Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in the UK: a Roman settlement that became a great port of the Kingdom of East Anglia, then a Viking town, a pilgrimage destination, a home of early bookselling, the departure point for the New World, and now a very memorable place to visit, both for its fascinating history, its mishmash of architecture, and its lively arts and cultural scene. We recommend staying in the waterfront area, which has recently been entirely regenerated from its industrial past, and is now an impressive marina, surrounded by places to eat and drink, and some of the best places to stay in Ipswich.

Ipswich’s architecture is one of the things that makes this city so memorable. You can’t quite see all the layers of human history going back to the Romans, but there are many fascinating ruins and remains, along with medieval survivors, Victorian terraces, warehouses, 1960s tower blocks, and one of the UK’s youngest Grade I listed buildings, the Willis Building which was Norman Foster’s first major project. In addition, there are a number of excellent museums and art galleries, great markets, some beautifully arranged urban parks, and great theatre and dance spaces.

The Best Places to Stay in Ipswich

On the Waterfront

• The Salthouse Harbour Hotel was converted from a salt warehouse. Its 70 rooms and suites are spacious and well laid out, with the exposed brickwork and industrial pillars of the original building design, but plenty of comfy details and contemporary art on the walls. Our favourite rooms have water views, as does the restaurant and bar, which specialises in local, sustainable produce with a Mediterranean twist.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• You can get to Ipswich from London in just over an hour by public transport, or in about an hour and a half by car. If you’re thinking of flying in, the closest international airport as the crow flies is probably Norwich International Airport, just over an hour away from Ipswich by car or taxi, or an hour and 20 minutes away by public transport. London City Airport is about and hour and a half away by rail, and the same by car or taxi, and Heathrow is on the opposite side of London from Ipswich, and just over two hours by train, or just under two hours by car or taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Ipswich is a year round destination, ideal for an historic escape or mini-break. There’s plenty to do indoors and out, so there’s no reason you wouldn’t visit during the less-reliable weather seasons, but, if you’re hoping for great weather, the drier, sunnier months are in late spring and summer, or between about April and September.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Suffolk or just the best places to stay in nearby Lavenham, Colchester or Bury St Edmunds
• Search for the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, for example the best pubs with rooms in Suffolk
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.