Ipswich Sports Travel Tips by mrjemm

Theme: Other

Ipswich has a few pools dotted about, although perhaps not as many as in times past. (Is that a pointless statement or what?). Suuposedly the crowning glory (no pun intended) is Crown Pools. Too bad that it's an acoustic nightmare- most "leisure centres" are noisy, but this is awful. Also it's competition pool was built too small I believe and it's design is cheerily 80's. Fore St, where I learnt to swim is a slice of work-house from Victorian times; lots of lovely cracked tiles to cut your foot on, but a lovely brass nameplate outside. Broomhill, the big, lido-style place off Norwich Rd is probably closed for good now.

Equipment: A swimming cossie, a towel, some goggles and some soap to wash away the pee after. Otherwise there're plenty of "sports" (i.e. trainers and shell-suits for the townies) shops in town, one or 2 of them might actually sell some sports gear.

If Broomhill is still going (although I doubt it), it's the pick of the bunch, being the biggest and outdoors, also right next to a nice common.

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Address: Broomhill, off Norwich Rd, or Crown St, or Fore St
Directions: Dotted about.
Website: http://www.ipswich.gov.uk/sport/crownpools.html

Theme: Boating/Sailing

As I've mentioned elsewhere, Ipswich and it's surrounding area is pretty good for sailing. The Orwell is a good river for yachting and dinghy sailing alike. Also around here are the Deben and Stour rivers, Walton Backwaters and Alton Water reservoir. There are a few places where yachts can be chartered or dinghies can be rented. Also there is an active racing scene for both about the area. I won't list all the spots or details, but Google and Ipswich Tourism are good resources. I will suggest Woolverstone for both and Levington (Suffolk Yacht Harbour) for Yachting beyond what I've said elsewhere about Ipswich itself.

Equipment: A boat perhaps, but not necessarily, otherwise warm/dry clothes or a wetsuit, depending on the type of sailing you want to get involved in. Most marinas around have good chandlers, but I would say Fox's is perhaps the best, although service is slow. The one in the Haven is very overpriced and unfriendly. Levington's is OK, as is Seamark Nunn in Trimley- which is maybe best for dinghy bit's'n bobs.

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Address: By the water...
Directions: Stand by the water, hop on a boat and push off.
Website: http://www.stourandorwell.org/enjoy/sailing/