Families in Ipswich needn’t have ventured far to hit the beach – as a sandy retreat began its summer-long stint in Christchurch Park.

Ipswich Star: Becci Shopland with Theo Parsey. Picture: NIGE BROWNBecci Shopland with Theo Parsey. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

A spot near the children’s play area is home to a funfair, encircling a pit filled with almost 100 tonnes of sand from a south London quarry, until September 3.

Ipswich Star: Regan Wells and Michelle Westcott meeting a fairytale princess. Picture: NIGE BROWNRegan Wells and Michelle Westcott meeting a fairytale princess. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Open every day between 11am and 7.30pm, the mini theme park also features Punch and Judy shows on August 2, 23 and 30, and appearances on Wednesdays and Fridays from storybook characters of the Dream Team and Co.

Ipswich Star: Luke Pope meets a member of The Dream Team and Co. Picture: NIGE BROWNLuke Pope meets a member of The Dream Team and Co. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

The beach is part of a borough council programme of activities for the holidays.

Ipswich Star: Diena Collier and Lia Reynolds. Picture: NIGE BROWNDiena Collier and Lia Reynolds. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

A spokesman said: “This is going to be a popular addition to one of our most beautiful parks and brings all the fun of the beach close to the centre of Ipswich.”

Ipswich Star: Michael Harland in Christchurch Park for the beach opening. Picture: NIGE BROWNMichael Harland in Christchurch Park for the beach opening. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

James Cox, of Leisure Events, said: “It’s free to enter and comes at zero cost to the council. The sand will even be donated for reuse at parks in Ipswich.”

Ipswich Star: Thea LeGrice relaxing in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWNThea LeGrice relaxing in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Theo Parsey has fun on the rides at Christchurch Park beach. Picture: NIGE BROWNTheo Parsey has fun on the rides at Christchurch Park beach. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Liah Reynolds in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWNLiah Reynolds in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Izzobel and Benjamin Hughes meet a member of the Dream Team at Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWNIzzobel and Benjamin Hughes meet a member of the Dream Team at Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Regan Hunwicks enjoying the day. Picture: NIGE BROWNRegan Hunwicks enjoying the day. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Charlie Acott at the opening of a beach and funfair in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWNCharlie Acott at the opening of a beach and funfair in Christchurch Park. Picture: NIGE BROWN (Image: Archant)