Centred around the River Deben, Woodbridge has plenty to offer and featured in our top ten places to visit in Suffolk. Here’s how to make the most of a trip to the Suffolk gem this summer:
Woodbridge Tide Mill Living Museum
Perhaps the most popular feature of Woodbridge, the iconic landmark is over 800 years old. Interactive models and video animations sit alongside the mill’s illustrated history. Resting on the bank of the Deben on a beautiful riverfront, just getting there is a delight in itself. Check the website for the wheel turning and milling times during the open season between Easter and October. www.woodbridgetidemill.org.uk
Shopping
The range of shops in Woodbridge is extensive. Often complimented for its independent shops and boutiques, people often overlook the extensive food and drink offering in Woodbridge. With a greengrocer, a butcher, a delicatessen and a fishmonger, grocery shopping in Woodbridge is a delight.
Award-winning bread and cakes
The Cake Shop Bakery and Firestation Café sit on the bustling Thoroughfare. The family business has won numerous awards for its excellent baking and has been providing bread to the people of Woodbridge since 1946. Now in its third generation it has won numerous awards including ITV’s ‘Britain’s Best Bakery’ last year as well as four Gold’s and two Silvers in the 2014 World Bread Awards.
An awe-inspiring Anglo-Saxon royal burial site and exhibition spread over several acres with commanding views back towards Woodbridge over the river Deben. There are the burial mounds themselves as well as a dramatic exhibition with its reconstruction of the burial chamber which evokes a sense of the ritual that must have taken place, and shows how the treasures were laid out around the king.
Woodbridge evenings
All tastes are catered for with such a compact town centre Woodbridge makes a delightful spot for an evening promenade. The Town boasts a number of bars and pubs from the chic to the noisy and restaurants that serve a variety of palates. Starting off in Market Square you have the Kings Head with Adnam’s and guest ales and a pub grub menu. Next door is The Galley restaurant for gourmet dining with a Turkish slant, The Angel just around the corner usually has some music of open night events before you slide down Church St to Cross Corner where cocktails at the chic bar at The Crown await. Further down Quay Street The Table restaurant and Anchor pubs sit opposite the Royal Bengal – a juxtaposition of light salads and fresh fish with a taste of the Raj. For exceptional food and wine head to The Unruly Pig, which has recently been listed in The Good Food Guide 2016.
Rendlesham Forest
When compared to the rest of the UK Suffolk is flat and has less rainfall, combine that with the beautiful forests to the east of Woodbridge, just beyond Sutton Hoo as it happens, and you have the makings of a beautiful day out. There are sections of the Sandlings Walk, a much longer 58 mile walk up to Southwold, that you can walk.
If, after you’ve worked up an appetite, you want to grab a pub lunch then the Wilford Bridge or the Sorrell Horse, Shottisham are nearby or the Ramsholt Arms on the River Deben or the Froize Inn, Chillesford are a little bit further out.
14 May, Woodbridge Street Fair
Inspired by the Queen’s birthday and supported by Choose Woodbridge, Nicky Risby, owner of Ninni Noo Boutique, is organising a Street Fair in Woodbridge on 14 May on Thoroughfare and Market Hill ahead of the Woodbridge 10k road race on 15 May.
In an interesting twist, the fair is aimed at local shoppers, hoping to entice them to take the time to explore Woodbridge’s shops and cafes with fresh eyes, as if they were visiting for the first time. To tempt and spoil shoppers, Woodbridge retailers will put on special offers for the whole weekend. On the Saturday, the wide range of products with spill out into the street for all to see with buskers and entertainers helping create a festival atmosphere.
21 May, What’s Tasty Strawberry and Asparagus Fayre
The spring ‘What’s Tasty’ seasonal food market returns to Woodbridge’s Market Hill from 9.30am – 3.30pm with its established mix of street food, fresh local produce – and some from farther afield – as well as cooking demonstrations on an open grill by talented local chefs.
26 June, Woodbridge Regatta & Riverside Fair
Taking place all along the river from The Tide Mill to the Deben Yacht Club, activities start at 12noon with Songs of Praise on the Tea Hut stage and finish with the Woodbridge & District Lions Club Duck Dive at the Model Yacht Pond at 5.30pm.
People of all ages gather beside the River Deben for yacht, dinghy and tender races, as well as the single oar sculling race in memory of Frank and Christine Knights and the entertaining raft race organised by 1st Woodbridge Scout Group. The Tide Mill is offering free admission and people can take advantage of free boat trips up and down the river throughout the day.
Families can head to the Bandstand for face painting and games. People can bring their model yachts to sail on the Model Boat Pond or even hire one on the day from the Tea Hut. Live music will fill the air at various intervals along the riverside including The Tea Hut and The Cruising Club.
Enjoy this article? Find out more about great places to visit in the Suffolk Guide 2016/17, also see all our articles about Suffolk.
Do you know any other great places to visit in Woodbridge? Let us know below:
