Seven reasons why Ipswich isn't as bad as you think, including arts, parks and history
Ipswich: it gets a bad rap. People think the town is dying, and that there's no reason to visit if you don't already live there.
There appears to be a perception of rising crime and a decaying high street, but these are problems every large town or city is facing in these trying times – but there's so much more to be proud of.
In honour of Ipswich barely scraping the top 50 worst places to live in a recent ranking, I decided to spread a bit of positivity.
Ipswich isn't as bad as you might think. Here are seven reasons why:
A vibrant arts scene and plenty of events
This one is definitely a huge point in favour of Ipswich.
Outside of up-and-coming local bands, there are plenty of places where you can catch live music or shows.
If town centre pubs like The Shamrock, The Plough, The Black Horse or The Swan and Hedgehog don't tickle your fancy, then there are also many theatres.
Outside of the Ipswich Regent and Corn Exchange – both owned by the council – there is the Wolsey Theatre, The Avenue Theatre, the Eastern Angles and many more.
If films are more your style, then both Cineworld in Cardinal Park and Empire in the Buttermarket always have a good selection of the latest flicks.
Old churches, including St Stephen's Church and St Clement's Church, have also been repurposed into community hubs to host events.
There are also plenty of art galleries, including exhibitions frequently held at Christchurch Mansion.
Now, we are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, so you may want events that don't break the bank.
The town also hosts several free or cheap family events through the year. Examples from last year included Music Day in Christchurch Park, Ipswich Summertime, and The Multicultural Festival, just to name a few.
Local community groups will sometimes also put on events.
Events not only appeal to residents, they also draw others to the town.
In previous years, Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central had worked to increase footfall in the town centre by hosting events at the Cornhill, a spokesperson for the authority said.
A rich history
Did you know Ipswich houses over 600 listed buildings?
The town is in the running for the oldest continually-inhabited settlements in the UK – and in that time it has built up quite the legacy.
It used to be an engineering hub, and had been a major port for centuries.
This history can be explored through the museums in the town.
Both Ipswich Museum and the Transport Museum are temporarily closed for refurbishment, but will reopen to offer a fun day out – or multiple – with something for everybody.
If that isn't enough, there's an Air Raid Museum beneath Clifford Road Museum you've probably never heard of.
There's also the Waterfront Window Museum, which provides a glimpse into how the dock was developed over time.
A Witchcraft museum is also in development – so why not try something new.
If you really want to dig deep, The Hold in Fore Street chronicles the last few centuries of history. You can view old newspapers, read tomes and browse old pictures to see how the town used to look.
Or you could make your own fun, by going on a tour of the historic buildings that litter the town.
Ipswich resident Patzy Spalding said: "I like that Ipswich has history, but I feel we do nothing as a town to promote it.
"The docks waterfront, in particular, seems the most obvious place to promote our heritage, and we should have more interactive events to help keep people keen."
Picturesque parks
Ipswich has become famous for its parks.
From Christchurch Park, to Chantry Park, to Holywells Park, there's sizeable green space for all to enjoy.
You could go for a morning walk, or visit and play area to let your children blow off some steam.
There are also events held a parks across the county – so keep an eye on the horizon.
The best bit: keeping fit in this way costs next-to-nothing.
Ipswich Town Football Club
Football isn't my forte, so I got SuffolkNews' Sports Editor Russell Claydon to explain what he loves about the town's flagship football club.
He said: "The football club is what I love about Ipswich.
"As the only professional club in Suffolk it represents the whole county and gives its supporters and people in and around the town a sense of identity.
"It also gives the town a rich history with the club having won England's top division in 1961/62 under Sir Alf Ramsey – amazingly the season after they were promoted – then lifted the FA Cup in 1978 and conquered Europe in the UEFA Cup in 1981 under Sir Bobby Robson.
"The statues of both of what went on to be the England team's most revered managers are tourist landmarks in their own right outside the stadium.
"Portman Road itself is another great source of pride as a Premier League-level ground that is now just waiting for a team to get it back there. Fingers crossed the current American-funded regime can put us back on the map again in that sense."
Get your fill, there's plenty to eat (and drink)
Another major point to Ipswich is the sheer number of restaurants.
With hotspots like St Nicholas Street, Norwich Road and the Waterfront, and more out in the different estates, you could almost visit somewhere new every day and still not scratch the surface.
Along the way you would sample the cuisine of many cultures.
The town has award-winning chip shops, greasy spoons, gastropubs, waterfront bistros, curry houses and more.
While top-rated eateries like Ocean Fish Platter, Venue 16, The Brook Inn and Mariners offer delicious meals at a price, there are also plenty of cheap eats to feed a hungry family.
The iconic Buttermarket is also now more than a shopping centre, containing big names like Wagamamas, Byron Burger, Boom Battle Bar and even Superbowl UK, if you fancy arcades, bowling and snacks wrapped in one.
Then, there are the bars.
Revolution, Isaacs, New York Exchange, The Botanist, Bar Twenty One, Wiff Waff and Bears are all a short walk from each other, and there's plenty more if you're willing to go further afield.
The Botanist and Isaacs can be pricey, but are perfect if you fancy a rare treat.
Diversity
As a port town, it is unsurprising that Ipswich is now incredibly diverse.
This not only brings with it new food and new flavours, but new events, ideas and perspectives, new businesses and more opportunities for investment.
Diversity isn't just a cultural thing. There's a diversity in offerings too.
While big-name retailers still exist, such as Primark, M&S, JD and Sports Direct, there are also a wealth of independent shops.
These include Berridges, Maud's Attic, Hopsters, Twist and Shout, and many more.
There are even microshops that offer the kinds of things no one else does.
Sports and leisure
Fitness fans also have a lot to keep them busy in Ipswich.
Crown Pools, Whitton and Gainsborough Sports Centres, and Fore Street Pool are all operated by the council and are constantly being upgraded and changed.
GoodGym will open a new play area in Gippeswyk Park on Valentine's Day, and engaging new fitness businesses continue to open in the town.
The council has also started spending on building new play areas in parks and residential areas, such as with Maple Park and Castle Hill, a spokesperson said.
Whitehouse and Stoke skate parks exist if you want to pull some tricks.
There's also a BMX club, a boxing club, and a ski park just outside the town.
What about you? Do you agree? What do you like about the town?
Give your views below.
