Ipswich is one of the best places to stay in Britain for those who are remote workers, digital nomads, and even families looking for a tranquil destination to stay for an extended period. Nestled about 10 kilometres inland on the River Orwell’s banks, Ipswich offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle and rich maritime history which also derives from the nearby Suffolk coastline. Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in the country, with evidence of prior Roman settlements in the area as well.
You’ll also be amazed to know that Thomas Wolsey, or Cardinal Wolsey, was born here, before gaining power during Henry VIII’s reign. Other famous native sons include director Trevor Nunn and actor Ralph Fiennes. So, if you’re zeroing in on Ipswich for your upcoming stay, here’s a guide that will help you live like a local in the town.
Living a Local’s Life in Ipswich- Handy Tips
Ipswich offers several amazing opportunities for recreation and relaxation, as the locals well know. For starters, here are some things that you can do to experience the town just like its residents.
- The River Orwell waterfront is the centrepiece of life in the town. You can easily stroll along the edge of the water and enjoy an evening meal with a lovely harbour view (usually at sunset) at the Salthouse Eaterie
- The famous Ipswich waterfront is lined with cosy cafes, lively restaurants, museums, galleries, and boutique shops. Staying in a centrally located serviced apartment in Ipswich nearby makes it easy to soak up this vibrant local atmosphere.
- You’ll also find several boats and yachts sailing in/out of Ipswich, while if you’re at the marina, feel free to get aboard the Sailing Barge Victor or the Orwell Lady. This will give you a unique experience in terms of exploring the river.
- You can hop onboard at the Allen Gardiner to enjoy beautiful sunset views, and you can also enjoy a fabulous cruise meal with commentary on the history of the area for company.
- At the same time, another favourite haunt for art lovers is The John Russell Gallery, which is situated right on the waterfront.
- Venture further inland and you’ll chance upon the best collections of paintings by John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough outside London (Christchurch Mansion).
- Love the theatre? Join the aficionados at the New Wolsey Theatre, which hosts everything from local productions to West End shows.
- Explore the Old Custom House and get an insight into the rich maritime and trading history of the town.
- Shopping from independent stores will be a fun activity in Ipswich, while you will find several leading national brands here as well. There are several top names to consider on the main high street, including Fat Face, Marks & Spencer, H&M, Jack Wills, and more.
- You can have a blast with the whole family at Anglia Indoor Karting with its indoor racing karts and fabulous multi-level circuit.
Practical Considerations for Living in Ipswich
Here are some practical aspects that you should note:
- Public transportation services are readily available in terms of local buses and national coaches. You’ll find timetables at www.ipswichbuses.co.uk.
- Ipswich also lies on the London-Norwich main line, while there are local services to Lowestoft, Greater Anglia.
- There are several car parks here in case you’re renting a vehicle, while a tourist information centre is also present on St Stephen’s Lane (Monday-Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM).
- Do look up the East Suffolk walks launched by Go Jauntly for the nicest walking trails/routes.
- You’ll find plenty of serviced apartments in Ipswich that offer abundant space, privacy, and flexibility. They are home-like units with great amenities and hotel-like service. Check out reliable providers like TheSqua.re for the best options in this category.
- Look for serviced apartments that have utilities included in the package, along with housekeeping, laundry, etc. This will help you save more money and enjoy maximum comfort and convenience.
- Top places to eat here include Fynn Valley Café Terrace, Noble Prawn, and Martha’s Barn at Otley Hall, in case you want to savour the local touch.
- Be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions by packing layers and umbrellas.
Raising a Toast to a Delightful Stay in Ipswich
So, on that note, book your serviced apartment with TheSquare early to avoid any last-minute hassles and plan your journey in advance. Note that the town is extremely family-friendly, and if you book apartments from TheSqua.re, then you can choose units which have concierge or reception services to ease you into your first few days seamlessly. Ipswich has plenty to do and enjoy, as you’ll find out. So, here’s raising a toast and wishing you a wonderful stay ahead in this charming English town!
