AROUND WOODBRIDGE
WOODBRIDGE IS A BEAUTIFUL AND VIBRANT MARKET TOWN ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER DEBEN
The ‘gem’ in Suffolk’s crown, Woodbridge combines excellent shops with superb pubs and restaurants and numerous activities both indoors and out. On the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Woodbridge is the perfect base from which to explore the Suffolk Coast and its many tourist attractions
Our 10 Favourite Things To Do:
1) Visit Ancient Sutton Hoo
The famous Sutton Hoo lies just across the river from Spring Farm Barn and is one of the preeminent anglo-saxon sites you can visit in Europe. Once the resting place for East Anglian kings, a ship burial was discovered on the eve of the second world war with far-reaching archealogical interest. Now in the hands of the National Trust, it is a must visit and makes for a lovely walk along the river from our Glamping site.
2) Walk the Wonderful River Deben
A 4 mile round route will take you from Spring Farm Barn down along the Deben and past boats gently bobbing in the water. This route takes you to town and lets you explore at leisure the wildlife of the Deben estuary. Being designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty, the estuary is of international importance for rare and vulnerable wading birds and particularly at low tide you’ll see a glorious variety of wading birds, such as curlews, lapwings, godwits and dunlins.
3) Make a tour of the Tide Mill
Sitting on the banks of the River Deben, the impressive structure is a well known landmark. The Mill has been there since the 12th century and was England’s last working tide mill - The Tide Mill Museum. Fully restored, visitors can experience the milling experience, with the help and knowledge of on-site tour guides. Be sure to look out for the Woodbridge Tide Mill Wholemeal Stoneground Strong Flour on the shelves of the local shops.
Open Easter - October. Adults £4, Children £1.50. For milling and turning times, please call 01394 385295
4) Southwold – sand, fresh fish and the world’s most curious Arcade
Southwold is more down-to-earth than its neighbour Aldeburgh, and for this reason, gets our vote as our favourite Suffolk seaside destination. Home to Adnams, Southwold’s treats include a lovely sandy beach, a quay where you can eat fish fresh off the boats and the quirkiest arcade you will ever find - http://www.underthepier.com/
5) Have Fun in the Forest – Rendlesham and Tunstall
Load up your bikes and head for Rendlesham Forest on the outskirts of Woodbridge. It’s a wonderful forest and there are two main cycle rides here: The Short Trail, lasting 6 miles and The Long Trail, lasting 10 miles. There are various barbeque points and our kids love the adventure play park with a large wooden ship, obstacles and a zip wire. If you’re after a more secluded forest experience then head a little further out to Tunstall Forest.
6) Find the perfect Country Pub
Woodbridge and surrounding areas is a foodie’s heaven and you can expect a warm welcome from all of our local restauranteurs. Our favourite spots include The Crown at Ufford, the neighbouring White Horse at Lower Ufford, which has its own micro brewery, the Unruly Pig for up market nosh, and the magnificent Ramsholt Arms which has amazing views over the Deben. Wherever you choose, though, do ring ahead to be sure of getting a table!
http://www.theuffordcrown.com/ http://www.uffordwhitelion.co.uk/http://theunrulypig.co.uk/ http://www.theramsholtarms.com/
7) Magical Staverton, the Wild Oak Wood
Staverton Thicks is an ancient forest with over 4,000 magical oaks and some of the largest holly trees in the UK. Don’t take our word for it, though, as Sara Maitland who spent a year exploring British forests describes Staverton as where “perhaps more than anywhere else I have ever been, a smallish piece of ancient deciduous woodland opens into the world of magic, the place of fairy story that we inhabited as children and lost, I had thought, for ever”
8) Visit English Heritage castles at Orford and Framlingham
First, visit the unique polygonal tower keep of Orford Castle which stands guard over the picturesque former port town and makes for some great family photos as well as delighting any architectural fans in the party! We then recommend a short drive to its larger cousin, Framlingham Castle, which is also managed by English Heritage. Both Orford and “Fram” as the locals call it, are lovely small market towns where you can easily while away an afternoon.
9) Take the family to see a Suffolk Punch
The Suffolk Punch Trust Colony Stud Farm, Hollesley is a fun and memorable trip for all. Come and meet the historic Suffolk Punches as well as pigs, cattle and sheep. Demonstrations run throughout the day, ideal for keeping children entertained. The disabled friendly Visitor Centre contains a Heritage Museum and the Suffolk Punch Cafe, perfect for refuelling. Dogs on leads are very welcome too.
Open 10.30 am - 5 pm. £9 Adults, £5 Children. Open six days a week, excluding Tuesdays
10) Take the kid's Pottery Painting
Jars of Clay, Rendlesham is a small painting studio and cafe offering a range of pottery for you to paint. Pencil on your design, choose your colours and away you go! Be sure to collect your finished work of art, looking shiny and fabulous. Parents can sit back with a cup of Italian hot chocolate and a slice of cake, perfect.