Woodbridge Area Guide

The much sought after market town of Woodbridge is located close to the Suffolk Heritage Coast on the banks of the beautiful River Deben. The town widely known for its beautiful historic buildings and wide ranging amenities which include a library, two theatres, cinema, sports facilities (including sailing, rowing, tennis, bowls, rugby and football clubs), dentists’ and doctors’ surgeries including Framfield Medical Centre and a selection of highly reputable schools.

There are spectacular riverside walks from the heart of the town and Woodbridge is well placed for visiting some of the county’s best loved attractions such as Orford and Framlingham Castles, Sutton Hoo, Aldeburgh, Southwold and the world-renowned Concert Hall at Snape Maltings. For lovers of the outdoors and nature, nearby attractions included RSPB Minsmere, Shingle Street, the forests at Rendlesham and the foot ferries at Bawdsey and Butley. The County town of Ipswich is approximately 10 miles south-west of Woodbridge.

Highlights and attractions

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB

Suffolk Coast & Heaths was designated in 1970 with the purpose of conserving and enhancing the habitats and biodiversity of the special heathlands, woodlands, estuaries and coast.

An ever popular location for walkers and nature lovers, the area boasts breath-taking views and a great variety of spectacular wildlife.

Historic Attractions

Woodbridge and the surrounding areas offer a wealth of historic sites to visit.

Framlingham castle is a 12th century fortress and the ruins are extensive. It was once a refuge of Mary Tudor before she became Queen in 1553.

Orford Castle a unique polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle stands beside the pretty town and former port of Orford, which Henry II also developed there.

Sutton Hoo is one of the most exciting and important archeological sites in the UK; the site of two early medieval cemeteries dating from the 6th to 7th centuries. Archaeologists have been excavating the area since 1938, and the story of this was recently popularised in the film "The Dig".

Snape Maltings is a beautiful heritage site, with its converted Victorian buildings, and is home to independent shops and galleries, wonderful places to eat, and several performance venues – including the world-famous Snape Maltings Concert Hall.

Food and drinks

Woodbridge is extremely well served by pubs and restaurants for a town of its size. The surrounding countryside and villages are also dotted with charming country pubs.

Commuting

Woodbridge and many of the surrounding villages are served by the A12 and A14 providing good links by road to Ipswich and the Heritage Coast.

Rail Services

Woodbridge station is on the Ipswich-Lowestoft East Suffolk Line with connections via Ipswich to London Liverpool St. Ipswich station is on the Great Eastern Main Line approximately 70 miles east of London Liverpool Street Station with a journey time from Ipswich of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Schools

Private Schools: The Abbey (Preparatory School), Woodbridge School (Senior School).
State Schools: Woodbridge Primary School, St Mary’s C Of E Primary School, Kyson Primary School, and Farlingaye High School.