Christmas shopping in and around the town has seen untold changes over the decades. Many people still have fond memories of the famous department store Footman Pretty & Co, which stood between Westgate Street and Tower Ramparts for more than a century. Santa arrived in a decorated float back in the 1950s and 60s after travelling through the local villages, ready to set up his grotto.
Readers of the East Anglian Daily times have reminisced about the store over the years, recalling how the youngest shoppers had to be dragged away from the toy department, which also had an impressive model railway running during the festive season. Their parents might have been more interested in choosing party clothes or visiting the huge food hall, with its freshly-cut ham and cheeses. Later, Debenhams, which took over the Footmans site, kept up the festive traditions, and was one of the top places in town to see Father Christmas.
A famous rival was the Co-op in Carr Street. Well into the 21st century, Santa arrived each year with his elves, plus a police escort helping him along his way as he handed out goodies to excited children on the way to his grotto. Many families saw the procession as marking the start of Christmas.
While many well-known stores have closed, plenty of Christmas traditions are still going strong in Ipswich, such as the amazing annual window displays at independent department store Coes on Norwich Road, which are always something special, with a theme each year. Last year’s window featured loveable animal characters such as polar bears and Arctic hares, which were sold off in aid of charity during the summer.
Ipswich has a great range of restaurants, covering all kinds of cuisine from Italian to Indian, Chinese, burgers and cocktails and much more.
If you’re looking for Italian food that’s authentic and different from the chains, Storico in Northgate Street offers wood-fired pizza and fresh pasta. All its food is prepared with fresh ingredients. The range of starters includes unusual offerings like salads featuring Gorgonzola cheese and pear or halloumi and avocado. Pasta dishes range from chicken, seafood or salmon pasta to lasagnes, raviolis and meatballs. There is also a huge choice of pizzas, from classics like margherita and marinara to meaty options and vegetarian and vegan pizzas.
Indian bistro Chutneyz, near the Watertfront in Duke Street, specialises in healthy, nutritious and good-value meals, offering authentic Indian cuisine with an occasional modern twist. Visitors should check out the daily specials menu. In addition to a wide range of starters and main dishes, from korma to vindaloo and many more unusual options, its menu includes mezze platters and lunch specials. Chutneyz also offers catering for special events such as weddings or parties.
Also in Duke Street, The Forge Kitchen is a local independent bar, smokehouse and restaurant, which is located in a former electricity sub-station with many of its original industrial features. Its menu includes nachos, steaks, burgers, bangers and chicken wings. Served on Sunday only are The Forge’s specialty roast burgers – with a choice between roast beef sirloin and roast pork belly. You can also choose between an impressive range of cocktails.
What are the best places to visit and things to do around Ipswich? Here are five top suggestions to start you off.
Christchurch Mansion: Explore the period rooms and see the biggest collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings outside of London, all in the idyllic setting of Christchurch Park.
Waterfront: A must-see, with its busy marina and choice of bars and cafes. Several operators run boat trips from here, including brunch or afternoon tea trips, birdwatching expeditions and supper cruises.
Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park: Just outside Ipswich at Wherstead, the farm has grown into a top attraction with animals ranging from farmyard favourites to crocodiles. It is also now Europe’s largest polar bear reserve.
Guided walks: The best way to get a deeper knowledge of Ipswich is by taking a walk with a qualified guide. A number of themed walks are planned over the winter months, with themes including Ipswich in WW1 and Walking in Wolsey’s Footsteps.
Theatres: Both The Regent and the New Wolsey Theatre have many exciting shows lined up over the coming months, including their famous pantos and much more. West End smash hit Only Fools and Horses The Musical is coming to the Regent in January.
In the heart of Ipswich, The Buttermarket opened in 1992, and has since evolved far beyond its original purpose as a shopping centre. Following a significant redevelopment, it has been transformed into a vibrant hub of food, fun, and retail.
With its recent revamp, the centre now boasts a state-of-the-art 14-screen cinema, a 12-lane bowling alley, the high-energy Boom Battle Bar, and a fully-equipped gym. And when it’s time to refuel, its range of restaurants and eateries ensures there’s something for every palate, from casual bites to more indulgent dining options.
But The Buttermarket offers more than just entertainment. It’s also a thriving shopping destination. With major high street names like New Look and TK Maxx alongside independent retailers, it offers a blend of fashion, lifestyle and homeware stores. It also has its own secure 370-space car park, which is fully integrated with the shopping complex and offers 24-hour access.
Through its ‘Buttermarket Beneficiaries’ initiative, the centre has established itself as a community champion, supporting multiple local charities and groups. This includes offering free access to vacant units and mall spaces for charitable activities, and establishing a community hub board where local groups can raise awareness of their initiatives.
The eagerly-awaited big Ipswich lights switch-on launches late-night shopping and gets the season under way. The date was still to be announced at the time of going to press, but, this year, Ipswich Central will once again be providing the tree for the Cornhill, the centrepiece for the town’s celebrations. It has been ordered from the same supplier and decoration team as last year and will be in place by mid-November.
A number of Christmas fairs and markets are being organised around the area, including the Saints Street Market, to be held in St Peter’s Street on November 24 with at least 30 local craft and artisan stalls, ranging from textiles, jewellery, printmakers , vintage items, upcycled products and candles. A Christmas market is also planned at The Hold, Suffolk Archives’ headquarters in Fore Street, on December 3, with stalls selling unusual gifts and mulled wine and mince pies in the café.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the outskirts of Ipswich, then The Lodge, Wherstead, could be the answer. This fabulous single-storey lodge, available to book through Suffolk Hideaways, is nestled in the heart of the Suffolk countryside on the Shotley Peninsula. It sleeps up to two in one bedroom, with one dog allowed.
Guests can enjoy a peaceful break whilst benefiting from the short driving distance to Ipswich. The kitchen is well equipped to cook a simple meal and the open-plan sitting and dining room has comfy seating, a wall-mounted television, and dining area. The light, airy bedroom with wall-to-wall windows features a 6ft super-king size bed which can be configured as twin 3ft single beds on request. Outside, there is a large, private deck overlooking the pretty garden for enjoying some peace and tranquillity.
Bookings can be made online at suffolkhideaways.co.uk or by phoning 01728 666 300.
