Title: Ancient House in Ipswich - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca [Ancient House Hotels](https://expedia.ca/Ancient-House-Hotels.0-l553248621561946253-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Flights to Ipswich](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Ipswich.d7912.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Ipswich](https://expedia.ca/Things-To-Do-In-Ipswich.d7912.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Ancient House Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Ancient-House.d553248621561946253.Car-Rental-Guide)[Ipswich Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich.d7912.Destination-Travel-Guides) # Ancient House Tours and Activities ![Ancient House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946253/206c1662-44a6-4225-873e-67f151085397.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ancient House](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946253/206c1662-44a6-4225-873e-67f151085397.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ancient House featuring heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946253/2807ff21-3701-4361-931a-cda0c96f91a1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ancient House showing heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946253/9416736e-87b4-4a24-af16-09215c4f9ab1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Ancient House which includes heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946253/69faf16a-41df-4376-a6fc-0657432ffd3c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Ancient House Activities [Ipswich travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich.dx7912) --- --- #### Ornamental plasterwork and a well-preserved interior decorate this large building that was a family home in the medieval era and now serves as a shop. The Ancient House (Sparrows House) is one of the oldest and most emblematic landmarks of Ipswich. Visit the building to marvel at its sublime pargeting, which is a style of exterior plaster decoration representative of the counties of Suffolk and Essex. Step inside Ancient House to find period furnishings that reveal the wealth of its previous owners. Records of the house’s history are the subject of dispute, although the earliest mention of a building on this site was in the 14th century. Much of what stands now was erected between the 1560s and 1630s. The home passed between the hands of local merchants before becoming the private residence of the royalist Sparrowe family, who lived here for three centuries. Today visit the retail shop in this historic space. Outstanding highlights of the façade are the plaster relief designs made in the pargeting style that originated in the Middle Ages. Four main panels depict an artist’s impression of Africa, America, Asia and Europe, which were then the only recognized continents. In the center of the façade is the royal coat of arms of King Charles II. Look for pargeting portrayals of St. George and the Greek god Atlas on a side wall. Delicately carved woodwork frames the windows on the house’s ground floor. The retail store has been careful to maintain the aesthetic appeal of the house’s rooms. Note the intricate detail of the woodwork that surrounds marble fireplaces and look up to see solid Tudor-era wood beams. One room has interpretive panels that explain part of the history. A ghost reputedly haunts the house ask staff about paranormal events. Find the house on the pedestrian-only Buttermarket shopping street in Ipswich’s town center. Ipswich Train Station is a 15-minute walk south. If you drive, use the metered car park at Buttermarket Shopping Centre. To enter Ancient House visit during the shop’s opening hours from Monday to Friday. Otherwise, study and photograph the charming exterior at any time of the day. ## Plan a trip to see Ancient House Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices. ![Stansted Airport Lodge](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2380000/2370600/2370583/72639db8_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### Stansted Airport Lodge CA $948 per person May 6 - May 11 found 23 hours ago Roundtrip flight included Toronto (YYZ) to London (STN) 6.2/10 (445 reviews) It was difficult to spot arriving in the dark. It was an impersonal stay. Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025 ![The Great Hallingbury Manor](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2130000/2123900/2123886/41d2b85e_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### The Great Hallingbury Manor CA $2,219 per person Mar 15 - Mar 21 found 1 day ago Roundtrip flight included Halifax (YHZ) to London (STN) 7.6/10 Good! (1,001 reviews) Everything was good. Reception staff very helpful and Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026 ![White house](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111340000/111336000/111335972/264a0599_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) ### White house CA $974 per person Apr 21 - Apr 24 found 1 day ago Roundtrip non-stop flight included Toronto (YTO) to London (STN) 6.8/10 (3 reviews) ### Popular places to visit ![St Mary-le-Tower showing heritage architecture, a cemetery and a church or cathedral](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946258/c24e231d-0d3d-4499-a3fd-4c3ad440b724.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ipswich Minster Decorative floor tiles, a soaring spire and Victorian-era stained-glass windows are striking features of this church with 900 years of history. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Mary-Le-Tower-Ipswich.d553248621561946258.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cardinal Thomas Wolsey Statue which includes religious aspects and a statue or sculpture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946232/216dc850-1dac-4dee-b34a-5effdf7ab8b8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cardinal Thomas Wolsey Statue This modest bronze statue honors a locally born statesman who is notable for being the former alms-giver for King Henry VIII. [](https://expedia.ca/Cardinal-Thomas-Wolsey-Statue-Ipswich.d553248621561946232.Vacation-Attraction) ![Blackfriars showing signage and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946242/77a57832-6322-46ca-b40e-096c37ab571f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Blackfriars A mishmash of architectural styles and varied dining options fill this district that cuts through the site of a former Dominican friary. [](https://expedia.ca/Blackfriars-Ipswich.d553248621561946242.Vacation-Attraction) ![The Willis Building](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561946234/2616e440-8bc0-4757-9805-7bc7276bc292.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### The Willis Building The design of this modern office building follows the curvature of medieval streets. Take a guided tour during Ipswich Heritage Open Days. [](https://expedia.ca/The-Willis-Building-Ipswich.d553248621561946234.Vacation-Attraction) ![Christchurch Mansion featuring a house and heritage architecture as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6094539/cf360176-de6c-4e8f-b6b0-38ba10967ca9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Christchurch Mansion Experience over 900 years of history while exploring the elegantly furnished rooms and browsing the art galleries in this Tudor mansion. [](https://expedia.ca/Christchurch-Mansion-Ipswich.d6094539.Vacation-Attraction) #### St Lawrence Church You can learn about the history of Ipswich with a stop at St Lawrence Church. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.ca/St-Lawrence-Church-Ipswich.d553248621561946249.Vacation-Attraction) --- ## Best Lodging Options Near Ancient House ## Check availability on hotels close to Ancient House [Tonight ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14)[Feb 13 - Feb 14](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=2026-02-13&endDate=2026-02-14) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15)[Feb 14 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=2026-02-14&endDate=2026-02-15) [This weekend ](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[Feb 13 - Feb 15](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=553248621561946253&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ![B&B HOTEL Ipswich](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2650000/2647000/2646964/b5c9933b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### B&B HOTEL Ipswich Ranelagh Road Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Pentahotel-Ipswich.h2646964.Hotel-Information) ![easyHotel Ipswich](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31360000/31359700/31359610/b769eef2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### easyHotel Ipswich 3-5 Northgate Street Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-EasyHotel-Ipswich.h31359610.Hotel-Information) ![Novotel Ipswich](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/530000/525200/525180/ec405827_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Novotel Ipswich Greyfriars Road Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Novotel-Ipswich.h525180.Hotel-Information) ![Mermaid, Ipswich by Marston's Inns](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/32000000/31890000/31883500/31883430/04dd1669_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mermaid, Ipswich by Marston's Inns Yarmouth Road Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Mermaid.h31883430.Hotel-Information) ![Salthouse Harbour Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/980000/976300/976277/ee6f2cca_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Salthouse Harbour Hotel 1 Neptune Quay Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Salthouse-Harbour-Hotel.h976277.Hotel-Information) ![Ipswich Town Centre Apartment 1](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76860000/76852000/76851938/d6246b4b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ipswich Town Centre Apartment 1 Flat 1 Lower Brook Street Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Ipswich-Town-Centre-Apartment-1.h76851938.Hotel-Information) ![Ipswich Town Centre Apartment 5](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/77000000/76860000/76855700/76855683/b21247a9_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Ipswich Town Centre Apartment 5 Flat 5 Lower Brook Street Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Ipswich-Town-Centre-Apartment-5.h76855683.Hotel-Information) ![Delightful fully equipped 3bedroom townhome in Ipswich centre St Nicholas street](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/114000000/113730000/113723200/113723196/b3258fe3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Delightful fully equipped 3bedroom townhome in Ipswich centre St Nicholas street Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Delightful-Fully-Equipped-3bedroom-Townhome-In-Ipswich-Centre-St-Nicholas-Street.h113723196.Hotel-Information) ![Luxe One Bed W/city View Near Ipswich Waterfront](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104220000/104211600/104211579/3860446a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Luxe One Bed W/city View Near Ipswich Waterfront Ipswich England [](https://expedia.ca/Ipswich-Hotels-Luxe-One-Bed-Wcity-View-Near-Ipswich-Waterfront.h104211579.Hotel-Information) [See all 784 properties in Ancient House](https://expedia.ca/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=553248621561946253) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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