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As one of England’s oldest Anglo-Saxon towns, Ipswich boasts a remarkable cultural and historical heritage. Just an hour by train from London and surrounded by the beautiful Suffolk countryside and coast, this charming county town is the ideal destination for a relaxing and revitalising escape.
With its elegant waterfront, eclectic shops and an array of museums and galleries, Ipswich makes the ideal starting point for a day of indulgence aboard the Northern Belle — a journey where the golden age of travel lives on in modern luxury.
Journeys from Ipswich in 2026
Timings shown below are provisional and are subject to change
Thursday 3rd September 2026
Ipswich Station
Departs 07:30 Returns 23:00
Thursday 3rd September 2026
Ipswich Station
Departs 07:30 Returns 23:00
Friday 11th December 2026
Ipswich Station
Departs 13:25 Returns 17:40
First time in Ipswich?
If you’re specifically travelling to Ipswich to join the Northern Belle, it’s well worth arriving a little early or sticking around a while after. The elegant Waterfront is a great spot for a leisurely lunch, watching the yachts come and go, while the historic town centre in Ipswich offers a myriad of shops, museums, theatres and galleries to explore.
Christchurch Mansion Museum
One of Suffolk’s most cherished landmarks, this magnificent Tudor mansion stands as the crowning jewel of Ipswich’s historic heritage, with more than 500 years of history to discover.
Step inside to explore the beautifully preserved period rooms — from the atmospheric Tudor kitchen to the elegant Georgian saloon and the intricately designed Victorian wing.
Admire an exceptional collection of art by Suffolk’s most celebrated artists, including the largest display of works by Thomas Gainsborough and John Constable outside London.
Orwell Lady River Trips
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Suffolk countryside as you cruise along the River Orwell — one of England’s most scenic and historic waterways. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing views, from peaceful rural landscapes to the lively activity of the Port of Felixstowe. Along the way, listen to fascinating stories and local history shared by the Skipper, and make the experience even more memorable with an afternoon tea or buffet served on board.
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is an award-winning attraction in the heart of Suffolk, combining a wildlife park, rare breeds farm, restaurant, and wedding venue all in one.
Home to everything from pigs to polar bears, the park is a recognised centre of excellence for British rare breeds and also houses a fascinating variety of animals, including camels, primates, tapirs, and crocodiles.
Visitors can hand-feed some of the animals and enjoy daily talks and activities that offer even closer encounters — all included with admission.
Well, there you have it! If you're thinking of booking a Northern Belle train journey from Ipswich, why not make a mini-break out of it?!
As always, our dedicated team is on hand to answer any questions you have about these journeys. You can email us at info@luxurytraintickets.com or give us a call on 0203 640 8887
