A brand-new self-guided walking trail celebrating the rich literary and cultural heritage of Ipswich has officially launched, offering residents and visitors a unique way to discover the town’s rich creative legacy.
The Ipswich Journey of Words Trail, developed by Digital Ipswich as part of the Ipswich Borough Council Town’s Fund programme, is now available for free on the award-winning Go Jauntly app.
Download onto a smartphone and step into the stories of famous figures that shaped Ipswich. Whether you're a curious local or a first-time visitor, this immersive experience features augmented reality (AR), audio storytelling, and digital animation – a way to explore like never before with insights into past and present, and legends brought to life.
This trail is perfect for anyone curious about Ipswich’s cultural roots — from literature lovers and history enthusiasts to casual walkers and tourists. Participants will be taken to hidden corners, blue plaques, and iconic landmarks as they follow a 3.5 mile linear route through the town centre at their own pace, guided by step-by-step directions and immersive content.
The route begins in Christchurch Park and ends in Holywells Park, passing through key locations connected to the fascinating stories of over 20 writers, performers, and creatives with ties to Ipswich. Celebrating local and global talent, the trail highlights a diverse range of wordsmiths, from Victorian culinary pioneer Eliza Acton and author of ‘lost world’ adventure fiction Sir H. Rider Haggard, to modern musical icons like Tina Turner and Ed Sheeran. Other featured names include Richard Ayoade, Omid Djalili, Sir Bobby Robson and Enid Blyton.
Find out which superstar first performed a concert in Portman Road Stadium, who trained as a teacher in Ipswich, who penned the tale of "She-who-must-be-obeyed”, and which entertainer calls the town “Suffolk’s neglected jewel”.
Content for The Ipswich Journey of Words Trail was developed and curated in collaboration with the University of Suffolk and local historians, with a focus on celebrating both well-known and underrepresented voices.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:
“The Digital Ipswich team asked residents and visitors for their ideas when developing the AR trails, and themes around history, culture, and famous people were among the top suggestions.
“That’s been the inspiration for The Ipswich Journey of Words and we’re delighted that Go Jauntly have worked closely with the Digital Ipswich team and our local partners to present and host this exciting walk on its app.
“This latest in the series of AR trails in town is just one of the innovative Digital Ipswich experiences that our residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying over the next few months.”
Hana Sutch, CEO & Co-founder from Go Jauntly, said:
“On the Ipswich Journey of Words Trail, you’ll discover famous and lesser known voices – from poets and performers to educators and entertainers, all with special links to the town. It’s an immersive experience that blends walking, augmented reality, images, audio, and heritage to guide you through fascinating figures who helped shape Ipswich’s identity. This is a wonderful place to wander around, steeped in history, and now there are even more reasons to step out and discover.”
David Ralph, Chair of the Ipswich Vision and Town Deal Board, said:
“We’re proud to see such innovation being made possible through Towns Fund investment and partnership working. This AR Walking Trail is a new, different, and highly engaging way to showcase our literary heritage and cultural connections to residents and visitors alike. Many more of these exciting digital developments are now well-advanced and coming soon to enhance Suffolk’s County town and its connectivity with the world.”
The Ipswich Journey of Words is available to access for free on the Go Jauntly app.