
The Hold Suffolk Archives
Discover Suffolk's rich past at The Hold, home to Suffolk Archives. Explore historical documents, engaging exhibitions, and enjoy a vibrant community ...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds for research

The Hold Suffolk Archives
Best Time
Fewer crowds for research
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Suffolk's rich past at The Hold, home to Suffolk Archives. Explore historical documents, engaging exhibitions, and enjoy a vibrant community space.
"A treasure trove of history with helpful staff and delicious sausage rolls."

☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the delicious homemade sausage rolls and excellent coffee. Great WiFi too!
📜 Document Request Times
Archive document requests have set times. Arrive early to register and secure your slot.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Suffolk Archives Collections
Main exhibition and research areas
Explore medieval manuscripts, wartime letters, and Victorian crime reports. A treasure trove of local history awaits.

Temporary Exhibitions
Exhibition spaces
Discover rotating exhibits like 'Wolsey's Ipswich' or maritime heritage. Always something new to learn.

The Cafe Terrace
Cafe area
Enjoy excellent coffee and delicious homemade sausage rolls with a view. Perfect for a relaxing break.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to The Hold
Accessing Archives
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the delicious homemade sausage rolls and excellent coffee. Great WiFi too!
📜 Document Request Times
Archive document requests have set times. Arrive early to register and secure your slot.
🖼️ Exhibition Insights
Exhibitions can be fascinating, but check for spelling errors and ensure AV works.
🎨 Public Art Spaces
Check out the public painting spaces for works in progress.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the delicious homemade sausage rolls and excellent coffee. Great WiFi too!
📜 Document Request Times
Archive document requests have set times. Arrive early to register and secure your slot.
🖼️ Exhibition Insights
Exhibitions can be fascinating, but check for spelling errors and ensure AV works.
🎨 Public Art Spaces
Check out the public painting spaces for works in progress.
🚶 Waterfront Walks
Perfect stop during a walk around the marina area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Hold is praised for its modern, stylish interior and its role as a valuable resource for Suffolk's history and family research. Visitors appreciate the helpful staff and the pleasant cafe, especially the homemade sausage rolls. However, some exhibitions have been criticized for spelling errors and technical issues with displays.
"I'd arrived early to see the Destinations exhibition about emigration from Suffolk, so had time for a sausage bap and large cup of coffee for a fiver. Jolly nice too.
The exhibition, which runs until May 31st is interesting, especially for me when I have visited places like Jamestown and Boston, both settled by emigrants from Suffolk.
It was spoiled somewhat by some astonishingly sloppy spelling and grammar and some very strange positioning of exhibits, making them impossible to read.
Worth a visit, though - especially as it's free.
So, back to the café, where a home-made sausage roll and pot of tea hit the spot for an early lunch. The pastry was beautifully flaky, the sausage dense and well-seasoned. Speedy free WiFi too.
One of the Receptionists at the B&B Hotel recommended the space; I have already booked to see the National Theatre production of Dr. Strangelove in a couple of weeks.
Update: September 22. Their sausage rolls are absolutely delicious. The cafe is such a lovely space to while away and hour or two over a coffee, which is also excellent. Decent free WiFi too. When the weather is nice, there's a lovely terrace too.
I visited today to see their 'Anchors Aweigh' exhibition, all about Suffolk's maritime heritage. With 38 years in the Navy and Reserves, I'd allocated a couple of hours to it. Sadly, 30 minutes was enough. Apart from some shocking spelling errors on the displays, the a/v on the touch screens wasn't working properly, the lighting and positioning on many of the displays made much of the material difficult or impossible to read. A huge disappointment."
Michael D. Scott
"Archive for Suffolk County. Set in a modern building with helpful staff. It was the first time for me to visit an archive. The staff were great in helping me to register and start my research.
If you want to request access to archived documents be aware that there are only 4 set times of day when 4 documents can be requested at a time. So come early.
Many thanks for getting me started 😎👍"
Mark Poley
"📜 A big thank you to The Hold – Suffolk Archives Office 📜
I visited yesterday to start looking into my family history, and I can’t praise the staff enough. They were so welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable – in the short time I had (before another appointment elsewhere), they gave me a solid starting point for my research. Without their guidance, I wouldn’t have known where to begin, and now I feel really excited about the journey ahead.
Also, a special thanks for their kindness when my locker jammed shut – they came to the rescue and helped me retrieve my belongings quickly, saving me from panicking.
It was such a positive experience all round, and I’m so grateful to the amazing team at The Hold for making my first step into family history such an enjoyable one. 🙏"
Benjamin Cronin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hold is located near Ipswich Waterfront. The nearest decent-sized car park is Duke Street. Public transport options are available within Ipswich, with buses serving the waterfront area.
The nearest recommended car park is Duke Street, though it's advised to check its reviews. The Hold itself is easily accessible by foot from the waterfront.
Yes, cycling is a great option for exploring Ipswich. There are likely bike racks available near the waterfront area, though specific facilities at The Hold should be confirmed.
The Hold is a modern building designed for accessibility. It features sleek, modern interiors and is generally well-equipped for visitors with mobility needs.
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Ipswich Waterfront. The Hold blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, so keep an eye out as you approach the marina area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to The Hold and its exhibitions is generally free, making it an accessible cultural destination.
Opening hours can vary, especially for exhibitions and archive research. It's best to check the official Suffolk Archives website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
To access archived documents, you'll need to register. Document requests are handled at specific times throughout the day, with a limit on how many can be requested at once. Arrive early to secure your slot.
Yes, The Hold hosts regular exhibitions, activity sessions, and talks. Follow @suffolkarchives on social media to stay updated on upcoming events.
While specific guided tours might not always be advertised, the staff are known for being welcoming and helpful, especially for those new to archives. You can inquire about potential group visits or tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Suffolk Archives holds a vast collection, including medieval manuscripts, wartime letters, Victorian crime reports, and records pertaining to the Suffolk area.
Some exhibitions feature interactive elements, though past visitors have noted issues with touch screens and AV equipment not always working correctly.
This exhibition explores the legacy of Thomas Wolsey, reconnecting him with his hometown and examining his global influence, featuring archive treasures.
Absolutely! The Hold is an excellent place for family history research, with helpful staff ready to guide you.
Yes, The Hold features public art spaces and hosts various art exhibitions, including performance art and sculptures.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Hold has a lovely cafe that serves excellent coffee and delicious homemade sausage rolls. They also offer free WiFi.
The cafe offers items like sausage baps, homemade sausage rolls, and pots of tea. It's a great spot for a light lunch or a coffee break.
Yes, the cafe is perfect for a quick bite or a more leisurely hour or two over coffee, especially with the decent free WiFi.
When the weather is nice, there's a lovely terrace available at the cafe, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy your refreshments.
The Hold is located on Ipswich Waterfront, which offers a variety of other dining establishments if you're looking for more options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's best to check signage or ask staff for specific exhibition rules.
The modern architecture of The Hold itself offers some interesting lines. The waterfront location also provides scenic views. Exhibitions may also have visually appealing displays.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial use or extensive filming might require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and the archival environment.
Visitors often share photos of the exhibitions, the modern interior design, and the cafe area. Art-focused photography of displayed works is also common.
Photography of archival documents is typically restricted to protect the materials. If you need to document specific records, inquire about official reproduction services.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts
🎨 Art & Culture Aficionados
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Delving into Suffolk's Past at The Hold
Visitors can explore these collections through various exhibitions. Past highlights include 'Wolsey's Ipswich,' which reconnected the Cardinal with his hometown, and 'Anchors Aweigh,' celebrating Suffolk's maritime heritage. These exhibitions are curated to be engaging, though some visitors have noted occasional issues with spelling errors or the functionality of AV displays.
For those embarking on their family history journey, The Hold is an invaluable resource. The staff are consistently praised for their welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable approach, providing a solid starting point for research and making the often-daunting task of genealogical exploration an enjoyable one.
The Hold as a Cultural Hub
The venue also hosts a variety of events, from children's pirate story sessions to talks and exhibitions. This diverse programming ensures that The Hold appeals to a wide audience, making history and culture accessible and engaging for all ages. The presence of a cafe with a pleasant terrace further enhances its role as a community gathering spot, perfect for a relaxed coffee or a light lunch.
Collaborations with organizations like the Royal Hospital School (RHS) and local arts centers highlight The Hold's commitment to sharing Suffolk's heritage more broadly. By loaning items and working on joint projects, The Hold actively contributes to the cultural landscape of the region, solidifying its position as a key destination for both locals and visitors interested in history, art, and community engagement.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit