Ipswich (previously Gyppeswick in variant spellings) is a non-metropolitan district and the county town of Suffolk, England. It is located on the estuary of the River Orwell. Nearby towns are Felixstowe in Suffolk and Harwich and Colchester in Essex.
 
The town of Ipswich overspills the borough boundaries significantly, with only 85% of the town's population living within the borough at the time of the United Kingdom Census 2001, when it was the third-largest settlement in the United Kingdom's East of England region, and the 38th largest urban area in England.List of English cities by population from Census 2001 figures
 
The modern name is derived from the medieval name, 'Gippeswick' (also spelt 'Gipewiz', 'Gepeswiz', or 'Gypeswiz') is probably taken from the River Gipping which is the name of the non-tidal section of the River Orwell. As of 2007, the borough of Ipswich is estimated to have a population of approximately 128,000 inhabitants.
 

Why visit?

  • Ipswich is home to a number of attractions, including the Ipswich Art School, the Ipswich Regent Theatre, and the Ipswich Wildlife Park. There are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as walking and cycling along the River Orwell.
  • Ipswich is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with plenty of opportunities for walking, cycling, and horse riding. There are also a number of nature reserves and parks to explore.
  • Ipswich is a historic market town with a wealth of attractions, including the Ancient House Museum, Christchurch Mansion, and the Ipswich Museum. The town centre is also home to a variety of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.