Ipswich offers a multitude of things to do by daylight….. from walking in the splendid parks, looking at the yachts on the quayside, one of the finest pedestrianised shopping centres in the country or exploring museums.
Museums and places in the dry!
Ipswich Museum is housed in a Victorian building located in the High Street (just a short walk from Ipswich’s Town Centre and with a good multi-storey car park nearby). Her you will be able to trace the town’s history from Anglo-Saxon times thru the Second World War and right up to the present.
In addition there are natural history, a wildlife gallery gallery (including lifesize reconstruction of a woolly mammoth). Replicas of Sutton Hoo treasures and rolling display of temporary exhibits throughout the year. Admission FREE.
Ipswich Transport Museum is a fascinating collection of vehicles, (prams to fire engines – all made or used around Ipswich). It is housed in The Old Trolleybus Depot, Cobham Road. Tel: 01473 715666 or visit their website.
The museum and its members are dedicated to preserving the transport and engineering heritage of Ipswich and it’s surrounding area.
Open Sundays and Bank Holidays 1100 – 1600 and through the school holidays.
Christchurch Mansion contains a fascinating selection of artefacts from across the town and it’s history. The Mansion is situated in the town’s Christchurch Park. Admission is Free. Worthy of note are exhibits by local artists Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable as well as one of the finest collections of Lowestoft Porcelain.
Clifford Road Air Raid Museum. One of the finest examples and best preserved public air raid shelters. Built under the playground of an Edwardian school, it is now home to a fascinating collection of everyday objects and memorabilia from the war years. Experience the sights and sounds of an original bombing raid, discover how rationing and evacuation affected a community. At Clifford Road Primary School, Clifford Road. Further information at website
Martlesham Heath Aviation Society Museum. Aviation history of this important Royal Air Force Station from 1916-1979. Starting as Aircraft Testing Flight Centre for both military and civilian aircraft it then was the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment. During World War II No 264 Squadron were here and almost all the squadrons of No 11 Group Fighter Command. Off Eagle Way Martlesham Heath. Full details at website.