Just an hour’s train journey from London makes it ideal for a weekend getaway!

Set beside the River Orwell and situated in ‘Constable Country’, Ipswich is England’s oldest continuously settled Anglo-Saxon town. From its town centre, medieval streets and 12 churches to fine buildings, such as Christchurch Mansion and vibrant waterfront, Ipswich’s fascinating mix of old and new is easily explored on foot!

Discover 500 years of history and the largest collection of John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough landscapemasterpieces outside of London in their native Suffolk at Christchurch Mansion. The Tudor brick museum sits amid parkland and houses fine art and period furniture, as well as a modern art gallery with changing exhibitions, Tudor and Stuart portraits of Suffolk gentry and British porcelain and pottery. Free entry.

Enjoy the luxury of a bathtub in the bedroom and walk in showers at Kesgrave Hall. With 23 ‘über cool’ en-suite bedrooms, expect zebra print sofas and one of the best afternoon tea’s for miles. Ideal for a foodie weekend away, Suffolk pork and Suffolk smoked eel feature alongside sophisticated European flavours in the Brasserie. Double rooms from £125.

Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to Baylham Rare Breeds Farm to see the rare animals that it breeds. See six breeds of sheep, white park cattle, highland cattle and Berkshire and kune kune pigs running around on the small livestock farm. Adults £6 and children (aged 4 to 6) £3.

The Suffolk Food Hall is a brilliant endeavor by Suffolk farmers to showcase quality local food and its restaurant, The Cookhouse, offers a welcome retreat for diners. Using local produce cooked to perfection, visitors can enjoy delicious food while taking in scenic views of the River Orwell. The menu is brimming with local produce and highlights include local scallops and steak from Bramfield meats. Afterwards be inspired to have a go yourself by heading to the Food Hall. Open daily.

Catch a show at East Anglia’s largest theatre at The Ipswich Regent or one of Ipswich’s other entertainment venues including DanceEast and The New Wolsey. From plays and musicals to world-class dance, the winter programme include Cats, Derren Brown, Tango Night and Peter Pan. Tickets from £8.50.

Gaze over the harbour, be surrounded by eclectic art and sculptures and relax in a roll top bath in a four-star room at The Salthouse Harbour Hotel. Located in a cool position amongst yachts and buzzing gastro bars on the chic harbour, the hotel’s sea-salted brickwork exterior also hides away a top Eaterie with modern dishes and knockout views over the river.Rooms from £125.

Savour the history of the wool town on a guided walk of the cobbled streets with Ipswich Tourist Information Centre. Highlights include the Grade 1 Listed Willis Building designed by Sir Norman Foster, the Unitarian Meeting House with its spyhole that was used to keep watch for attackers and a gateway built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. Then try and spot all 12 medieval churches! Email [email protected] to book.

Meet Jimmy Doherty and get hands on with the animals at Jimmy’s Farm. Children will love the nature trail, petting zoo and tasting Jimmy’s award-winning free range sausages in the restaurant or from the farm shop. Plus, its popular programme of events includes comedy nights and Theatre in the Forest with Red Rose Chain. Adults £3.50 and children £2.50.

Celebrate the rich engineering history of Ipswich at the Ipswich Transport Museum. The museum houses the largest collection of transport items in Britain devoted to just one town and includes 100 major exhibits. Adults £5 and children (aged 5-14) £3.00.

Ipswich can be reached in one hour via a direct train from London via Greater Anglia.

For more information on Ipswich and visiting Suffolk visit www.visitsuffolk.com.