A Guide to Woodbridge, Suffolk

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Another of my trips as things were opening up here in the UK was to visit the market town of Woodbridge, in Suffolk. Woodbridge is a special place to me as it’s where my Granny and Grandpa lived as I was growing up and we used to visit during school holidays and for Christmases regularly. I wanted to re-trace my childhood steps and discover more of the area on a visit.

Outside my grandparents’ house 30 years on


  1. Contents
  2. Getting to Woodbridge
  3. History of Woodbridge
  4. Things to do in Woodbridge
    1. Woodbridge Waterfront & Tide Mill
    2. Market Hill
    3. Sutton Hoo
    4. Seckford Hall
    5. Take a trip to Framlingham
  5. Have a little longer?

Woodbridge lies in East Anglia, the picturesque off the beaten track part of England to the east of London. The easiest way to get there is by car so you can visit as a weekend or as part of a longer stay and get around an area that isn’t that blessed with public transport.

If you don’t have a car, the nearest major city is Ipswich and there are local buses.


Woodbridge is an historic market town, and lies on the River Deben. The area was occupied by the Romans for 300 years after Queen Boudica’s failed rebellion in 59 CE, and after the Romans left substantial Anglo-Saxon settlement ensued. The Angles gave their name to East Anglia (the region made up of the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire in the East of England).

The town has various buildings from Tudor, Georgian and Victorian times and also has a tide mill in working order – one of only two left in the country. Woodbridge also has two windmills – Buttrum’s and Tricker’s, and is also home to RAF Woodbridge which was used during the Cold War by the US Air Force as the base for Tactical Fighter Squadrons until 1993.


The waterfront has been a bustling place since the 1400s, with the area initially a thriving ship building centre. Merchant and naval ships were built here, including for Edward III and Sir Francis Drake! The quay allowed the town to prosper and local trade in cloth and rope helped build the town’s riches. Today the waterfront has a number of cafes, a nice maritime museum and some good walking paths so it’s worth dedicating an hour or so to.

At the waterfront

Also at the waterfront is the Tide Mill, and there has been one on this site for over 800 years. It’s a fascinating contraption as when the tide rises, the water gets trapped in a large pool which is then released to turn the machinery and produce grain. Amazing! You can now visit inside the Mill to see it working.

The Market Hill is a stunning collection of old buildings, with the Shire Hall built in the 1500s at the centre. Also nearby is the wonderful St Mary’s Church (where my Grandpa used to be vicar), and a number of nice pubs and restaurants perfect for a spot of breakfast or cake.

Now made famous by the film The Dig, Sutton Hoo is where the richest ever treasures were found on British soil. In 1939, Edith Pretty excavated some of the mounds on her estate- and it uncovered the burial site of an Anglo Saxon King! The most likely candidate is King Raedwald of East Anglia, the most powerful King in England in the 600s and who died in around 624 CE.

The visitor centre is amazing and you can see some of the treasures recovered. There are also lots of walking trails around the burial mounds and a lovely shop to browse as well.

Seckford Hall is a Tudor period house just outside of Woodbridge. It was the family home of Thomas Seckford who founded many local almshouses and schools (and is buried in St Mary’s church, mentioned above). Enid Blyton even visited here in 1915 and found inspiration for her books.

The Hall is now a hotel, where you can choose to have a very special stay. Or just visit for a lunch, dinner or afternoon tea and discover the beautiful grounds. We chose to stay here for the night and the rooms were comfortable and full of character.

At Seckford Hall

Framlingham is a lovely market town, about a 30 minute drive away from Woodbridge, and is another spot where my grandpa was vicar (and he still lives there). The town’s biggest attraction is the incredible castle. Initially built in the Norman era, it was destroyed by Henry II to squash a rebellion against him, but rebuilt by Roger Bigod in the late 1100s. Interestingly, it wasn’t built as a royal castle, but instead has been a family home.

It played a significant role during the Wars of the Roses as home of the Howard family – Thomas Howard was attainted in 1547 for his part in supporting the claim of Mary Tudor to the throne, however Henry VIII died the day before Thomas was due to be executed at the Tower, and his successor, Mary’s half-brother Edward VI spared him, though gave Framlingham to Mary. When Mary seized power in 1553 she collected her forces at Framlingham Castle before successfully marching on London. Thomas was released from the Tower by Mary as a reward for his loyalty but eventually Elizabeth I seized the throne, and the last of the next Thomas Howard was executed for treason in 1572 the castle passed to the Crown.

The incredible castle

After the collapse of the Howard’s power, in the 1600s the castle became a work house and the chapel was destroyed. It was then used as an isolation unit during the Plague, became a prison and was used as an armoury during the Napoleonic Wars. Eventually it was passed to English Heritage, who maintain the site for the public to visit.


The above will take around 1.5-2 days to see. If you have longer in Suffolk, then you could also combine it with any of the following to make a long weekend (or even week long) break:

  • Exploring more of Suffolk. Post HERE.
  • Enjoy the Suffolk Coast. Post HERE.
  • Visiting Suffolk’s most beautiful villages. Post HERE.
  • Head to Dedham Vale. Post HERE.
  • Marvelling at the incredible houses of Lavenham. Post HERE.
  • Adding it as part of a much longer East Anglia Itinerary. Post HERE.
One of Suffolk’s beautiful villages


If you’re in Woodbridge for a day, or with an overnight stay, then I recommend starting the day in Woodbridge itself and covering the waterfront and market hill with a big breakfast or brunch along the way. Then head on to Sutton Hoo for a couple of hours, before heading to Seckford Hall for a 3pm afternoon tea. Finish the day in Framlingham by exploring the castle and indulging in dinner before heading home or back to your hotel.

What do you think of Woodbridge and Framlingham? Would you like to visit? I hope I’ve managed to show you another lovely part of England which might inspire you to visit one day. Stay safe and happy travelling!

35 responses to “A Guide to Woodbridge, Suffolk”

  1. grandmisadventures Avatar

    When I make it to England, I’ll have your posts in hand as my guide 🙂 This looks like such a picturesque place to stay and the history was really interesting to read about. I haven’t watched The Dig, but I have heard that is a great show. How incredible to have such a wealth of treasures on your property, laying in wait to be discovered for hundreds of years!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Aww that is such a nice thing to say, and I’m so glad you like them 🙂 For such a small country, we have a lot of nice things to do round every corner. I hope you get to visit us soon! Thanks for reading and have a great weekend.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Lyssy In The City Avatar

    I’d definitely like to visit! Seckford Hall looks incredible as does the castle. Reminds me of some we saw in Scotland.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      So glad you like it Lyssy! You’re right, we are so blessed with these ancient castles dating back over a thousand years now – when you next come to the UK I’ll have to send you on a tour of them all!! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lyssy In The City Avatar

        Yes!! Dying to see more castles and get back to Europe 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Nuria Giménez Gracia Avatar
        Nuria Giménez Gracia

        This year,I’ll do a trip around Norfolk and Suffolk with my boyfriend,so those post are super useful. It ‘s not a really known place for Spaniards thus I think I ‘ve made a good choice (I mean, more authentic). The region seems to be beautiful and I ‘ll be able to practize a bit of English as well ❤️ kind regards 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      3. travelling_han Avatar

        Oh this is absolutely amazing that you are coming to Norfolk and Suffolk – very few visitors from abroad come here. If you’d like any help planning please feel free to ask. And your English is amazing 🙂

        Like

  3. Little Miss Traveller Avatar

    Seckford Hall looks absolutely gorgeous Hannah, I’ll need to add this corner of Suffolk to my wish list now.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      It’s such a beautiful place to stay; Suffolk is such an underrated county so I hope you get to visit soon 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Rebecca Avatar

    Another charming place in England to explore! I’m especially drawn to Seckford Hall, particularly for that delicious-looking afternoon tea. The Woodbridge Waterfront would also be a wonderfully-tranquil spot to relax and enjoy a drink. Thanks for taking us on another of your jaunts in your home country!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Thanks so much for reading – I’ve enjoyed sharing all my England trips this year on the blog, but am hoping to mix it up next year with some European travel. It’s so hard though to make the call on when to go – technically we could now but I’m still not entirely comfortable. I guess I’ll just go when it feels right. Have a great weekend 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Rebecca Avatar

        I agree with you: even if appears that it’s okay to travel internationally, I personally will not be comfortable going overseas until at least mid to late 2022!

        Liked by 1 person

  5. ourcrossings Avatar

    Yet another wonderful place to explore, especially Seckford Hall. Staying a night or two on the beautiful grounds would be an amazing experience for sure. Thanks for sharing, I am glad to see that you finally had a chance to visit a place where your Granny and Grandpa once lived, it must have been an emotional visit 🙂 Aiva

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Thanks for reading Aiva, and yes it was an emotional visit. I went back to what was their house and a lady was walking out of it, and I peered through the windows and it had all been done up. I lost my granny last year and I could picture her in the kitchen cooking, or walking in and out of the door. It’s weird the only thing separating me from those moments was time – but it felt nice to go back. Seckford Hall, and Suffolk in general, is just so beautiful – well worth a visit if you ever get the chance 🙂 Have a great weekend Aiva xx

      Liked by 2 people

  6. leightontravels Avatar

    Wow Han, what a delightful and unexpected surprise. I spent three summers living and teaching English at Woodbridge School between 2005-2007. As your post shows, it’s a charming little town. Sutton Hoo is a must see in the area, glad you’ve also done that. Frankly, I would also go back just to relive past days. Oh, and check out Seckford Hall, which looks lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Oh wow that’s such a small world! It really is a lovely town with lots of great things nearby; I really love Suffolk and am glad you got to spend so much time there. Have a great weekend and thanks for reading 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  7. The Travel Architect Avatar

    I just mapped it. At 3 hours away by car, it’s probably a bit far for our upcoming trip, but it’s an interesting idea for a future trip. Looks like a great area. Oh, those Howards. They got into all sorts of mischief for the sake of power, favor, and influence, didn’t they. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Ahh it’s just out of reach for a quick day trip, but maybe one day 🙂 there’s loads to do in Suffolk in Woodbridge and on the coast (Southwold, Aldeburgh etc), plus you can go to Bury St Edmunds, Lavenham (home to all the famous ancient houses) and Ickworth House as well. You could easily spend a weekend in the area with so much to do there. Oh those Howards indeed, they changed allegiance more often than I change my socks!!! Thanks for reading and have a great weekend 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  8. WanderingCanadians Avatar

    That must have been such a blast from the past to retrace your childhood steps. Seckford Hall looks beautiful and a great spot to go for some afternoon tea.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Yes for sure, it was really special 🙂 And I agree on Seckford Hall, I felt like royalty sipping on my tea and eating a scone, yum! Have a good weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Phil Avatar

    Woodbridge looks like an amazing place of fond childhood memories, as well as a very early historical site. The waterfront, market, church, Sutton Hoo…and that mask and shield are splendid discoveries from antiquity! I just love all the historical architecture…thank you for sharing, dear Hannah & have a wonderful week ahead 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Thanks Phil, and glad you enjoyed the tour 🙂 Have a great weekend!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Phil Avatar

        You too, Hannah ~ thanks 🙂

        Like

  10. 100 Country Trek Avatar

    What an amazing site to see..so much history and a fantastic area .Seaford Hall would added to my list.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. wetanddustyroads Avatar

    What a wonderful stroll through a beautiful place! I would definitely choose Seckford Hall as my choice of accommodation – looks really lovely! And those treasures – that must have been a great find!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Yes it’s a super lovely place to stay, it feels like stepping back in time 🙂 Thanks for reading

      Liked by 1 person

  12. An ultimate guide to Suffolk, England – Travelling Han Avatar

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  15. travelwithgma Avatar

    Several generations of my family lived in Woodbridge, from around 1732, having moved from Aldeburgh. I will be in the UK in November, and will be in Suffolk, actually staying at Seckford Hall, to explore the land of my ancestors. Your blogs about Suffolk, which I have just discovered, are wonderful. I have seen the Sutton Hoo treasures in the British Museum, but have wanted to see where those treasures came from.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. travelling_han Avatar

      Oh wow – I hope you have the best visit exploring Suffolk. My grandpa was vicar at Woodbridge back in the 1990s, and today is at the nursing home in Seckford so it’s an area very close to my heart too. I’m so glad you found my posts and perhaps that some information can be helpful for you. Please do let me know what you see on your Suffolk trip and if you need any recommendations, you know where I am 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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    […] homes), Lavenham (for one of the prettiest villages in England and Harry Potter filming location), Woodbridge (for ancient Anglo Saxon history & castles) or The Suffolk Coast (for beautiful […]

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About the author

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a travel blogger from the UK who fits travel around a full time (and full on) job. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and hopefully help you to find some inspiration for destinations, things to do or places to stay. Thanks for stopping by – stay safe and happy travelling.

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