Celebrating Ipswich, a Heritage Harbour and Hanse Town, during Heritage Open Days 2026

Ipswich Maritime Trust (IMT) is celebrating Ipswich’s long and eventful maritime history during this year’s Heritage Open Days, from 12^th-13^th September 2026 at 11am-4pm each day.

Highlights of the festivities include the opportunity to explore, free of charge, the heritage vessels moored up by the Old Custom House on Common Quay. Alongside sailing barge Victor, built in Ipswich in 1895, will be sailing smacks Excelsior and Pioneer.

Excelsior is one of the last surviving Lowestoft fishing smacks, built in 1921 and still sailing today under traditional rig. During her stay in Ipswich, she will also be offering day trips on 9^th, 10^th 15^th and 16^th September along the Orwell, and the chance to sail her under the guidance of the crew.

Essex sailing smack Pioneer in Ipswich

Pioneer is an Essex sailing smack based in Brightlingsea. She was restored by the Pioneer Sailing Trust, and in her long life in the fishing industry on the Colne and Blackwater rivers, has been lengthened and broadened to suit the changing conditions.

The Sutton Hoo Ship's Company will be joining us alongside the Old Custom House.

Ever wondered how ships were built centuries ago? The Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company will be demonstrating how to split logs, as in the construction of their replica of Anglo-Saxon King Raedwald’s 90-foot burial ship at his final resting place above the river Deben.

The ground floor of the Old Custom House, courtesy of port operators ABP, will be open all weekend – don’t miss the old gaol! Ipswich Maritime Trust will be exhibiting their stunning black and white photos – some of the earliest in the world – of the docks, workers and barges, as well as marine artefacts from the IMT collections.

Ipswich has been a Heritage Harbour since 2023. But its maritime importance goes back to the seventh century. In the 1440s Ipswich was a Headport within the medieval Hanseatic League,  and the sole authorised centre for wool exporting from Suffolk.  

From left to right, Stephen Cassidy from Ipswich Art Society, Stephen Patterson with his winning artwork, and Patricia Grimwade, author of Ipswich: A Hanseatic Port

“We are very excited to be displaying in the Old Custom House the artwork entitled The Port of Ipswich Today by local artist Stephen Patterson,” says IMT Trustee Cathy Shelbourne. “Ipswich Art Society organised a competition for its members, and Stephen’s artwork was selected for inclusion in the international HANSEartWORKS 2026 exhibition in Stargard, Poland, in June this year.”

A display in the Old Custom House focuses on the significance of the Hanseatic League and Ipswich’s role. This will be followed up by an IMT talk by Philip Eke, the Hanse Commissioner for England, on the modern Hanse ports and their significance today, on Wednesday 7^th October at 7pm. More information on Ipswich’s role in Hanseatic trade is in the booklet Ipswich: A Hanseatic Port by Patricia Grimwade, which is available from IMT.

For school-age children and their families, the Ipswich Heritage Harbour trail helps them discover links to the past as they complete the challenges at each of the ten stages, starting at the Old Custom House.

The smallest maritime museum in England?

IMT’s own maritime museum, on Albion Wharf, features a window display created by local schoolchildren working with IMT’s Ipswich Heritage Harbour Project team. Possibly the smallest maritime museum in the UK, the Window Museum is open 24/7!

Each day’s programme begins at 11am with a rousing welcome from the Shefarers shanty group, singing on the steps of the Old Custom House! They will be joined by the Shotley Wailers on Saturday at 12 noon.

All activities over the weekend are free. Check our Facebook page for the latest details.