Ipswich Wet Dock
Ipswich · IP4
Amenities
Summary
The largest Victorian wet dock in the UK (when built, 1842) — a converted grain and malting warehouse on the River Orwell, with the Jerwood Dance House in a converted dock building and working tidal lock gates.
About this location
Ipswich Wet Dock is a 33-acre enclosed dock built in 1842 at the head of the tidal Orwell estuary. The dock was designed with a tidal lock at the entrance to maintain a constant water level, allowing the unloading of cargo in all tidal states. The surrounding dock buildings — primarily grain warehouses, maltings, and merchants’ offices in red Suffolk brick — have been converted to apartments, arts venues, and commercial premises while retaining the exterior dock character.
The Jerwood DanceHouse occupies a converted dock building at the water’s edge. The lock gates at the dock entrance are Victorian iron — still working to manage the tidal lock. The Custom House (1844, Italianate) faces the dock from its quay position.
For productions, Ipswich Wet Dock gives a large Victorian enclosed dock environment — warehouse-scale red-brick buildings around a contained water area, with the Custom House and lock gates as specific set pieces. Ipswich Borough Council handles filming permits on public land; individual building owners manage interior hire.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- Ipswich has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
Ipswich — drag to pan, scroll to zoom.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Ipswich Wet Dock?
- Yes — filming on or around Ipswich Wet Dock typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Ipswich Wet Dock?
- On-site parking is available at Ipswich Wet Dock. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Ipswich Wet Dock?
- Ipswich Wet Dock sits in the £ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Ipswich Wet Dock?
- Ipswich Wet Dock can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Ipswich Wet Dock before?
- Ipswich Wet Dock appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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