The Hold Suffolk Archives - Image 1
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The Hold Suffolk Archives

4.1
·43 reviews·, United Kingdom

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 Explore historical documents, engaging exhibitions, and enjoy a vibrant community ...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

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for research

CrowdLow
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The Hold Suffolk Archives - Image 1

The Hold Suffolk Archives

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds for research

CrowdLow

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 Explore historical documents, engaging exhibitions, and enjoy a vibrant community space.

4.1
(43 reviews)

"A treasure trove of history with helpful staff and delicious sausage rolls."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Suffolk Archives Collections

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

Temporary Exhibitions

Exhibition spaces

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

The Cafe Terrace

The Cafe Terrace

Cafe area

Enjoy excellent coffee and delicious homemade sausage rolls with a view. Perfect for a relaxing break.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to The Hold

Discover Suffolk's rich history at The Hold, home to Suffolk Archives. Plan your visit to explore fascinating exhibitions and delve into your family tree. Check their website for current exhibition details and opening hours before you go.

Accessing Archives

For those researching family history, be aware that document requests have specific time slots. Arrive early to register and secure your spot for accessing archived documents. The helpful staff are ready to guide you through the process.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds for research
Crowd
Low
When
During exhibition launches
Why
Experience new displays
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Relaxing cafe atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#FYP #ForYou #Ah #Am #Edit #England #Good #Ipswich #Luke #Pain #Suffolk #UK
@alexp897
100.7K likes • 1.4M views

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the delicious homemade sausage rolls and excellent coffee. Great WiFi too! Reddit

📜 Document Request Times

Archive document requests have set times. Arrive early to register and secure your slot. Reddit

A handy guide to #ipswich in #suffolk the 26th worst place to live in the country. #britishhumour #PlacesToVisit #ukcomedy #LearnOnTikTok #satire
@philc84
76.4K likes • 960.9K views
Our public painting spaces at The Hold Suffolk Archives are now open!🧡 If you are passing by you might be able to get a sneak peek of some works in progress! 🎨 #hoptoitsuffolk2025 #arttrail #hospicecare
ipswicharttrail
41 likes • 860 views

🖼️ Exhibition Insights

Exhibitions can be fascinating, but check for spelling errors and ensure AV works. Reddit

🎨 Public Art Spaces

Check out the public painting spaces for works in progress. Instagram

Have you visited The Hold? Home to @suffolkarchives and @uniofsuffolk. Suffolk Archives collects, preserves and provides access to the historical archives for Suffolk. What will you discover? The Hold hosts regular exhibitions, activity sessions and talks so follow @suffolkarchives to keep in the loop. The Hold also has a lovely cafe and a state of the art Lecture Theatre with seminar rooms. Le...
uos_studentexperience
15 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Cafe Delights

Don't miss the delicious homemade sausage rolls and excellent coffee. Great WiFi too! Reddit

📜 Document Request Times

Archive document requests have set times. Arrive early to register and secure your slot. Reddit

🖼️ Exhibition Insights

Exhibitions can be fascinating, but check for spelling errors and ensure AV works. Reddit

🎨 Public Art Spaces

Check out the public painting spaces for works in progress. Instagram

🚶 Waterfront Walks

Perfect stop during a walk around the marina area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(43 reviews)

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

Helpful and knowledgeable staff
Excellent cafe and sausage rolls
Fascinating historical archives

What People Dislike

Exhibition spelling errors
AV display issues

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to The Hold and its exhibitions is generally free, making it an accessible cultural destination. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, The Hold hosts regular exhibitions, activity sessions, and talks. Follow @suffolkarchives on social media to stay updated on upcoming events. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Suffolk Archives holds a vast collection, including medieval manuscripts, wartime letters, Victorian crime reports, and records pertaining to the Suffolk area. InstagramReddit

Some exhibitions feature interactive elements, though past visitors have noted issues with touch screens and AV equipment not always working correctly. Reddit

This exhibition explores the legacy of Thomas Wolsey, reconnecting him with his hometown and examining his global influence, featuring archive treasures. Instagram

Absolutely! The Hold is an excellent place for family history research, with helpful staff ready to guide you. Reddit

Yes, The Hold features public art spaces and hosts various art exhibitions, including performance art and sculptures. Instagram+2

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, The Hold has a lovely cafe that serves excellent coffee and delicious homemade sausage rolls. They also offer free WiFi. Reddit+1

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. Reddit

Yes, the cafe is perfect for a quick bite or a more leisurely hour or two over coffee, especially with the decent free WiFi. Reddit

When the weather is nice, there's a lovely terrace available at the cafe, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy your refreshments. Reddit

The Hold is located on Ipswich Waterfront, which offers a variety of other dining establishments if you're looking for more options. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Visitors often share photos of the exhibitions, the modern interior design, and the cafe area. Art-focused photography of displayed works is also common. Instagram+1

Photography of archival documents is typically restricted to protect the materials. If you need to document specific records, inquire about official reproduction services. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Hold offers engaging experiences for families. Look out for special events like pirate story sessions, which are a hit with younger visitors. Instagram The cafe is also a great spot for a family break, with tasty treats and a relaxed atmosphere. Reddit While the archives themselves might be more suited for older children interested in history, the exhibitions and events provide accessible entry points for all ages. Consider checking the @suffolkarchives social media for upcoming family-friendly activities. Instagram

🔍 Genealogy Enthusiasts

For those passionate about tracing their roots, The Hold is a must-visit. The Suffolk Archives collection is extensive, and the staff are exceptionally helpful in guiding you through the research process. Reddit Be prepared for the document request system, which involves specific time slots, so arriving early is key to maximizing your research time. Reddit The welcoming environment and knowledgeable assistance make it an ideal place to uncover your family's story.

🎨 Art & Culture Aficionados

Art lovers will appreciate The Hold's role as a venue for exhibitions and performance art. Keep an eye on their schedule for unique artistic showcases, from local artists to themed exhibitions. Instagram+2 The modern architecture of the building itself also provides an interesting backdrop for photography and appreciation. The cafe is a perfect spot to reflect on the art you've experienced. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Delving into Suffolk's Past at The Hold

The Hold is more than just a building; it's a gateway to Suffolk's rich and diverse history. As the home of Suffolk Archives, it houses an extensive collection of documents, records, and artifacts that span centuries. From medieval manuscripts that whisper tales of ancient times to wartime letters that echo the struggles of the past, and even Victorian crime reports offering a glimpse into societal norms, the archives provide a tangible connection to those who came before us. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

The Hold as a Cultural Hub

Beyond its archival functions, The Hold has established itself as a vibrant cultural hub in Ipswich. Its sleek, modern design, often compared to a contemporary museum or gallery, makes it an inviting space for the community. Reddit The building features public art spaces where local artists showcase their work, including exhibitions of performance art and sculptures, adding a dynamic artistic layer to the historical context. Instagram+2

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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