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# Sip'Swich: Two new pub trails launched in Ipswich town centre
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/two-new-pub-trails-launched-in-ipswich-town-centre/
- Published: 2025-03-07T08:44:51.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:19:11.000Z
- Description: Ipswich Borough Council and Ipswich Central have created historic and dog-friendly pub trails across 15 town centre venues, with stamps earning participants special prizes.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, BID, Tourism & Place, Events & Things To Do, #article, Ipswich Central, Neil MacDonald, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The initiative, Sip'Swich, aims to boost business for local pubs while offering residents and visitors a structured way to explore the town, with incentives for completion.

![Launch event attendees outside the Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1741336880-sipswich-thomas-wolsey-2.jpg)

Launch event attendees outside the Thomas Wolsey in Ipswich Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**The details:** The two separate trails include an historic route featuring seven pubs with connections to Ipswich's past, and a dog-friendly path leading participants and their pets to eight venues that welcome canine companions.

- The dog-friendly trail features venues with water bowls, treats and a "warm atmosphere" where "dogs are not just allowed – they're truly welcomed."
- The historic trail showcases "centuries-old buildings" and locations offering "stunning views of Ipswich's historic landmarks."
- The initiative will run for approximately six weeks, with prizes available while stocks last.

**How it works:** Participants buy a drink at each venue – alcoholic or non-alcoholic – and collect a colour-coded stamp on their trail card. Collect all the stamps and claim prizes including:

- A collectable enamel pin badge featuring Wolsey's gate for completing the historic trail
- A dog bandana depicting Ipswich landmarks for finishing the dog-friendly route
- An environmentally friendly reusable coffee cup with Wolsey's gate design for those completing both trails

![Ipswich Central's Mel Willis](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1741336891-sipswich-mel.jpg)

Ipswich Central's Mel Willis Photo: Oliver Rouane-Williams (Ipswich.co.uk)

**What they're saying:** "These trails deliver a double benefit for Ipswich. Fifteen bars and pubs will see a boost to their trade and local people and visitors to the town can enjoy discovering new places," said [Ipswich Central](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/ipswich-central/) CEO [Lee Walker](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/lee-walker/).

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader, added: "The centre of Ipswich has some wonderful bars and pubs, each with its own unique character and ambience. I hope people will enjoy discovering somewhere different to go for a drink or a meal out."

**The bottom line:** Trail maps can be collected from any participating venue, the town hall reception, or downloaded from [www.allaboutipswich.com/sipswich](http://www.allaboutipswich.com/sipswich?ref=ipswich.co.uk).

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