ipswich.gov.uk

Five of Ipswich Borough Council’s venues and outdoor spaces have been recognised as 2020 Travellers’ Choice award winners by popular travel platform Tripadvisor.

Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic, The Regent Theatre, Ipswich Museum, Christchurch Mansion, Christchurch Park and Holywells Park have received consistently great customer feedback, placing them in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe.

The announcement comes within the same year that Ipswich was hailed one of the world’s top Emerging Destinations - the only UK entry in the top 25 list by Tripadvisor.

Despite the pandemic changing previously arranged plans for the sites, staff have been busy making sure that customers can still enjoy or find out more about the facilities themselves:

• The Regent Theatre has been moving their shows from 2020 to 2021, keeping customers well informed with the latest news, as well as sharing digital opportunities to enjoy theatre based in Ipswich online and across the UK. They have recently worked with live streaming producers Fane Online to sell tickets for live stream book talks by celebrity names such as Monty Don, Nigella Lawson and Ant and Dec.

• Ipswich Museums provided families and school children fun, hands-on activities to keep them occupied during the early months of lockdown using the title Museums from Home. Both the Museum and Mansion reopened their doors on 28 July, operating as covid-secure venues with one-way systems, advance booking required, and regular cleaning.

• Christchurch Park and Holywells Park stayed open throughout lockdown, providing open green spaces for residents to enjoy and keep up with their exercise. Christchurch Park has now opened its brand-new refurbished play park for children, and Holywells Park opened their splash park for use during the warmer summer months. Christchurch Mansion and Park have recently hosted a covid-secure version of Antiques Roadshow which had been postponed from July, with an invited audience and participants.

Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for the town centre, Cllr Sarah Barber said: “We’re pleased to see our facilities are getting the recognition they deserve for the great experiences they offer visitors.

“These awards showcase the hard work and dedication of our staff who go above and beyond to create a high-quality customer journey and offer a warm welcome. I’m proud that we have such great facilities that help make Ipswich a fantastic place to live, work and study.”

Issued by the IBC press office (press.office@ipswich.gov.uk)