GREAT PLACES OF IPSWICH

Great Places of Ipswich

Great Places of Ipswich is a curated heritage experience that opens the doors to some of Ipswich’s most significant homes, buildings and places, offering visitors a deeper connection to the city’s architecture, gardens, stories and local history.

Please be a respectful guest

One of the unique aspects of Great Places of Ipswich is the opportunity to visit heritage homes that are still loved and lived in today. These homes are not museums, display homes or properties for sale. They are private residences that have been generously opened by their owners for a limited time.

Visitors are asked to respect the home, its contents and the privacy of its residents, remain within designated areas and follow all directions provided by hosts, guides and event staff. We encourage guests to treat each home with the same courtesy and consideration they would expect from visitors in their own home.

General Information

What is Great Places of Ipswich?
Great Places of Ipswich is a special heritage event presented as part of Galvanized: A Festival of Heritage. It provides access to selected heritage sites, private homes and experiences across Ipswich, including places that are not usually open to the public.

What is expected of visitors when entering a private home?
The homes featured in Great Places of Ipswich are private residences that have been generously opened by their owners for a limited time. Visitors are asked to remember they are guests in someone’s home and to behave respectfully at all times. Please remain within designated visitor areas, avoid touching items unless invited to do so, follow directions from homeowners and guides, and respect the privacy of residents and their possessions.

When is Great Places of Ipswich?
Great Places of Ipswich will be held on Saturday 12 September 2026 as part of Galvanized: A Festival of Heritage.

Where does the event take place?
The event takes place across selected heritage locations in Ipswich. The 2026 program includes visits to venues including The Chestnuts, Rhossilli and Queen’s Park. Final venue details will be provided through official event and ticketing information.

Who presents Great Places of Ipswich?
Great Places of Ipswich is presented by Ipswich Festivals as part of Galvanized: A Festival of Heritage.

Tickets and Bookings

Do I need a ticket to attend?
Yes. Great Places of Ipswich is a ticketed experience. Tickets are required to participate and places may be limited.

When do tickets go on sale?
Tickets for Great Places of Ipswich are scheduled to go on sale on Friday 24 July 2026.

Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available through the official Ipswich Festivals website. Visitors are encouraged to book early as capacity is limited due to the nature of the heritage venues and tour format.

Can I purchase tickets on the day?
On-the-day ticket availability cannot be guaranteed. If the event sells out in advance, tickets will not be available at the door.

How much are tickets?
Ticket prices will be confirmed through the official event listing and ticketing page. Please check the ticketing page before booking for the most up-to-date pricing, inclusions and booking fees.

Why is capacity limited at entry times?
Capacity is limited to help protect heritage places, manage visitor flow, provide a safe and enjoyable experience, and ensure guides and venue representatives can appropriately support visitors within each space.

What if I miss out on a ticket?
If tickets sell out, additional tickets may not be available due to venue capacity and tour limits. Please check the ticketing page for any waitlist, resale or ticket release information.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?
Ticket transfers may be subject to the event’s ticketing terms and conditions. Please refer to the ticketing information or contact Discover Ipswich before transferring your ticket.

Can I on-sell my ticket?
Tickets must not be resold for profit. Any resale or transfer must comply with the event’s ticketing terms and conditions. Tickets purchased through unauthorised channels may not be valid for entry.

What if I am unable to attend the event?
Please refer to the refund, exchange and transfer conditions provided at the time of booking. Contact Discover Ipswich as early as possible if you require assistance.

I don’t like online booking systems. Can I purchase tickets over the phone?
If you need assistance with booking or have questions about the event, please call (07) 3281 0555 . The team can assist with ticketing enquiries and provide event information and take over the phone payments.  Cash payments can be made over the counter at the Ipswich Visitor Information Centre located at 14 Queen Victoria Parade, Ipswich.

Do I need to print my ticket(s)?
You do not need to print your ticket if you can display it clearly on a mobile device at check-in. If you prefer, you may bring a printed copy.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While children are welcome, the experience is primarily designed for visitors with an interest in heritage, architecture, gardens and local history. Parents and carers should consider the length of the tour, transport arrangements and the need to move carefully through heritage places and private residences.

Getting There and Accessibility

Is parking available?
Parking is limited at event venues and is primarily available via nearby on-street parking.

Visitors attending The Chestnuts may wish to park at Ipswich General Hospital and walk to the venue. Visitors attending Rhossilli may find suitable parking on Glebe Road, with the property located approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the Queen’s Park Tennis Courts.

Please allow additional time to park and walk to the venue before your booked entry time.

Is the event accessible?
Every effort is made to provide a welcoming experience; however, some heritage buildings and gardens include stairs, uneven surfaces, narrow entryways, gravel paths and areas without modern accessibility features. Guests with accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact Discover Ipswich before booking so appropriate advice can be provided.

Is the event wheelchair accessible?
Some venues and areas may have limited wheelchair accessibility due to heritage building constraints, uneven surfaces, stairs, narrow entryways or garden paths. Guests who use a wheelchair or mobility aid are encouraged to contact Discover Ipswich before booking so venue-specific access information can be discussed.

Are there toilet facilities at the venues?
Toilet facilities are not available within the private homes featured as part of Great Places of Ipswich. If assistance is required on the day, please speak with Discover Ipswich staff or tour guides regarding nearby public facilities.

What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing and enclosed, flat footwear suitable for walking through heritage buildings, gardens and outdoor areas. Some venues include stairs, uneven surfaces and garden pathways.

Photography, Weather and Conditions

Can I bring my own food and drinks?
You may bring a water bottle and personal snacks if required. Food and drinks must not be consumed inside private homes. Please dispose of rubbish responsibly or take it with you when leaving.

Can I take photos?
Photography may be permitted in some locations; however, restrictions may apply within private homes and sensitive heritage spaces. Please follow all directions provided by homeowners, guides and event staff. Out of respect for residents’ privacy, visitors should avoid photographing personal belongings, family photographs or restricted areas unless permission has been provided.

What happens if it rains?
The event is expected to proceed in wet weather unless conditions make it unsafe to do so. Please check the forecast and bring weather-appropriate items such as an umbrella, rain jacket or hat.

Cancellations and Contact

What is the refund policy?
Refund and exchange conditions will be outlined at the time of booking. Please review the ticketing terms carefully before purchasing.

What if I can no longer attend?
If you can no longer attend, please refer to the ticketing terms or contact Discover Ipswich as soon as possible. Refunds, exchanges or name changes may be subject to the event’s ticketing conditions.

Who can I contact for more information?
For help with ticketing or any questions about the event, please call (07) 3810 6666. For the most up-to-date event information, visitors should also refer to the official Ipswich Festivals website and published event details.

Heritage Bus Tour Information

What is included in the Great Places of Ipswich bus tour?
The bus tour includes guided access to each featured venue, commentary from Discover Ipswich tour guides, and hospitality inclusions such as Devonshire tea and lunch.

Will I be able to enter all featured venues?
Access is included to the venues listed as part of your ticketed experience. Some rooms or areas may be unavailable to visitors to protect heritage features, personal collections or the privacy of residents.

How long does the tour take?
The final tour duration will be confirmed with ticket information. Please allow sufficient time for travel between venues, guided interpretation, hospitality stops and check-in requirements.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While children are welcome, the experience is primarily designed for visitors with an interest in heritage, architecture, gardens and local history. Parents and carers should consider the tour duration, transport arrangements and the need to move carefully through heritage places.

How long can I stay at the event?
Your ticket provides access for the duration of your booked Heritage Bus Tour or allocated entry session. Please arrive at the time shown on your ticket and follow the schedule provided by Discover Ipswich and tour guides.

Where do I meet for the bus tour?
The confirmed meeting point, arrival time and check-in details will be provided with your ticket and pre-event information.

What happens if I run late for my entry time?
Please allow plenty of time to arrive and check in before your booked entry time. If you arrive late, access may not be guaranteed as tours and timed entries must operate to schedule. Discover Ipswich will assist where possible; however, late arrivals may miss part or all of their booked experience.

Is food included?
The Great Places of Ipswich bus tour includes Devonshire tea and lunch. Details regarding dietary requirements will be provided during the booking process or in pre-event information.