Suffolk is a distinctive blend of modern towns, old villages, ancient castles, churches, forests and farmland. As well as its rolling countryside, Suffolk has 45 miles of coastline made up of glorious stretches of unspoilt beaches, nature reserves, sandy cliffs and tranquil marshes - perfect if you fancy exploring the surrounding area.
Ipswich centre
Ipswich is the county town of Suffolk and boasts a metropolitan atmosphere packed with shops, restaurants, cosy bistros, pubs and clubs, all within walking distance of the Ipswich Campus. Many of the nightclubs and bars in Ipswich run nights especially for students. The Cardinal Park leisure complex provides a multiplex cinema, restaurants and nightclubs; ideal if you are looking for a variety of entertainment.
The Buttermarket is also another popular area of Ipswich; offering an indoor shopping experience, featuring many high street names and well-known food chains. Empire Cinema has recently opened at the Buttermarket and is home to the latest releases, luxury seating and 14 screens! The state-of-the-art venue is the first all-laser projection cinema in Suffolk and only the second in the UK.
Entertainment and culture
Our Ipswich Campus is located close to Portman Road, the home ground of Ipswich Town Football Club which is often used for concerts and gigs. Ipswich has developed a thriving music scene across a range of genres with lots of opportunities for new bands to play in smaller venues. Larger bands play at Portman Road, where acts such as The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, REM and Elton John have played to over 20,000 fans.There are three theatres in Ipswich: the newly renovated Wolsey Theatre offering a range of modern adventurous productions, the smaller Sir John Mills Theatre offernig an eclectic selection of amateur and professional productions, and there is also the Regent Theatre which offers major touring acts, both in drama and music.
The coast
The seaside resorts of Felixstowe in the south, Lowestoft in the north and Great Yarmouth just over the Norfolk border, offer all the fun of traditional piers and a great day out for students. Ipswich has great transport links providing direct trains to Felixstowe and Lowestoft, as well as offering a bus service for the local area. Southwold is one of the most picturesque towns in England with its landmark lighthouse and famous Adnams brewery. Alternatively, give Adleburgh a visit to taste the world famous fish and chips whilst enjoying the sea air!
The surrounding area
Bury St Edmunds is home to the splendid St Edmundsbury Cathedral with its magnificent Millennium Tower. Abbey Gardens, in the heart of the town, is an ideal place to relax in the summer. Bury St Edmunds also boasts a fantastic mixture of shops, a brand new leisure complex with restaurants and a multi-screen cinema, and an enjoyable nightlife. The Theatre Royal, built in 1819, is one of the most elegant and sophisticated theatres of its time, with a wide, varied and popular programme. Bury St Edmunds also has a growing reputation for its annual programme of classical, jazz and blues performances.
The county of Suffolk offers a diverse range of cultural and arts events. The county is well served for both major professional events and smaller scale and amateur events, as well as having a significant classical music culture. Its focus is on Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh where the internationally famous annual festivals attract visitors from all over the world. Suffolk is also teaming with art galleries, museums and other places of interest such as stately homes.
Suffolk has plenty to offer, from the best in urban environments to rural scenic countryside and coastal retreats. London is only just over an hour away and there are excellent road, rail and air links to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond.