Discover Ipswich: Downtown Highlights & Crane Estate Guided Tour

Step back in time and  spend a day discovering Ipswich- without the stress of planning a thing. No figuring out train schedules, no coordinating rideshares, no juggling tickets. Just book your spot and enjoy the experience

 Your trip begins with a train ride from North Station in Boston to Ipswich where our guide Gordon will be meeting you to begin the downtown waking tour.

You’ll Stroll along Market Street and take in the quaint charm of this historic town while your guide shares the fascinating stories behind Ipswich’s landmarks, including:

• Ipswich Riverwalk Mural – A visual history of Ipswich from its founding to the present day.
• Choate Bridge – The oldest double stone-arch bridge in America.
• Spark’s Tavern – Site of the last witchcraft trials in town (all acquitted!).
• John Appleton’s House – Home of a leader in the 1687 revolt against taxation without representation; Ipswich is known as the Birthplace of American Independence.
• Dr. Thomas Manning’s House – A stop on the Underground Railroad.
• Meeting House Green and North Green – The heart of historic Ipswich, marking the original Puritan settlement.

After your guided walk, enjoy free time for lunch, independent exploration and shopping at the many antique shops in downtown Ipswich before boarding the bus and heading to Crane Estate. Where you’ll experience their most “Instagrammable” tour, the Cupola with a view which features:

• The exterior and interior design of the Great House, including insights into the Crane family history.
• Stories of servant life and how the estate operated.
• Step out onto the roof for panoramic views of the surrounding grounds and the Atlantic Ocean.

NOTE:  the Crane Estate tour features 3 flights of stairs and they do not have an elevator

We will also send these details along via email with more information on how to get to/from North Station upon booking. Your train ticket will be emailed to you 48 hours in advance of the trip.

Can’t do a full- day but still want to Visit the Crane Estate? Checkout our half-day trips headed to the Crane Estate!

Guest of the Cranes Guided Tour

Kayaking at Crane Beach