Plan your visit
Address
Christchurch Mansion, Soane Street, Ipswich IP42BE
Exhibition dates
26 June - 24 October 2021
Exhibition hours
Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm, Sun: 11am - 5pm, Mon: Closed
Location and facilities
The Power of Stories exhibition is located in the Wolsey Art Gallery of Christchurch Mansion. Once you’ve taken in the exhibition, the rest of the Mansion is open for you to explore as well.
Christchurch Mansion is a treasure trove of history, with plenty to discover both inside and out. Travel into the past through period rooms, from the Tudor kitchen to the Victorian wing, and view the works of some of Suffolk’s most famous artists.
As the Mansion is located in the extensive grounds of Ipswich’s award-winning Christchurch Park, there is plenty of space to sit and relax after your visit. Christchurch Park can be accessed through several entrances. The main entrance to the Mansion is on Soane Street. Once you are inside the park, follow the signs to the courtyard entrance behind the main building. As a one-way system in place, the doors at the front of the Mansion will be an exit only.
Following the government’s decision to ease restrictions from 19 July, you will no longer need to book tickets to visit the exhibition. All of our venues will remain Covid-Secure, with regular cleaning, hand sanitiser and advisory one-way systems in place.
For the safety and comfort of visitors and staff, we ask that you wear face coverings during your visit (unless exempt) and encourage you to observe consideration for others by social distancing inside our museums where possible
Getting there
By car
To reach Ipswich by road, use the A12 or A14 and follow signs to Ipswich town centre.
There is no parking at Christchurch Mansion but Crown car park is a few minutes walk away. Please visit the Ipswich Borough Council website for up-to-date information on car parking.
By train
Ipswich is around one hour away from London and Norwich on the main train line. Arriving at Ipswich Station, the Mansion is approximately a 20 minute walk or short bus ride away – take any bus that stops at Tower Ramparts bus station and the Mansion is a five minute walk from there.
Please follow government guidance on face coverings when travelling.
By bus
The Mansion is a five minute walk from Tower Ramparts bus station in the town centre.
Please follow government guidance on face coverings when travelling.
Venue details
Gift shop
The Mansion’s gift shop offers a wide range of products, from greetings cards to beautiful homeware, linked to the Mansion and its amazing collections.
Whether you’re looking for a memento or the perfect gift, we have something for all tastes and budgets.
We are encouraging contactless payments where possible and screens have been installed around our tills.
Catering
The Tea Room serves a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, cakes, scones and more.
Got a special requirement? Call 01473 433560.
Opening:
April – October: 10am to 5pm (Mon – Sun)
November – March: 10am to 3.30pm (Mon – Sun)
Toilets
In Christchurch Mansion, there are two available toilets – the first is roughly halfway round the new one-way system, and the second is near the end. Please be advised that it could be around one hour after entry until you reach these.
The easy access/baby changing facilities at Christchurch Mansion are at the end of the one-way system, so please allow one hour after entry to reach these.
We will be making sure that our staff are attending the area, keeping things clean and helping you to queue if necessary.
Accessibility
Every effort has been made to make Christchurch Mansion a great place to visit for everybody. However, as a Grade 1 listed building, with multiple floor levels providing access to all areas is difficult. The Wolsey Art Gallery where the Power of Stories exhibition is located is fully accessible with a step and ramp free entrance/exit situated in the Gallery’s garden. This is the main entrance for the exhibition and will be well signed. For more information visit the Ipswich Museums website
Explore Ipswich
Whilst you’re visiting Christchurch Mansion for Power of Stories, take some time see what else Suffolk’s county town has to offer.
Ipswich is a wonderful place to explore with great independent shopping, a vibrant arts scene of dance, film and theatre and some truly delicious and quirky places to eat, drink and stay.
Wander the beautiful Tudor streets in the town centre, shop along The Saints, visit the waterfront and maybe even explore the rest of Suffolk, from wide open countryside and ancient woodlands to spectacular beaches and coastline.
