17 Wonderful Things To Do In Woodbridge, Suffolk – By A Local

Living in Woodbridge for 20 years, I’ve spent many hours exploring our town the banks of the River Deben. There are countless things to do Woodbridge but it’s hard to find the hidden gems we locals love if you’re just visitor for a few days.

Imagine a small English coastal town with a wealth of historic places to visit, several fun museums, a high street of independent shops, and local farmer markets.

Add in scenic riverside walks, fabulous places to eat, festivals & events throughout the year. Use our guide to the best of things to do in Woodbridge and have an amazing visit! 

Best Woodbridge Activities

East Anglia is the driest part of the UK with half the average rainfall of other counties. Despite this, British weather can be unpredictable at times. So we’ve included a mix of both indoor and outdoor tried and trusted activities to choose from.

1. Take a Riverside Walk Along The Deben

You can start your walk at different points but our favourite is from the Quay. The path is mostly flat and suitable for all ages, making it easy for families, dog walkers, or if you are just looking to enjoy a peaceful stroll.

Turn right from the Quay to follow the main path passing by Whisstocks Boatyard (more on that later), numerous houseboats, cafes, rowing/ yacht clubs, and a model boat pond.  There are benches along the path at various intervals to sit and enjoy the river.  

Look out for the sculpture of The Sisters by Andrew Baldwin.  It celebrates Molly and Ethel Everson who, along with their brothers Cyril and Bert, managed the Deben boatyard inherited from their father until 1969. 

Depending on the tides, you are never sure just how much of them you are going to see!   

Continue on this path as far as Kyson Point and even beyond to Martlesham Creek if the tide allows.  From here, follow signs through the woods to Kingston Park or go up Broomheath and walk back into Woodbridge on the main road. Alternatively, return along the river for views from a different perspective. 

If you turn left from the Quay and walk along to Melton Boat Yard, you will enjoy a quieter walk of just over 1 mile. Enjoy the wildlife on this route.  You will pass by the Deben Cafe Bar which is an old warship. It’s a popular stop for a coffee, drink or snack so go ‘on deck’ to enjoy this unique spot.  

Once you get to the boat yard, turn left and walk back up Melton Hill into Woodbridge or simply walk back along the river. The Coach and Horses Pub in Melton is a nice spot for lunch.  

2. Explore the Tide Mill and Museum

Duration: Allow one hour or longer to do the kids’ activities on offer. 

Woodbridge Tide Mill is a UK Grade 1 listed building dating back to 1793, one of only a handful of working mills in the world producing flour regularly! It recently was featured on the BBC Antiques Roadshow.  

When planning your visit, check online for the exact times you can see the mill wheel turning. This operation is dependent on the tides. 

During a visit, you will also learn about the mill’s history, see the grinding process, and discover where the flour goes. 

3. Discover the archaeological site of Sutton Hoo

Duration: Allow at least half a day or longer if you include the woodland walks.   

Just a short drive (3 miles) from Woodbridge lies Sutton Hoo, one of the most important archaeological locations in England and a National Trust Site.

Walk over the heathland to the burial mounds uncovered in 1939. This is where the remains of a 60-foot-long ship were found along with a huge number of gold, silver, iron, weaponry, and artifacts from the 6th and 7th centuries.  

Climb up the tower to a viewing platform for a superb view over the mounds and the estate. 

Next, go into Tranmer House and the Exhibition Hall at Sutton Hoo to learn about Edith Pretty and Basil Brown who were behind the archaeological investigations. Through audio clips and visual exhibits,  you’ll be transported back to 1939.  

Finally spend time in The Visitor Centre, a modern interactive museum that explains the significance of the burial mounds and its treasures. There’s a small cafe, gift shop, and bookstore on site.   

You will find lots of activities here to entertain the kids like dressing up as an Anglo-Saxon king or warrior. 

4. Soak Up Cafe Culture at Whisstocks Place

If you love cafe culture, head to Whisstocks Place.   

This is a fairly new development at the heart of the Woodbridge Waterfront. Open daily, the spot is a great place to come for a cup of coffee with views of the river and old mill.  But there’s a lot more to do here like seeing a longboat construction in progress!

Foodwise, head to The Woodyard –  recently nominated in the National UK Pizza Awards! Yum! They serve fantastic pizzas, reasonably priced and you can order takeaway.

Alternatively, The Boatyard serves a range of dishes and a bottomless brunch if you are celebrating something special! 

Throughout the year, there are regular events at Whisstocks Place including live music, pop-up shops, and local markets.  

5. See A Longboat at Longshed, Whisstocks Place

Free to enter

The Longshed is a Woodbridge community space used for different projects.  As a visitor or even us locals, it is an intriguing place to pop into as there is always something new to see.  

Currently their main project is a £1 million full-size reconstruction of an Anglo-Saxon king’s burial ship found at the Sutton Hoo royal burial ground.   Those working on the projects are always happy to stop their work and share local stories and knowledge with you. 

The upstairs gallery has interesting artwork and exhibits along with a small gift shop. 

6. Visit Woodbridge Museum

After exploring around the Longshed, pop next door to Woodbridge Museum. Although small, it has brilliant displays telling the story of Woodbridge, famous local people, and surrounding areas like Sutton Hoo.  

A special corner of the museum is set up for children with fun activities.  Volunteers run the museum and have excellent local knowledge and are always happy to answer questions. 

The small museum shop has a range of souvenirs, books, and postcards to purchase.  Whilst entry is free, if you can leave a small donation, it helps support the museum.

7. Walk the Woodbridge Heritage Trail

If you have picked up the leaflet from the museum, get ready for a great walk around Woodbridge especially if you love history. 

The leaflet lists 26 places of interest and kids will have fun ticking them off.  Pass by houses from different time periods such as Georgian ones in Cumberland Street. This is the street where the Duke of Cumberland lived during the Napoleonic Wars.  

Go into 15th century St Mary’s church. To the left of the altar is the tomb of Thomas Seckford who was an official at the court of Queen Elizabeth 1.

Further on, look out for the Angel Inn at the Top of Market hill with its Tudor timber architecture.  Next head  to New Street, and spot The Bell and Steelyard Inn which was used for weighing loaded waggons on their way from the market to the quays.   

Your walk ends back at Whisstocks place and the Tide Mill. 

Walking can be thirsty work!   Pause at one of these traditional pubs on your route. All have outdoor seating areas and serve excellent food along with local beer and wines.

• The Anchor,
• Kings Head,
• The Angel,
• Bell and Steelyard Inn. 

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining in Woodbridge.  There are cafes, restaurants, and pubs to suit all tastes and budgets.

8. Browse & Shop On The Thoroughfare

Woodbridge shopping centres around a main street called the Thoroughfare. It is pedestrianised and lined with well stocked independent shops. If you like antiques, art galleries, homeware stores, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

There are several  British high street names too but in between you’ll find great little boutiques, gift shops (we love Amore), delicatessens and coffee shops.  There’s also a Post Office, Travel agent and plenty of ATMs. 

Off the Thoroughfare,  you’ll find the Turban Centre and Gobbits Yard with further shops to potter in.   

There’s loads of parking around town at reasonable prices.  Most offer the first 30 minutes FREE. You still have to put in your number plate and dispkay a ticket.  

9. Discover the Shire Hall and Explore Market Hill

Once you’ve walked to the end of The Thoroughfare, turn right and go up Church Street.   There are a couple of interesting shops here to browse in plus a local Indian restaurant – The Shapla – which is excellent! 

Continue up towards St Mary’s church and on to Market Hill where you will see the impressive Shire Hall.   If you’ve done the Heritage Walk, you will have already discovered this area.  

This Grade 1 listed building built by Thomas Seckford in 1575 has served Woodbridge for 450 years. The ground floor used to be an open corn market whilst the upper part was for judicial purposes.  

Today the hall serves as an administration centre.  It is also an approved premises for weddings so you may well see one on a summer Saturday. 

It is also the venue for many events during the year like the annual 10K Running Race in May and the Christmas Carol Concert in December. 

Whilst at Market Hill, pop into the King’s Head or the Bull Hotel for a drink.  Shop in the boutiques on either side of the Shire Hall or have a coffee in front of the hall – there are indoor and outdoor seating/eating spots.   This is also where the Thursday markets are held.

10. Go to a Local Farmer’s Market

On Thursdays, go to Market Hill.  Buy fresh bread, pastries, cheese, pies, fresh flowers and plants, fruit, vegetables, and delicious preserves from local vendors.

Just off the Thoroughfare on Hamblin Road, The Fish Box always has a fabulous selection of seasonal fish.  

There are many wonderful Farmers markets in Suffolk. If you have a car why not drive out to Wickham Market 5 miles away.

11. Explore Kingston Park

Woodbridge has two parks both close to the centre. Elmhurst is just off the Thoroughfare and has a small kids play area.  Vintage markets are held here several times a year.  It is peaceful and traditional with a  bandstand and pretty flower borders around the park. 

Kingston is the bigger of the two parks and here you will find lots to do.  

There’s tennis courts, a cafe, table tennis, a large play area, outdoor gym circuit and loads of green space if you want to picnic, play your own ball games with the kids or just relax. 

Just over the rail track behind Kingston Park, you’ll find the Model Boat Pond. There’s more picnic areas here too.  Pop into the Tea Hut here – a popular spot for breakfast, coffee, cakes and of course tea!  

12. Swim and Workout At Deben Leisure Centre

If it’s indoor sports you’re looking for or it’s a wet day, go to Deben Leisure Centre. Swim, book a gym session or take an exercise class.  

Choose the pay as you go option for activities or simply pop in to see what’s going on.  

13. Watch a Movie or Live Show at The Riverside

We’re lucky in Woodbridge to have a couple of options for both cinema and live theatre. Seckford Theatre, in the grounds of Woodbridge School, has a local amateur dramatic theatre with live shows each month. 

We like The Riverside Theatre as they have regular showings of both new releases and popular films.  They also include links to some live theatre shows from London’s West End so take a look at their programme and plan your visit. 

The popular Riverside restaurant is also here so why not combine your movie visit with a drink or meal.  Their movie and meal voucher for £25 allows you a movie of your choice plus a 2 course meal!   

In summer,  sit in the outdoors seating area and treat yourself to an  ice-cream from the parlour in front of the cinema.  

14. Cruise along the River Deben

If you fancy a river trip, Suffolk River Trips operate seasonally from Woodbridge and the nearby villages of Orford and Snape. 

Closer to Woodbridge, is the village of Waldringfield. From here, you can also sail seasonally with Deben Cruises.  This is another lovely spot to enjoy the river from.   

Afterwards, pop into The Maybush for a delicious traditional pub lunch. Eat outside if you can for a fantastic views of the river.  

15. Explore Watersports at the Deben Yacht Club

As Woodbridge is situated by a river, you’re very likely to spot someone water on the river in their canoe, paddle board, rowing boat, sailboat or kayak.  

If you are interested in booking a course of lessons or hiring a Boat contact Deben Yacht Club.

At the time of writing you don’t need a licence to go paddleboarding on the Deben.  So  if you have your own board, enjoy the water whenever you choose.  

16. Enjoy a Woodbridge Festival or annual event

There are always community events going on in Woodbridge. Here’s some of the most popular ones coming up in 2025. Check actual dates nearer the time. 

• Woodbridge 10K  (May 2025). Now in its 43rd year, this annual event has grown into a major running race in the county.  You will find Lots going on in the town on this day and it great fun to spectate.  The nearest weekly park run is at Kesgrave. (5 miles away)
• Woodbridge Regatta  (June 2025)  Free Entry. Watch a number of boat races taking place on the River Deben.  Food, stalls and live music entertainment is centred around Whisstocks Place.
• Maverick Music Festival (July 25)  Located at Easton, 9 miles from Woodbridge, this 3 day Americana music event is increasingly popular.
• Woodbridge Festival of Art and Music   (August/September 25) Local artists perform at various locations around the town. 
• Go watch a Woodbridge football match.  Woodbridge has its own team and pitch so go along and cheer them on to a win! £8 for adults and £2 for children on the gate.  

17. Go UFO Hunting

And for those of you who like a mystery,  Rendlesham Forest, close to RAF Woodbridge was the site of a supposed UFO sighting in 1980 when unexplained lights were seen in the sky and a disturbance was reported in the forest. 

Go here and explore the path. It’s a three mile trail over easy terrain and it’s free to explore once you’ve paid for parking.

Where To Stay In Woodbridge

Here are several great places to stay in and around Woodbridge which cater to different budgets.

📍Best Budget Option: Cherry Tree Inn – a charming inn with open fires for winter cosiness and outside seating in the summer months. It offers 3 types of rooms and rates include breakfast. Dog friendly.

They often host beer festivals. It’s a 5 minute walk into town from here. 

📍Best Boutique Option: Crown Hotel – located in the heart of Woodbridge, the Crown has recently undergone a refurbishment, making it a great ‘in town’ choice.  Rooms range from cosy doubles to more luxurious higher priced options. 

The bar is lively, serving delicious cocktails and good food. Outdoor seating is available in summer.

📍Luxury Option: Seckford Hall – 2 miles outside Woodbridge, you’ll find this magnificent Seckford Hall Tudor hotel. If you play golf or enjoy a spa treatment this might be your preferred choice of accommodation.

Even if you don’t stay overnight, treat yourself to a traditional English afternoon tea in a beautiful setting! 

FAQs

If you’re thinking about coming to Woodbridge, here’s our answer to common things people ask before visiting.

How To Get to Woodbridge

Woodbridge is situated by the River Deben,  8 miles (13 km) from Ipswich.

Having your own car to explore the area is the best option to make the most of your time. But Woodbridge is also easily accessible by road and rail, with a train station connecting it to Ipswich and other nearby towns.  

If you are coming from London (90miles/148km away), catch the train at Liverpool Street Station and in just over an hour you will be in Ipswich. 

Use Trainline for booking your tickets and get them straight to your phone.

Link with a connecting train on the Lowestoft line to Woodbridge.  The closest airport is Stansted Airport about 60 miles away. 

Other Towns Near Woodbridge

Alternatively, spend a little longer in the neighborhood and travel a bit further to Aldeburgh or Southwold. Both are fantastic coastal Suffolk towns to enjoy a day, with lunch in a cozy restaurant.    

Or if you like a day on the beach head to Felixstowe which also has some great live entertainment at its Pavilion.

We hope our ideas are exciting and helpful – visit Woodbridge once and we feel sure you’ll be back!