Ipswich historic car parks.

[robgil]

Went to Ipswich today, followed the signs for the historic town centre, we went up a hill in suburbia and ended up being directed to a car park miles away from anything.
Sod this I thought and drove back down into Ipswich.
There were signs for the historic sea front, mmm I thought as you do and decided to go to see this lovely bite of maritime history. The signs led us to another car park,no historic sea front in sight.
I parked up, paid and displayed , then set off with the family in search of this illusive historic gem. We walked to the sea front and what did we find? A very modern sea front full of expensive modern apartment blocks and trendy bars and cafés.
Ipswich is now off my Christmas card list!

 

[Keithj]

Historically, it was the maritime area.
As in London and the docks/wharves, it's been "regenerated".

There are some delightful historical buildings in Ipswich - one of the modern "house nicknacks" shops is in the most delightful Tudor building which is very much worth a visit. Christchurch Park and the Mansion receive my presence about once a month.

Ipswich wasn't designed for the motor car - parking in the centre can be tricky at peak times. We're on a bus route and often go in using our bus passes

 

[tobydog]

If you were several hundred years earlier you would have been met with a totally different scene - even a castle!! there are several gems in town but alas you can probably count them on one hand. I hope the atatched link works which shows what it was in its heyday.

http://users.trytel.com/~tristan/towns/ipswich1.html

 

[Penners]

Considering you were 25 miles from the sea, it's not really surprising that the Ipswich "sea front" proved to be a bit of a let down! :wink:

As Keith mentioned, Christchurch Mansion is worth a visit, but I prefer to carry on south of Ipswich and wind my way along the south bank of the Orwell. There are lovely little riverside beaches and marinas - my favourite is Pin Mill (check out the Butt & Oyster pub!).