by Dawn E Denmar

Created on: October 12, 2010

Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk, with a thriving community, a vibrant history and a new university. Ipswich is situated on the estuary of the River Orwell and just a few miles from the major port of Felixstowe.  Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in England as it was a major Roman coastal defence area and the town was further developed in Anglo-Saxon times as a major port, trading with northern Europe. The

Ipswich Museum, in the town's High Street, has a number of Roman and Anglo Saxon exhibits demonstrating the history of the area, alongside other popular exhbitions.The Ipswich Transport Museum is also located in the town.

One of the newest developments in Ipswich is the waterfront area, which has been sympathetically designed for commercial and residential use and has added new vibrancy to the former industrial water front district. A range of pavement cafes, restaurants, bars and hotels line the waterfront and busy marina area. The waterfront has justifiably become one of the major tourist attractions in the Ipswich area and is also home to the new University College. Most of the old industrial buildings around the quay have been converted for modern use and the new buildings in the area harmonise well. The marina is fast developing a mediterranean type look with the increasing number of yachts and leisure facilitiies that are around the quay. The town council have also introduced a bustling market scene along the waterfront.

Christchurch Mansion is a period property set in the the public Christchurch Park and has a number of historic rooms and exhibits on view. There is a large and renowned display of paintings by local artists Gainsborough and Constable at Christchurch Mansion.Christchurch Park is just a few minutes walk from the town centre and is home to a number of arts and music events throughout the year.

Ipswich has a number of old and medieval buildings and churches and one of the oldest is the Ancient House, home to the Lakeland Store and dating back to the 15th Century. This beautiful building is a Grade 1 listed monument and said to be haunted.

Ip-art Festival is an annual arts festival that takes place in June and July and Ipswich is well worth a visit at this time, with numerous art, music, drama and literature events taking place throughout the town.

Nearby attractions include the town of Colchester and Colchester Castle and the numerous pretty coastal villages and beaches of Suffolk.

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