The Friends of Holywells Park are inviting the community to celebrate a dual anniversary at the annual Open Orchard Picnic in Ipswich on 29 July 2026.
The event will take place from 11:00 to 14:00 within the historic orchard of the 67-acre park. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy the green space, which sits between Nacton Road and Cliff Lane near the waterfront.
This year marks 90 years since Holywells Park officially opened to the public in 1936. The volunteer group hosting the gathering, the Friends of Holywells Park, is also marking its 25th anniversary, having been established in 2001 to support the site.
The park is managed by Ipswich Borough Council and has maintained Green Flag status for 16 consecutive years. Visitors planning to attend the picnic are reminded that all events organised by the volunteer group are cash only.
Access to the park is available via four entrances: Cliff Lane, Myrtle Road, Bishop’s Hill, and Nacton Road. While Blue Badge parking is provided at the Cliff Lane entrance, general public parking is available at Athena Hall off Duke Street.
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