Woodbridge, a charming market town in Suffolk, has recently earned the title of “happiest place to live in the UK,” according to Rightmove. While one former football manager, Roy Keane, once suggested its appeal was limited to summer weekend getaways, a closer look reveals a town with year-round charm.
Wandering through Woodbridge, one is immediately struck by its picturesque atmosphere. Seckford Street, with its market stalls offering fresh bread outside the historic Shire Hall, sets the tone. The town’s architecture, a mix of colorful buildings and crooked beams, contributes to its unique character.
The River Deben plays a central role in Woodbridge’s appeal. Strolling along its banks, one encounters houseboats adorned with flowerpots, smoke curling from their chimneys against dramatic skies. The gentle lapping of the tide and the cries of seagulls complete the tranquil scene. The working tide mill, a three-story structure dating back to 1793, stands as a testament to the town’s history.
Beyond the waterfront, Woodbridge offers a delightful shopping experience. The Thoroughfare, a pedestrianized street, is lined with independent shops, including bookstores, tea rooms, antique shops, and fishmongers. Local favorites include Honey + Harvey, a popular breakfast spot known for its Belgian waffles and coffee. Several stylish home décor stores, such as the Scandinavian-inspired Vanil and Pascale, offer curated selections of homeware. In New Street, Homespun showcases international fashion alongside locally designed clothing.
Market Hill features high-end boutiques like Fanny & Frank, offering designer labels, while Uniform Research caters to a younger demographic. For those seeking culinary delights, The Anchor pub serves traditional English fare, while other notable pubs include The Red Lion, The Old Mariner, Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard (reputed to be one of England’s oldest pubs), and The Angel, renowned for its extensive gin selection.
Woodbridge’s location, while not directly on a mainline train route to London, contributes to its peaceful atmosphere. Commuters often utilize the nearby Manningtree station, offering convenient access to the capital.
The surrounding area offers further opportunities for exploration. Just a short distance across the River Deben lies Sutton Hoo, the Anglo-Saxon burial site made famous by the film “The Dig.” A reconstruction of the longship discovered there in 1939 is currently being built by volunteers on Woodbridge’s quayside. Rendlesham Forest, known for its natural beauty and a famous UFO incident in 1980, provides a scenic escape for walking and cycling. The Unruly Pig, a gastropub in nearby Bromeswell, offers award-winning British cuisine with Italian influences.
Woodbridge distinguishes itself from other Suffolk coastal towns by maintaining a year-round community feel. It possesses the charm of places like Aldeburgh and Southwold but avoids the seasonal influx of second-home owners. The town’s hidden alleys, diverse shops, and the ever-present draw of the quayside offer constant opportunities for discovery. Enjoying fresh fish and chips by the river, while listening to the wading birds, it’s easy to understand why Woodbridge has earned its reputation as a happy place.
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