Looking for the best things to do in Ipswich for Adults, Ipswich is a coastal town with a stunning waterfront, vast landscapes, and a rich history.
The town is one of the oldest towns in England and has more than 650 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, making it the ideal destination for a historical weekend trip.
The town is home to a number of peaceful attractions, including a shoreline stroll, numerous craft breweries, restaurants, farms and orchards, and historic sites.
For a better travel experience, here is the list of the 25 best things to do in Ipswich for adults.
Things to do in Ipswich for adults
1 Visit Christchurch Mansion
One of the most beloved and significant structures in Suffolk is Christchurch Mansion. The mansion spans more than 500 years, beginning in the Tudor era.
The mansion was established following the closure of priories in the region, and it was built on the grounds of the 12th-century Holy Trinity Priory.
The estate is still maintained in its original architecture, both inside and out, and expert guides are available to show you around.
Open from Tuesday through Sunday, entry to Christchurch Mansion is free.
2 Ipswich Museum
Ipswich Museum was build1800s and was officially opened in 1881. There are many different galleries and exhibitions in the museum.
The Ipswich Story captures the history of the city, from its beginnings as a vast grassland through its growth into a medieval town.
Gorillas, lions, and other wild animals that were gathered during the Victorian era are all shown in the Victorian Natural History Exhibition.
Natural sciences, Egyptology, and world cultures are among the other collections.
The Ogilvie Bird Collection, Titos Flavious Demetrios’s death mask, and numerous archeological items are on display.
3 New Wolsey Theatre
Since its debut in 2001, the New Wolsey Theatre has been a recognized leader in the city, praised for its extraordinary diversity, creative prowess, and ability to connect with even the most adamant non-theatergoers.
The New Wolsey Theatre is the center of contemporary theatre in Ipswich, creating its own productions (such as its renowned Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto) and cultivating local talent in addition to hosting traveling productions of dramas, comedies, and musicals.
4 Ipswich Waterfront
Ipswich’s Waterfront has always been at the top of the visitor’s list as one of the best things to do in Ipswich for adults.
With its abundance of pubs, cafes, and bistros, the Waterfront is one of the most populated districts of the city.
The best time to explore this wonderful location is at night when the waterfront is magically illuminated. At night, go to the seaside for supper and drinks to see the magnificent sunset. The Ipswich Maritime Festival and PhotoEast are two festivals that take place at the waterfront.
5 Holywells Park
Holywells Park, another lovely park in Ipswich, is a short distance from the city’s waterfront and central business district.
The park’s history dates back to the stone age, with tools from this period being found. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including four different kinds of bats and at least 15 different species of mammals.
The park organizes regular bat walks in the evenings to encourage visitors to learn more about these incredible creatures.
6 University Campus Suffolk
Looking for things to do in Ipswich, head down to the University campus. Founded in 2007, this campus educates approximately 5,000 students in cutting-edge settings in Ipswich and around Suffolk County.
Appreciate the waterfront location of the campus’ main building and socialize with students at campus cafés. The Waterfront Building, created by one of the largest architecture firms in Britain, is located on the refurbished Ipswich Waterfront and overlooks the River Orwell.
This state-of-the-art, the six-story building has numerous teaching areas, two lecture theaters, and an auditorium with seating for 200 people.
It features a horizontal granite question mark that represents a student’s need to query, contest, and critique ideas.
7 Dine on Ipswich Clams at The Clam Box
The Clam Box, which has been feeding New England families for more than 85 years, is the place to go if you’re looking for the best fresh seafood and clams in Ipswich.
Built-in 1935, The Clam Box is a nationally famous New England monument that resembles a tall, trapezoidal to-go box with flaps that are tipped open on top.
Try the succulent, entire belly clams from the Ipswich seas, the big, flavorful scallops, the decadent fried lobster, the traditional onion rings, the crisp calamari, the flaky fish and chips, the exquisite seafood platters, and other delectable dishes.
Enjoy the New England custom of dining at the establishment where you can indulge in your intense passion for fried fish and enjoy a classic lunch with your loved ones.
8 The Ipswich Regent Theatre
With more than 1,500 seats, the Ipswich Regent Theatre is the biggest theater in the East of England. It offers a fantastic lineup of touring productions, West End musicals, well-known comedians, and intimate “a night with” performances.
The theatre was opened in 1929 and it was among the first UK theatres to play films with sound. Throughout the years the theatre has hosted top acts including the Beatles, The Walker Brothers, and Jimi Hendrix.
9 Visit Ipswich Transport Museum
The Ipswich Transport Museum is housed in a former trolleybus depot and has more than 100 vintage automobiles and engineering marvels.
The museum demonstrates the evolution of transportation throughout the city’s history as well as the planning and production of numerous significant items.
The museum, which has been around for 50 years, is operated by a committed group of volunteers and features exhibits of local buses, bicycles, police cars, fire trucks, and other modes of transportation.
Moreover, the Ipswich Transport Museum is home to the Ipswich Engineering Collection, which includes equipment from regional businesses like Ransomes Sims and Cranes.
10 Empire Cinema Ipswich
Among the list of things to do in Ipswich for adults is to visit the Empire Cinema which is located at Buttermarket Shopping Centre Ipswich, Suffolk.
Ipswich’s Empire Cinema has an incredible 14 screens and is jam-packed with thrills and adventures. At the Empire Cinema, you can watch the newest movies on large screens, a powerful sound system, and motion-activated chairs.
With D-Box motion seats, you’ll be thrust right into the action in addition to being astounded by enormous screens and thunderous audio.
You’re in for the ultimate theater experience as these unique seats are made to simulate all the action on screen, including swaying side to side and rocking back and forth. A visit to this amazing cinema will be a perfect day out for adults.
11 Embark on River Orwell Cruise
The River Orwell has numerous cruises on its waters that take in the wildlife and the history of the city and surrounding areas.
A river cruise along the Orwell is a great way to explore the stunning landscapes, historic towns and villages, and wildlife that the river has to offer.
In addition to running boat tours for daytime sightseeing excursions, they can be reserved for special events and offer entertainment at night, lunches, or buffets.
12 Visit Jimmy Farm and Wildlife Zoo
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is fun for all the family, with something for everyone!
The Park is home to 100 species and breeds, including capybaras, crocodiles, pigs, pelicans, and even monkeys. Visitors can hand-feed select animals using the supplied bags of food, and they can get even closer by participating in daily special animal talks and activities.
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Zoo is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Before visiting the park to see the friendly tapir and raccoons, visit the Tropical House, which is stuffed with reptiles and tropical birds.
13 Visit Sparrow House
The Sparrowe’s House, also known as Ancient House, is a Grade 1 listed structure in the Buttermarket neighborhood and the most well-known landmark in Ipswich.
Over the centuries, the house has been owned by numerous local merchants including George Copping who was a draper and fishmonger.
Although the exact era and who built the building is unknown, the oldest mention of it is from the 15th century.
It is believed that during the 300-year period that the house was owned by the Sparrowe family, King Charles II hid from his enemies in their attic during the Battle of Worcester. Try as much to add it to your list of things to do in Ipswich.
14 Willis Building
The Willis Building in Ipswich is one of the earliest buildings designed by Norman Foster and Wendy Cheesman after establishing Foster Associates.
The building was designed as the country headquarters for an insurance company.
The building is one of the most significant architectural structures in the city despite this corporate task. Located at 15 Friars Street, Ipswich.
the roof of the building hosts a restaurant with views over the city, a garden, and a swimming pool making it a top place to visit in Ipswich.
15 Dance East
Dance East is a popular concern in the East England region where locals and tourists gather to dance and observe local dancers.
At the center of the dance house, Dance East boasts a 200-seat studio theater where regional dancers, international choreographers, and performers from other countries regularly give breathtaking performances.
Dance East offers a wide variety of dance, from traditional ballet and jazz performances to ground-breaking contemporary and interpretive works.
16 St Mary Le Tower
Another top thing to do in Ipswich is to visit the St Mary Le Tower. the Tower is one of the city heritage lists which holds Grade II listed status.
Richard Phipson rebuilt much of the church with funding from George Bacon, a local philanthropist. The city’s original municipal charter was written in the churchyard of the tower in the year 1200, giving it special historical value.
Although the church has a medieval past, much of what is visible today is from the late 1800s.
17 Watch the Match At Portman Road
Since 1884, Portman Road has served as Ipswich Town Football Club’s home field. The stadium has four different stands and can hold a little over 30,000 spectators.
Football matches can be attended with tickets, and the official club tour offers a closer look at the stadium.
The tour allows guests access to parts of the grounds that are generally only open to club employees and players. The underground area and dressing rooms are areas that can be accessed during the excursions.
A visit to Portman Road is regarded as one of the best things to do in Ipswich.
18 Giles Statue
The Giles Statue, sometimes referred to as The Grandmother Statue locally depicts a well-known cartoon family made by the Ipswich-based cartoonist Carl Giles.
Giles, widely regarded as Britain’s most popular cartoonist, had his weekly drawings appear in the Daily Express and Sunday Express.
The statue, which shows Grandmother gazing up at a window where Giles formerly worked, was unveiled in 1993, two years before Giles passed away.
The statue features bronzes of the fictional Giles Family; Grandma, The Twins, Ralph and Lawrence, and Rush the dog.
19 King Street Cinema
A visit to the King Street Cinema is one of the top things to do in Ipswich for couples. The King Street Cinema is best recognized for screening the best international, independent, and cult films as well as the best British stories.
The King Street Cinema is located inside the Corn Exchange in the center of Ipswich and has the feel of a vintage movie theater with its exposed brick walls and small screens that assist give the ideal emotional impact.
The staff at King Street Cinema is dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of film and serving as a showcase for up-and-coming filmmakers.
20 Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo, an estate near Woodbridge, Suffolk, England, is the site of an early medieval burial ground that includes the grave or cenotaph of an Anglo-Saxon king.
The site, which is managed by the National Trust, is the site of two early medieval 6th and 7th-century cemeteries.
The estate has a viewing tower and the Royal Burial Ground, both of which are accessible every day.
On weekends the High Hall exhibition, which features artifacts from the site and information about its history, Tranmer House, a gift shop, a second-hand bookshop, and a cafe are open.
21 Suffolk Food Hall
One of the best things to do in Ipswich as an adult is to visit the Suffolk food hall located at IP9 2AB in Ipswich.
This specific spot is perfect for a quick visit if you want to sample some regional delicacies, find some culinary inspiration, or just get a drink and something to eat.
There are several stalls, shops, cafes, restaurants, and other establishments within Suffolk Food Hall that are waiting to be explored.
Inside are butchers, bakers, and deli counters, as well as greengrocers offering local produce.
Suffolk Food Hall is open all week, with the Cook House Restaurant closing on Mondays and Tuesdays. For adults or couples visiting Ipswich, this is one of the top activities suggested.
22 Chantry Park
One of the tops recommended things to do in Ipswich for adults is to wander around Chantry Park. The Park, which covers 124 acres of beautiful parks and wildlife habitat, is the biggest park in the city.
The park has Grade II listed status and contains three more Grade II listed structures; Chantry Mansion, Hadleigh Road Gate Lodge, and Hadleigh Road gates.
Be sure to visit the animal meadows and lily pond when strolling through the park; they provide a tranquil haven after a hectic city trip.
23 Anglia Indoor Kart Racing
Come on down to Anglia Indoor Karting in Suffolk if racing gets your spouse’s heart pumping. Anglia Indoor Karting has been established for more than 30 years.
Throughout that time, the establishment has built a reputation for offering the best high-speed entertainment in the neighborhood. They offer all thrill-seekers the thrills of motorsport with their indoor racing karts and thrilling courses.
Your child, partner, or friend can race at the club against people their own age, and when they get skilled enough, they can compete at the Cadet Club Championships for the highest racing honor.
24 Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum
If you’re a lover of history, the Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter museum should be on your list of the best things to do in Ipswich for adults.
Before its discovery in 1989, Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter had been forgotten by history.
One of the strongest structures in the area, the bunker was constructed during the first three months of World War Two.
The sturdy construction of the air-raid shelter was a result of a local politician’s effort.
The air-raid shelters were sealed and abandoned after the war.
The air-raid shelter’s entrance and outstanding condition were both discovered in 1989 thanks to Clifford Road Primary School’s efforts to build a small pond for the school.
The shelter now serves as a WWII museum and is open to the public for a small fee.
25 Go Skiing At Suffolk Ski Centre
A list of things to do in Ipswich for adults is never complete without visiting the Suffolk Ski Centre. When visiting Ipswich, this is one of the sports you should try out.
The ski slope is 180 meters long and is a man-made dry slope located at Suffolk Leisure Park, Bourne Hill, Wherstead, Ipswich.
The Suffolk Ski Center provides a variety of lessons, tuition, and 1:1 coaching, as well as programs for experienced skiers.
On Saturdays, the Ski Centre offers a variety of kid-friendly activities in addition to workshops to help skiers of all skill levels improve.
While not skiing or snowboarding, there is a climbing wall, mini-golf course, high ropes course, and bar and restaurant.
Best Time to Visit Ipswich Suffolk
June, July, and August are the busiest travel months in Ipswich if you’re trying to decide when to go. This is a list of popular travel months to discover that lovely city.
