Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>If you want the seaside lifestyle of the Suffolk coast but can&#8217;t afford the crazy price tags of Southwold, aka Hampstead-on-Sea, try pretty Woodbridge on the Deben estuary instead. This town is a really wonderful place to live with independent shops and streets that are lined with candy-coloured historic cottages and Georgian houses. Gorgeous countryside is all around and you can spend your spare time sailing on the water and enjoying riverside walks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="897" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/02/unruly-pig-food.jpg" alt="a dish at the unruly pig Woodbridge" class="wp-image-14917" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/02/unruly-pig-food.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/02/unruly-pig-food-150x135.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/02/unruly-pig-food-300x269.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/02/unruly-pig-food-557x500.jpg 557w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Unruly Pig</figcaption></figure>



<p>Plenty of places to keep foodies sated here. The Crown in Woodbridge is a brilliant pub headed up by well-known local chef <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/interview-sci-daniels-head-chef-the-crown-woodbridge/">Sci Daniels</a>. Just outside town you&#8217;ll find the Muddy Stilettos 2022 and 2024&#8217;s <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/unruly-pig-best-gastropub-suffolk-and-cambridgeshire/">best&nbsp;gastropub in the UK</a>, <a href="https://theunrulypig.co.uk">The Unruly Pig</a>, which is a wonderful place for fine dining as well as amazing pub food. <a href="https://www.froize.co.uk">Froize</a> is a fantastic rustic option in nearby Orford; choose <a href="https://www.theanchorwoodbridge.co.uk">The Anchor</a> for good pub grub; <a href="https://www.galley.uk.com">The Galley</a> for fine dining or amazing ice cream at their parlour next door; and for relaxed al fresco riverside food check out <a href="https://www.debeninns.co.uk/maybush/">The Maybush Inn</a>, <a href="http://www.theramsholtarms.com">The Ramsholt Arms</a> and <a href="https://www.theteahut.co.uk">The Tea Hut</a>. </p>



<p>Some new additions to the foodie scene include <a href="https://www.1975winebar.com">1975</a>, a wine bar and grazing platter restaurant, <a href="https://bistro47a.co.uk/">Bistro @47a</a> for local seasonal food, and <a href="https://www.thewoodyard.pizza">The Woodyard</a>, a great Neapolitan pizza restaurant. For something sweeter, there&#8217;s a branch of the lovely <a href="https://twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/woodbridge/">Two Magpies Bakery</a> in Woodbridge, and <a href="https://www.honeyandharvey.co.uk/woodbridge/">Honey + Harvey</a> has an outlet in town too, so you&#8217;re well covered for your daily caffeine fix.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop"><strong>SHOP</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Untitled-design-320.jpg" alt="Emily Mortimer jewellery" class="wp-image-42301" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Untitled-design-320.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Untitled-design-320-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Untitled-design-320-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/11/Untitled-design-320-400x267.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Emily Mortimer Jewellery</figcaption></figure>



<p>Woodbridge has lots of great indie shops and boutiques, alongside national brands such as Joules, Seasalt and Fat Face. Check out <a href="https://www.emilymortimer.co.uk">Emily Mortimer Jewellery</a>, much loved by Catherine, Princess of Wales – go on, you know you&#8217;re worth it. The area is well known for antiques and has an <a href="https://www.woodbridgeantiquescentre.co.uk">Antiques Centre</a>, perfect for kitting out your new period home. Some of Muddy&#8217;s favourite indies include <a href="https://newstreetmarket.com">New Street Market</a> for local handmade clothing and homeware as well as a pop-up restaurant; <a href="https://tilleyandgrace.co.uk">Tilley &amp; Grace</a> for fab accessories; <a href="http://pugandpussycat.co.uk/">The Pug &amp; The Pussycat</a> for cards and gifts; indie fashion shop <a href="https://hollyblueboutique.com/">Holly Blue Boutique</a>; <a href="https://www.barretts.co.uk">Barrett&#8217;s Home Decor Store</a> for interiors; and <a href="http://www.alexandersofwoodbridge.co.uk">Alexander&#8217;s of Woodbridge</a> for a trip back in time and every shade of chino and tweed you can imagine. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p><a href="https://studioflex.co.uk/classes/reformer-pilates/">StudioFlex</a> is a brilliant reformer pilates studio. For alternative therapies check out the <a href="https://www.wchc.info/therapies/">Complementary Health Centre</a>, where you can book everything from homeopathy and hypnotherapy to reiki and reflexology, and the <a href="https://nhcwoodbridge.co.uk">The Natural Health Centre</a> for energy therapy, Bowen technique, foot care and yoga. There are GPs and dentists in the town.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.woodbridgeriversidetrust.org/">Woodbridge Riverside Trust </a>is a buzzing community space on the waterfront that hosts talks and events throughout the year. There are plenty of annual events to get involved in too, including <a href="https://www.woodbridgefestival.com/">Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music</a> at the end of the summer, and a <a href="https://lifearts.co.uk/woodbridge-mind-body-spirit-festival-19-20-april-2025/">Mind Body Spirit Festival</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions"><strong>NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1170" height="550" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858.jpg" alt="Sutton Hoo boat reconstruction Woodbridge " class="wp-image-28889" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858.jpg 1170w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858-800x376.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858-1000x470.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858-400x188.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/10/149991129jun20150858-900x423.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sutton Hoo</figcaption></figure>



<p><a class="" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo">Sutton Hoo</a>, an Anglo-Saxon burial ground managed by the National Trust, is just outside Woodbridge and is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. There are loads of lovely walks and events year-round for all ages. On the waterfront there&#8217;s the <a href="https://woodbridgetidemill.org.uk/">Tide Mill Museum</a>, as well as a more modern building housing the <a href="https://woodbridgemuseum.com/">Woodbridge Museum</a>. Other local places to visit include the stunning <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/rendlesham-forest">Rendlesham Forest</a>, home to UFO sightings; several airfield museums; and the gorgeous waterside village of Orford, with an <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/">English Heritage castle</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Theatregoers don&#8217;t have to travel far for their fix – <a href="https://www.seckfordtheatre.org/whats-on/">Seckford Theatre</a> is in the grounds of Woodbridge School and shows a mix of plays, music and community events. Nearby <a href="https://www.glemhamhall.co.uk/">Glemham Hall</a> has regular cultural events in its grounds throughout the year, including the annual <a href="https://folkeast.co.uk/">FolkEast</a> folk and arts festival. Woodbridge also has its own <a href="https://woodbridgemuseum.com">museum</a>, a thriving <a href="https://theartssocietywoodbridge.org.uk">arts society</a> and hosts the <a href="https://www.woodbridgefestival.com">Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music</a> each year in September. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Well above the UK average at £448,406 but not bad considering the lovely location. Detached properties in Woodbridge sold last year for an average £658,750, with terraced properties going for £361,062. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/214967_ZNightwood0003511657_IMG_14_0000.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-42892" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/214967_ZNightwood0003511657_IMG_14_0000.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/214967_ZNightwood0003511657_IMG_14_0000-800x547.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/214967_ZNightwood0003511657_IMG_14_0000-1000x684.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2024/11/214967_ZNightwood0003511657_IMG_14_0000-400x273.jpeg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Right in the centre of the action but with a lovely private garden, this three-floor Thoroughfare townhouse is <a href="https://www.kwuk.com/property/thoroughfare-woodbridge-suffolk/">on the market for £650,000</a>. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Plenty of choice when it comes to Ofsted Good childcare. There&#8217;s <a href="https://www.woodbridgedaynursery.co.uk">Woodbridge Day Nursery</a>, <a href="https://www.littleleaderschildcare.co.uk/melton-setting/">Little Leaders Childcare Melton</a>, <a href="https://rectorygardenmontessori.co.uk">Rectory Garden Montessori School</a> with a toddler room for 12mths-2yrs and <a href="https://www.presmeredaynursery.co.uk">Presmere Day Nursery</a>. The <a href="https://www.thecornerstonenursery.co.uk">Cornerstone Day Nursery and Preschool</a> in Martlesham rates Ourstanding by Ofsted.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools"><strong>SCHOOLS</strong></h2>



<p>The most convenient option is <a href="https://www.woodbridgeschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woodbridge School</a>, which has a great reputation. You can also commute to <a href="https://www.ipswichhighschool.co.uk">Ipswich High School</a>, an academically excellent school with stunning grounds and facilities, as well as <a href="https://www.orwellpark.co.uk">Orwell Park Prep School</a>, which is well know for helping students get into their first choice of top secondary school. A final option from this well-placed town is <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/framlingham-college/">Framlingham College</a>, a gorgeous day and boarding school that places a lot of emphasis on life skills alongside academics. State schools in the area are all rated Good so take your pick from <a href="https://www.woodbridgeprimary.suffolk.sch.uk">Woodbridge Primary School</a>, <a href="http://www.farlingaye.suffolk.sch.uk">Farlingaye High School</a> and <a href="https://www.st-maryscofe.suffolk.sch.uk">St Mary&#8217;s C of E Primary School</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret"><strong>BEST KEPT SECRET</strong></h2>



<p>You might get a lovely wildlife surprise on a walk along the River Deben in Woodbridge – seals are sometimes spotted frolicking in the water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute"><strong>COMMUTE</strong></h2>



<p>London Liverpool Street is 87 mins by train and Ipswich, Colchester and Chelmsford are an easy drive away.  </p>



<p><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Woodbridge

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