Free tours on foot and by bus to celebrate our heritage

Published6th September 2017

Guided heritage walks, tours on a vintage bus and a chance to find out more about the history of our cemeteries are all on offer during Ipswich’s Heritage Open Days this weekend. And they are all free!

The Heritage Open Days weekend on 9th and 10th September is co-ordinated by the Ipswich Society and supported by the Borough Council with the aim of encouraging residents and visitors to explore some of the town’s treasures. And as well as being able to have a peep around 30 buildings, including Broomhill lido, the Willis Towers Watson building, the sailing barge Victor and the Ipswich Institute, organisers have put on these three special tours.

On Saturday between 10.30am and 3pm a free bus provided by Ipswich Transport Museum is on hand to whisk you around the town in style. Find out more at www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

On both days you can enjoy a free guided walk with Ipswich’s Tourist Guides. The 90-minute walks leave the Tourist Information Centre at St Stephen’s Church at 10.30am. Booking is advisable but not essential – telephone 01473 258070 or email tourist@ipswich.gov.uk

Historic tours of Ipswich Cemetery on Saturday will give you the opportunity to find out about some of the famous people buried in Ipswich and the history of some of the headstones. These free tours take place at 11.30am and 1.30pm. Bereavement Services staff will also give advice on family research, show people around the Temple of Remembrance and the Crematorium facilities. 

The Ipswich Society is grateful to all concerned for their participation in the Heritage Open Days. The buildings listed represent seven centuries in the history of Ipswich.

You can download a copy of the guide or pick up a copy from the Tourist Information Centre in St Stephen’s Church.