Come to historic Woodbridge and enjoy the very best of Sunny Suffolk
Woodbridge
Woodbridge is a charming historic riverside market town on the banks of the River Deben. It is a fashionable tourist and business destination known as the gem in Suffolk’s crown.
The town is a popular destination for walkers, nature lovers, sailors, golf enthusiasts, shoppers and lovers of fine dining. It is a perfect getaway for those looking for a relaxing and peaceful stay in a beautiful and historic part of England.
Sutton Hoo
Sutton Hoo is the site of a historic Anglo-Saxon ship-burial thought to be that of Rædwald, the King of East Anglia who reigned from about 599 until his death around 624. From around 616, Rædwald was the most powerful of all the English kings.
In the summer of 1939, the Sutton Hoo ship burial was discovered. Archaeologists painstakingly brushed away layers of sandy soil to reveal the shape of a ship beneath a mound, and in the centre of the ship they found a burial chamber full of the most extraordinary Anglo-Saxon artefacts and treasures.
The most significant artefacts from the ship-burial are displayed in the British Museum but not before they were taken to The Bull where the archaeologists stayed and collated their priceless finds. Sutton Hoo is widely appreciated as one of the most important archaeological sites in the UK.
More details including how to visit the site can be found at: -
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo
Woodbridge Tide Mill
Woodbridge Tide Mill was first recorded as a working mill in 1170 when it was owned by Augustine Priors. It is one of the few remaining fully working tide mills in the UK and is a fascinating and remarkable living example of our industrial and cultural heritage. More details can be found at: -
https://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/
Other notable attractions in Woodbridge include the 16th century Shire Hall, the 15th century St Mary’s Church, and near the Tide Mill is the impressive Woodbridge Museum.
Walking/Hiking
There are some lovely trails to try along the River Deben which is classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Head north along the river and this will take you towards Melton where you can cross the river at Wilford Bridge to visit the National Trust site and museum at Sutton Hoo.
Follow the river south and you will soon come to Kyson Hill. The National Trust owned area includes a grassy hill, surrounded by woods that slope down to the saltings and mudflats of the tidal Deben. It's a great area for bird watching with many species visiting the estuary. Look out for egrets, oyster catchers, plovers, teals, little grebes, redshanks, black tailed godwits, and curlews as you make your way along the river.
The route then follows other paths back to the town through the countryside.
To extend your waterside walking, follow the river south and with a short detour along Martlesham Creek where you can cross over the creek and track back to the River Deben which takes you all the way to Felixstowe.
You can also head west through the countryside along the Fynn Valley Walk to Playford.
Just to the east of the town you will find Rendlesham Forest. The mysterious forest includes the UFO trail which takes you to some of the areas connected to the UFO sighting of December 1980.
For more details of the trails around Woodbridge try :-
Walks near Woodbridge
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Sutton Hoo - Explore the 255-acre estate of this Anglo-Saxon burial site and enjoy lovely views of the River Deben
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Fynn Valley Walk - This footpath runs along the River Fynn from Witnesham to Woodbridge
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River Deben - Enjoy a waterside walk along the River Deben from Woodbridge to Felixstowe Ferry
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East Suffolk Line Walks - Follow the 'East Suffolk Line' railway from Ipswich to Lowestoft on this splendid walk through the Suffolk countryside
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Rendlesham Forest - Rendlesham Forest is probably most famous for reported UFO sightings in 1980 but it is also a great place for cycling and walking
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Sandlings Walk - A walk through the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty from Southwold to Ipswich via Woodbridge
Birdwatching
The idyllic countryside around Woodbridge is ideal for those who love birdwatching. By far the easiest are the trails to the north and south along the River Deben.
Further afield, you can head towards a number of reserves that are great for birdwatching: -
RSPB Havergate Island (30 minutes from Woodbridge)
Access is only possible on the RSPB boat, October Storm, which departs Orford Quay on the first Saturday each month except May, June and July. Numbers are strictly limited so advance booking is essential by calling 01728 688959.
RSPB North Warren (30 minutes from Woodbridge)
For great hiking or bird watching, the RSPB North Warren reserve near Aldeburgh is a fantastic and easily accessible getaway. Public footpaths lead you through a wide variety of habitats within a relatively small area. Access to North Warren is free and dogs are welcome, but please keep them under close control and remain on the paths.
RSPB Minsmere (40 minutes from Woodbridge)
There’s a choice of countryside walks through stunning coastal, wetland, woodland and heathland scenery, and various hides where you can sit and relax as you watch the wide variety of wildlife. Volunteer guides are often on hand to help, or, book a guided walk before you visit.
For more information about Woodbridge and the surrounding area, the following websites can give you more ideas:-
http://www.visit-woodbridge.co.uk/
http://choosewoodbridge.co.uk/
https://www.thetouristtrail.org/locations/england/suffolk/