Ipswich

This Suffolk county town is nestled on the mouth of the River Orwell, and the borough has a population of around 120,000 inhabitants. This erstwhile Roman Empire was an important inland passage to the rural settlements of the country. Ipswich is one the oldest towns in the whole of that traces its origin to the Anglo-Saxon times. It was famous for its potteries and Ipswich remained the custodian of this unique industry for over two centuries. In the famous Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer has made fun of the merchants of Ipswich.

Ipswich flourished during the time of the legendary King Rædwald during 616-624. With a sprawling new port coming up in the Buttermarket area, it started gaining international significance. In 869 Ipswich was invaded by the Vikings but became soon under the English rule before Normans conquered it in 1215 and during the time of King John the first charter was granted to this town. Ipswich made tremendous progress mostly by the trade of Suffolk cloth and the five imposing religious houses, which included two Augustinian Priories, apart from those of the Greyfriars, Whitefriars and Blackfriars, made Ipswich world famous.

There are many interesting sights and activities in Ipswich, which makes it a popular tourist destination. The Ipswich Museum showcases some of the finest collection of Saxon weapons and jewellery in addition to the models of the Roman Mildenhall Treasure and the Sutton Hoo treasure. The monument at Christchurch Park is built in dedication to the Ipswich martyrs who were set ablaze for their Protestant beliefs during the reign of Queen Mary is another must-see.

The Great White Horse Hotel, earlier known as the Tavern sets the backdrop of the Pickwick papers, the famous novel of Charles Dickens, and you can read about the winding corridors and stairs of this hotel in chapter XXI of this novel. The 19th century Tolly Cobbold brewery remains one of the finest Victorian breweries in the . The famous Grade I listed building of Willis Building is unique for its glass panelled façade. Ipswich school founded in 1528 by the icon of this town, Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, remains an important landmark of this town.

In the recent past, Ipswich has undergone tremendous development with a humming business centre coming up in the waterfront area. Ipswich is slowly evolving to be an easily accessible satellite town of London apart from being the vital hub of the University Campus of Suffolk. Ipswich has many tourist attractions and shopping facilities. The 16th century town house of Christchurch Mansion has a rich collection of period paintings and toys while another medieval building of Sparrowe's House, which traces its origin to 1567, is a book shop, today.

Ipswich Transport Museum has an interesting ensemble of an array of commercial vehicles and for the nature enthusiasts the Blackenham Woodland Garden, would be an ideal retreat. Helmingham Hall, a moated Tudor hall surrounded by enchanting gardens where you can spot herds of deer is yet another essential stopover.Ipswich has many hotels and restaurants that cater to the eclectic taste buds of the visitors making it an ideal destination for all your celebrations like hen weekend, stag weekend or birthday parties.