Search events

Have you ever walked past the blue door hidden on Tavern Street in Ipswich and wondered what was behind it? Now is your chance! We will be opening our buildings to non-members to explore the Ipswich Institute, local history and heritage.

A grand selection of creative work by a variety of Ipswich based artists - both in the Unitarian Meeting House and in a marquee beside it.

Isaacs on the Quay is a selection of Grade I and Grade II* listed buildings situated on the Ipswich Waterfront. Visit us on our selected tour dates to learn more about the history of our buildings and see our fully restored machine room in action.

Visit this historic mariner's church which has links to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, view our heritage displays and the Ipswich Charter Hangings.

Our beautiful Grade II listed building is open to all. Take a look around the temple and museum, find out all about freemasonry from some of Suffolk's freemasons, and why not grab a drink from our licenced bar, hot and cold drinks will be available.

Grade I listed non-conformist Meeting House built in 1699 and still almost as it was then - open access for all. Pulpit in the style of Grinling Gibbons, wig pegs, spy hole, brass chandelier, box pews, and a Grade II Hall to visit next door.

An elegant Victorian design with a fully glazed roof. Officially opened on the 1st March 1894 by the Mayor of Ipswich Samuel Anness. The first year saw over 42,000 people use the facility. The population of Ipswich was only 57,000 at the time.

Stone conservator Antonia Hockton will share her experience and her stories of her conservation work giving examples and photos of a variety of stonework projects she has worked on. Antonia is also an artistic stone sculptor.

For the first time ever, local shanty groups will be performing a flash mob at Ipswich's Heritage Harbour! Led by The Orwellermen, and the Shefarers of Pin Mill, and organised by the Ipswich Maritime Trust as part of the maritime festivities.

Come on board the iconic Sailing Barge Victor and other vessels, discover our amazing early photos of Ipswich, explore the maritime exhibition in the Old Custom House, and peek into our Window Museum.

A rare opportunity to visit Pykenham's Gatehouse, a medieval gem with its carved beams, hidden staircase and jettied first floor.

Come and peek behind the curtain at the New Wolsey Theatre! Discover how on stage magic is made with backstage tours, dive into our vibrant history and get creative with family activities for all ages.

Guide tours Of Ipswich Town Hall Mayors Parlour and Cornexchange, by the Ipswich Town Sergeant.

We are opening our doors for a drop in session to explore our local studies library. We will also be showcasing a range of original archives and be on hand to help with your family history/house history research.

The Ancient House is a Grade 1 listed building dating from the 15th century. Famous for the elaborate pargetting, 'Ipswich windows' and wood carvings, it is an important building not only to Ipswich but nationally.

Talk by Rick Lewis, offering a rare insight into ancient carpentry practices and their regional variations.

Built in 1776, and now home to the prestigious Ipswich High School, the magnificent Woolverstone Hall tells its story of being a family home, a World War II military base and a revolutionary boarding school for London boys in the 1950s.

A free behind-the-scenes tour showcasing the amazing collections at The Hold, Ipswich.

Meet our guides in period costume from the Tudors to the Victorians at Christchurch Mansion 13 and 14th Sept.

For over 700 years, St Margaret’s has been at the heart of Ipswich. See our magnificent 15th century roof and our 21st century bellringing gallery. Self-guide with a leaflet (including one for children) and see our exhibit of the roof carvings.

A Talk and a mini tour all about our cellar, from Roman road, chapel niches, beams, blocked off doorways, windows and passageways in our 500 year old building.

Bethesda is an evangelical Baptist Church made up of around 120 people. We are a landmark building in the heart of Ipswich town centre, but the Church is the people who have long-established relationships in Ipswich.

Ipswich School will be opening its doors for a fascinating tour of the school’s long history on Saturday 13 September, as part of Heritage Open Days 2025.

Walk through the history of England’s oldest town and discover some of our architectural highlights of town and Waterfront. See the magnificent churches, fine timber framed houses, Victorian public buildings and modern masterpieces.

The Ipswich Society will run a photography exhibition with themes around Ipswich architecture. An exhibition of the submitted images will take place in St. Clements' Art Centre over the weekend of 20-21 September 2025

Discover some of the architecture featured in embroidered panels designed to illustrate the 1400-year history of Ipswich. At the end of the walk there will be a chance to view the eight hangings in St Peter's Church.

Ever wondered what really went on in our beautiful (most-likely haunted!) base at Gippeswyk Hall over the centuries? Wanted to poke around the curious Tudor building for clues about its history and heritage? Well, you can do just that!

Looking at how we worship God with our senses, including how this has changed over time. This will include: Touch - communion into hand, Taste - communion wine, Sound - music, Smell - incense and Sight - vestments, stained glass, icon, Shrine

A chance to have a look behind the scenes at this Grade II listed building, originally built as the Ipswich branch of Parr's bank in 1901. Take a peek at the original bank vault in the basement.

The Turning of the Tide, curated by Ipswich-based artist Jonathan Field, features work by an international collection of contemporary artists.

Guided tours Bellringing for beginners Artists' work displayed Cafe Small Sounds Taster Session Children's craft activities

Local historian Stephen Poulter recounts the challenges he faced when tasked with unearthing the history of a spacious Victorian villa on the Suffolk bank of the Waveney River which was totally destroyed by fire over a century ago.

An architectural tour of Ipswich's Heritage Harbour, led by Women in Boatbuilding and Ipswich Maritime Trust, discovering the people behind the places and vessels.