Walking for Health Initiative - Holywells Park
A brief history
The park was originally formed when an ice sheet, covering East Anglia, melted. The resulting geology gave rise to the fresh water springs providing an important source of clear water to the Holy Wells.
The area was part of the Manor of Bishop’s Wick from where the hill takes its name and was owned by the Bishop of Norwich around 1066.
It is believed the water flowing down to the valley bottom was used by the Cobbold brewery in the mid 1700’s.
The site was presented to the people of Ipswich by Lord Woodbridge in 1935 and formally opened to the public in May 1936. The only parts of the original mansion remaining are the stable block, where a study centre was opened in 1986, and the orangery.
Walk Directions
Entrance via –
North: Bishops Hill and Myrtle Road
East : Nacton Road
South: Cliff Lane parking available at this entrance.
The park is open 7 days a week, opening and closing times vary, confirm by telephoning 01473 433444. Wet weather may mean some of the paths are muddy so during the winter months, especially, wear appropriate footwear !!!
This 1.5 – 2 mile walk starts and finishes from the main entrance at Cliff Lane which is located adjacent to the Margaret Catchpole Public House. On entering the park, you will pass some cottages on your left and the car park entrance on your right. At the far end of the car park take the path through the wooded area taking a fairly steep climb down and join the solid path to the entrance gate at Nacton Road.
Turn left near the gate and take the right hand fork path, up the slope through the wooded area, then continue on a downward slope with open parkland on your left until reaching the entrance to Bishops Hill. Turn left down the main hard pathway through an avenue of trees and open parkland, Turn right at the junction and follow the hard pathway until the Myrtle Road entrance by a small garden and resting area with a wooden bench seat. Continue by doubling back on your self down the pathway with the wood and pond on your right until you reach a wooden stile leading through the wood and past a pond on your right.
Proceed along the path until you reach a path and stile on the left leading into the open parkland. Entering the parkland turn left towards the paddling pool and follow the path past a pond which then turns left between two ponds and enters a play area. Turn right following the path into the main drive, turn right over the bridge until you come to the Stables.
Return to the car park by carrying on up the slope or turn left just before you reach the stables and follow the hard path heading up the slope until you reach the well trodden path on your right near the Nacton road entrance. Take this path taking you back to the far entrance of the car park.
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MAP - click this link to view a map of this walk