Explore Ipswich's largest town park spanning 124 acres with two children's play areas, historic mansion grounds, woodland trails, and wildlife habitats.

Chantry Park is the largest town park in Ipswich, extending over 124 acres of parkland and wildlife areas on the western edge of town. The park features two children's play areas, making it ideal for families with young children, along with public toilets adjacent to the main play area and accessible facilities including Changing Places. Dog owners will appreciate the dedicated dog training area within the grounds. The park boasts significant historical and natural heritage, designated as a Conservation Area in 2005 and containing a County Wildlife Site. Visitors can explore Grade II listed features including Chantry Mansion, an outstanding example of Italianate architecture, alongside the rare Nesfield parterre designed by Victorian landscape architect William Andrews Nesfield. The diverse habitats include ponds, grassland, native and non-native plants, woodland with veteran trees, a sizeable meadow adjacent to Beechwater pond, and a notable population of reptiles. Chantry Park has been in public ownership since 1927 and regularly hosts community events, charity runs, and music events. The walled garden features ActivLives' horticultural project offering open days every Tuesday from 10am. The park is open at all times and can be accessed via three main entrances at London Road, Lavenham Road, and Hadleigh Road, with car parking available.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Khunanya Jala

3 months ago

That’s a huge and absolutely beautiful park, good vibes. Take an hour to walk around

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Sara Szczepanski

6 months ago

Wow, this is a huge park. Great for my dog, on and off lead!

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Nicola Dyer

a year ago

This park is a lovely place for walking, relaxing strolls, or hiking. It features great facilities, including a children's playground on one side, while the other side is dedicated to walking paths where you can take your dog for a nice walk or cycling. I always enjoy visiting this park whenever I can.

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Sylvia Symonds

3 years ago

I love this park whatever the seasons because it's so open plus it has hard pathways suitable for Mobility scooters and pushchairs so even if it's been very wet you can go for a nice long walk. The large children's adventure play area near the pond has at last been completely fenced off giving parents and dog owners peace of mind as the children can't run off and the dogs running off lead can't stray in. We went to plant memorial 2 oak trees bought in memory of my mum and brother in law. The staff were brilliant and made it a lovely occasion even though it was rather muddy and chilly. It will be a favourite spot for our family to come and picnic in for years to come just like we did with my mum throughout our lives and we will watch them grow with fond memories of the ones we loved.

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Joyce Steere

4 years ago

I have only recently discovered Chantry park so haven't explored beyond the house area and Sweet William's coffee shop. That is a must visit! Fresh cakes, scones etc , beautifully presented and two lovely ladies serving. Will be back soon to explore further. So peaceful and relaxing.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026