Come for a themed walk around Ipswich and finish off with Tea and a cake at the Institute. 

• Walks usually start from the Ipswich Institute, at 13 Tower St,  IP1 3BE 
• and will begin at 1 30pm.

View our latest Tea Walks leaflet here.

2nd October My Favourite Places

As I prepare to leave Ipswich for new adventures come to visit some of my favourite sites in the centre of town and hear stories of the people who have lived here, from Chaucer to Giles

20th October Love It And List It

Ipswich has over 600 listed buildings - a phenomenal number for a town of this size. On this walk, we will look at some of these, including - perhaps - some surprises, and explore the qualities a building might need to be considered for listing.

5th November Theatres, Cinemas and Halls

Hear the stories of entertainment venues, past and present, which have provided entertainment for the people of the town since the late 16^th century. Find out where they were, what went on, and how long they survived. Hear why the Town was a popular choice for actors and groups and which Theatre icon has links with Ipswich.

18th November Let’s Go Over Stoke

Explore Ipswich’s amazing industrial heritage on a walk along the New Cut. Skilled workers have occupied the Stoke area for over 1,000 years – from early potters, 18^thc. naval shipbuilders, to Victorian railway workers and entrepreneurial engineers whose products branded ‘Made in Ipswich’ were exported across the world.

(Note: Walk starts at Stoke Bridge & ends at a cafe on the waterfront)

3rd December Tea with Mr Dickens.

I've enjoyed many walks with Charles Dickens, and now, as I prepare to move on from Ipswich, I'd like once more to share stories of his life and works and visit again places that he knew.

12th January Ipswich Icons – The Philanthropists

Who were those great people who put Ipswich on the map, not only locally, but who found worldwide fame.  Explore the

fascinating philanthropists who had pride enough in our town to invest in its future, its people and its prosperity.

21st January Ipswich Medics

2nd February As Giles Saw It

Carl Giles - voted Britain's favourite ever cartoonist - worked in, and lived near, Ipswich nearly all his working life. His most famous characters became known the world over, and many of these - as well as the scenes in which they were depicted - were clearly "Ipswich"! We will take a stroll and discover some locations still very recognisable today as Giles depicted them

23rd February

Q. Why is Ipswich like an old boot?

A. Because it’s Cobbold all over. 

This walk will introduce you to the large and enterprising Cobbold family, who were not just brewers but were involved in every aspect of life in Ipswich. 

6th March Cardinal Connections

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, Ipswich's most famous son rose to power from humble beginnings during Tudor England.  This walk will discover and explore possible sites associated with Wolsey's life in the town.

19th March Law And Disorder

The story of colourful local characters who fell foul of the law down the centuries …The witch, the heretic, the M.P. & the suffragette. Discover the price they paid for their misdeeds as we visit where it all happened. A tale of murder, fraud & corruption & how the authorities vainly tried to keep the peace with trial by ordeal, raising the hue & cry & the Bobby on the beat.

10th April Constable And His Contemporaries

In his youth, John Constable was inspired by the Suffolk landscape.  He was a regular visitor to Ipswich and sketched with local artists. Catch a glimpse of the town and people he knew and learn how later painters were influenced by his work. 

23rd  April Right Royal Relations

Ipswich has been home to an Anglo Saxon King and a Dowager Queen of France. We’ve also received visits from Prince Albert both Queen Elizabeths, and a host of other royals, both British and foreign.  On this walk we can follow in their footsteps and hear how they got on in our town!