What a truly magical place indeed. Free entry to all which is remarkable given the scale of building, but recommend treating yourself to the bargain price £2.00 guidebook to learn even more about the rooms, history and content. Every room was a joy to behold, taking you through time. Even the 'new' items bought in 1925 were 100 years old when we visited and I love how the building spans such a long history! Treat yourself to a cake and a drink in the cafe and chat with the super friendly staff who were lovely to talk to. Definitely worth a visit and an essential break from the noise and activity of the town itself!

Beautiful park and mansion close to the town centre yet you wouldn't know it, as it's so quiet and peaceful. A real gem and completely free of charge (although there is a donation box in the mansion should you wish to donate). The grounds are lovely for a walk or picnic, but don't miss out on the mansion itself. There is a lot to see in there, more than you would think, and the volunteers are really helpful and friendly. Free tours are offered twice daily and are really good, our guide gave lots of info and really brought the place alive. You can wander around the mansion and there are booklets in each room detailing what you can see should you wish to know more about the place. There is a delightful little courtyard where we sat and had coffee which was most enjoyable and relaxing. The grounds are spacious and very well kept, great space for children to play and they sell ice creams too. A must visit for tourists and locals alike and entry is all completely free! What is there not to like? Just go and enjoy

WOW. what a fabulous little place. the house is marvellous, a really breathtaking place. i visited with my brother and his two kids, ben and leslie, such cuties. 😊! they enjoyed the woolly trail as it was a fun activity and my brother and i were fascinated by the architecture of the mansion, such a nice tudor building. there was so much wonderful art and i was enthralled by the beauty and talent of all artists. The furniture indeed did too create a historical setting and i really did feel like i’d been whisked back in time! My brother and i really did have such a special day and the staff were so supportive and friendly, so welcoming and it really was the best time. We then ventured into the park which was such a beautiful area despite the english weather and there was an ornate fountain which really helped make the area so delightful. pet friendly so my brother could bring his st bernard’s and there were even ducks in the pond which we fed bird seed to! they were very well natured and if we could come back again for a picnic on a brighter day, i’m sure we would! it was such a lovely day and i am definitely going to recommend to many friends especially in the summer hols! it was free as well which was such a bonus! there was also an ed sheeran exhibit which was very close to my heart as ed is my favourite singer in the world his lyrics are so beautiful. thanks for reading.

I had a fantastic visit to Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich. The history of the house is genuinely fascinating, and the exhibits are beautifully presented. The gift shop is a real highlight—well stocked with souvenirs from Ipswich and Suffolk (perfect for gifts or a little something to remember your visit). There are clean public restrooms on site, and a quaint café serving teas and coffees with a nice selection of cakes and sandwiches. I sat outside in the courtyard at an umbrella table and it was a peaceful, charming spot to take a break. Overall, a lovely experience—highly recommended for locals and visitors alike.

Absolutely loved this place. More tosee than I could have imagined. Luckily we had a young lady give us a tour,always better. Thank you, we will be back.

Fun and free adventure to see some neat history. Staff was nice and building well taken care of.

Parking is free on some streets to the east of the park, then it's a short walk down to the Mansion. This is a great place to visit and the staff are so lovely! The cafe is one of the best I have been to the food is freshly made for you, very well presented, generous and very tasty. My bowl of chips was huge! You need to order condiments when you order your food, which is rather clever as it saves waste and keeps the cafe much cleaner. The Mansion is really interesting and there are booklets in each room to read, I recommend stopping and look at these rather than just wandering around. Lots of paintings and furniture to look at and the staff are happy to have a chat about the rooms.

Free day out so get there before it shuts in August for renovation. Check the website for activity days during summer hols. I was surprised by the range of animals including a mammoth and giraffe. Some fascinating information about Ipswich and surrounding areas. Worth a day there and you really don't get anything for free today so you have nothing to lose. We loved it!

It's closed for refurbishment until 2025 Supposedly Ipswich Museum will reopen then, but might actually receive some visitors if the local Council can be bothered to tell anybody this place even exists. Excellently displayed exhibits in traditional glass & wood cabinets, alike the national museums in the City. The red-brick building is impressive enough, but the interior is something else. Fantastic exhibits that are seen by a few who know that the museum is there, which cannot be many considering how secretive the site seems to be known to visitors to the town...

2021: So much has changed since I last visited, approx 2012. It has all been suitably updated and appears modern (as far as a museum can seem modern) and clean. The displays are engaging. The staff are knowledgeable and friendly. They said we could take as many photos as we liked as long as we didn't use flash. We spent ages in the first big hall with all the animals in. We enjoy going to the zoo, but to see a giraffe, gorillas, wolves, zebras and other animals we see at the zoo, so close, was very intriguing for my children (4 and 6). We used the little magazine they sell for 50p and got a 50p pencil too. My 6 year old enjoyed searching for the animals inside and ticking them off. All of the artefacts are genuine and the animals are all real animals, beautifully taxidermied (except for the giant mammoth - which a staff member told me has the same hair that Chewbacca has in Star Wars). The punishment chairs for whipping and dunking were rather disturbing to my children and couldn't be avoided as were on the main route. My only suggestion for improvement would be to have this disturbing area to one side in an offset room with a warning label to parents that children may find it disturbing (so they can choose to avoid it) We spent an hour inside and hadn't finished but it was closing time. The staff used an old police rattle to alert us that it was time to leave. I liked that touch. Well worth a visit!!

Superb place to visit and gain knowledge about the history of Ipswich and Suffolk along with the connection it had and is having with the world. The animals look very real and that is highly appreciated. Highly appreciative of the management who are maintaining ​the museum and the artifacts very nicely. Happy to visit the place again.

I visited the museum for the first time in 2019. To be honest I didn't expect much, but I was pleasantly surprised. Especially liked the Egyptian mummy's, very well presented. Definitely worth a look if you're in the area.

Very lovely museum a lot to learn from and a must visit museum in Ipswich as well. The museum consists of three levels and separated into different sections too. You can take children as well and they can do some fun activities and learn about history war, nature and wildlife too.

Loved it. plenty of activities for younger kids. Exhibitions provide a depth of fascinating historical knowledge of both the local area, as well as a broader but more general insight into history of different cultures around the world.

We had a great visit. The staff were very welcoming and knowledgeable. You can get on many of the vehicles and the history of the Ipswich trolly buses was really interesting. We did not eat here but you could and the kids were entertained. Overall, this felt like great value for money.

First time there, very impressive, as an old duffer, lol, all the old motors really took me back, also great to have a cuppa and watch the old films of Ipswich

An absolutely fabulous museum full of surprises. This is a very special museum celebrating the history and the importance of historical transport and industry in the Ipswich area. So much has been crammed into this museum space, we spent 4 hours looking around and could have spent alot longer. Staffed by enthusiastic volunteers with a great little Cafe, this is a really good place to visit for people of all ages. Will definitely be back to explore more.

Fantastic museum, full of interesting exhibits and knowledgeable volunteers. Great cafe, selling well-priced food and drinks.

Fab place for few ours out ' loads to see guides very friendly and happy to help. Thanks Mr Murphy burton on trent

Great selection of local vehicles, enthusiastic, friendly volunteers, decent cafe & shop too. My 3 year old son loved it, especially the Thomas the Tank model railway & 1/3 scale fire engine. We will be back soon 👍🏼

What a gem of a place! We visited with our nearly 4 year old son and was so impressed with the interactivity and how friendly everyone was. The lovely gentleman on reception, Andrew, told us that any vehicles with doors open could be climbed into. We went onto two different types of fire trucks - We even rang the bell and tried on helmets - we went on double decker buses, trolleybus, trams. The model train was a hit. The children's play area was superb with a toy fire engine and bus which are so brilliant. There is a colouring and jigsaw table as well as a toy train table to play with. All of the staff were really knowledgeable and friendly. This is really good value for money

Beautiful park with lots of mature trees, a formal pond with fountain and a wild pond. Lots of ducks and geese, sometimes an owl too. A cafe and ice cream place. Toilets. Also home to Christchurch park parkrun every Saturday morning at 9!

Christchurch Park in Ipswich is a beautiful green escape right in the middle of town, with sweeping lawns, big old trees, ponds, and plenty of space to wander or picnic. It’s home to Christchurch Mansion, a Tudor house packed with art and history, giving the park a mix of nature and culture. Perfect for a quiet stroll, a family day out, or just grabbing some fresh air without leaving the centre of Ipswich.

Ipswich Christchurch Park is a stunning escape in the heart of the city, perfect for nature lovers and families alike. The park features ancient trees, vibrant greenery, and beautifully maintained walking paths that make every visit relaxing and refreshing. Park Experience There's something magical about wandering beneath the grand old yew and chestnut trees, some of which have a rich history stretching back centuries. The information boards are helpful, sharing fascinating details about the oldest trees and the park’s heritage, which adds an educational touch to your walk. Flora and Scenic Beauty The variety of trees is impressive—towering English yews, majestic oaks, and sweet chestnuts full of spiky husks and glossy nuts are everywhere. The autumn colors, fallen leaves, and natural fruit contribute to a truly picturesque scene, ideal for mobile photography enthusiasts. Facilities and Atmosphere The paths are well-maintained and accessible, suitable for casual strolls, walking dogs, or exploring with children. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and inviting, a great place for a simple, comfortable day out surrounded by nature’s beauty. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ipswich—Christchurch Park is a real gem that blends tradition, beauty, and local history perfectly

This is a lovely place to go, there is some lovely areas where you can see wildlife, some lovely places to walk and a very nice playground for the children we also found a smaller playground.

There is no free parking nearby but the park is lovely. Plenty of squirrels and ducks to feed. Also there is a food machine where you can get food for ducks if you forget. Its £1 and not much in it but always something. We enjoy going to park there

Fantastic local park, playground area, beautiful church and courtyard. Lots of benches. Central to high street, public toilets.

What a beautiful park. I wish I had been here more regularly.

Visited for a few hours. Nice walk along waterfront. Lots of old dock buildings, mixed with modern. Plenty of coffee and food places. Worth a short stroll up to the shopping centres (2). Seemed to have plenty of carparks, but we walked.

Good for a very pleasant stroll, people watching, a bite to eat and a refreshing pit stop to have a pint or a coffee and enjoy the company of others.

Nice walk along the front with views across to the marina

Such a pretty city. The waterfront may use some benches for people to rest during their walks.

I was only doing a delivery to the uni and saw this delight. Looked awesome.

Trip to Ipswich Harbour to visit Nao Santa Maria whilst it was docked here.

Can't say much about the town centre other than be mindful of you go out there at night. There are a lot of people just sitting down randomly and drinking. However, the waterfront is pretty and had some lovely bars and restaurants.

Came here for a Sunday roast (and a burger). Lovely generous portions...no room for pudding! Everything very well cooked and service was super friendly and polite. The beef was served a bit too pink for the hubby...but he polished it all off all the same and we had a really lovely time. Will be back!

You need to sort out the food quality and make sure you don't serve fish and chips cold, hardly any fish in the batter, steak not cooked properly, and very tough. staff are very nice and apologised, can't blame them, they replaced our meal with freshly cooked one but You need to work on your food quality, not sure about the rest of the menu, but we were unlucky with our choice, sorry.

Popped in for a quick lunch before the school run today with my partner n son and was greeted by the Amazing Tab (Waitress). She made us feel very welcome with the most warming smile. She was very helpful and give us time to decide on our food n drinks and also had us laughing. Food on the other hand was lovely, we truly enjoyed eating at the Beagles.. Please could you pass on to Tab that we appreciate her advice to my son today regarding school was lovely of her.. Thanks..

I always get thrown off by the reviews for the beagle. I dont come here too often as its a treat as a little pricier than other places and not really any deals but its a TREAT to dine here. The food is always smashing. The had a lunch menu which was great so we had 2 courses! Cocktails were amazing. Staff i feel like are always run off their feet but do great! Tab is brilliant, very friendly, helpful and accommodating. I love the lights and the atmosphere. Still a 10/10 for me.

Went in last night for dinner, a bit sceptical from the relatively low Google Review and low Tripadvisor score, but was pleasantly surprised. A beautiful country pub, and served by the brilliant and engaging James. The food was pretty good. Beautifully presented. The katsu curry sauce tasted a little sweet and lacked flavoursome punch, and the custard for the dessert was that disappointing bright yellow Birds Eye / Ambrosia sort rather than a lovely Madagascan Vanilla (or similar). The chicken in the katsu curry was delicious, as was the Allotment Crumble. Just a few tweaks to take this to a 5* food place.

Very nice food, good ambience, was very busy on a Sunday lunchtime so was a little wait for food however would not hesitate to go again.

Due to a friend not being well and canceling , we ended up getting our food to go. Everyone was so understanding and helpful, even remembering allergy’s when putting the food through. Didn’t feel like a burden to anyone and loved how the team engaged with my one year old whilst waiting so she didn’t get bored. The food was delicious even in take away form and Big thanks to Kay for helping.

We received a friendly welcome on arrival. Service was excellent and the Croc madam was amazing. Bread was crispy, ham was delicious and the cheese was strong and tasty. Thoroughly enjoyed the food and the visit

Exceptional food, great location and the staff are super friendly.

Really good find on a Wednesday night. The man with a beard who served us was down to earth and very friendly. The bread and butter starter served two of us and the mains was tasty and good portion. Got given a freebie too which was nice. Bar area upstsirs looked cool.

Delicious food. Friendly staff. Well trained, polite waitress who was attentive throughout our meal. Would definitely recommend as a good place to eat.

Was invited by my friend to lunch here, the staff and manager were attentive and fun. Liked the menu at this time of day. There were a couple of larger tables, but this did not affect service - had a lovely meal.

Absolutely lovely place to stop off for a relaxing lunch.. This was our third visit... Staff are always so helpful and friendly. Food was yummy. House wine actually was really good. Great select menu...yummy. They have set courses or you can choose from the a la carte... We just ordered two glasses of wine, hummus rye bread side and two mains... Excellent ✨ Toilets clean and well maintained. Covid procedures excellent... staff still wearing masks, thank you 🙏 Can't fault. Highly recommended. Thanks guys 🌻

Place with character. Some sitting areas outside and inside. Lots of paintings, which are for sale too. If you are lucky you can get a table with a view to the waterfront and all boats. We have been served pretty quickly, food have been presented really nicely. Not the cheapest place to go but worth to try and give a go. Very filling. Surely do not need any starters or deserts. Although they had lovely menu for deserts.

Really friendly service from Heather, friendly atmosphere. Not so loud you couldn't have a conversation and no too quiet it made you feel awkward. Food was beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed our anniversary dinner here. Thank you for living up to the hype :)

Saffron was very welcoming and friendly waitress. It was our first time at Miller and Carter and the food was AMAZING We went for a sharing roast and every bit was delicious and we had banoffee pie for dessert which was also incredible

We had a meal here today from the lunch menu. It was absolutely amazing from start to finish. The food was spectacular and the service was brilliant. Di was very attentive and friendly and the whole atmosphere was lovely. Thank you for making our birthday celebrations special.

Been to some different Miller & Carter restaurants and each time it has been good food and service. Really reliably tasty well cooked steaks, with generous portions of sides and sauces. My filet was particularly good; perfectly tender, melting and charred. Tonight our waitress, Alma, was especially helpful and friendly, handling my father’s bad dad jokes like a pro, and giving us some useful tips on the menu to suit our tastes. Atmosphere is fine. Purely functional, and if you’re focussed on your conversation and dinner it doesn’t matter too much anyway. Price-wise it’s in the high end for high-street chain type places, but quality of food does make up for it, and I keep coming back to it so it must be good.

Alma served us today and she was absolutely incredible. She was attentive and a credit to Miller and Carter Ipswich. I did not enjoy my main as much as I normally would but she was very apologetic which made the experience so much more enjoyable. We will definitely return for the food but especially for the service/dinning experience Alma provided.

Alma was a great waitress. Making sure we had drinks throughout our meal. The food was great. We all have a good time. We didn’t feel rushed at all. We will definitely be back here again.

Our server Saffron did an extra mile making someone’s birthday so special. She was very attentive and friendly. Food is great too!

Went to the oyster reach from my son's 23rd birthday.book the table for 6 sat down. Nice big round table. All clean tidy server came across order drinks then ordered food is very good. Choice of two courses. Three courses or 4 courses. Good selection and also good allergy card. What was given to my daughter, food came out hot. Very nice. Good value for money. Went to the restroom. It was clean. It was tidy. . plenty of hand soap and sanitizer. Overall 9 at 10. The glass had lip stick mark on round top ,so the glass wasn't washed properly but the server came straight over and replace the drink and a glass and everything was good, we were very well looked after by the server who took the menus and brought off food over. Think her name was Denise but she was very good. A credit to the oyster reach ,

🎉 Great food, good vibes, and four happy diners! Dropped in with my wife and two friends for a quick bite. The place was buzzing, but we snagged a spacious table in the bar area without a hitch. Service was swift—food arrived not long after we ordered. 💰 Prices were decent. A few mains felt a tad steep, but the starter plates (we tried three or four) were solid value and perfect for sharing. 🍖 I went for the Ribs & Chicken combo. The chicken leaned dry, but the ribs? Absolute stars—tender, juicy, and falling off the bone. 🍕 The flatbread was more pizza than flatbread, but my wife gave it two thumbs up. All in all, we left full and smiling. Would happily return for another round!

Parking trap!! We came with 3 cars and all got parking fines. The restaurant never once asked for our registration numbers or mentioned validation when we arrived. When we called, they said it wasn’t their responsibility, even though it’s in the middle of nowhere and everyone has to drive. Yet they’ve set up a trap for visitors. The sign outside shouts “FREE PARKING” but hides “please validate” in tiny texts. Easy to miss, and clearly designed to catch people out. Instead of focusing on customer service, they rely on parking fines. Very disappointing and not somewhere we’ll return to.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From the moment we arrived at Oyster Reach, Kate made our experience unforgettable. She greeted us with a warm, genuine smile and instantly made us feel welcome. Throughout the meal, she was attentive without being intrusive, anticipating our needs before we even had to ask. Her knowledge of the menu was impressive, offering great recommendations that turned out to be absolutely delicious. What really stood out was her friendly personality and effortless professionalism – she has that rare gift of making you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer. Even during a busy service, Kate remained calm, cheerful, and utterly dedicated to making sure everything was perfect. Thanks to Kate, our evening was smooth, enjoyable, and full of little thoughtful touches. She’s a true credit to Oyster Reach, and we’ll definitely be coming back – not just for the food, but for the exceptional service she provides Thanks Kate

The breakfast here never disappoints, kids eat free, loads of choice, really good value for your money, plenty of choice.... Cake for breakfast, unlimited drinks all can eat. Love it!!! Service was a bit slow today but very busy. Staff are nice and a good atmosphere.

Seriously understaffed. Very much in need of refurbishment. Toilets disgusting. Two blocked, one with seat missing. The beautiful gardens overlooking the marina are disgraceful. So overgrown you can't even see the marina now. Weeds everywhere, ashtrays overflowing, dirty tables, rubbish all over the ground. Beefeater need to get their act together and spend some money here. Food was mediocre but very small portions of chips, veg, one small mushroom, half a tomato. Expensive for such a small meal of average quality. Staff were nice enough but so very busy it was hard for them to offer a good standard of customer service. We won't be returning.

Service & food without expectation. Needs a little update . Friendly staff willing to help on any issue. Great food, fresh, clean, well presented. Will definitely be back very soon.

If you’re a seafood lover then you have to visit this restaurant - it’s brilliant! It’s a lot larger inside than it looks from the front and it’s far from a takeaway ‘chippie’. The staff are really nice and helped accommodate us on a large table and were helpful in explaining the menu. The decor is great with plenty to admire and it’s all in good keeping with the seafood vibe. The oyster starter was presented beautifully with all the condiments you’d expect and the sharing platter was truly huge. It was a shame that they swapped the scallops for extra prawns without telling us (due to having run out) but given everything was cooked so beautifully we quickly forgave them! Some of the best seafood I’ve had in a while and there’s certainly options for whatever kind of fish you’re looking for. I’ll be returning as soon as possible!

This place is next level. If you want to try only one restaurant in Ipswich, this MUST be the one. Food 👌🏻 staff behavior 👌🏻 everything’s so fresh. Josh served me today and he was really polite and patient. I changed my table 3 times and all the time he was smiley and offered good service. He answered so many questions I asked him to choose what I like from the menu. Also, he brought me charger to plug my phone. Overall, the most recommended place 👌🏻👌🏻

Ocean Fish Platter never disappoints! The food is always fresh, delicious, and beautifully served. On our recent visit, the service was outstanding — the waiter was very friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Every time we dine here, the quality remains consistent, and it truly feels like one of the best places for seafood. Highly recommend Ocean Fish Platter if you’re looking for great food and warm service! 🌊🐟🍴

Eating out is expensive nowadays, so if you do eat out, come somewhere decent like this. Great quality seafood, huge portions, perfect, attentive service. Price the same as all the chain food places Accessibility: two large (say 20cm) steps to get into the restaurant. Didn't use the loos, so no idea on that.

Ocean Fish Platter is a standout for Ipswich: a place where courage meets the sea—serving beautiful seafood with heart. From indulgent sharing platters to carefully prepped grilled fillets and an inclusive menu, it’s a treat for many. We started with the oysters — briny, sweet, and so fresh they could have been plucked from the water minutes earlier. The chef serves them with a bright cucumber mignonette that elevates their natural flavor without overpowering it. The highlight, though, was the fillet grilled sea bass. Perfectly charred skin gave way to tender, buttery flesh that flaked effortlessly at the touch of a fork. A drizzle of lemon and a sprinkle of sea salt was all it needed.

A lovely little gem in Ipswich. Me and my sister came here as she is a massive seafood fan, and it exceeded our expectations. The set-up of the restaurant is great: Loved the lobsters in the tank.. slightly tinged with sadness 😆 You're able to watch the chefs cook. Food is so fresh. Great atmosphere. We had cocktails and they were made really well, delicious! Service was friendly, caring, attentive. Would highly recommend. You will need to book, it's busy! But I'm not surprised. We are going back for my sister's 40th. Can't wait! 😁 *edit* went back for my sister's birthday even better second time around and they were so lovely with what they did for her birthday. Fabulous! Thankyou Ocean Fish Platter ❤️

If you like seafood this is by far the best seafood restaurant in and around Ipswich, the staff and service is outstanding, One of mine and my family’s favourite restaurant. A must try if you haven’t.