries and restaurants all ready to tickle your taste buds. Ipswich offers a variety of choice and flavours, boasting classic restaurants, charming bars, unique cafes and tearooms, a selection of local producers and some luxurious fine dining venues.
16
Soane Street
This stunning Tudor house and art gallery is home to nationally important art collections including works by Constable and Gainsborough - two of England’s finest artists. Both were born and spent their formative years in Suffolk. The Mansion, situated in 65 acres of beautiful parkland, houses wonderful furniture in room settings reflecting the 400 years it was a gentleman’s country home.
TO FIND OUT more Ipswich Tourist Information Centre Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am – 5.00pm Address St Stephen’s Church St Stephen’s Lane Ipswich IP1 1DP
Telephone 01473 258070 Email tourist@ipswich.gov.uk
Download the App to guide you during your visit or use
www.allaboutipswich.com
Open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday inclusive. Entry free. 01473 433554 3G
Ipswich
revealed
PLACES TO stay
HINTLESHAM HALL
Hotel
Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk IP8 3NS t: 01473 652334 f: 01473 652463 e: reservations@hintleshamhall.com www.hintleshamhall.com Grading/rating: 4 Red* (AA2 Rosettes restaurant) Rooms from £99 bed and breakfast.
DAMERONS
Farm Holidays
Relax in our Grade 1 listed country house hotel set in peaceful, beautifully maintained, gardens. The décor combines the palatial and the cosy, with fine fabrics, works of art and antique furnishings. 33 luxuriously appointed bedrooms include some with four poster beds and many with original timber beams. Enjoy the ambience with attentive, friendly staff, award winning fine dining, extensive wine list, complimentary WIFI, helipad and free parking. Extensive range of beauty treatments and championship PGA 18 hole golf course - with preferred green fees for residents and specially tailored breaks. Six meeting rooms available - from small meetings to large conferences. Perfect for any occasion! Seven 4*, self catering cottages sleeping up to 32 people in total. Quiet farm with instant access to meadows and woodlands, Ipswich (4 miles), A14 (2 ½ miles) and Stansted (1 hour). Ideal for exploring Constable Country, farm parks and coastal resorts including Aldeburgh, Southwold and Felixstowe. Ideal for family reunions, group bookings, and business guests. Games room with pool, table tennis and table football. Children can feed lambs, ducks and collect eggs. Discounts for bookings of multiple weeks or cottages. Short breaks available, ample on-site parking.
NOVOTEL
Ipswich Centre
Grey Friars Road, Ipswich IP1 1UP t: 01473 3638001 e:H0995@accor.com www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-0995-novotel-ipswich-centre/index.shtml Grading/rating: AA 4* Rooms: from £65 only per room* (single-double)
SALTHOUSE
Originally a Jacobean hunting lodge, Belstead Brook Hotel combines historic charm and character with the best of modern facilities. The hotel is nestled in nine acres of mature wooded parkland alongside a brook and with feature gardens. The hotel is convenient to the A12/A14 road networks and has convenient access to Ipswich town centre, the Waterfront and its attractions, and is close to the Suffolk coast and Constable Country.
BELSTEAD BROOK
HARBOUR HOTEL
Hotel & SPA
Neptune Quay, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AX t: 01473 226789 e: staying@salthouseharbour.co.uk www.salthouseharbour.co.uk Grading/rating: A* Rooms: From £150 per room, per night
Belstead Road, Ipswich IP2 9HB t: 01473 684241 e: res.belstead@crerarmgmt.com www.swallow-hotels.com/hotels/belstead-brook-hotel.aspx Grading/rating: 3* Prices from £65 per night
*Up to 2 children under the age of 16 are accommodated for free in their parent’s or grandparent’s bedroom.
Three delightful, cosy cottages nestling in four acres of tranquil gardens, overlooking natural ponds with wildlife. Perfectly situated in the heart of Suffolk and excellent for touring the picture postcard villages and market towns with easy access to the stunning coastline. See website/call for brochure about this idyllic retreat and receive a free entry to win a two night stay.
MILL HOUSE
Holiday Cottages
Winner of the ‘Outstanding Customer Service’ Tourism In Suffolk Awards 2010.
Water Run, Hitcham, Suffolk IP7 7LN t: 01449 740315 e: hitcham@aol.com www.millhouse-hitcham.co.uk Grading/rating: 3*
Prices from £250-£310 based on two people for 7 nights (or from £65 per night).
Henley, Ipswich, Suffolk IP6 0RU t: 01473 832454 m: 07881 824083 e: info@dameronsfarmholidays.co.uk www.dameronsfarmholidays.co.uk Grading/rating: 4* Gold Prices: £245 (low season small unit) to £935 (high season largest unit) per week.
MILSOMS
Kesgrave Hall
KEY STREET Ipswich
3 Key Street, Ipswich, IP4 1BZ 3 t: 0871 527 9388 e: ipswichtowncentrequayside.pi@premierinn.com www.premierinn.com/en/hotel/IPSKEY/ipswich-town-centre-quayside Grading/rating: 3* Prices from £45
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall, a superb grade II listed house, was transformed over five years ago into a contemporary 4* hotel. Kesgrave Hall is easily accessible to both Ipswich and the Suffolk Heritage Coast. The 23 bedrooms range from standard to ‘super’ deluxe and have plenty of WOW factor. The brasserie restaurant is open all day with the chefs championing all that is great about Suffolk food. The Bunker, Mess and The Hangar are on hand for meetings, private dinners and parties.
Hall Road, Kesgrave, Ipswich IP5 2PU t: 01473 333741 e: reception@kesgravehall.com www.milsomhotels.com/kesgravehall Grading/rating: AA 4* Rooms: From £130 (room and full breakfast)
Premier Inn is just a stone’s throw from Ipswich’s waterfront, where the new marinas, restaurants and bars are emerging from a historic Victorian Wet Dock. The hotel is approximately a kilometre from Ipswich railway station, with medieval churches and Tudor sites close by. It has everything you’d expect, from incredibly comfy beds and air conditioning in every room to relaxed dining at The Kitchen, which offers a mix of traditional and contemporary dishes.
PREMIER INN
For more places to stay visit www.allaboutipswich.com/placestostay
This artfully designed boutique hotel and restaurant reflects luxury and dazzles in the waterfront of Ipswich’s vibrant quayside at night. Within its comfy chic décor although the mood is friendly and relaxed, the staff are professionally attentive to your every need.
The Novotel Ipswich is a centrally located 4 star hotel, close to the university campus and waterfront, as well as the shopping and nightlife of Ipswich. Our contemporary guest rooms come with unlimited WIFI , satellite tv and free access to our brand new In Balance Gym. Our Elements restaurant serves modern international cuisine, and the bar is the perfect spot to relax. There are six fully-equipped function rooms for meetings or weddings, for up to 220 people.
PENTAHOTEL
Hotel Ipswich
HOLIDAY INN
Ipswich Orwell
The Havens, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9SJ t: 01473 272244 e: reservations@ipswich.kewgreen.co.uk www.holidayinn.com/ipswichorwell Grading/rating: 3 Star Prices: POA
Pentahotel is centrally located in Ipswich, just a five minute walk from the train station and Ipswich Town Football Club. The hotel is perfectly situated for leisure or business with the award winning waterfront marina with bars and restaurants located nearby. The hotel boasts the Hub Restaurant and Bar, riverside terrace and mini gym. Business visitors can benefit from the best meeting rooms Ipswich has to offer.
Ranelagh Road, Ipswich IP2 0AD t: 01473 694600 e: reservations@encoreipswich.co.uk www.encoreipswich.co.uk Grading/rating: 3* AA Rooms from £55
The Holiday Inn Ipswich Orwell is ideally located at junction 57 of the A14. Easy access to Ipswich, it’s attractions, museums and shopping Centre as well as convenient for exploring the beautiful surrounding countryside and Suffolk Heritage Coast. This modern hotel has a lift to all floors and 2 wheelchair accessible rooms. Executive rooms and suite are also available, as well as rooms with sofabeds for families.
WELCOME TO IPSWICH
Explore Suffolk
With a rich history, and every modern amenity, East Anglia’s Waterfront Town offers the perfect weekend retreat. Add in the finest choice of accommodation, a stunning waterfront, a varied cultural offering and its proximity to beautiful countryside, picture postcard villages and the stunning Suffolk heritage coast, Ipswich is the perfect hub for a short break or holiday. There is so much to see and do. Let’s begin at the striking waterfront, with quayside restaurants and bistros, hotels, a DanceHouse of international excellence, river cruises to help you enjoy the peace and beauty of the River Orwell, and Britain’s newest university. From the waterfront you can take a walk through the streets of the Saints and Blackfriars, two of the main linkages to the county town’s retail heart. The areas boast an eclectic mix of established, independent restaurants, bars and retailers. Christchurch Mansion is also a must see with its superb art collections, diverse museums & galleries and beautiful parks. Whether you’ve already arrived in town, or you’ve just picked up this mini guide to see what Ipswich has to offer, we think you will be pleased you have chosen to explore East Anglia’s Waterfront Town.
HOLIDAY INN
1
4 2
With convenient road and transport links and the finest choice of accommodation, Ipswich is the ideal touring base for staying and enjoying the county of Suffolk. Constable Country, the area around the Dedham Vale made famous by the great artist, is just a 10 minute drive. Close by are the Suffolk wool towns, including Lavenham (the best preserved medieval wool town in England), Kersey and Long Melford. A short drive away is the Suffolk Heritage Coast including gems such as Woodbridge, Aldeburgh, Southwold and Snape Maltings. History buffs are spoilt for choice with stunning castles at Framlingham and Orford. National Trust properties, Ickworth and Kentwell Hall are close by.
A warm welcome awaits you at the Holiday Inn situated in a quiet leafy area on the outskirts of Ipswich. The hotel is located near the A12/A14 a short drive from Ipswich town centre. Plentiful on-site parking is available for all our guests. After a hard day’s work or sightseeing, settle in to your comfortable bedroom with all the facilities you need for a great night’s sleep. Guests can enjoy complimentary use of our leisure club with gym, pool, jacuzzi, steam and sauna.
London Road Ipswich
3
For more information check out some of the listings or visit www.allaboutipswich.com.
London Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 0UA t: 0871 942 9045 / 01473 786700 e: reservations-ipswich@ihg.com www.hiipswichhotel.co.uk Grading/rating: 3* Rooms: Various rates available from £39 Room Only
1
No part of this publication may be produced in any way without the express consent of the publishers. Copyright 2012 Ipswich Borough Council, using map design and source data supplied under license. All rights reserved. Correct at time of going to press, August 2014. Designed by Applied.
Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh is a world-renowned seaside town on the Suffolk coast, home to the best fish and chip shop in the country and the greatest classical music festival this side of Vienna. Pastel-coloured 19th century villas line Aldeburgh’s traditional seaside promenade while to the east, on the pebbly beach, local fishermen lean from their fishing huts, proffering the morning’s catch to a stream of passers-by.
5 16 2
Constable Country
Constable Country is another name for Dedham Vale, the area where the famous artist John Constable was born and painted a large amount of his artwork. Just 10 miles from Ipswich, Constable Country offer visitors the chance to see the famous artworks and follow the guided walks of ‘Constable’s footsteps’ and see the sites and surroundings that inspired the wonderful pieces of art.
15
3
Framlingham Castle is a magnificent 12th century fortress with a long and colourful past which makes a fascinating family day out in Suffolk. Embark on a self-guided journey of discovery with the themed trails and lively audio tour, and explore the Mere and the wall-walk with its spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.
13
14
Framlingham Castle
4
Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo, near Woodbridge, is the site of two 6th and early 7th-century cemeteries. Sutton Hoo is of primary importance to early Medieval historians because it sheds light on a period of English history that is on the margin between myth, legend and historical documentation. Today, Sutton Hoo still sets the imaginations of aspiring time travellers alight, with a fascinating exhibition, solstice celebrations and historical talks.
10
3
GETTING here Ipswich is well connected and enjoys excellent road and rail links to London, the Midlands and beyond.
2
BY CAR Ipswich is easily accessible from London and the South (just 55 miles from the M25) via the A12 and from the Midlands and North via the A14.
7
BY RAIL
11 9 4
12 6
1
Trains from London Liverpool Street and Stratford reach Ipswich in around an hour. Northern and Western services change at Peterborough for Ipswich.
BY AIR London Stansted is only 50 miles from Ipswich and just over an hour by coach. National Express operate around 10 direct coaches per day each way, 24/7.
8
PARK & RIDE Convenient Park and Ride services operate every 10 minutes. (Monday to Saturday 7am - 7pm)
BY COACH Ipswich is well served by National Express Coaches including four daily services from London and Northern and Western services, via Cambridge.
BY SEA Harwich international ferry port is around 30 miles from Ipswich.
GETTING AROUND town Most of the town centre is traffic-free. The rail station is a short distance from the town centre (just two minutes by bus). Ipswich Buses terminus (Tower Ramparts) and First Buses (Old Cattle Market Bus Station) are located adjacent to the pedestrianised area. Ipswich Shopmobility provides hand-operated and electric wheelchairs and parking for people with disabilities (01473 222225). A parking guide is available at
www.allaboutipswich.com/getting-here