Christchurch Park

Christchurch Park was the first public park in Ipswich, opening in 1895. It extends over 33 hectares of picturesque grounds right in the heart of the town.

Christchurch Park can be accessed via entrances at:

• Soane Street;
• Westerfield Road;
• Bolton Lane;
• Henley Road;
• Fonnereau Road;
• Park Road.

Opening times and closing times.

Facilities

Christchurch Park facilities include:

• A children's play area;
• Tennis courts;
• Bowling greens;
• A croquet lawn;
• Public toilets;
• Kiosks;
• Shelters;
• The Reg Driver Visitor and Education Centre.

Events

Christchurch Park plays host to many events and activities all year round. The Wildlife and Education Rangers hold many events such as nature walks, arts and crafts activities, storytelling and trails for children of all ages and the Park also welcomes some of Ipswich's larger events, including Ip-Art, the 11th Ipswich Scout Group's Firework Display and the Remembrance Day ceremony.

To find out what is happening in Christchurch Park visit our online events calendar.

Restoration project

Christchurch Park was officially 're-opened' in May 2008, after the completion of a £4.5 million restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ipswich Borough Council.

Among the achievements were:

• Major new planting;
• A new pavilion;
• The Reg Driver Visitor and Education Centre;
• New paths;
• Restoration of the Brett Fountain;
• Arts and crafts shelter;
• Restoration of the Cabman's Shelter;
• Bird reserve;
• New-look Round Pond;
• New gates;
• Trees;
• Seats and benches;
• Restoration of the Ice house;
• New signs.

Habitats

The Park is a designated County Wildlife site and is located in one of Ipswich's conservation areas. It is on the English Heritage register of historic parks and gardens of special historic interest.

It has a variety of habitats including:

• Ponds;
• Grassland;
• Woodland - including old and veteran trees.
  The oaks and sweet chestnuts in Christchurch Park are particularly important as some of them are 300 - 400 years old. Many of the species that thrive in the Park today are rare in an urban situation.
• Native and non-native plants.

Management Plan

The Christchurch Park Management Plan sets out the vision for the continued restoration, enhancement and management of Christchurch park for existing and future generations. It outlines the daily work plan and other proposals for the Park from 2008-18. Download the Management Plan:

• Christchurch Park Management Plan.

Volunteering

There are lots of ways you can get involved and help at your local park. To find out more about volunteering in Christchurch Park visit our volunteering section.