The historic town centre is compact and offers plenty of shopping opportunities within easy reach. Wandering through the many pedestrianised streets and alleyways, there’s history around every corner – only in Ipswich will you find a Lakeland shop within a Grade I listed building! Head to the main high street shops in Ipswich for big name shops such as Debenhams and Marks & Spencer, and venture down the surrounding streets to find plenty of boutiques and independents, offering everything from fancy dress to vintage gear and alternative gift shops.
Shopping in Ipswich
Shopping centres
The Buttermarket Ipswich is the largest covered shopping centre in town, and it has recently undergone renovations to add a 14-screen cinema and plenty of entertainment and food options. Sailmakers Shopping Centre is also just around the corner – the multistorey offers a mixture of big brand shops and independent retailers, with HMV, Pandora, Topshop and River Island included within its 24 stores. You can also catch good bargains with shops like Poundland and Iceland, or stop for a brew at BB’s coffee shop.
Anglia Retail Park is another shopping option that’s located on the edge of town, just a six-minute drive from our Ipswich North Premier Inn. Spacious units offer big name brands and plenty of options, including Dunelm, B&M, Smyths Toy Store, Go Outdoors and more. Bounce Ipswich is also located here – the indoor trampoline centre is a great way to let off some steam for kids and adults alike. With an Asda store nearby for your food shop, as well as a Pizza Hut and multiple fast food outlets, you surely won’t go hungry.
Sailmakers Centre
Buttermarket Ipswich
Ipswich Market
Markets
Ipswich Market is a traditional market operating every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (from 9am till 4pm) stretching down Princes Street and Queen Street and close to the Corn Exchange. The first royal charter for the market was granted in 1317, and although the stalls may have changed a little since then, it’s always been a long-standing tradition in Ipswich. Nowadays, with over 30 market stalls, you can barter for a range of goods from fruit and veg to clothing, plants and flowers. The new food quarter on Queen Street is a tasty addition – street food stalls include everything from burgers, sausages and fried chicken to vegan and spicy Indian options.