Christchurch Park is the main town centre park for North Ipswich dog owners to enjoy and was opened as a public park all the way back in 1895. The park is often thronged with dog walkers; to the extent I have mental habit of calling it "dog-central", but despite its popularity the park offers a great expansive open space, where dogs can be walked on or off the lead. There is a new wildlife reserve section within the park where dogs need to be on the lead to walk through.

Most of the paths within the park are well surfaced, and quite wide. The two main paths crossing the park are the only ones that are available for cyclists. There is no car park within the actual park, but there are plenty of spaces alongside the park where you can leave your car free of charge.

Christchurch Park is a beautifully kept space, which has benefited from a recent and extensive investment programme. Broad paths throughout the park have all been resurfaced, ponds and lakes cleaned, planting has been revitalised and a new visitor centre opened. Around the park there are plentiful poo bins, and most water features are enclosed; which for those walkers not so keen on the smell of wet-dog in their car, can be a blessing. There are good facilities for humans too with toilets, tea-huts and benches. Within the park is Christchurch Mansion , the birthplace of Cardinal Wolsey and now a historic house and art gallery. The park is open from dawn till dusk, with gated entrances on all sides. Short stay public car parking is available on all the roads surrounding the park.

The Greyhound is the nearest dog friendly pub, just 2 minutes’ walk away from the Henley Road entrance; the park is entered through the formally planted Arboretum and tennis courts, where dogs must be kept on a lead. Once in the park proper, dogs and walkers can enjoy the wonderful vistas and views in 33 hectares of green open space right in the heart of town.

More information on the park can be found on the Ipswich Borough Council Site.