One of the ‘gems’ in Suffolk’s crown, uber trendy Woodbridge is a pick ‘n mix of independent shops, cool cafes and note worthy restaurants.
You can be sure to be met with big skies, big welcomes and big walks along the idyllic waterfront location as the River Deben meanders through some of the Counties finest countryside.
Time and time again Woodbridge proves to be a magnet for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Yet the true magic lies not only within the confines of Woodbridge itself, but in the enchanting village’s that dot its periphery. Each one possesses a character and lure uniquely its own, promising those visitors who are prepared to step outside the fold, an unforgettable journey and worthwhile destination.
Bredfield can be found two miles North of Woodbridge and feels like a cosy hug from rural England.
It is surrounded by rolling farmland, enchanting woodlands and stunning countryside vistas. Walkers love Bredfield due to its expansive footpath offerings, as well The Jubilee Meadow and Orchard that humans and dog alike can enjoy.
This wonderful Suffolk village embodies the warm and welcoming spirit of a close-knit community. The village shop is run by the villagers and stocks a wonderful plethora of local products and fresh goods. You can even get wholemeal flour made at the Woodbridge Tide Mill or honey from the meadow’s bees. Tucked behind the village shop is a play area and tennis courts as well as a wonderful view over the countryside.
Here you will be spoilt for choice for holiday accommodation and can find Gad About and Meadow View in the area, both idyllic cart lodges which will prove to be a fantastic base for all of the exploring our county deserves.
When you leave the city behind and imagine village life, Grundisburgh is all you could hope for.
Situated three miles from Woodbridge, the village has all you could ask for and more. Stunning pub. Check. Award winning deli. Check. Village shop and Post Office. Check. What’s not to love. There is a stunning green, criss-crossed by the River Lark and home to Saint Mary’s Church, which looks like something from a historical fairy-tale. Do yourself a favour and spend an hour or two having a pint of the local Ale at The Grundisburgh Dog and probably the best Scotch Egg money can buy from The Grundisburgh Dog Deli.
Haskeston is just one mile Northeast of Woodbridge and a bit special in our eyes.
For us it’s all about the “Food, glorious food!” All hail The Turks Head. Suffolk is becoming universally known as ‘The Foodie County’ and Hasketon, where The Turks Head is located, is certainly one of the jewels in its crown. Located just outside Woodbridge, this picturesque village is already home to the acclaimed Gressingham Duck and Sutton Hoo Chicken.
Further down the road you can find Grange Farm, another food lovers’ haven, where good food won’t cost you the Earth, and local producers and suppliers showcase the best Suffolk has to offer.
Who doesn’t love a farm shop and this one is fabulous, selling the freshest, most local food with a good selection of store cupboard essentials, with regular foodie events on their meadow. Here you will find “A Passion for Seafood” and will be wowed with their display of fresh, sustainably caught fish and shellfish. Next door The Barn Cafe serves breakfasts, lunch and wonderful home-made cakes and cups of tea.
Ufford lies three miles North of Woodbridge and should perhaps be referred to as the Georgian Jewel with its architecture and rolling countryside.
One of the most notable feathers in its cap are its two award winning pubs that it houses beneath its confines.
“The Ufford Crown” is a family run pub that takes its food very seriously. If you can get a table for Sunday lunch, you feel extremely lucky and if you order the belly of pork, you might never want to leave.
The lesser known “White Lion” is a quintessential country pub set next to a Victorian water meadow on the River Deben. Here you can find a microbrewery which might interest the beer savvy amongst us as well as priding itself on being very child and dog friendly. Worth a detour for sure.
The villages they sit in offer a unique charm and authenticity that can only be found in the heart of rural life.
It is here that hospitality isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a way of life. Whilst Woodbridge has its own, very special allure, there’s an intangible magic in the simplicity and authenticity that can’t be replicated elsewhere. So the next time you plan a getaway, consider trading the hustle and bustle for thr tranquil embrace of a village – you won’t regret it.
