Woodbridge is a sweet little Suffolk market town sitting on the banks of the river Deben, less than ten miles from Ipswich. It can get a bit chilly here in winter but the warm heart of the place and its 10,000 people more than make up for that.
The Sunday Times declared Woodbridge to be the best place to lay your hat in East England with the then editor, Helen Davies basing her assessment on critical issues such as, the breadth of property types, whether there was a Post Office and the quality of the town’s coffee!
Regardless, this delightful town definitely punches above its weight when it comes to compelling reasons to live here. Beauty aside, it’s packed full of momentous history, a fantastic shopping experience, good schools and transport links with a wonderful array of things to do and see.
Great days out
Buttrumm’s Mill is a magnificent sight and a great photo opportunity.
Built in 1836, this six-storey Grade II listed mill worked the wind until 1928 and at 61ft high, it’s the tallest surviving mill in Suffolk. Entry is free and you can even climb the tower!
Dig out the walking boots and take a stroll down the river to Kyson Hill, a National Trust area covering just four acres.
It’s a charming estuarine landscape full of mudflats, saltings and lots of birds. It’s an easy 2.5 mile walk that everyone, including dogs, will love.
Located in an old US Air Force station is the Parham Airfield Museum – a must-see for WWII history lovers. There are engines, uniforms, combat records and a recreation of a barrack room.
Photo credit: Gaius Cornelius
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Suffolk Coast and Heaths is truly breathtaking. Go for a walk. Sit on the beach. Watch the birds. At its heart lies Rendlesham Forest where you’ll find walking and cycling trails and a little mobile café named, charmingly, Bear Grills where you can grab yourselves some refreshments.
Arguably the most important Anglo-Saxon discovery made is located at Sutton Hoo in 1938. Here was a king buried in a ship surrounded by treasures including gold, gems, a silver plate plus a ceremonial helmet.
Although much of the original treasure is now at the British Museum, it’s well worth a visit to get a real sense of Anglo-Saxon England.
Indeed you’ll find replicas of many of the findings at Sutton Hoo in the Woodbridge Museum alongside such gems as the fascinating histories of the local families who played a big part in building much of old Woodbridge.
For more details about Kyson Hill and Sutton Hoo, visit the National Trust website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
There’s a tonne of family fun to be had at Congo Rapids Lost World Adventure Golf.
Start on a raft, pass a jungle plane crash, marvel at the abandoned temple…. It’s a great giggle for the whole family.
Time to shop
There’s a thriving shopping experience in Woodbridge: fans of independent shops will be thrilled to discover what’s on offer including craft shops, wool shops, art galleries, delis, gentlemen and ladies outfitters… the list goes on. A must-visit is the regularly held market on Market Hill where you’ll find vintage items, craft and food stalls.
Time to relax
If it’s good food you’re in want of, you’ll have plenty of choice. Slightly out of the town centre are the Michelin Guide recommended Unruly Pig and Turk’s Head whilst closer to the centre clustered about Thoroughfare and Quay Street you’ll find delights such as The Table, The Crown, 1530 Restaurant as well as charming cafés including Mrs Pipers, Wild Strawberry and The Tea Hut.
There’s also some excellent pubs dotted around the town, some of the best are the Coach and Horses, the Old Mariner, The Anchor, The Bull and Ye Olde Bell & Steelyard.
Time for leisure
In Woodbridge you’ll find the ever-popular Riverside Theatre and cinema as well as the state-of-the-art Seckford Theatre.
There’s an excellent gym at the Debden Leisure Centre which also has a pool and for a bit of pampering Seckford Hall Hotel and Spa is where to go.
Golfers have the choice of either the Woodbridge or Seckford golf club, or for other outdoor pursuits, try the Woodbridge Tennis Club, Debden Rowing Club or the Debden Yacht Club.
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