IT'S half term next week so what can your family do that won't cost the earth and doesn't involve hours in a car? Ipswich Tourist Information Centre's David Stainer offers a few ideas.

IT'S half term next week so what can your family do that won't cost the earth and doesn't involve hours in a car? Ipswich Tourist Information Centre's David Stainer offers a few ideas.

A - is for Ancient House, a stunning grade I listed ancient monument, now home to a flagship Lakeland store. With beautiful plasterwork and carvings, it is a delight to explore.

A - is for All Fired Up, Open 7 days a week, come and enjoy some creative time painting your own original ceramic gift in pleasant café surroundings.

Tel 01473 286142 www.allfiredupceramics.co.uk

B - is for Behind the Blues, a trip behind the scenes at Ipswich Town Football Club. From the Champion's Lounge to the Hall of Fame, it is an opportunity to bring back many wonderful memories.

Tel 01473 400555 www.itfc.co.uk

C -is for Clifford Road Air Raid Shelter Museum, experience life in Ipswich at the time of the Second World War. An opportunity for learning or simply nostalgia in an Air raid shelter housing every day objects and memorabilia.

Tel 01473 251605

D - is for Dedham Vale where you can follow in the footsteps of John Constable and take in the unspoilt natural beauty that inspired his masterpieces.

E - Easton Farm Park, home of the Suffolk Punch Horse as well as other farm attractions, offers a great family treat in the beautiful Suffolk Countryside.

Tel 01728 746475 www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk

F - is for Farmers Markets where you can often sample the produce and be assured of high quality local produce for sale. With growing popularity, you can be assured of a farmers market somewhere nearby most weekends. www.tastesofanglia.com

G - Going green. Why not explore Suffolk by rail for as little as £2 you can ride to Trimley and explore the wonderful Orwell on the way back to Ipswich.

H - is for 'Help!' from the Tourist Office. We love a challenge, be it finding an activity on a rainy day or where to get a deceased pet stuffed! Honest it's true. Tel 01473 258070

I - is for Ipswich Town Trail available from the Tourist Office. Explore the town's highlights at your leisure, learning facts along the way!

J - is for Jimmy's Farm -everybody's favourite TV rare breed farmer. Enjoy seeing the Essex pig, petting areas and choosing local food fresh from the farm shop

Tel 0870 9500210 www.essexpigcompany.co.uk

K - is for Karting at Beacon Rally Karts, ideal for families, groups, or corporate entertainment. Enjoy the thrill of off road rallying in a lovely rural location on the outskirts of Ipswich. Tel 0845 6441592 www.beaconrallykarts.co.uk

L - is for lambing at Baylham Rare Breeds Farm. See rare and endangered species of cattle, goats, pigs and poultry. Meet, feed, and learn about friendly farm animals. Tel 01473 830264

M - is for Monopoly (Ipswich version of course). Battle it out with your friends and own Christchurch Mansion, Portman Road and Ipswich Station! Tel Tourist Information 01473 258070

N - is for Nightlife. Ipswich has a fantastic choice with Cineworld, Ipswich Film Theatre, regional theatres, pubs and clubs offering huge variety of live music.

O - is for Orwell River Cruises. You can enjoy our beautiful River Orwell aboard the “Orwell Lady” cruising from Ipswich Waterfront all the way to Harwich Harbour. Tel 01473 258070

P - is for Parks, Ipswich has them in abundance! Christchurch, Chantry and Holywells to name but a few, all have their own history as well as quiet leafy spots perfect for picnics and those thoughtful moments!

Q - is for Queen Street, home of 'Grandma' the Giles statue. A kindly reminder of the famous cartoonist who worked here in Ipswich.

R - is for Regent Theatre, East Anglia's biggest live entertainment venue, attracting major touring companies to the town with West End shows, classical concerts and popular music events.

Tel 01473 433100 www.ipswich-regent.com

S - is for Sport and Leisure and Ipswich seems to have it all! Sport centres offering a huge choice of activities across the town, Golf, Football, Tennis, Rugby clubs, swimming pools and even a ski slope! www.ibcsport.co.uk

T - is for Transport Museum. This former trolleybus depot houses the largest collection in the country of transport exhibits from just one area. All were made and used around Ipswich and range from prams to trams and buses. www.ipswichtransportmuseum.co.uk

U - is for Unitarian Meeting House, a Grade 1 listed building built in 1699 is one of the finest surviving Dissenting Meeting Houses of its kind and you can go to see it as one of Ipswich's most important historic structures. www.unitarianipswich.org.uk

V - is for visiting the local attractions in the surrounding area such as Landguard Fort in Felixstowe, Martlesham Control Tower and the wealth of castles and historic houses in the region. www.choosesuffolk.com

W - is for Waterfront, which continues to develop to enhance an already picturesque area of Ipswich. Take a wander and you will be pleasantly surprised. Or join a town walk during the popular summer season choosing from a variety of fascinating subjects with your guide, or organise your own group walk on a date that suits you. Tel 01473 258070

X - is for Xcellent service at the Tourist Office. Being proud winners of the Tourism in Suffolk Award for 'Best Tourist Office 2006' our beautiful home in St Stephen's Church provides an impressive back drop to a wide selection of gifts, souvenirs, books, local prints and cards with a team of staff always happy to help!

Tel 01473 258070

Y - is for yachts on the river, in fact all sorts of vessels can be found sailing on the Orwell which what makes our waterway so versatile and an ideal location for a walk along the banks or a cruise right up to Harwich and the estuary.

Z - is for zzzzzzzz - because you'll need a snooze after all that

Weblink: www.visit-ipswich.com