Ipswich Town FC – Portman Road
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
⚽ ABOUT PORTMAN ROAD
Portman Road has been home to Ipswich Town Football Club since 1884, making it one of the oldest continuously used football grounds in England. Located right in the heart of Ipswich, just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and station, the stadium is perfectly positioned for visiting supporters. The 30,000-capacity ground has evolved over the decades from a basic pitch to a modern all-seater stadium, while retaining the character and charm that make it special. Portman Road sits beside the River Orwell, giving it a distinctive waterside location that sets it apart from many grounds.
Ipswich Town enjoyed their golden era under the legendary Sir Bobby Robson, winning the FA Cup in 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1981 – remarkable achievements that established the club as a major force in English football. The stadium has witnessed European nights, top-flight football, and generations of loyal support from the Suffolk faithful. The fans are passionate but welcoming, creating an intense atmosphere without being intimidating. For away supporters, Portman Road represents one of the Championship’s best experiences – easy to reach by train, close to the town centre, excellent pubs, and a proper traditional football ground that oozes history and character.
📋 KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE
| Postcode | IP1 2DA |
| Capacity | 30,311 (all seated) |
| Location | Town centre, beside the River Orwell |
| Main Phone | 03442 501 555 |
| Website | www.itfc.co.uk |
| Nearest Train Station | Ipswich (10-minute walk) |
🚂 GETTING TO PORTMAN ROAD
Ipswich is excellently connected by rail with direct trains from London, Norwich, Cambridge, and Peterborough. The station is just a 10-minute walk from Portman Road, making it one of the most convenient away days for train travellers. The walk takes you straight through the town centre with plenty of pubs and food options en route. By car, Ipswich is easily accessible from the A14 and A12, with several parking options near the stadium. The location is perfect – you can be on the train, in a pub, and at the ground all within minutes of each other.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Portman Road Address: Portman Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2DA
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Strongly Recommended Choice
Why Trains Are Perfect: Ipswich station is superbly located just a 10-minute walk from Portman Road through the town centre. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street take around 70 minutes, with excellent connections from across East Anglia and beyond. The walk from the station to the stadium is straightforward, flat, and passes through the heart of Ipswich with pubs, restaurants, and shops. Train travel lets you enjoy pre-match drinks without worrying about driving. This is genuinely one of the easiest away days by train in English football.
Journey Times to Ipswich Station:
🔴 London Liverpool Street: 1 hour 10 minutes (direct, frequent services)
🟠 Norwich: 40 minutes (direct)
🟡 Cambridge: 50 minutes (direct)
🟢 Peterborough: 1 hour (direct)
🔵 Colchester: 20 minutes (direct)
Getting from Ipswich Station to Portman Road
Walk (10 minutes) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Time: 10 minutes direct to the stadium
- Route: Exit station, turn right onto Princes Street, continue to Lloyds Avenue, turn left onto Portman Road – stadium on your right
- Easy, flat walk through the town centre
- Well signposted on matchdays
- Pass numerous pubs and food outlets
- Perfect for soaking up pre-match atmosphere
- Literally one of the easiest station-to-stadium walks in English football
Bus Options
- Multiple town bus services pass near the stadium
- Cost: approximately £2
- Journey time: 5 minutes (but walking is just as quick!)
- Not really necessary given the short, easy walk
Taxi Option
- ~£5-7 from the station to the stadium
- ~5 minutes journey time
- Available from the station rank
- Only needed if you have heavy luggage – otherwise just walk!
🚗 BY CAR – Good Parking Available
Postcode for Sat Nav: IP1 2DA
From A14: Follow signs for Ipswich/A1156. Follow A1156 towards the town centre. Turn onto West End Road, then Portman Road. The stadium is on your right. From A12: Follow signs to town centre, then signs for Portman Road.
| Parking Location | Cost |
| West End Road Car Park (official) | £8 (pay on arrival, behind away end) |
| Portman Road Car Park | £7-10 (very close to the stadium) |
| Crown Street Car Park | £5 (10-minute walk) |
| Street Parking | Free (arrive early, check restrictions) |
⚡ Pro Tips:
- Arrive 90+ minutes before kick-off for best parking availability
- West End Road Car Park is the closest and most convenient for away fans
- Some street parking is available in residential areas – arrive early and check signs
- Town centre car parks are an alternative option with a short walk to the ground
- Post-match exit can be slow but generally manageable
- Consider parking at the station and walking if you want to explore the town first
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN IPSWICH
Ipswich offers a decent range of accommodation for a town of its size, from budget chains to boutique hotels. The compact town centre means most hotels are within easy walking distance of both the station and Portman Road. Staying in Ipswich puts you close to the stadium and gives you the chance to explore this historic Suffolk town. The waterfront area has been regenerated with modern developments, while the older parts of town retain character. Prices are generally more reasonable than in larger cities, making Ipswich a good value for an away weekend.
💷 BUDGET OPTIONS (£45-£80/night)
Travelodge Ipswich Central
Why it’s good: Budget chain, excellent town centre location, walking distance to station and stadium, clean and functional
Premier Inn Ipswich Town Centre
Why it’s good: Reliable quality, good breakfast included, modern facilities, near the waterfront
Holiday Inn Express Ipswich
Why it’s good: Good value, breakfast included, modern hotel, decent location
The Gables Guest House
Why it’s good: Traditional B&B, good value, near stadium, friendly service
🎯 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-£130/night)
Hotel Elisabeth
Why it’s good: Boutique hotel, excellent location on the waterfront, stylish rooms, good restaurant
The Salthouse Harbour Hotel
Why it’s good: Modern waterfront hotel, excellent location, spa facilities, good restaurant, marina views
Novotel Ipswich Centre
Why it’s good: Modern chain hotel, central location, leisure facilities, reliable quality
Muthu Belstead Brook Hotel
Why it’s good: Country house hotel on the edge of town, peaceful setting, traditional style, good restaurant
👑 PREMIUM OPTIONS (£130+/night)
Milsoms Kesgrave Hall
Highlights: Luxury country house hotel, beautiful grounds, excellent restaurant, spa facilities, just outside Ipswich
The Bull at Long Melford
Highlights: Historic coaching inn in a beautiful village, 15 miles from Ipswich, superb food, real Suffolk experience
The Swan at Lavenham
Highlights: Medieval hotel in England’s prettiest village, 30 mins from Ipswich, incredible history and character
💡 ACCOMMODATION TIPS
- Book Early: Ipswich has limited hotel capacity – weekend rates can sell out
- Best Location: Town centre or waterfront – easy walk to station and stadium
- Waterfront Area: Modern development with hotels, restaurants, and marina views
- Country Options: Beautiful villages nearby for a more upmarket rural experience
- Good Value: Generally more affordable than larger cities
- Suffolk Exploration: Consider staying in pretty villages like Lavenham or Woodbridge for a weekend trip
🎫 GETTING AROUND THE STADIUM
🎫 AWAY SUPPORTER ALLOCATION
| Your Section | Cobbold Stand (behind the goal) |
| Allocation | Standard: ~2,000 seats / Can be extended to complete stand (~4,300) for bigger fixtures |
| Views | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent – Behind the goal, unrestricted views, great atmosphere |
| Facilities | Good concourses, decent food and drink selection, clean facilities |
| Atmosphere | Friendly and welcoming – one of the best receptions for away fans |
🚪 ENTERING THE STADIUM
Designated Turnstiles: Away supporter entrance in the Cobbold Stand
⏰ Turnstile Opening Times:
- Opens: 90 minutes before kick-off
- Recommended arrival: 60 minutes before kick-off
- Why early? Enjoy the concourse facilities, grab refreshments, and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Coming from the station or town pubs is quick and easy.
- Note: Portman Road is known for welcoming away fans – expect a friendly atmosphere
✅ WHAT TO BRING & WHAT NOT TO BRING
✅ DO BRING:
- Digital match ticket (mobile or printed)
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Waterproof jacket (East Anglia weather can be unpredictable!)
- Your team’s colours (wear them proudly!)
- Cash/cards for concourse purchases (contactless accepted)
- Good walking shoes for the station-to-stadium walk
❌ DON’T BRING:
- Large bags (bag restrictions in place)
- Cigarettes or vapes (smoking/vaping banned inside stadium)
- Outside food or drink (not permitted)
- Glass bottles, cans, or alcohol
- Anything that could cause trouble
🍽️ PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
Ipswich has a good selection of pubs and restaurants, particularly in the town centre and waterfront area. The town’s compact nature means everything is within easy walking distance. Ipswich fans are generally welcoming to away supporters, and most pubs in the town centre happily serve visiting fans. The area between the station and stadium is well served with traditional pubs, modern bars, and diverse restaurants. Suffolk is known for its real ales and traditional pubs, making Ipswich an excellent place for a proper pre-match pint.
🍺 PRE-MATCH PUBS
The Dove Street Inn ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: St Helen’s Street (near station and stadium)
Vibe: Traditional pub, excellent real ales, friendly atmosphere, popular with all fans
Why Go: Perfect location between station and ground, excellent beer selection, welcoming to away fans
The Brewery Tap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Cliff Quay (waterfront, near stadium)
Vibe: Craft beer venue, modern bar, good food, waterside location
Why Go: Excellent beer selection, lovely setting by the water, good atmosphere, away fans welcome
The Station Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Burrell Road (opposite the station)
Vibe: Traditional pub, convenient location, decent beer, friendly locals
Why Go: Right opposite the station, handy starting point, away fans accepted
The Greyhound ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Henley Road (near stadium)
Vibe: Traditional pub, pre-match favourite, decent beer
Why Go: Close to ground, popular matchday venue, welcoming atmosphere
Wetherspoons – The Cricketers ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Location: Crown Street, town centre
Vibe: Typical Wetherspoons, good value, spacious
Why Go: Reliable, affordable, all fans welcome, multiple screens, food available
🍴 IPSWICH RESTAURANTS
The Salthouse Eaterie ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern British: Waterfront location • Fresh local ingredients • Good wine list • Marina views
Perfect for: Special occasions, quality dining, waterfront atmosphere
Côte Brasserie ⭐⭐⭐⭐
French Cuisine: Town centre • Classic French food • Good value set menus • Reliable chain
Perfect for: Pre-match meal, French food lovers, groups
Mariners Fish & Chips ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fish & Chips: Ipswich institution • Fresh fish • Traditional • Near waterfront
Perfect for: Traditional chippy experience, quick meal, excellent value
Prezzo ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Italian: Town centre • Pizza and pasta • Family-friendly • Good value
Perfect for: Italian food, families, reliable chain dining
The Brewery Tap Kitchen ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gastropub: Waterfront • Good food • Craft beers • Modern British menu
Perfect for: Combining food and beer, modern pub dining, waterfront setting
Nando’s Ipswich ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Peri-Peri Chicken: Town centre • Quick service • Good value • Consistent quality
Perfect for: Quick pre-match meal, families, reliable option
🎨 PLACES TO VISIT IN IPSWICH & SUFFOLK
Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns with over 1,400 years of history. Once a major medieval port and later a Victorian industrial center, the town has fascinating heritage alongside modern regeneration. The waterfront has been beautifully redeveloped, while the historic core retains medieval churches and Victorian architecture. Suffolk itself is one of England’s most beautiful counties – rolling countryside, picturesque villages, stunning coastline, and rich cultural heritage. From Constable Country to seaside towns, there’s plenty to explore beyond the football.
⚓ IPSWICH WATERFRONT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: Regenerated historic docks with marina, restaurants, and riverside walks
What’s Here: Historic wet dock • Marina with boats • Restaurants and bars • University buildings • Riverside walks • Modern architecture.
Details: 📍 5 min walk from town centre • ✅ Free to explore • ⏱️ 1-2 hours
Why Go: Beautiful redevelopment. Perfect for pre-/post-match walk. Great restaurants. Nice atmosphere. Very close to the stadium.
🏛️ CHRISTCHURCH MANSION ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: Tudor mansion in beautiful parkland with an art collection including Constable and Gainsborough
What’s Here: Historic mansion • Period rooms • Art collection • Paintings by Constable • Beautiful Christchurch Park • Free entry
Details: 📍 Christchurch Park, 10 min walk from town • ✅ Free entry • ⏱️ 1-2 hours
Why Go: Excellent free attraction. World-class art. Beautiful historic house. Lovely park setting. Must-visit for culture fans.
🏰 LAVENHAM VILLAGE ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: England’s best-preserved medieval village with stunning timber-framed buildings
What’s Here: 300+ listed medieval buildings • Crooked House • Guild Hall • Historic pubs • Antique shops • Picture-perfect streets
Details: 📍 20 miles from Ipswich (~30 min drive) • ✅ Free to explore • ⏱️ Half day
Why Go: Absolutely stunning. Medieval time capsule. Perfect Suffolk village. Great pubs and tea rooms. Unmissable if you have a car.
🏖️ ALDEBURGH & SUFFOLK COAST ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: Beautiful seaside town famous for fish and chips, fishing heritage, and Benjamin Britten
What’s Here: Shingle beach • Aldeburgh Fish & Chips (legendary) • Fishing boats • Moot Hall • Snape Maltings • Coastal walks
Details: 📍 25 miles from Ipswich (~45 min drive) • ✅ Free to visit • ⏱️ Half day
Why Go: Beautiful Suffolk coast. Best fish and chips in England. Lovely seaside town. Perfect for weekend exploration.
🎨 SUTTON HOO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: Site of stunning Anglo-Saxon burial ship discovery, now a National Trust property
What’s Here: Burial mounds • Exhibition hall • Anglo-Saxon treasures (replicas) • Walking trails • Beautiful countryside • Visitor centre
Details: 📍 10 miles from Ipswich (near Woodbridge) • ⏱️ 2-3 hours • 🎫 National Trust admission
Why Go: Internationally important archaeological site. Fascinating history. Beautiful location. Perfect for history enthusiasts.
🎭 IPSWICH MUSEUMS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Attraction: Collection of museums telling Ipswich’s story
What’s Here: Ipswich Museum (natural history, archaeology) • Christchurch Mansion (Tudor house) • Transport Museum • All free entry
Details: 📍 Various town locations • ✅ Free entry • ⏱️ 1-2 hours each
Why Go: Good free museums. Learn about local history. Perfect for rainy days. Town centre locations.
⚡ TOP TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
📋 BEFORE YOU GO
🎫 Book Early: Train tickets should be booked in advance for the best prices from London
🏞️ Explore Suffolk: Make a weekend of it – visit Lavenham, Aldeburgh, or Sutton Hoo
🌦️ Weather: East Anglia can be chilly – bring layers and waterproofs
🚌 GETTING THERE
🚂 Train is Perfect: Just a 10-minute walk from the station to the stadium – one of the easiest away days
🚶 Easy Walk: Flat, straightforward walk through the town centre with plenty of pubs en route
🚗 If Driving: Good parking available at West End Road Car Park or nearby areas
🎭 IPSWICH EXPERIENCE
🍺 Great Pubs: Suffolk is real ale country – try local brews like Adnams
👥 Friendly Fans: Ipswich supporters are welcoming – one of the friendliest away days
🏞️ Beautiful County: Suffolk is gorgeous – explore beyond just the football
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🏟️ Historic Ground: Portman Road since 1884 – proper traditional football stadium
👥 Great Atmosphere: Passionate home support with Sir Bobby Robson heritage
🎵 History: Remember the glory days – UEFA Cup winners, FA Cup finalists
🤝 HOW TO BEHAVE
✅ DO: Show your colours proudly • Be respectful • Explore the town pubs • Try the waterfront • Visit Christchurch Mansion • Enjoy Suffolk hospitality
❌ DON’T: Cause trouble • Rush away – explore Ipswich and Suffolk • Miss the easy station walk • Forget to try local Suffolk ales
🔗 QUICK REFERENCE
| Stadium Postcode | IP1 2DA |
| Away Allocation | ~2,000 seats (up to 4,300) in Cobbold Stand |
| Nearest Train | Ipswich (10-minute easy walk) |
| Best Transport | Train to Ipswich + 10 min walk (one of the easiest!) |
| Parking | £7-10 (West End Road or nearby car parks) |
| Must Visit | Waterfront, Christchurch Mansion, Lavenham village! |
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Portman Road is genuinely one of the Championship’s best away days. The location is perfect – just a 10-minute walk from Ipswich station through the town centre, making it one of the easiest grounds to reach in English football. The stadium itself has been home to Ipswich Town since 1884, witnessing over 140 years of football history, including the glorious Sir Bobby Robson era when the Tractor Boys won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup. The atmosphere is passionate and traditional, while Ipswich fans are famously welcoming to visitors, creating a proper football experience without intimidation.
But Portman Road is just the start of your Suffolk experience. Ipswich itself is a historic town with a beautifully regenerated waterfront, excellent pubs serving Suffolk real ales, and fascinating museums. Beyond the town, Suffolk is one of England’s most beautiful counties – medieval Lavenham is like stepping back in time, the coast at Aldeburgh offers legendary fish and chips and stunning beaches, and Sutton Hoo provides world-class archaeology. With easy train access from London in just over an hour, Ipswich makes for a perfect football weekend, combining Championship action with quintessential English countryside and coast.
Take the train to Ipswich, walk 10 minutes to the ground, enjoy one of football’s friendliest atmospheres, and discover beautiful Suffolk. It’s genuinely one of the easiest and most enjoyable away days in English football!
💙 Come On You Tractor Boys! 💙
💬 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
Have you visited Portman Road before? Got tips for other away supporters heading to Ipswich? Drop your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experience!
Whether it’s your first trip to Portman Road or you’re a regular visitor, your insights help build a community resource for supporters everywhere. Please share your favourite Ipswich pubs, Suffolk attractions, travel tips, or any other advice that might help fellow fans make the most of their away day in this historic Suffolk town!
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.