Ipswich Car Tours: Your Guide to the Top 5 Experiences

If you’re thinking about seeing Ipswich and its surrounding areas from the comfort of your car, there’s very much more to it than just popping in a postcode, you know? Exploring at your own speed, stopping when you want, and really getting a feel for the area, is pretty cool, and these self-drive tours open Ipswich up in a totally different light. This article reviews some really good vehicle adventures around Ipswich.

1. Ipswich Town Centre Heritage Trail

Getting to know Ipswich’s center itself is just the place to start. With loads of historical sites dotted around, it’s often really nice just pottering between them. Starting at the iconic Ipswich Town Hall, you could drive down to the waterfront, soaking in the vibes of this old port city. Don’t miss out on stopping by Christchurch Park; it’s that place where you can stretch your legs and get a look at Christchurch Mansion, soaking up that heritage. It turns out it’s actually one place that shows off Ipswich’s past in an easy, accessible way.

Parking might be tricky in certain bits, so maybe have a look beforehand and get yourself a handy app or something. Getting around the one-way system around Ipswich is sometimes just a little difficult. Still, that is just another opportunity to see a few of the shops.

2. Constable Country Tour

Next up we have Constable Country. I think this route gives you seriously stunning countryside. Taking you past Dedham Vale – very nearly where famous painter John Constable used to do all of his best artwork – the tour includes those charming villages and that type of idyllic scenery Suffolk is, kind of, well known for. It’s well worth having a quick wander around Flatford Mill, and is that not like stepping right into one of his pictures? Really a relaxing trip for everyone wishing to just see English beauty at its finest, very nearly.

Make certain your tank is topped up with petrol, and that; those countryside petrol stations, they’re that little bit more rare, right? Keep an eye peeled for walking trails off the main roads; there’s something seriously tranquil about getting lost for just a short period, I mean, wandering around there.

3. Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB Route

Oh, how about venturing east and enjoying the coastal road through the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Places like Orford Ness, almost that eerie but so wonderfully remote shingle spit, or those pretty pastel-colored houses lining Aldeburgh’s sea front are really something, isn’t it? And actually that stretch of coast goes all of the way up, very nearly, to Southwold, that town really admired for its brewery and pier, like your traditional English seaside at its very best. The local produce there, from the freshly caught seafood right the way through to Adnams beer is not to be overlooked either. This adventure will, quite probably, delight anyone wanting both coastal charm and picturesque views.

4. Ipswich to Woodbridge Riverside Jaunt

For a shorter, pretty peaceful trip, what do you make of following the River Deben up from Ipswich to Woodbridge? Along the way, one passes through those lovely villages, all tucked away along those scenic country lanes. The Tide Mill in Woodbridge does, quite often, need to be looked at. A little spot with boats bobbing is really worth spending an afternoon. It’s all really rather gorgeous for families, or you; should you want just somewhere quite quiet. If you enjoy the great outdoors, a brisk walk in Rendlesham Forest – that dark, yet lovely conifer plantation – could really top this off nicely and refreshingly, too it’s almost.

5. Historic Churches Tour of Suffolk

Last up, and this might be something slightly different, are you aware Suffolk has loads of seriously historic churches with all sorts of interesting stories attached? Why don’t you pick a few in a certain area near Ipswich and tour them, stopping to just marvel at what they went through over the decades. You should find many boasting great examples from like your Medieval architecture, and some housing genuinely old artefacts. Kersey and Bildeston, with their seriously well kept church buildings and local village feels, have to be ones worth a look, perhaps making this tour appealing really, should you find churches really appealing. This one combines something quiet with some really interesting cultural learning.