This is a collaborative post: In the current covid-19 era of social distancing, flexible working and a hankering for the great outdoors, even the slickest of city dwellers are considering a move away from the Capital for more space, lower mortgages and a different pace of living. Enter…Ipswich?
The town has long been a popular destination for those looking to raise a family, retire from busy city living or commuters who have been priced out of London’s eye-watering property market but still need to be within a hop, skip and a jump of the Capital. In 2020, Ipswich has seen a further boost to its popularity, being voted the UK’s only ‘emerging destination for 2020’ according to travel behemoth Trip Advisor, based on year-on-year increases in positive reviews and bookings across accommodation, hospitality and attractions.
So, what does this historic county town of Suffolk on Britain’s east coast have to offer?
Located at the estuary of the River Orwell, Ipswich offers both coast and countryside on the doorstep. The town itself boasts numerous parks and green spaces such as Holywells Park with playgrounds, formal gardens, water parks, cafés and outdoor entertainment on offer. The Victorian Christchurch Park covers an impressive 81 acres and plays host to many open-air events such as Ipswich Music Day and the Indian Summer Mela. The park is also home to Christchurch Mansion and The Wolsey Art Gallery and for keen ornithologists, over 100 different species of bird. Also located nearby are the impressive Suffolk Coast & Heaths and Dedham Vale, both of which have been classified as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Foodies are spoilt for choice with a range of independent cafés, restaurants and quaint country pubs serving everything from Mediterranean to Latin American fare alongside tempting street food at the town’s Food Quarter. For those who like to rustle up their own gastronomic delights, you can find a host of fresh local produce and seafood at the impressive farmer’s market, an Ipswich staple for over 700 years.
Well-known for its maritime history and quaint Tudor architecture, Ipswich also offers a modern waterfront complex and marinas complete with bars, restaurants, hotels, shops, arts centre and theatre for when socialising is back on the menu. The waterfront is also home to the University of Suffolk, home to over 200 apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD/short courses.
If education is high on your list of criteria, Ipswich delivers, offering 31 primary schools and 11 secondary schools all rated good or outstanding by Ofsted. Northgate High School and independent Ipswich School are both highly rated locally. There is also a thriving social life available for the under 4s.
With an average property price of around £265,000 (compared to around £308,000 in the rest of the UK), house prices in Ipswich are also very competitive, particularly for those used to the London property market and keen to avoid sky high mortgages in the current climate of uncertainty around house prices and employment rates.
But whilst work and home life have changed exponentially in the UK in 2020, commuters who still need to reach nearby Norwich or London on a regular basis will be pleased to know that Ipswich offers excellent transport links to both cities, and the rest of the UK.
Both of Ipswich’s two train stations (Ipswich Station and Derby Road (Ipswich)) offer connections to Norwich in about 45 minutes and London Liverpool Street in little over an hour alongside connections to other UK hubs such as Colchester, Peterborough, Cambridge and Felixstowe. By car, the A14 and A12 offer easy access to Norwich and beyond with London Stansted Airport an hour and 15 minutes away.
All this and only an hour from London? Better sign us up!