Weekend in Ipswich

Medieval parish church with a 16th-century tower, carved wooden angels on the roof, and a peaceful interior. It’s the oldest building in central Ipswich.

Tip: Check the noticeboard for free lunchtime recitals on Thursdays – usually organ or choir.

A 15th-century timber-framed merchant's house on the Butter Market, with ornate pargeting (plaster decoration) on the exterior.

Tip: Pop into the gift shop inside — they don't mind you looking at the original ceiling beams and fireplace. No public access beyond the ground floor.

Medieval parish church with a soaring spire, medieval stained glass fragments, and a quiet garden with benches.

Tip: Check for weekday lunchtime organ recitals in summer — free and usually around 1pm. The tower is not open to the public.

Natural history and local archaeology, including a full-size woolly mammoth skeleton and Suffolk wildlife displays. Victorian building with period galleries.

Tip: The museum is small – allow 45 minutes, then pop across the road to the Ancient House timbered building.

Regenerated dock area with modern architecture, the old Custom House, and footpaths along the River Orwell. Good for a walk or picnic by the water.

Tip: Start at the Salthouse Harbour end and walk to the lock gates – you’ll see boats and the occasional seal.

A regenerated dock area with restored maritime buildings, public art, and a boardwalk along the River Orwell.

Tip: Walk to the end of the boardwalk for quiet bench seating with views of the marina and the cranes — good for a packed lunch.

A Tudor mansion with period rooms, paintings by Gainsborough and Constable, and a walled garden. The attached Wolsey Art Gallery is also free.

Tip: The tearoom in the stable block serves decent cake and is cheaper than chains on the high street.

Local history museum with natural history displays, a Victorian street scene, and Suffolk archaeology including the Sutton Hoo helmet replica.

Tip: The upper gallery has a small collection of taxidermy animals in cases — slightly dated but fascinating for kids. No café but there's a bench in the entrance hall.

A 33-acre green space with ancient trees, a lake, tennis courts, and the Tudor Christchurch Mansion (mansion entry free).

Tip: The mansion's upper floors have quiet period rooms with original furniture — most visitors only see the ground floor.

17-acre park with formal gardens, a pond, an orangery, and woodland walks. Once part of a brewery estate – traces of the maltings remain.

Tip: Pick up a free park trail leaflet at the café on Cliff Lane – kids enjoy the geocaching-style treasure hunt.