TripAdvisor reviewers champion Christchurch Park in Ipswich with string of glowing reports

A beautiful day in Christchurch Park, Ipswich

The town’s first public park was given the accolade as a result of receiving consistently good write ups on the customer review website.

The 19th century green space was this month included in a new vision put together by businesses working in Ipswich to transform the town centre into a thriving visitor attraction.

Paul Clement, chief executive of Business Improvement District company Ipswich Central, said: “Historically the park has been seen as outside of the town, but we think it is integral part of our town centre and with that in mind I am delighted the award has been given to the park as we see it as a major asset in attracting business to Ipswich.”

In 2008, the park reopened following a £4.5million restoration project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ipswich Borough Council.

Nicola Johnson, chairwoman of the Friends of Christchurch Park, said: “The park team put a huge amount of effort and pride into the park and we have a lot of volunteers who work extremely hard. Everyone loves the park, it’s absolutely gorgeous, even when it’s pouring down with rain, and we are lucky to have it.”

Mrs Johnson said the group was working on a number of ongoing developments to further improve areas of the park, while working to maintain its rich heritage.

The borough council’s environment portfolio holder, Phil Smart said he was “immensely proud” of the achievement, which was testament to the council’s staff and the Friends group who helped to make Christchurch Park and Mansion a magnet for visitors to the town.

In January, sister paper the Ipswich Star launched a survey asking the people of Ipswich what they love about the town and what needs to improve. Green spaces came out on the top, with over three quarters of respondents rating the town’s parks as excellent or good.