Car Rental Ipswich

Renting a vehicle is one of the best ways to get around Ipswich and the surrounding areas - thanks to the excellent road network connecting it to some of the biggest cities in the south and east of England.

The two main roads that connect Ipswich to other parts of the UK are the A12, which leads south towards Colchester and London, and the A14. This route will take you to Felixstowe and the coast, or inland to the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds.

A network of more rural roads connects Ipswich to Norwich, a famous cathedral city located just to the north in Norfolk. It’s accessible via the A140, and this road also branches off into the A47 leading to the seaside town of Great Yarmouth.

Ipswich is also easy to reach from Stansted airport, which lies just outside London and is only slightly over an hour’s drive away via the A120 and A12.

You’ll find plenty of long and short stay parking lots around Ipswich, many of them pay and display lots run by the local authorities where you’ll need to purchase a ticket. On-street parking is also available.

Unlike many other countries in Europe, drivers in England use the left-hand side of the road. Much of the area around Norfolk and Suffolk is covered by a network of A-roads, where the speed limit is 60mph. In towns, cities and other built-up areas the limit is usually 30mph unless signs at the roadside indicate otherwise. The motorways in Britain, the equivalent of a freeway, have a top speed of 70mph.

As one of the oldest towns in England, Ipswich is packed with heritage, culture and much more. It’s the ideal base if you’re wanting to explore the Suffolk countryside, the nearby coast or you’re heading further afield into the famous capital of London.

A historic port

Founded in ancient times, today Ipswich offers a number of attractions along its historic waterfront which has been transformed into a buzzing hub for food, shopping and live music.

Stretching for almost a mile, your eye might first be drawn to the Old Custom House. This impressive building dates back to 1845 and is now surrounded by modern cafes, bars and restaurants that host an array of events all year round.

If you’re visiting during the summer, you might witness the Ipswich Maritime Festival taking place along the waterfront, often rounded off by a firework display. In sunny weather it’s also a great idea to take a boat trip along the river, with several sightseeing trips and barge cruises available.

Head away from the bustling waterfront and you’ll find much more on offer in Ipswich. You can spend a peaceful afternoon wandering among the trees and gardens of Christchurch Park, and visit its mansion, home to several notable English artworks by painters such as Gainsborough and Constable.

To learn more about the history of the town, a visit to Ipswich museum is a must. Here you’ll find a wide collection of Anglo-Saxon artefacts, a Victorian natural history gallery and an impressive wildlife exhibit which even features a life-size model of a woolly mammoth. Open to visitors every day except Monday, admission to the museum is free.

Coastal delights

It’s easy to reach the Suffolk coast during your stay in Ipswich. This 50-mile stretch of England’s coastline boasts a number of charming seaside towns such as Felixstowe and many fishing villages like Orford, where you can sample some wonderful local seafood.

One of the most popular destinations along this area of the coast is Lowestoft, a traditional British seaside resort with sandy beaches and a number of family attractions, including a pier and theme park. This town also offers access to the Suffolk Broads, a National Park that is home to some incredibly varied wildlife, including rare birds such as bittern and teal as well as otters and many species of fish. 

An archaeological gem

If you have some free time during your visit to Suffolk, it’s well worth driving just 30 minutes along the A1152 to visit the burial site at Sutton Hoo.

Unearthed in the late 1930s, the site contained a 90ft long ship which is believed to be the grave of an Anglo-Saxon warrior king. His identity is still officially unknown, but today you can explore the site of his ancient burial and learn all about how this remarkable treasure trove filled with weapons and jewels was first discovered.

The visitor center at Sutton Hoo is open to the public all year round, and you can see some of the items unearthed with the ship and explore a full-sized reconstruction of the burial chamber. Car rental in Ipswich opens up this and many more possibilities during your trip to England.