Ipswich Museum Tours and Activities

Ipswich Museum which includes interior views
Ipswich Museum which includes interior views
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich Museum showing heritage elements
Ipswich Museum


Displays of exotic animals, ancient Egyptian artifacts and millennia-old fossils showcase ethnographic and natural history from countries around the world. 

Journey through the lives of Suffolk’s ancestors and learn about extinct civilizations as you tour the Ipswich Museum. Find family-friendly exhibits of artifacts that date back to the Iron Age, Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and Saxon times. Ipswich Museum opened in 1846 with a mission to teach the townspeople about natural history. In 1881 it moved to its present location, a purpose-built Victorian building.

Study a vast collection of wildlife from around the world displayed in Victorian cabinets. Major highlights are a giraffe, a lion and a rhinoceros. Standing alongside the animals are examples of hunting trophies. There’s also a diorama made in 1906 that presents an overview of African wildlife.

Look up at the life-size woolly mammoth in the Suffolk Wildlife Gallery. Here you’ll discover what life was like in Britain during the Ice Age and see typical animals of the time, such as the bear, boar and wolf. Bird enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the Ogilvie British Bird Gallery. It honors ornithologist Fergus Menteith Ogilvie and features taxidermy displays of various types of British birds.

Another interesting exhibit is dedicated to geology and has objects dating back 70 million years. See the teeth of the extinct Megalodon shark in addition to marine life from the Pliocene and Pleistocene periods. Get an overview of Ancient Egypt via a pharaoh’s burial casket, ceramics and jewelry pieces. See replicas of a Saxon workshop and burial chamber and a Roman kitchen.

The museum is at the northern edge of Ipswich’s town center. Get here on foot easily from other major city attractions, including the Ancient House and Christchurch Mansion. Parking is possible, for a fee, at nearby Claude Street. Adjoining the museum is Ipswich Art Gallery, where you can browse rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Ipswich Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. Visit the museum’s official website for information about traveling exhibitions and special events such as children’s workshops.

Plan a trip to see Ipswich Museum

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Holiday Inn Brentwood M25, Jct. 28 by IHG
Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ipswich Museum

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

B&B HOTEL Ipswich

4 out of 5
Ranelagh Road, Ipswich, England
B&B HOTEL Ipswich
easyHotel Ipswich

easyHotel Ipswich

3 out of 5
3-5 Northgate Street, Ipswich, England
easyHotel Ipswich
Novotel Ipswich

Novotel Ipswich

4 out of 5
Greyfriars Road, Ipswich, England
Novotel Ipswich
Mermaid, Ipswich by Marston's Inns

Mermaid, Ipswich by Marston's Inns

4 out of 5
Yarmouth Road, Ipswich, England
Mermaid, Ipswich by Marston's Inns
Holiday Inn Ipswich by IHG

Holiday Inn Ipswich by IHG

4 out of 5
London Road, Ipswich, England
Holiday Inn Ipswich by IHG
Bridge Guest House

Bridge Guest House

2 out of 5
4-6 Ancaster Road, Ipswich, England
Bridge Guest House
Salthouse Harbour Hotel

Salthouse Harbour Hotel

4 out of 5
1 Neptune Quay, Ipswich, England
Salthouse Harbour Hotel
Carlton Hotel

Carlton Hotel

2 out of 5
41-43 Berners Street, Ipswich, England
Carlton Hotel
7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way

7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way

2 out of 5
7 Sir Alf Ramsey Way, Ipswich, England
7a Sir Alf Ramsey Way
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ipswich Museum

Discover a variety of activities near Ipswich Museum, including guided tours that provide insights into its fascinating exhibits. Enjoy the vibrant arts scene with local theatre and entertainment options. Stroll along the picturesque Ipswich waterfront walk for scenic views, and explore the museum's collection, which shares intriguing objects that highlight the area's rich history. There's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit!

Shopping

Cardinal Park is the closest shopping destination, just 805m from Ipswich Museum, offering a variety of family-friendly shops and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, visit EmZo, located 25.7km away, or explore the vibrant Felixstowe Market, 17.7km away, for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Ipswich Museum, you can enjoy a variety of wellness activities. Nearby, Portman Road offers an energetic sports atmosphere, while Fynn Valley Golf Club provides a serene outdoor golfing experience. For family fun, Crown Pools is perfect for swimming and relaxation, just a short walk away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Snetterton Race Circuit, located 48.3km from Ipswich Museum, where adrenaline and speed collide. For water sports enthusiasts, Alton Water, only 9.7km away, offers a variety of outdoor activities. Hike the scenic Peddars Way, situated 29.7km from the museum, for breathtaking views.

Nightlife

In Ipswich, the Ipswich Regent Theatre offers a vibrant cultural experience with its diverse performances, while the nearby New Wolsey Theatre delights with its captivating shows. For a romantic movie night, the Ipswich Film Theatre is an excellent choice, all within a short distance from the museum.

Find the best attractions near Ipswich Museum

When visiting the Ipswich Museum in England, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including urban parks, historic sites, and churches. These points of interest cater to those seeking a cultural experience, family outings, or a taste of city life. Be sure to explore the Ipswich Transport Museum and gather information on other local museums for a well-rounded experience in Ipswich.

  • Chantry Park: A delightful urban park situated one mile from Ipswich Museum, Chantry Park offers a perfect blend of family-friendly spaces and outdoor activities. With its lush greenery and play areas, it’s ideal for picnics and leisurely walks.
  • Martlesham Heath Control Tower Museum: Located five miles from the museum, this aviation museum is steeped in history. It showcases fascinating exhibits on aviation culture, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and those interested in the area’s heritage.
  • Alexandra Park: Just 1.3km away, Alexandra Park is another urban gem featuring family-oriented amenities and scenic walking paths. Its tranquil atmosphere is perfect for families to unwind and enjoy nature.

Best time to go to Ipswich Museum

Visitor numbers around Ipswich Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Ipswich Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January40.6°F (4.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.2°F (6.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April47.8°F (8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.8°F (14.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July63.1°F (17.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ipswich Museum

When visiting Ipswich Museum, take advantage of its free entry and explore nearby attractions like Ipswich Waterfront and Chantry Park, which also have no admission fees. Consider travelling during the cheaper months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation prices, and aim for a Monday stay to save more. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by comparing rates and filtering for budget-friendly options or eco-certified stays. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can also lead to extra savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ipswich Museum are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ipswich Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Ipswich Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can narrow down your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Ipswich Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.