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Woodbridge guide

Woodbridge is a beautiful and vibrant market town on the banks of the River Deben

One of the ‘gems’ in Suffolk’s crown, Woodbridge combines excellent shops with superb pubs and restaurants and numerous activities both indoors and out. On the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodbridge is the perfect base from which to explore the Suffolk Coast and its many tourist attractions.

Did you know?

Woodbridge lies along the River Deben, and about 8 miles from the coast. It is associated with the most important Anglo Saxon site in the UK; Sutton Hoo. Chronicled most recently in the Netflix series ‘The Dig’, in 1938-39 archeologists unearthed an Anglo Saxon ship burial with a wealth of artefacts, most iconic of which- the Sutton Hoo helmet- now reside in the British Museum.

Woodbridge has a history of rope-making, sail-making and boat-building and Sir Francis Drake had his fighting ships built at Woodbridge.

The town has a working Tide Mill -one of only two in the UK and the earliest. Rendlesham Forest, close to RAF Woodbridge was the site of a supposed UFO sighting in 1980 when unexplained lights were seen in the sky and a disturbance was reported in the forest.

things to do woodbridge where to stay in woodbridge where to eat in woodbridge

Location

Woodbridge Highlights

1. The River Walk and Tide Mill

Towns & Villages - Woodbridge - Tide Mill

This was voted the most loved element of Woodbridge by its residents. Many love to enjoy a coffee on the Quayside, stroll along the riverside paths admiring the iconic working Tide Mill and soaking up the whimsical vistas across the river – maybe even spotting the local seal!

Use these great Explorer Walking Guides as inspiration!

Woodbridge Explorer Guide-AONB

Woodbridge and the River Deben Walk

2. Independent Shops & Fabulous Foodie Venues

Towns & Villages - Woodbridge - The Crown at Woodbridge bar

Covering every type of item from DIY and craft supplies to wool shops, outdoor clothing, boutiques, deli’s cook shops, tailors, and even a violin shop (almost as iconic as Tide Mill). You are spoilt for choice when it comes to great food in Woodbridge. Book a table at The Crown at Woodbridge where head chef Ben Hegarty brings his unique style to the exciting menu which comprises local produce.

3. Local Markets

Towns & Villages - Woodbridge - Shire Hall (c) Gill Moon Photography

Frequent markets are held on the Market Hill in the shadow of the beautiful Shire Hall. Seasonal food markets, (look out for locally grown asparagus) vintage markets, craft markets and many more supplement the local shopping scene throughout the year and give the local producers an opportunity to meet customers and show off their wares.

4. National Trust Sutton Hoo

Towns & Villages - Woodbridge - Helmet

National Trust Sutton Hoo is home to one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, its story was recently retold in the Netflix film 'The Dig' starring Ralph Fiennes as archaeologist Basil Brown and Carey Mulligan as owner Edith Pretty.

Walk around the ancient burial mounds and discover the incredible story of the ship burial of an Anglo-Saxon king and his treasured possessions. Come face to face with your ancestors and explore the award-winning exhibition, the full-size reconstruction of the burial chamber, stunning replica treasures and original finds from one of the mounds, including a prince's sword.

5. River Trips along the River Deben

Suffolk River Trips

Step on board Suffolk River Trips' Gina and explore the upper reaches of the beautiful River Deben. Departing from Woodbridge Town Steps you will enjoy a sailors view of Woodbridge, passing the historic site of Sutton Hoo en route. Gina carries up to 12 people and trips will be running between May and October.

Useful Information

Have a look at this neat little pocket guide to Woodbridge to help plan your trip and look out for printed copies in town.

Woodbridge Pocket Guide

Public Conveniences and Baby Changing Facilities

Opposite Hamblin Road Car Park (IP12 1BG)- Disabled toilet and baby change facilities

Jetty Lane, opposite the boat yard (IP12 4BB)- Disabled toilet and baby change facilities

Station Road Car Park, behind community centre (IP12 4AU) - Disabled toilet and baby change facilities

For more information on events and businesses in Woodbridge, visit www.choosewoodbridge.co.uk

Accessibility

Check out AccessAble's detailed access guides to Suffolk and work out if a place is going to be accessible to you.

The access guides cover multiple locations and venues across Suffolk, including places to stay, attractions, places to eat, stations, shops, trails and more.

The access guides are 100% facts, figures and photographs, checked by AccessAble's trained surveyors in person, people who know everyone's accessibility needs are different and understand how important it is for information to be detailed and accurate.

Free town wifi

Free WiFi is available within the town's WiFi zone, making it easy for you to get online during your visit.

See maps of where it is available in eleven East Suffolk towns, as well as instructions on how to access the free WiFi here.

Getting to Woodbridge - Public Transport

With Suffolk on Board you can plan journeys using public transport from and to a town or village, named station or stop, or point of interest.

As many destinations along the Suffolk coast are rural there can be limited public transport services on many routes, but there are journey solutions through various local community transport services that will get you to where you want to go/your final destination. These tend to need to be booked in advance but you can find out more and plan your journey at Suffolk on Board.

By Bus:

Local services to Ipswich, Felixstowe, Saxmundham, Framlingham and Martlesham.

For timetables and more information visit www.suffolkonboard.com

By Train:

The town's rail station is located on Station Road, Woodbridge IP12 4AU.

Greater Anglia Operate direct train services to Ipswich and Lowestoft, and on-going connections to Norwich, Cambridge and London Liverpool Street.

All train tickets can be purchased via the Greater Anglia Website or the app.

Car Parks in Woodbridge

East Suffolk Council car parks use several cashless providers which allow drivers to locate a parking place before starting their journey, receive navigation to it, pay for their parking session and even extend it should they need to. Find out more about registering and using the services at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/visitors/parking/car-parks/

Theatre Street – IP12 4NE – long stay Pay & Display

Oak Lane – IP12 1AA – short stay Pay & Display

Station Road – IP12 4AU – long stay Pay & Display

The Station – IP12 4AU – long stay Pay & Display

Hamblin Road – IP12 1BG – short stay Pay & Display

Lime Kiln Quay – IP12 1AZ – long stay Pay & Display

The Avenue – IP12 4BA – long stay Pay & Display

Walking in Woodbridge

Walking in East Suffolk has just become easier. In partnership with East Suffolk Council, walking app Go Jauntly has launched a collection of East Suffolk walks.

Go Jauntly is a free community-based app to promote walking, wayfinding and nature connection. You can find local walks created by people who know and love them, discover the greenest walking routes from A to B, create your own jaunts and enjoy outdoor adventures with friends and family.

Go Jauntly is available to download, for free, on the App Store and the Play Store.