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Woodbridge guide

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

Check out our handy ‘know before you go’ guide to make your visit a huge success!

The ‘gem’ 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 1838-39 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.

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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.

Useful Information

Check out the Find My Nearest website for helpful information on parking, public toilets, leisure centres, libraries, train stations, cinemas, theatres and museums.

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

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

The most convenient ways to find parking places in East Suffolk are either via Find My Nearest, and where parking fees apply the council’s RingGo parking service .

The free RingGo app allows drivers to locate a parking place before starting their journey, receive navigation to it, see how busy car parks are within an area, pay for your parking session and extend it if you need to. Signing up to RingGo is as easy as entering your car’s registration and your payment details. Find out more about registering and using the service on the RingGo how it works page.

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

Travel Information & News

For the latest travel information listen to or visit BBC Radio Suffolk

For local news, visit the East Anglian Daily Times of Eastern Daily Press websites.

Covid-19 testing in Suffolk

You can find useful information on Covid-19 testing on the Government website here;

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/testing/get-tested-for-coronavirus/

Local information on how and where to get a PCR test if you have symptoms can be found on Suffolk County Council’s website here;

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/getting-a-test/covid-19-testing-in-suffolk/

Local information on how and where to get a rapid lateral flow test if you do not have symptoms can be found on Suffolk County Council’s website here;

https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/getting-a-test/covid-19-asymptomatic-testing/