Woodbridge

Mills, boats and Sutton Hoo

  • For the Kids
  • Places to Stay
  • What's on in Woodbridge
  • Woodbridge Flavours


    • About Woodbridge

    An ancient market town of considerable charm and a real sense of history at the head of the Deben Estuary on the opposite bank to Sutton Hoo, Woodbridge has a wealth of handsome historic buildings, fine pubs, excellent restaurants and interesting and unusual shops leading down to its thriving and attractive waterside area and quay.

    In and around Woodbridge...

    Woodbridge Fine Foods.
    The Angel. The Duke of York. The Old Mariner. The Cherry Tree. The Anchor.
    ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Themed Children’s Cupcake Workshop, Woodbridge Seckford Theatre, Woodbridge. The Riverside Theatre.

    History

    First mentioned in AD970, the name Woodbridge is believed to derive from the Anglo Saxon words meaning ‘Woden’s’ or ‘Odin’s’ town. From its earliest time shipbuilding flourished in Woodbridge and both Edward III in the 14th century and Drake in the 16th century sailed in ships built in here.

    Much of the architecture reflects the town’s greatest benefactor Thomas Seckford, who rebuilt the abbey, paid for St Mary’s Church chapel and founded the alms-houses and in
    1575 the splendid Shire Hall on Market Hill.

    For the Family

    There is still plenty of riverside activity and the river boasts a cruising club, sailing club and rowing club; canoeing is also popular. There are some excellent boat trips along the Deben from the quay and you might want to sign up for a sailing or canoeing course during your stay.

    Walking along the river you will pass the Riverside Cinema and Theatre (with restaurant), and the station before reaching the park with its Victorian bandstand, model boat lake (very popular with all ages), tennis courts and tea rooms.

    The quayside has been attractively redeveloped, and there are some nice cafes including the Waterfront Café, where you can relax with a coffee and watch the river activity. Close by is a magnificent tide mill. Built in 1793 Woodbridge Tide Mill is the only one in the country that has been restored to full working order.

    Woodbridge has a selection of museums to suit all the family.  The Suffolk Punch Museum’s exhibition is devoted to the Suffolk Punch breed of heavy working horses, the oldest breed in the world. Just down the hill is the Woodbridge Museum, a treasure trove of information on the town, whilst Sutton Hoo ‘the page one in the history of England’ is just a mile out of town.

    A stroll along the Thoroughfare will take an age, there are so many fascinating shops and several excellent local coffee shops, and if you like antiques then a gentle climb up Church Hill will reveal some real gems.

     

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