Towns, Villages & Historic sites
Why not visit?
Woodbridge
Woodbridge is rich in history, picturesque views and welcoming atmosphere. Nestling near the head of the tidal reaches of the River Deben, Woodbridge has a host of independent shops, pubs and restaurants.
Landmark sights include the much-photographed historic and working Tide Mill and Buttrum’s Windmill. Across the river is the Anglo-Saxon burial ground of Sutton Hoo, operated by the National Trust.
There is a Farmers Market, 9am – 1pm, 2nd and 4th Saturday every month at the Community Centre.
There are also several delightful walks around Woodbridge and the surrounding villages.
Woodbridge Town Council runs a weekly market outside the Shire Hall on the Market Square every Thursday from 8am.
Woodbridge also has a swimming pool at Deben Leisure Centre, they have a fun children’s inflatable session on a Sunday. There is also a wonderful old cinema at the riverside theatre, the cinema has a very good restaurant and ice cream parlour.
Bawdsey
The village of Bawdsey is sited at the end of a long road at the mouth of the River Deben. Although slightly remote, the village attracts the holiday visitor because of its location next to the water’s edge and its wonderful views out across the estuary.
Bawdsey is very much a place to go to get away from it all. You can get homemade and locally sourced lunches and teas from the Boathouse Café.
There are an extensive network of cycle paths and walkways, which can be followed using the Ordinance Survey Explorer Maps numbers 212 and 231 (available from us on loan or to buy).
It’s lovely to combine a walk or cycle with a trip on the Deben Ferries with Harbour Master John White. Deben Ferries cross the river from Bawdsey Quay to the Felixstowe Ferry Café in Old Felixstowe, where you can see the fishing boats and seafood sheds. The ferry runs seasonally, carrying foot passengers and cycles, from Easter to April at weekends only, 10am to 5pm and daily from May to October, 10am to 6pm. Wave the bat at the end of the jetty to call the ferryman.
Sutton Hoo
An exciting Visitor Centre, with many interesting events. It is on the site of a famous ship burial of an anglo-saxon king and his most treasured possessions t: 01394 389714
Framlingham
The attractive market town of Framlingham is dominated by a Norman castle which was the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. There are always events being held at Framlingham so it’s definitely worth a visit. To find out more about events in Framlingham, please click here.
Framlingham Castle
Framingham Castle, ‘the castle on the hill’ made famous by Ed Sheehan, now owned by English Heritage, is a great place to visit. The Mere, alongside Framlingham Castle, is managed by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and a circular footpath enables visitors to appreciate the abundance of wildflowers and wildlife. The Town Trail is a great way of finding out more about the town’s history and interesting buildings.
Orford
One of the most delightful villages on the Suffolk Heritage Coast and a true historical gem. In the Middle Ages it was a thriving seaport from where Eleanor of Aquitaine set off to ransom her son Richard Coeur de Lion.
The Rivers Alde and Ore still flow past the quay and are home to fishermen, boats and birds. Across the river is Orford Ness National Trust Nature Reserve, the largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe and a former military test site; downstream is Haversgate Island, an RSPB Bird Sanctuary, famous for the avocet.
Orford has a fantastic castle keep to explore owned by English Heritage. It’s also home to Pump Street Bakery, a wonderful bakery and café that makes the most amazing chocolate you will ever taste.
Orford has something to offer to everyone: walkers, sailors, cyclists, bird lovers, music and art lovers, those interested in history and food, or those simply wanting to relax.
