Independent shops can be found all across the town selling things from books and clothing to fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Here are five of the best independent shops in Ipswich and surrounding areas as chosen by our readers. 

1. Dial Lane Books

Where: 8 Dial Lane, IP1 1DL

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9am until 4pm

Dial Lane Books is the only independent bookshop in Ipswich.

Owner Andrew opened the shop in 2020 and have since won the Muddy Awards 2023 for Best Bookshop in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. 

2. Kay's Fruit, Veg and Florist

Where: 368 Nacton Road, IP3 9ND

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7am until 5.30pm

A small family run business selling fruit, vegetables and flowers. 

There is also a second location on Meredith Road. 

3. Wands Crystal Emporium

Where: Unit 1, 11 Hamilton Road, Felixstowe, IP11 7BL

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10am until 3pm (4pm on Sunday)

Situated on the Suffolk coast, this independent store sells all the crystals you might need. 

The store previously operated from a site in the Underwood Hardware garden centre. 

4.  Coes

Where: 20-28 Norwich Road, IP1 2NH

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm

Coes Ipswich is an independent department store offering contemporary styles in both menswear and womenswear. 

The store is spread out across three levels and there is a free car park for customers. 

5. Craftability

Where: 4 St Lawrence Street, IP1 1DN

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4pm

Established in 2006, Craftability offer a wide range of everything you could need for making crafts from fabric to soap making supplies. 

The business also hosts many workshops for adults.