5 Days of Coastal Charm: Ipswich, UK

Discover the charm of Ipswich, a historic town with a modern vibe.

22 April 2023

Ipswich, a historic port town in Suffolk, offers a window into England's cultural and architectural past. Visitors can explore the stunning Tudor architecture at Christchurch Mansion or delve into the town's maritime heritage at the Ipswich Waterfront. Furthermore, the town's vibrant art galleries, shops, and eateries provide ample opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the local culture.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrival

  • Check into The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, a stunning waterfront hotel with quirky interiors
  • Grab lunch at The Smokehouse, a riverside restaurant famous for its smoked meats and craft beers
  • Take a stroll around Christchurch Park, a beautiful green space in the heart of the town
  • Visit Ipswich Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of artifacts ranging from Anglo-Saxon treasures to Victorian taxidermy
  • Enjoy dinner at The Galley, a seafood restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the marina
Day 2

Local History

  • Explore the Tudor House, the oldest building in Ipswich, which dates back to the 16th century
  • Visit the Ipswich Transport Museum, which has a vast collection of vintage cars, buses, and bikes
  • Go on a guided tour of Ipswich Town Hall, a grand Victorian building with an impressive courtroom and council chamber
  • Learn about the town's maritime past at the Ipswich Maritime Trust and Waterfront Museum
  • Have dinner at The Bistro on the Quay, a stylish eatery with a Mediterranean-inspired menu and views of the marina
Day 3

Coastal Adventures

  • Drive 30 minutes to the charming seaside town of Felixstowe and enjoy a traditional English breakfast at The Alex Cafe
  • Go for a walk along the beach or take a dip in the sea at Felixstowe Beach, which has a wide stretch of sand and promenade
  • Visit Landguard Fort, a historic site that played a crucial role in the defense of the country during World War II
  • Take a ferry ride to Harwich, a picturesque port town with a pretty lighthouse and historic streets
  • Dine at The Pier, a beachfront restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood dishes
Day 4

Nature and Countryside

  • Drive 20 minutes to the beautiful countryside village of Dedham and explore Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Rent a bike from Dedham Bike Hire and cycle through the rolling hills and picturesque villages of Constable Country
  • Visit Flatford Mill, a working mill and museum that inspired famous landscape painter John Constable
  • Have lunch at The Sun Inn, a 15th century traditional pub with a charming garden and excellent food
  • Discover the wildlife and gardens at Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s Bramford Local Nature Reserve
Day 5

Farewell

  • Treat yourself to a hearty breakfast at The Grazing Sheep, a trendy café that serves delicious brunch dishes
  • Visit St Peter's by the Waterfront, a former church that has been transformed into a performance venue and community space
  • Check out some artwork at the Ipswich Art Gallery, which showcases contemporary art by local and international artists
  • Have lunch at Cafe Bencotto, an authentic Italian restaurant that makes fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza
  • Say farewell to Ipswich and depart for your next destination.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ipswich, United Kingdom by plane is to fly into London Stansted Airport and then take the Stansted Express train to Ipswich. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and the train station is located directly at the airport.

Car

The best way to get to Ipswich, United Kingdom by car is to take the A12 motorway from London. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Train

The best way to get to Ipswich, United Kingdom by train is to take a direct train from London Liverpool Street Station to Ipswich. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and there are several departures per hour throughout the day.

Boat

There is no direct way to get to Ipswich, United Kingdom by boat, however, there is a ferry service from Harwich International Port, which is approximately 20 miles away. From Harwich, you can then take a train or bus to Ipswich.

Bus

The best way to get to Ipswich, United Kingdom by bus is to take the National Express coach service from London Victoria Coach Station to Ipswich. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and there are several departures per day.

Destination

Ipswich

Welcome to the town where it's impossible to pronounce the name correctly on the first try (hint: it rhymes with which) and the locals insist that their football team is pronounced Ipswitch.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Affordable and Fun: 4 Days in Historic Ipswich

Discover the historic town of Ipswich with limited funds. Visit the ancient Christchurch Mansion and explore its art collection, stroll around the picturesque waterfront and witness the award-winning marina, eat at some of the town's best budget-friendly restaurants and cafes for an authentic English experience. Don't forget to take a walk in the beautiful parks like Christchurch Park for a refreshing break.

Ipswich, UK in 2 Fun-Filled Days!

As a tourist in Ipswich, United Kingdom, visitors can explore the historic buildings and architecture of the town, including the 12th-century Norman castle and the medieval St. Mary-le-Tower Church. The Ipswich Waterfront area is also worth exploring, with its galleries, museums, restaurants, and cafes, as well as the opportunity to take a boat ride on the River Orwell. For nature enthusiasts, there are numerous parks and green spaces in Ipswich, such as Christchurch Park and Holywells Park, where visitors can hike, bike, and relax amid lovely scenery.

Escape for a Romantic Weekend in Ipswich

Ipswich, located in eastern England, offers a perfect romantic getaway with its scenic countryside, charming historical landmarks, and cozy restaurants. Couples can explore the stunning parks and gardens or take a stroll along the picturesque waterfront, followed by a romantic dinner at one of the many atmospheric restaurants. Ipswich is a delightful destination that provides the perfect setting for a memorable romantic trip in the United Kingdom.

Ipswich on a Budget: Culture, Nature & History

Ipswich, located in East Anglia, is a charming town with plenty of affordable attractions for budget travellers. Take a stroll along the waterfront, visit the free Ipswich Museum, or spend a day at the beautiful Christchurch Park. Accommodation is also reasonably priced, with options including hostels, budget hotels, and self-catering apartments.