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.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Times

Tuesday – Saturday
10am – 4pm (November – February)
10am – 5pm (March – October)

Sunday
11am – 4pm (November – February)
11am – 5pm (March – October)

Mondays closed

 

Children

Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult.

Pushchairs welcome, but the first floor is only accessible via stairs. Buggy parking available.

Free admission

Booking not required

 

Directions

50 Ways to Play

Who’s up for some fun?!

Check out our amazing ’50 Ways to Play’ challenge sheet. It’s packed full of ideas for things to do, both as you explore Christchurch Mansion and the surrounding Christchurch Park. There’s fun for all the family, from 1 to 100 years old!

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.

 

 

Bloomberg Connects Digital Guide

Colchester + Ipswich Museums has launched a digital guide about Christchurch Mansion on Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and culture app. Use the guide to discover more about the collection, including some of Christchurch Mansion’s most-loved objects and displays, which you can explore in greater detail. Bloomberg Connects also features free digital guides to over 60 museums from around the world.

To download the free app, scan the QR code below or click a link. We recommend doing this before you visit as the Mansion dos not have Wi-Fi. Once downloaded, open the app, scroll to “Christchurch Mansion” in the list of museums, and click our logo to start exploring. Use the map to navigate the museum, and find key objects and displays.

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 Ed Sheeran: Made in Suffolk exhibition is now closed, but the online shop remains open for orders.

 

The Tea Room at Christchurch Mansion

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.

Travelers Choice Award 2020 from Tripadvisor

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 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 logo for our exhibition, Power Of Stories

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.

Access

Whether you want to know when the Mansion is quieter, what to expect when you arrive or what facilities we have, simply follow the link below to find out more.

If you cannot find the answers you are looking for, please contact us on 01206 282939 or email museums@colchester.gov.uk and our team will be happy to help. 

Facilities

Museum gift shop.

Unisex and accessible toilets.

Free water bottle refills on request. The Mansion Tea Room serves a range of hot and cold drinks.

Baby changing facilities.

Pushchairs welcome, but the first floor is only accessible via stairs. Buggy parking available.

Wifi is not available.

The Mansion Tea Room serves light lunches and snacks. Food is not permitted in the rest of the Mansion. 

No parking available. For up-to-date information on local parking, please visit www.ipswich.gov.uk/parking.

What's On

Events

Browse the diary to discover what’s on in Ipswich, including fun events for all the family, talks, tours and evening events for adults.

Exhibitions + Displays

Our programme draws from Ipswich’s own art and museum collections, as well as touring exhibitions and work by local artists. We also have an incredible array of permanent displays.

 

Where will your adventure start?