10 Things to Do For Elderly People in Ipswich
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Ipswich, the county town of Suffolk, is full of great things that elderly people can do. There is beautiful nature, historic museums, fascinating buildings, architecture, and much more.
If you yourself are elderly, or are taking an elderly friend or relative on a trip, read on to find out what you can get up to in this beautiful town!
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Christchurch Park
Christchurch Park is a beautiful, 33 hectare park that sits right next to the centre of Ipswich, the perfect easy-access spot to go for a walk and take in the beautiful nature.
Here, you can find bowling greens, croquet, table tennis tables, refreshment kiosks and more. There is plenty of wildlife to see as you stroll through the park; why not see if you can spot the deer that resides here!
There are numerous events which happen at the park throughout the year, and blue badge parking is available nearby.
Ipswich Waterfront
Ipswich is home to a historic waterfront, and it is easy to spend many hours there. Much money has been spent rejuvenating the area, and there are numerous cafes, bars and bistros along the waterfront.
There are also plenty of great spots to sit and take in the calming views of the boats, ships and water. For a peaceful afternoon activity, find a cafe, grab a cup of tea and watch the sun go down over the water.
Regent Theatre
East Anglia’s largest theatre is a must-visit, holding up to 1,500 people. Recently refurbished, it is a beautiful Grade II listed building that dates back to 1929 and hosts a variety of events, including plays, musicals and live TV show recordings. You can see what is on by visiting their website here.
Wheelchair seating is available for those that require it, and there is nearby disabled parking too. Complimentary tickets are also given to carers/companions who are necessary for your visit.
Holywells Park
Another park within the town is Holywells Park, with 28 hectares of beautiful scenery near the Waterfront and town centre.
Holywells Park boasts a walled garden with an open theatre space and maze, a visitor centre and cafe, a bowling green and much more! You can spend many hours here, walking the numerous trails or taking in the two listed buildings that make this a historic site.
Holywells Park is a County Wildlife Site and on the English Heritage register of Historic Parks and Gardens of Historic Interest. Find out more about this fantastic park by clicking here.
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Ipswich Transport Museum
If you are interested in vehicles, social history or Ipswich as an area, then this is a great museum to visit. With a collection built up over the past 50 years, there are over 100 different transport and engineering objects to view, including bicycles, buses, a police car, lorries, fire engines and more!
Witness how Ipswich has evolved over the years and journey back in time to when some of the engineering we take for granted were ground-breaking inventions. Concession tickets are available for a slight discount.
Portman Road Stadium
Into sport, football or history? Then visiting the home of Ipswich Town Football Club since 1884 is a no-brainer!
If you want to take in a game of football, you can find the matches to be played here, and concession tickets are available to those over 65 years old, as well as wheelchair access seating.
Guided tours are also available and allow you to explore behind-the-scenes areas of the stadium and follow the history of Ipswich Town FC through the years.
Ipswich Museum
Another museum to visit is the Ipswich Museum, conveniently located near the city centre and offering free admission.
There are many different exhibits to view, including a Natural History Gallery, an exhibit on the local history of Ipswich and an exhibit on Egyptology!
Observe how the surrounding area and Ipswich have developed from the stone age to the present day. The whole museum is wheelchair accessible and answers to any access questions can be found here.
Christchurch Mansion
Operated by the same company as Ipswich Museum, Christchurch Mansion has been a museum since 1885 and is one of the most historic buildings in East Anglia. It is free to enter, and there is lots to see!
The estate has existed since 1100, with the current mansion dating from 1547. The building itself is exquisite, and you can walk through rooms preserved as they would have been from Georgian, Tudor and Victorian times.
There is also an art exhibition featuring a private collection, as well as pieces loaned from other museums. Plan your visit by visiting the museum website.
Boat down the River Orwell
Take a relaxing trip down the River Orwell, with cruises offered by several different companies including Orwell Lady River Trips.
You can book a one-hour, 2.5 hour or 3.5 hour cruise and you can take in the sights from an open-air eating area or fully enclosed lower deck; perfect for all weather!
In particular, the impressive Orwell Bridge is a must-see, towering 43m above the water. From the quiet countryside, to the impressive Port at Felixstowe, it’s a great activity to do in Ipswich.
The Cornhill
Finally, we recommend visiting the historic town square at the centre of Ipswich. The square is stunning, and is surrounded by huge Victorian buildings, including the Grade II listed Ipswich Town Hall.
It has existed for centuries, and recent redevelopments have made it more accessible and have beautified the town square further. Free events are held in the square throughout the year, and you see what’s on here.
We hope you enjoyed our list of 10 things for elderly people to do in the Ipswich area, and we’re sure you’ll have a great time doing any or all of them during your visit!
Finding a Care Home in Ipswich
If you are looking for a care home, you can use Lottie to find the best care homes in the Ipswich area for yourself or for your loved one.
Here are two of the best care homes in Ipswich that we offer:
We’re on a mission to support individuals and their loved ones throughout each stage of their later living journey. For more information, check out everything Lottie has to offer.
