Self-catering cottages and holiday accommodation in Woodbridge, Suffolk

Woodbridge is a small market town on the Suffolk coast that's popular with holidaymakers and day trippers.  

Thinking of taking a self catering cottage break in Woodbridge?  Browse through:

• Self catering and country cottages in Woodbridge Suffolk

Woodbridge is  famous for its Tide Mill -  the last one to stop working commercially in 1957 when the 22in main oak shaft broke.  The mill was restored and opened to the public in 1975, and can be seen operating at certain times.  Payment of a small entry fee entitles visitors to a guided tour of the mill and its history.  It is open daily from May to September, with weekend opening only during April and October.

Most visitors head for the waterfront where the mill stands.  It's a picturesque area, with a promenade overlooking the water, and benches to sit on to enjoy the views of boats bobbing on the river, birds circling the mud flats, and colourful boat yards. Sailing is a thriving hobby all around the Suffolk coastline.

Sutton Hoo lies across from Woodbridge over the River Deben, where an early burial site was unearthed, exposing one of the richest finds in Britain in 1939; a ship laden with treasure belonging to  Redwald, a King of East Anglia.  A visitor centre about this site and historical find opened in 2002 and is run by the National Trust.

Woodbridge is also proud of Buttrums Mill - one of many restored mills in East Anglia. Visitors are welcome to climb the 60ft tower and view the four millstones.  It is open at weekends and Bank Holidays from 2-6 pm, from May until September.  Telephone 01394 38380643 for details. 

There is a good selection of pubs, restaurants, hotels and cafes in the town, and a reasonable number of things to do, and places to visit to keep a family amused irrespective of the weather: the Riverside Theatre, cinema and restaurant, two museums; The Woodbridge Museum in Market Hill which concentrates on the town's history and Sutton Hoo.  Worksheets are provided for children on request which keeps them entertained and interested. The Museum is open daily, except Wednesdays during the holiday season, 10.00am -4.00 pm, and 2.30 - 4.30 on Sundays.  

The Suffolk Horse Museum , housed in an Elizabethan building in the centre of Woodbridge on Market Hill is dedicated to the Suffolk Punch heavy working horse breed.  There's a display of its history and that of the work of the blacksmith and harness maker - something that many will find fascinating in this age of the machine.  It provides an excellent opportunity to present 'how we used to live' to our children and grandchildren.

Ornate Church Entrance at St.  Mary's	The Market Cross

The 15th Century church of St. Mary, down the steps from the Market Square, with its flintwork walls and exceptionally ornate entrance surrounded by carved figures  is definitely worth a visit.  It possesses a seven sacrament font, a legacy of its Roman Catholic origins.

	The Shire Hall which originates back to 1575, sits in the centre of  Market Hill - a handsome building that was once used for storing grain.  It is surrounded by many fine historic buildings dating back from the 16th Century onwards.  The Suffolk Heavy Horse Museum can be found on the second floor, above the Town Council. A Market is still held here every Thursday.
Shire Hall with Dutch style gabled roof

Woodbridge has its fair share of half-timbered and colour-washed period buildings, but you should also try to pay a visit to some of the exceptionally pretty surrounding towns and villages, especially during spring when the trees are  heavy with blossom.  There are few sights to match the riot of colour from April to May in the British countryside.

Other places to visit near Woodbridge, Suffolk

Walking and Cycling

• Sutton Heath, 3 miles east of Woodbridge offers way-marked trails for gentle strolls to take in the wildlife.  You may be fortunate enough to spy a fallow deer or sun-bathing adder.

Places for day trips from Woodbridge

• Constable Country - the countryside that inspired the landscape paintings of John Constable is relatively unchanged.  A 'must see' whilst you're in the area.

• Lavenham - a well preserved medieval wool town.

• Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, for Tudor re-enactments and medieval banquets.

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