Ipswich
Ipswich is England’s oldest continually settled Anglo-Saxon town and has something for everyone - the beautiful Christchurch Park and Mansion, the Waterfront, medieval buildings, fantastic shops all surrounded by unspoilt countryside.
The Waterfront is the "new Ipswich", with restaurants, a hotel, marinas and homes. Ipswich is also the entertainment capital of the East and Cardinal Park offers the biggest names. The town has pubs and clubs to suit all ages and tastes, and independent shops stand side by side the nation’s favourite stores.
Art lovers will be enchanted by the Town Hall Galleries which is free to all and has good access for the disabled. Artists Thomas Gainsborough lived in the town in the 1750’s and John Constable, who was born a few miles away, visited Ipswich frequently to study and to paint. It is no surprise that the town boasts the most significant collection of Constables and Gainsboroughs outside London. The collections are housed in Christchurch Mansion a fine Tudor manor in the town centre. Admission to the Mansion and surrounding Park is free.
On a fine day enjoy the sights of the town and surrounding countryside from The Open Top Bus. "Fly" the River Orwell, crossing the impressive Orwell Bridge with its breath-taking views of the beautiful river. Details of timetables etc will be available from the Tourist Information Centre on site. Alternatively enjoy the river aboard the Orwell Lady. Cruises leave the Historic Waterfront near the town centre. Tickets available from the Tourist Information Office.
