10 things you used to be able to do in Ipswich but can't now

Those who grew up in the town will have fond memories of things that have disappeared over time, with everything from shops to swimming pools greatly missed by residents.

As we reflect on Ipswich's history, here are ten things you used to be able to do, but can't now...

1. Shop in Toys 'R' Us

Toys 'R' Us' in Copdock (Image: Lucy Taylor)

As a child, a trip to Toys 'R' Us was a special event and, if you were lucky, you might leave with something you always wanted.

It captured the imagination of generations, but the Copdock store closed down in 2018.

2. Swim at Broomhill Lido

Hot weather at Broomhill swimming pool, Ipswich Dated Aug 1990 (Image: Archant)

Broomhill's outdoor pool was a huge hit in the warm weather, with families flocking to the lido to enjoy the great outdoors.

The pool was closed in 2002 and is yet to reopen, despite the site's popularity with those who grew up in Ipswich.

3. Watch a film at the Odeon cinema

The old Odeon cinema in Ipswich (Image: Archant)

The Odeon cinema was the place to go for blockbuster movies in Ipswich for decades and many will remember forging great memories there.

In December, Encore coffee house opened up inside the building with seating for 60 guests.

4.  Dance at old nightclubs

Hollywoods during it's official opening night in 1988 (Image: Archant)

Back in the 90s, party-goers had a range of nightclubs to go to that are no longer around today.

One of the popular options was Hollywoods, which opened in 1988 and underwent a name change to Kartouche in the 1990s.

Another spot for dancers was Liquid, which opened in Cardinal Park in 1999 and would later come to be known as Unit 17.

5. Shop in Debenhams

Debenhams in Ipswich town centre (Image: Archant)

One of the more recent departures from Ipswich's high street was Debenhams.

When the department store closed in 2021, it left a hole in the town which has yet to be filled.

6. Swim at St Matthew's Baths

A police swimming gala at St Matthew's Baths in Ipswich in July 1963 (Image: Archant)

Do you remember swimming at St Matthew’s Baths?

The baths in Civic Drive opened in 1924 and was also known for the baths hall, when the pool was covered over with a floor and a wide range of concerts and events were held there.

7. Fly from Ipswich airport

Campaigners protest the closure of Ipswich Airport in 1997 (Image: Archant)

First opened in the 1930s, Ipswich Airport served the region for more than 60 years.

It was also used for military purposes and parachutists but eventually closed its doors in 1997.

The Ravenswood housing estate now sits on the land once occupied by the airport.

8. Eat a Wimpy burger

Inside the Wimpy in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe in 2002 (Image: Archant)

There was once a time when there was a Wimpy on nearly every high street in the county.

Now, just one remains in Suffolk and it can be found in Hamilton Road, Felixstowe.

9. Eat a 99p breakfast at Littlewoods

Littlewoods, pictured here in 2005, was in Ipswich's Tower Ramparts Shopping Centre (Image: Archant)

Back when Littlewoods could be found in Ipswich, customers could get five breakfast items for 99p at the in-store cafe.

Even by 1990s prices, it was the cheapest breakfast on the high street – and is a world away from the costs today.

10. Shop at Woolworths

Pick'n'mix sweets at Woolworths in Ipswich in 2002 (Image: Richard Snasdell/Archant)

One of the most loved high street shops to disappear in recent times is Woolworths.

Ipswich's store was found in Carr Street and had something for everyone in its many departments before closing in 2008.