When we visited Ipswich at the weekend we were looking for things to do with the kids and came across the Ipswich Transport Museum. Harry in particular is vehicle mad and with the weather being a little disappointing. We spent two hours exploring the small museum which holds one of the largest collection of transport items in the Ipswich area. Turns out it was the best thing we did while visiting the city. Here’s how we got on.
Where is the Ipswich Transport Museum?
Located on the outskirts of the city in the county town of Suffolk. The museum is located in a former trolleybus depot around two miles from the city centre. We had previously visited Framlington Castle in the morning and so drove to the museum. There is free parking in the road that runs down the side of the museum. For the full address for the sat nav is – Ipswich Transport Museum Old Trolleybus Depot Cobham Road Ipswich, Suffolk IP 3 9JD. Its around a thirty minute walk but you can also catch a bus from the city centre. With the number two bus stopping close by.
How much did it cost to visit the Ipswich Transport Museum?
Compared to many other days out a visit to the Museum is extremely good value for money with a very reasonable entry fee. A family ticket and two additional concession tickets cost £39. If you live in the local area then one of their season tickets is worth consideration, with adults costing £30 and the child rate being £15 which is fantastic value. As they are a registered charity and run by a group of dedicated volunteers it is not open every day. Please do check their website but generally, they are open on Sundays, bank holidays, some weekday afternoons and selected day during the school holidays. There are also a number of special events throughout the year.
What did we see at the Ipswich Transport Museum?
Although only a small museum there is a lot of vehicles within the museum collection. There are many fire engines and commercial vehicles dating back to a bygone era. Bikes hang from the ceilings, there is a crane section, lawnmover section, electric vehicles and even horse-drawn vehicles. Each of the historic vehicles has an information board explaing what you are looking at, its age and its restorations.
Some of the major exhibits and transport collections have been restored onsite. As they also have a workshop where the Ipswich transport preservation group work their magic. During our visit we came across a horse pulled tram where they had rebuilt it from what looked like a wooden box. Many of the vintage vehicles are still in operation, with a number of the buses being open for the children to explore. On special event days, it is also possible to have a ride in these vehicles. All included in the price of your entry fee.
We found that everyone we came across so helpful. There was a real passion explaining social history and the amazing selection of local vehicles held. One gentleman even opened up one of the old fire engines so the boys could sit on it and ring the bell. This really added to our experience especially since it was our first time visiting.
Museum Amenities
As well as the exhibits showing the rich engineering history of Ipswich there is also a tea room selling sandwiches, hot and cold drinks and a selection of cakes. With plenty of seating outside in the museum. There is also a small play area to the side with colouring, jigsaws, wooden trains and the chance to drive your very own trolleybus.
On the way out there is a well priced gift shop. With a wide range of small items to purchase. Including various vehicles, jigsaws and books. Charlie ended up buying a role of old bus tickets from one of the local operators.
We had a really nice time at Ipswich Transport Museum and will visit again if we are very local. If you are thinking of visiting Ipswich then you may also be interested in our boat trip experience in Ipswich.
Have you visited the Transport Museum in Ipswich? Let me know about your experiences in the comments below
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