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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.

Upcoming Events

An Honest Gentleman

03/05/2019
Christchurch Mansion
History, Storytelling, Special, After Hours

Get Snappy: Create a Camera

01/08/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Arts and Craft

Blood and Bones

08/08/2019
Christchurch Mansion
History, Science and Nature

Tick Tock: Create a Clock

15/08/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Arts and Craft
View All Events

Exhibitions and Displays

Kiss and Tell: Rodin and Suffolk Sculpture

24/11/2018 - 28/04/2019
Christchurch Mansion
Arts and Craft, History

Wonder Walls

01/06/2019 - 23/02/2020
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

Directions

Free admission

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.

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.

Access

The Mansion has a gift shop with a lovely range of books, posters, educational resources and gifts for all ages.

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 snacks, lunch and afternoon tea including fresh sandwiches, tea cakes, scones, chocolate bars and crisps.

The Tea Room is run by Brad and Kate Firkins. If you would like to know more information on what is on offer or for any special requirements please contact the Tea Room on 01473 433560.

Other facilities include:

  • The main entrance has a set of double of doors.
  • Access information for visitors with mobility impairments.
  • Manual wheelchair available for use.
  • Twiddlemuffs (sensory aids) available on request.
  • Access to the ground floor displays only.
  • Images and information about the upper floor rooms can be viewed in the China Room on the ground floor.
  • The Wolsey Art Gallery has steps up to it from inside the Mansion with a handrail is located on either side of the stairs.
  •  Accessible entrance available to the side of the mansion, accessed from the park with a low-level buzzer to alert staff.
  • Baby changing facilities.
  • Guide and helping dogs are welcome.
  • Accessible toilet on the ground floor.
  • Hands-on and sensory experiences.
  • British Sign Language interpretation at selected events.
  • The Tea Room can be accessed externally from the park at the side of the Mansion. Alternatively, it has level access from inside the Mansion, the doorway is narrow which may be difficult for some wheelchair users.

Where will your adventure start?