Ipswich on The Orwell

Showcasing a variety of lowland habitats from ancient woodlands, heathlands to mudflats, this riverside nature reserve on the edge of Ipswich by the Orwell Bridge, lies within the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape.  There are four main areas – Piper’s Vale/Elm Hill, Bridge Wood, Braziers Wood/Meadow, Pond Hall farm/ Meadow/ Carr – all ideal for scenic wildlife walks, or accessible on one circular walk. Listen out for skylarks and nightingales, and be sure to bring the binoculars – you might sight a Golden Plover or even a Peregrine falcon!

Championing local foods, creative dining experiences and family fun – plus stunning views of the mighty Orwell Bridge! The internationally-recognised farm shop is packed full of locally sourced food and drink and includes a butchers, artisan bakers, wine and beer merchant, greengrocer, grocery, even a chocolatier, hamper service. There’s a restaurant, café, fitness and beauty studios, cookery school, walks and farm animals too. A place to relax and enjoy together, where the little ones will love the play area, the grass picnic and run-around and of course, the bouncy pillows!

Explore a wide range of outdoor active experiences at the Suffolk home of ski-slope, golf and adventure sports. Have some serious family fun having a go at skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing and ‘ringo-ing’ on the slopes. Head for the climbing wall or dare to walk the talk on the high ropes experience. Prefer your feet on solid ground? There’s also golf at the Ipswich Golf Driving Range, plus a mini golf course and putting green.

A working farm with farmyard favourites combined with the thrills of a wildlife park with exotic animals. See over 100 species from zebra and crocodiles to Artic foxes and wolves and even a rescued brown bear and polar bear! There’s also an adventure playground with bouncy pillows, woodland trails and den building, theatre in the forest events, plus shops and a restaurant.

Combining heritage buildings with ultra modern architecture, the Ipswich Waterfront is one of the town’s most iconic destinations. With its Neptune Quay and Beacon Marina, it’s a place of smart boats and even the occasional historic barge, such as Sailing Barge Victor. Boat trips on the Orwell Lady also set sail from the quayside which is lined with landmarks like the Custom’s House and towering former warehouses including dance venue DanceEast. There are lively bars, bistros and cafés with great marina views.

Buses, bikes, prams, trams and trolleybuses, fire engines, coaches and commercial vehicles, plus everything from milkfloats to lawnmowers to lorries! This volunteer-run, friendly and colourful museum has something to delight everyone and is just a short distance from Derby Road railway station in Ipswich. Look out for special event days which include additional visiting vintage vehicles and chances to enjoy a ride on bygone buses or other classic vehicles from the collection.

Home to a superb period rooms and museum collection of varied and inspiring exhibits, including paintings by local Grand Masters, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. Located in Ipswich town centre, the stunning 16th century redbrick mansion is free to visit. It sits in its own much-loved and family-friendly Christchurch Park which has magnificent trees (and squirrels!), a dedicated arboretum, boating pond and play area.