Discover St Peter’s by the Waterfront

A Perfect Stop on Your Ipswich Heritage Walk

St Peter’s by the Waterfront reopens for the summer from May 5th, welcoming visitors on: Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am–4pm, Wednesdays: 12pm–2pm

With the transformation of the western Waterfront — thanks to the Stoke Bridge Project and Suffolk County Council’s improvements — this corner of Ipswich has become one of the most enjoyable places to explore on foot. And right at its heart stands St Peter’s, a landmark that no visitor should miss.

Few buildings in Ipswich can match St Peter’s for atmosphere or story. Its 900‑year‑old site, its rare Tournai Limestone font, and its close ties to Cardinal Wolsey make it a natural anchor point for anyone tracing the town’s medieval past. Inside, you’ll find the magnificent Ipswich Charter Hangings, the radiant east window, and layers of history that reward slow wandering.

Outside, don’t miss the limestone lions guarding the south door — they catch the sunlight in a way that feels almost theatrical, a medieval special effect still working its magic centuries later.

Make It Part of a Perfect Ipswich Day Out

St Peter’s is ideally placed for a relaxed heritage loop around the town. Visitors can:

Start at the Waterfront, enjoying the marina views and cafés

Walk to St Peter’s, stepping straight into Ipswich’s medieval heart

Continue to Wolsey’s Gate, just moments away, imagining the grand college that never was

Head up to St Mary‑le‑Tower, the civic church of Ipswich with its soaring spire

Explore the Ancient House, one of the most photographed timber‑framed buildings in England

Finish at Christchurch Park and Mansion, where art, gardens, and wildlife complete the day

Whether you’re a first‑time visitor or rediscovering Ipswich with fresh eyes, St Peter’s offers a moment of calm, beauty, and connection to the town’s deep past.

On Thursdays, Ipswich Society volunteers are on hand to welcome you — do drop in, say hello, and let the building tell you its stories.