A 48 Hour Trip – Things to do in Ipswich, Suffolk

Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park

There’s no better way to welcome you to Ipswich, than with a trip down to Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park. Home to traditional, rare and exotic animals – spanning across 80 species and breeds – such as pigs, capybara and crocodiles.

And keep in mind you’ll be peckish first thing in the morning, so why not grab breakfast at Jimmy Doherty’s restaurant? FYI it all looks delicious, so good luck choosing.

Grab a bag of feed and go say good morning to the animals!

Location: Pannington Hall Lane, Ipswich, IP9 2AR

Christchurch Park

After a busy morning with the animals, it’s time to relax and be at one with nature – enjoy the tranquil surrounding of the arboretum - the ‘horticultural gem’ of Ipswich.

The beautifully green Christchurch Park is a hub of wildlife. With over 100 species of birds having set up nests within the park, grey squirrels and foxes have also made it their home as well. This wonderful 33 hectares park, has been awarded The Green Flag Award consecutively for the past 11 years, recognising it as a well managed park and green space.

And for the ever active individual there are public tennis courts available for all to use. Or, for the history buffs, there’s the historic Christchurch Mansion to explore, which was built back in the 12th century (1100). Both of these activities are free to do.

Location: Fonnereau Road, Ipswich, IP4 2BX

Ipswich Transport Museum

Next stop, Old Trolleybus Depot!

From modest beginnings 50 years ago, starting out with just one bus, The Ipswich Transport Museum now houses over 100 major exhibits. All exhibits hold local connections (either they were made or used in and around Ipswich). Get to know the buses, lorries, bicycles, cranes, carriages, and even lawnmowers(!) that have had a major impact in Ipswich’s recent social history.

Visitors can sit inside all static vehicles and on ‘Special Event Open Days’ you can even take rides inside some of the remaining operational modes of transportation. All aboard!

Location: Cobham Road | Old Trolleybus Depot, Ipswich, IP3 9JD

Escape Ipswich

What better way to top off a day of jam-packed with wildlife, good food and history, than to be “Locked in a mysterious room with 60 minutes to get out”?

Escape Ipswich has six rooms to choose from: The Da Vinci Room, Contagion (very apt), Taken, Casino Heist, Sub Zero & Locked Inn. With success rates averaging at around 50% you’re going to need to stay calm and think on your feet if you want to escape. For anyone who likes the idea of an escape room but not the horror elements, we recommend The Da Vinci Room and Casino Heist.

“Do you have what it takes to escape?”

Note: 2-6 players are required to for an escape room. All players must be age 10+.

Location: Unit 3 the Old Unicorn, Orwell Place, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP4 1BB

Sutton Hoo

Rise and shine, another fun-filled day in Ipswich awaits!

Untouched for 1,300 years, an Anglo-Saxon King and his cherished belongings were unearthed days before the Second World War, changing perceptions of the past. Explore the ancient burial hills, see stunning replica treasures, as well as original finds, and a reconstruction of the king’s burial chamber. This is an ideal visit for any medieval history buff. The exhibits shed light on the period of English history that is divided between myth, legend and historical documentation.

You can also enjoy a guided tour across the stunning 255 acre estate, with breath-taking panoramic views over the River Deben on offer.

Note: Guided walks must be booked in advance

Location: Tranmer House, Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 3DJ

Ipswich Waterfront

Nothing works up an appetite quite like all that Anglo-Saxon history you've just gleaned.

Ipswich Waterfront is lined with bars, coffee shops and restaurants, making it the ideal location to have a delicious meal and enjoy the views on offer; such as the University of Suffolk, which looks over the countless boats and yachts on the Haven Neptune Marina. With regular boat trips taking place on the waterfront, why not climb aboard and set sail for adventure?

The perfect spot for a lunch break: dining in a location steeped in beauty and history.

Location: Neptune Quay, Ipswich, IP4 1QJ

The Ipswich Museum

We’re taking you back to the Stone Age! Figuratively…

The moment you walk through the doors at The Ipswich Museum you’re be surround by thousands of years of both human and natural history. Discover what Ipswich was like before, when buildings where constructed using stone tools and the town was mostly grassland. See the world through the eyes of a Victorian. Take a trip around the globe, at the historic natural history gallery. In addition to all of this, there are exhibits dedicated to Ancient Egypt, world culture, and many more.

With so much to learn, we don’t want to take up another second of your time. Go Go Go!

Location: High St, Ipswich, IP1 3QH

The New Wolsey Theatre

How about a trip to the theatre to top off your 48-hour trip in Ipswich? Please, take a seat.

This charming 400 seater theatre provides unobstructed views from every chair. The majority of the productions are written and created in house, making it the perfect location to round of this trip. This theatre is a vital element of the public and cultural life of the area. Catering to all ages, productions such as "Jack and the Bean Stalk" are a frequent occurrence – something fun and entertaining you can be sure the kids will love.

Note: Be sure to book in advance to guarantee ticket availability

Location: Civic Dr, Ipswich, IP1 2AS