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Christchurch Mansion

What you can seePlan your visit

Welcome

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.

History

What You Can 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 bare 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 Collections

Gaze at the fine collection of art from Suffolk artists, including the incredible collection of Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable paintings. 

From period furniture and toys to intricate glassware ceramics, there is something for everyone.

The Wolsey Art Gallery

Situated within the Mansion, the Gallery offers a programme of changing exhibitions, featuring objects from the Ipswich collections as well as incredible loans.

The Tours

Free tours, led by expert guides, run each day between March and November.

Find out more about the collections, the house and the families who have called it their home.

The daily Peep into the Past tours are not suitable for large groups. To book a full private tour of the Mansion or the Museum for your group contact@foim.org.uk.

 

Upcoming Events

Spin Painting

22/10/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Exhibition, Arts and Craft, Events

Album Covers

24/10/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Exhibition, Arts and Craft, Events

Object of the Month - Constable's Mill Stream

02/11/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Talks and Tours

Curators Introduction - Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk

12/11/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Exhibition, Talks and Tours
View All Events

Exhibitions and Displays

Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk

20/08/2019 - 03/05/2020
Christchurch Mansion
Arts and Craft
View All Exhibitions

Plan Your Visit

Opening Times

Tuesday – Saturday
10.00am – 4.00pm (November – February)
10.00am – 5.00pm (March – October)

Sunday
11.00am – 4.00pm (November – February)
11.00am – 5.00pm (March – October)

Mondays closed

Free admission

What can you see?

 

Directions

Tours

“Peep into the Past”

Free

March to November only.

A guided tour around the Mansion. It leaves from the entrance hall at 11am (Tuesday – Saturday) and 2pm (Sunday).

Lasts around 30 minutes.

The daily Peep into the Past tours are not suitable for large groups. To book a full private tour of the Mansion or the Museum for your group contact@foim.org.uk.

Tours

Detailed Tours 

Adult: £4.00
Child: £4.00

Can be tailored to your group’s interests and held at a time to suit you, including evenings and weekends.

Subjects can include:

  • A general overview
  • Meet the Families
  • Christchurch Characters
  • Art
  • Ceramics
  • Furniture 

For further details and to book, simply contact us.

Shop

Our museum shop offers a wide range of products, from greetings cards to beautiful homeware, as well as various pieces inspired by our current exhibition. Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.

The Made in Suffolk gift shop offers a range of bespoke merchandise. Filled with exhibition brochures, gifts and souvenirs, it has something for every exhibition visitor or Ed Sheeran fan.

 

Cafe

The Mansion 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.

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.

 

Access

Every effort has been made to make Christchurch Mansion a great place to visit for everybody.

If you have any access queries please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Facilities include:

  • A set of double of doors at the main entrance.
  • Access information for visitors with mobility impairments.
  • Manual wheelchair available for use.
  • Twiddlemuffs (sensory aids) available on request.
  • Images and information about the upper floor rooms in the China Room on the ground floor.
  • Handrails on the internal steps leading to The Wolsey Art Gallery.
  • An accessible entrance to The Wolsey Art Gallery, accessed from the park with a low-level buzzer to alert staff.
  • Baby changing facilities.
  • Guide and helping dogs are welcome.
  • An accessible toilet on the ground floor.
  • Hands-on and sensory experiences.
  • British Sign Language interpretation at selected events.
  • Free drinking water available on request.

Where will your adventure start?