The 5 best local parks and gardens in Ipswich, Woodbridge, and Felixstowe.
Why not head out for some fresh air and a natter with your seniors at one of our Top 5 recommended local parks and gardens in Ipswich, Woodbridge, and Felixstowe?
As you get older it becomes more important to keep up an active lifestyle, helping your joints and muscles keep their strength. Getting seniors to maintain some physical aspect in their daily routines can be difficult, so a great way to get them out and about is a daily walk or a regular park visit at one of our top 5 places around Ipswich, Woodbridge, and Felixstowe.
Holywells Park - Ipswich
We just had to tell you about this incredible space located within a mile of Ipswich University and College. With a history dating back to medieval times, this park extends over 28 hectares of picturesque grounds. This park is a true gem, offering a plethora of facilities to suit people of all ages.
Depending on what you fancy, there are so many things available to do in this park including a bowling green, table tennis tables, wildlife trails and a historic photo walk.
You are very welcome in the stables café which is open every day from 10 am and offers drinks, lunches, afternoon tea and light bites. There is parking available for blue badge holders at the Cliff Lane entrance of the park.
Why not take a look for yourself and plan a really good trip out for your seniors?
https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/content/about-holywells-park-0
“We love this park, perfect for a walk and then a sit down by the lake to enjoy an ice cream. Depending on where you sit, you can find some lovely quiet spots to sit and enjoy a catch-up.” – Sophie Home Instead
Seafront Gardens - Felixstowe
From bluebells, crocuses, and daffodils in Spring, to the blooms of Summer roses, fuchsias, lavender and waterlilies. In Autumn and Winter, enjoy the changing colours of the trees and shrubs, alongside bright-red berries and snowdrops. The eight Grade II listed gardens are of significant historic interest and give the town its title, “The Garden Resort of East Anglia”.
The gardens stretch almost a kilometre along the prom and offer plentiful seating for you to sit and enjoy the views out to sea. Of course, there are lots of places to stop and enjoy a drink, some food or an ice cream along the coast and you could even take a trip into one of the amusement centres and have a go on the penny pushers.
The gardens have been a part of the Felixstowe coast for over 100 years. There are lots of steps up to different levels, however, the beautiful plants, a fish pond and a brick archway, as well as an old Victorian family made of wicker at ground level make this an experience for all to enjoy.
“I have lived in Felixstowe all my life and I love to take a walk down to the gardens after a spree along the high street. Sometimes I sit at the very top of the cliff gardens with a sandwich where it is very peaceful.”
Melton Playing Fields - Melton, Woodbridge
Opened in 1952, the Melton playing field is one of the proudest possessions of the village. Providing football pitches, tennis courts, play equipment and beautiful fields there is something for everyone here.
The park is very well-kept and has plenty of parking. There are picnic tables and benches should you fancy taking a picnic with you and there are toilets on site.
If you or your senior know your Common Linnet to your Garden Warbler, you could be inclined to pack your binoculars and enjoy the sightings whilst having a peaceful moment together.
Located near to the Deben River, you aren’t far from one of the fantastic museums which we think your seniors would love, including the Tide mill and the railway museum to add a little something extra to your day.
“This is a great area to take a stroll around as it has beautiful views with a woodland area. We particularly enjoy coming to the boot sale that happens each month.”
Christchurch Park
Located right in the heart of Ipswich town, Christchurch Park was the first public park to open back in 1895. We are certain your seniors could tell you lots about the park as it surrounds a 16th-century mansion housing a gallery and museum. This beautiful park offers lots of facilities including bowling greens, table tennis and a kiosk that serves drinks and ice cream.
On-site, there is a tearoom where you can stop for a bite to eat in the mansion itself, or you could take away and sit down by the duck pond and see if you can spot the Mandarin! As you wander around the park, you may see squirrels who are very friendly and enjoy an almond or two, but you’ll have to look even higher if you want to spot Mabel the Tawny Owl.
We encourage you to go and see the World War I and II memorial where they host the Remembrance Day ceremonies and take a walk through the Arboretum with its ornamental gardens and trees, it is a haven for birds and other wildlife and is a peaceful retreat for all to enjoy. There is parking on site for blue badge holders.
If you would like to know more about Christchurch Park and what it can offer you and your seniors in the way of a wonderful day out, please visit https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/services/christchurch-park
Such a beautiful park and so full of history. I have taken one of our clients here for a visit to the mansion museum and then we enjoyed an ice cream down by the pond. I would recommend this park to anyone.” – Wendy, Home Instead
Chantry Park
As we head a little further out of Ipswich town, located along the London Road towards the A12, Chantry Park has been enjoyed by the locals for generations. Home to the Ipswich and East Suffolk cricket club, this park offers facilities for people of all ages to enjoy, including a play area, a bowling green, walled gardens, and wildlife meadows.
As you wander around the park, there are plenty of beauty spots, a favourite of ours is the lily pond where you can sit quietly and feed the ducks. The grounds are lovely to walk around, and you will see lots of wildlife on your way. If your seniors are feeling at all adventurous there are some great trees to climb.
There is a coffee shop onsite called Sweet Williams bakery which offers afternoon teas and homemade cakes and savouries. With ample parking, benches located all around and pathways suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, we think this is a perfect setting for all to enjoy
“I regularly visit this stunning park with my elderly client who lives just nearby. Sometimes we take a sandwich and find a bench to sit and put the world to rights.”– Care Professional, Home Instead
