Car Rental Ipswich

Ipswich enjoys an excellent road network connecting the town to nearby cities, coastal resorts and the Suffolk countryside, making it a great place to explore by car. The A12 leads north towards seaside destinations like Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth. You can also follow this route south towards historic Colchester, home to attractions including the remains of a Roman theatre and walkway.

From Ipswich it’s also easy to join the A14 south towards the resort of Felixstowe or north towards Bury St Edmunds, home to St Edmundsbury Cathedral. From here you can continue east towards Cambridge, home to one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Medieval Norwich is just over an hour’s drive north of Ipswich via the A140.

Following the A12 south of Ipswich will take you to the M25, also known as the London Orbital motorway, which runs a ring around the outer part of the capital. Use this route to reach the boroughs and towns on the outskirts of the city, or connect to roads into central London. If you are planning to drive into central parts of the city you’ll need to pay a congestion charge – visit the Transport for London website for full details.

When driving within Ipswich, you’ll find some parts, including Westgate Street and Providence Street in the main shopping areas, are pedestrianized and not accessible to cars. But there are plenty of car parks across the town and waterfront, including one at St Peter’s Dock and another on Foundation Street.

Ipswich centre has plenty to delight visitors - from waterfront restaurants to boutique stores and cutting-edge art venues. Rent a car to explore further afield and really make the most of your time in Suffolk - whether it’s a trip to the coast or a day out at a historical site.

Explore the waterfront

The heart of Ipswich lies around its waterfront, which is home to hotels, art venues, restaurants and cafés. Enjoy the view from the marina or take a boat trip up River Orwell – there’s even a river cruise restaurant offering sunset and candlelit dinners.

Back on dry land, don’t forget to look out for the historic buildings dotted along the waterfront. Perhaps the most famous of them all is the Old Custom House, a classical style building dating back to 1845 that today houses the Ipswich Port Authority.

Step back in time

Ipswich lies just a short journey from Sutton Hoo, where one of the UK’s greatest archaeological discoveries was made in 1939. The ship burial site of an Anglo-Saxon king has yielded some of the most important treasures found anywhere in Europe, including the famous Sutton Hoo helmet.

Many of the treasures no longer remain at the site – you can find them at the British Museum in central London – but Sutton Hoo still makes a fascinating day out, with walking routes, a reconstruction of the burial ship and a new viewing tower installed at the site as part of a four-year transformation project. Guided tours are available for anyone who wants to learn more about Suffolk’s famous historical treasure.

Soak up some culture

If you’re planning to catch a live performance while you’re in town, Ipswich’s two main theatres – Regent Theatre and the New Wolsey Theatre – boast an impressive array of options all year round. From comedies and musicals to touring production from London and further afield, you’re guaranteed a good night out.

For art lovers, Christchurch Mansion - just a short drive north of the town centre - boasts a hugely impressive collection of works by renowned Suffolk artists including the landscape painter John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough, one of the most important portraitists of the 18^th century. After exploring the galleries, head outside to explore Christchurch Park, home to many beautiful walking routes dotted with ornamental water features.

Hit the coast

When you rent a car in Ipswich, you’ll be perfectly placed to take a day trip to the Suffolk coast, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visit Aldeburgh, just 40km away, to explore pebbled beaches and see the town’s Martello tower, built to protect the coast from invading Napoleonic armies in the 19^th century.

Aldeburgh also boasts an eclectic array of independent stores selling everything from handmade arts and crafts to locally produced culinary delights. Perhaps its most famous attraction is the Red House, where the 20th century composer Benjamin Britten composed some of his most well-known works.

After you’ve explored the town’s historic sights, don’t forget to sample its famous fish and chips before hopping back in your car to explore more of this glorious coastal landscape.