Credit: Humphrey Bolton / CC BY-SA 2.0
Duration:
Less than 1 hour
Price range:
Free
Suitable for:
Museum Information
One of Suffolk’s most treasured buildings, this beautiful Tudor mansion is the jewel in the crown of Ipswich’s historic past, boasting over 500 years of history.
Explore the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon and the beautifully detailed Victorian wing.
Gaze at the fine collection of art from Suffolk artists including the biggest collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings outside of London.
Opening Days and Times
Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 4pm (November – February)
10am – 5pm (March – October)
Sunday
11am – 4pm (November – February)
11am – 5pm (March – October)
Mondays closed
Admission Price
Free Admission
Booking not required
Children – Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.
Things To See
The Building
Christchurch Mansion is built on the site of the Holy Trinity Priory, which was founded in the 12th Century.
The walls and floors bear the scars of over 450 years of changing designs. The rooms are set in period fashions from the Tudors right through to the Victorians.
The Rooms
Step back in time as you walk through Christchurch Mansion. From the Kitchen to the State Bedroom, the Butler’s Room to the Queen Anne Room, you can begin to imagine how the past owners of Christchurch Mansion and their servants would have lived.
The Collections
From musical instruments and toys to intricate glassware ceramics, the displays within Christchurch Mansion include something for everyone.
The Suffolk Artists Gallery is where you will find our incredible collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings.
Animals In The Art Gallery
13th May 2023 – 14th April 2024
Animals in the Art Gallery is a family friendly exhibition that explores British wildlife alongside artistic depictions of animals in all shapes and sizes, from the Middle Ages to the present day.
The Tea Room
The Tea Room serves a range of hot and cold drinks, which are also available to take away. Throughout the day you can choose from a selection of fresh sandwiches, tea cakes, scones, chocolate bars and crisps. The menu can change seasonally and depending on availability.
If you would like to know more information on what is on offer or for any special requirements please contact Brad and Kate Firkins on 07772 834198.
The Tea Room can be accessed externally from the park. Alternatively, it has level access from inside the Mansion. Please note, the doorway is narrow, which may be difficult for some wheelchair users.
Guided Tours
Discover more about the collections, the house and the families who have called it their home.
Private tours of Christchurch Mansion can be arranged all year round. Simply email the Friends of the Ipswich Museums for details: contact@foim.org.uk.
Our free, ‘Peep into the Past’ tours, led by expert guides, run between March and October. These tours last 30 – 40 minutes and there is no need to book, you simply meet your guide in the Great Hall at 11am Tuesdays – Saturdays or 2pm on Sundays.
Facilities
Contact Details & Directions
Christchurch Mansion,
Soane Street,
Ipswich,
Suffolk,
IP4 2BE
Tel: 01206282939
Email: museums@colchester.gov.uk
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