There are some exotic locations in TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice global 2020 emerging destinations… Beirut, Lebanon; Luxor, Egypt; La Paz, Bolivia; Curacao, Caribbean; Ipswich, Suffolk.
Yes, you read that correctly… Suffolk’s county town is in TripAdvisor’s 2020 emerging destinations, at number 14, the only UK destination that made the grade!
Here’s our top ten reasons to visit…
1 Set on the River Orwell, Ipswich’s waterfront couldn’t be more picturesque, lined with cafes, shops, restaurants, galleries and hotels, with the 19th-century Old Custom House recalling the town’s maritime history. Until March you can visit Noah’s Ark Floating Museum.
2 While you’re at the waterfront, make sure you take a boat trip along the picturesque River Orwell from the marina to the Shotley Peninsula and majestic Orwell Bridge.
3 Explore history in Ipswich Museum and Gallery, where you can embark on a journey through Suffolk’s past, from the Iron Age to the Saxons via the Romans. In the Egyptian Gallery take a trip down the Mile… and look out for the woolly mammoth. Another venue to check out is the Transport Museum.
4 Check out a show at the Grade 11 listed Regent Theatre, the largest theatre in the region.
5 Head north of the waterfront and you’ll discover rows of historic Tudor streets, the Saints Quarter, which is bursting with independent shops and cosy cafes. You’re looking for St Nicholas Street, St Peters and The Saints.
6 Take a relaxing stroll through the Arboretum at Christchurch Park, and visit 500-year-old Christchurch Mansion with its Tudor kitchen and the Wolsey Art Gallery which includes works by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable.
7 Take a walk with a qualified guide or head out on your own. Don’t miss the statue of ‘Grandma’, the character created by cartoonist Ronald ‘Carl’ Giles, who looks up at the office window where Giles worked for many years.
8 See what’s happening at Dance East and sign up for a dance class!
9 Just outside Ipswich is Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park, a sprawling site of all kinds of exotic animals and great for a bit of eco adventure with the kids. Look out for Alice the Camel, as well as emu, wallabies, meerkats and many more. Explore the Wonder Wood, Tropical and Butterfly Houses and go on an Outback Safari.
10 Nearby is the Suffolk Food Hall which has stunning views of the Orwell and Shotley Peninsula from its first floor restaurant. In the deli you’ll love the local provenance of the tasty food.
Book a stay
Discover more at Visit Suffolk
