Ipswich Waterfront Tours

Ipswich Waterfront showing a bay or harbor and night scenes
Ipswich Waterfront showing a bay or harbor and night scenes
Ipswich Waterfront which includes a bay or harbor and night scenes
Ipswich Waterfront featuring a bay or harbor
Ipswich Waterfront featuring street scenes and a river or creek as well as a couple


Now a lively district with a harmonious blend of historical landmarks, bars, restaurants and cultural centers, this area was formerly an industrial dockyard.

Ipswich Waterfront is the town’s lively and revitalized port area. Come here to eat, drink, join river cruises and experience maritime trading history that dates back to Saxon times. Ipswich Waterfront is on the shores of a bend in the River Orwell, where a dock first came into use in about the 8th century. A regeneration program began in 1999 to give what was once one of Britain’s largest enclosed docks a new purpose.

Stroll along the quayside, where mariners and merchants once worked busily carrying goods between boats and warehouses. Today the same redbrick warehouses hold everything from brewpubs and bistros to boutiques, dance studios and galleries. Seals, waterfowl and other wildlife inhabit the water. Look for them swimming surprisingly close to shore between moored boats.

Dominating the architectural landscape is the Custom House, a classical-style masterpiece built in the 1840s and notable for its grandiose portico, Tuscan columns and Palladian staircase. Nearby see Wolsey’s Gate, the last surviving relic of a school established by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in 1528. Also in the area is St. Peter’s by the Waterfront, a 15th-century church converted into an exhibition and live music venue. St. Mary at the Quay is a medieval church previously used by mariners and now a wellness center.

Cruises depart from the port and offer an alternative view of the River Orwell. Enjoy afternoon tea, spot peregrine falcons and pass a smuggler’s hideout on a passenger ferry. Step aboard the Sailing Barge Victor, a 19th-century sailboat that served during World War II.

In August, the Waterfront hosts the Ipswich Maritime Festival. Watch open-air concerts, street performers and reenactments of seafarers arriving at the port on Viking ships. Dress in traditional sailor’s costumes and shop for local crafts. Visit the food market and fairground attractions, too.

Ipswich Waterfront is about a 15-minute walk from the town center. Find a place to park at several metered car parks nearby. Ipswich Train Station is less than 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to the west.

Plan a trip to see Ipswich Waterfront

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The WoolPack Inn
The Harvard Inn
The Bell Inn

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ipswich Waterfront

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

4 out of 5
Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, England
B&B HOTEL Ipswich
easyHotel Ipswich

easyHotel Ipswich

3 out of 5
3-5 Northgate Street, Ipswich, England
easyHotel Ipswich
Novotel Ipswich

Novotel Ipswich

4 out of 5
Greyfriars Road, Ipswich, England
Novotel Ipswich
Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Salthouse Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, England
Salthouse Harbour Hotel
Student Only Athena Hall

Student Only Athena Hall

2 out of 5
3 University Ave, Ipswich, England
Student Only Athena Hall
Ipswich Marina Penthouse Apartment

Ipswich Marina Penthouse Apartment

Ipswich
Ipswich Marina Penthouse Apartment
Silk Room, The Merchant House, Ipswich

Silk Room, The Merchant House, Ipswich

Ipswich
Silk Room, The Merchant House, Ipswich
Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre - Quayside

Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre - Quayside

2.5 out of 5
33 Key Street, Ipswich, England
Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre - Quayside
Wool Room, Merchant House, Ipswich

Wool Room, Merchant House, Ipswich

Ipswich
Wool Room, Merchant House, Ipswich
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ipswich Waterfront

Ipswich Waterfront offers a vibrant nightlife experience with various bars and clubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. For the adventurous, water sports add excitement, allowing visitors to engage in activities like kayaking and paddleboarding on the picturesque waterfront. With a mix of theater and sporting events nearby, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this lively area.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is at Cardinal Park, just 0.6 miles from Ipswich Waterfront, where you can enjoy a mix of stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Assington Barn and EmZo, located 15 and 16 miles away, respectively, for unique finds.

Recreation

Explore Portman Road for energetic sports events, just a short walk from Ipswich Waterfront. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Crown Pools, perfect for family fun. For a relaxing day outdoors, head to Fynn Valley Golf Club, where you can play a round of golf amidst beautiful scenery.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Alton Water, located 5 miles from Ipswich Waterfront, where adventure meets the great outdoors. For motorsport enthusiasts, Snetterton Race Circuit, 30 miles away, offers exhilarating races. Hike the scenic Peddars Way, 27 miles from Ipswich, for breathtaking views and a true adventure.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Ipswich Waterfront offers a vibrant mix of culture and entertainment. Enjoy a show at the Ipswich Regent Theatre, just 0.4 miles away, or catch an indie film at the Ipswich Film Theatre, 0.6 miles away. The New Wolsey Theatre, 0.8 miles away, adds to the family-friendly vibe.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ipswich Waterfront

Explore the vibrant Ipswich Waterfront, where you can enjoy stunning waterfront views and cultural experiences. Discover local attractions like the Ipswich Film Theatre and Ipswich Museum, all within a short walk. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this area features urban parks and historical churches, making it a perfect destination for a memorable getaway.

  • University Campus Suffolk: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university located only 0.2 miles from Ipswich Waterfront. With its contemporary architecture and engaging city vibes, it's a hub for students and visitors alike, showcasing the innovative spirit of higher education.
  • Custom House: Step back in time at this historic building, also 0.2 miles from the waterfront. Custom House exudes cultural significance, featuring stunning architecture and rich history that reflects Ipswich’s maritime heritage. It's a must-see for history enthusiasts.
  • Trinity Park Conference and Events Centre: Situated 3 miles from Ipswich Waterfront, this event venue offers a professional atmosphere perfect for conferences and gatherings. With spacious facilities and a serene park setting, it combines business efficiency with natural beauty.

Best time to go to Ipswich Waterfront

The best time to visit Ipswich Waterfront is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.8°F (8.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ipswich Waterfront

For a budget-friendly visit to Ipswich Waterfront, consider traveling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Aim to book your stay on a Thursday, as Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for the best deals, including eco-friendly options, and explore package deals that combine flights and hotels for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn cash for future bookings. Don’t forget to look out for minute deals and instant savings to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ipswich Waterfront are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ipswich Waterfront is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Ipswich Waterfront is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel preferences by setting your budget, choosing your desired location, and more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you have the ability to refine your choices by hotel type—if you're interested in sustainable accommodations, simply check the Eco-certified filter to view eco-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Ipswich Waterfront hotel with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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