A guide to “25 of the best” stately homes in East Anglia has included Ipswich’s Christchurch Mansion.
But the iconic Tudor house in Christchurch Park is in a class of its own when it comes to taking a look around: it is the only one which offers free entry.
Among the treasures at the Mansion are the biggest collection of Constables and Gainsboroughs outside London and some beautiful period rooms that reflect its long and proud history.
So, we think it deserves its place among its peers, including Otley Hall, Layer Marney Tower, Gainsborough’s House and even Sandringham.
Ipswich Borough Council’s Visitor Experience Manager Steve Allman says visitors need look no further than Ipswich’s finest for a free look around.
“This is one of the finest treasure houses in East Anglia and it’s absolutely free,” he said: “You can visit the Mansion, have a picnic in the beautiful Christchurch park and then stroll along to Ipswich Museum for another free visit. Now that’s what we call good value! And all of this is within a short walk of our fine town centre and Tower Ramparts bus station, with plenty of parking nearby.”
There are even free guided tours of the Mansion, organised by the Friends of Ipswich Museums. More details here: http://friendsofipswichmuseums.org.uk/guided-tours/
* “25 of our best stately homes” was compiled by the East Anglian Daily Times and covers Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex.
