Ipswich

The town of Ipswich in Suffolk County straddles the River Orwell and is famed for its riverfront cafes, shops, restaurants, art galleries and historic sites. The Old Custom House dates to the 19th century and showcases the town’s maritime past. Christchurch Park is a vast urban green space for relaxation adjacent to the Christchurch Mansion, a 500-year-old Tudor Mansion containing the Wolsey Art Gallery. More artwork and natural history exhibits can be found at the Ipswich Museum and Gallery.

The Ipswich Transport Museum showcases cars, carts, wagons and vehicles of bygone ages, while the Ipswich Waterfront marina is a local hub for nightlife and leisure. Kids who want to get up close to animals can visit a petting zoo filled with rare breeds at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park. Many regional and urban parks can also be found here, including Holywells Park, Chantry Park and Orwell Country Park, which includes a beach area.