Ipswich: Like a local
This month we caught up with the guys at Pentahotel Ipswich for their best insider tips. As one of the oldest towns in England, Ipswich has a rich history dating back over 1000 years and is full of historic sites and outstanding buildings. Surrounded by rural landscape and a stunning coastline, the city itself is a vibrant hotspot boasting a cutting-edge theatre and arts scene with a picturesque waterfront home to top restaurants, bars and cafes. This month’s tips give an indication as to why Ipswich was rated as one of the best up and coming holiday destinations.
1. The right spot for people watching.
The terrace bar at Isaacs on the Quay. You can watch people working on their yachts, the public strolling past and university students searching out one of the many cafés for lunch! Great when you can do it with an ice-cold drink on a hot day - or warm up with a coffee when it’s not so hot (like now).
2. Where to go to get away from the crowds.
There is a beautiful stretch of land called Alton Water on the outskirts of Ipswich. There is plenty to do such as fishing and water sports or you can simply enjoy the wonderful eight mile ramble around the reservoir. Definitely a must see!
3. A must for music lovers.
It has to be ‘Out of Time Records’ on Fore Street. The best place if you’re an old-school records lover.
4. Unmissable galleries or museums for any self-respecting art buff?
When visiting Ipswich, you should absolutely check out Christchurch Mansion. It’s a beautiful Tudor Mansion dating back over 500 years. You’ll find paintings by John Constable, period fashion rooms ranging from the Tudor to Victorian eras and much more.
5. The best local market and what to buy there.
The Princes Street Market is the best in town. If you go, make sure to visit ‘Young’s Fish’: nowhere better for fresh local fish for dinner.
6. Place you would take your grandma?
Grandma would be treated to an amazing afternoon tea at The Cookhouse restaurant inside the Suffolk Food Hall. With plenty to see from artisanal bakeries to a full-craft butchery and a wonderful garden centre, this is a perfect day out for you and your grandma.
7. What’s unique to your city?
Every year we host the Suffolk Show, the biggest two-day visitor experience in the county. This is the perfect place to experience the best of Suffolk's food, heritage and agriculture. With an average attendance of 90,000, it is very popular and really a thrilling experience.
