Holywells Park
🏟 Playground & park · Waterfront, Ipswich
Holywells Park
A restored 67-acre park near Ipswich Waterfront with a play area, teen zone, seasonal water play, Stable Block cafe, ponds and a walled garden.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Opens 07:30 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 on Sundays; this large park locks at varying times through the year, and toilets lock year-round. · Free · No booking needed
About Holywells Park
Holywells Park is a 67-acre (270,000 m2) historic park set between Nacton Road and Cliff Lane, close to the Ipswich Waterfront. The estate has a long history, from Stone Age and Roman finds to its use by the Cobbold brewing family, who drew on its natural springs from 1812. It was given to the people of Ipswich in 1935 and opened to the public in May 1936; it is now run by Ipswich Borough Council and is free to enter. A 2.8 million pound Heritage Lottery Fund restoration transformed the park's facilities: the Stable Block was converted into a vibrant visitor centre and cafe with an education area and function room, and the Victorian conservatory was refurbished for exhibitions and events. Families come for the children's play area off Cliff Lane, which includes a teen play facility and seasonal water play, plus a trim trail with exercise equipment. The park has four ponds, a walled garden and a bowling club, with woodland and meadow paths for walkers and joggers. With its mix of heritage, wildlife and modern play facilities, Holywells is one of Ipswich's three flagship parks.
⭐ What makes this place special
- Stable Block visitor centre and cafe
- Victorian conservatory
- walled garden
- bowling club
- four ponds
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Toilets on site
- Café / refreshments
🧒 Ages & play
- children's play area
- teen play facility
- water play (seasonal)
- trim trail
📍 Nearby places to play
- Alexandra Park · approx 0.5 miles · Holywells
- Landseer Park · approx 0.5 miles · Gainsborough
- Murray Road Recreation Ground · approx 0.5 miles · Racecourse
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Holywells Park free to visit?
Yes. Holywells Park is a public park run by Ipswich Borough Council and entry is completely free.
What is in the playground at Holywells Park?
The play area off Cliff Lane includes equipment for younger children, a teen play facility, seasonal water play and a nearby trim trail.
Is there a cafe at Holywells Park?
Yes. The restored Stable Block houses a visitor centre and cafe.
What are the opening times for Holywells Park?
The park opens at 07:30 Monday to Saturday and 09:00 on Sundays, and locks at varying times through the year.
Where is Holywells Park?
The play area is at Cliff Lane, Ipswich, postcode IP3 0PE, near the Ipswich Waterfront.