Things to do in Woodbridge Suffolk in the United Kingdom - Hubtrail

Here I am going to try and tell you as much as is possible about the wonderful market town of Woodbridge situated on the border of Ipswich in the heart of the County of Suffolk England.  Although Woodbridge is a large town, it does not actually have the appearance of one when you arrive there.  It feels more like an old market town with its mixture of busy independent and national high street shops, with a wide choice of places to eat and drink. 

Obviously you can get to Woodbridge via car and parking is relatively easy with a large car park situated behind the swimming pool complex next to the train station, and another a little further from the main town centre.

If you prefer to leave your car elsewhere you can always catch the train from either Lowestoft or Ipswich. The train station is situated perfectly for all, with it being just a short walk to the Deben Estuary, town centre, the swimming pool and not forgetting the Tourist Information Centre which is right next door to the station, well nearly the Station café is in between and well worth a visit if you fancy a coffee and piece of cake to start your day.

There are also buses that come through the town if this is your preferred choice of transport, and not forgetting the national cycle routes that run through the town.

Ok, so you have arrived in the town and are now wondering what to do next.  As with most new places you visit, your first port of call should be the Tourist Information Centre which situated next to the train station.  You will find this a very useful place to be, and the staff are more than helpful when asked of places to visit and entrance times etc to the various visitor attractions in the town. 

If you are a leaflet collector, make sure you have plenty of room as this centre has an abundance of leaflets on the many places to visit in, and around the town.  

Having visited the Tourist Information Centre you may decide to head off out along the Deben Estuary to see what you can see.  When walking along the Estuary you will come across the Tide Mill which is in working order and can readily be seen working (times are available from the Information Centre). 

When at the Tide Mill the Marina and Yacht club are not far away.  Walking in the other direction you will come across areas where the ducks and swans can be fed (great for the little ones) and the boating lake which is in a very tranquil setting sheltered by trees, ideal for sailing those remote control boats on. 

A little further along you will walk up onto of the Estuary bank over looking the mudflats, reed-fringed dykes and the grazing marsh, making it ideal for bird lovers.  As you look out across the estuary you can see part of Sutton Hoo. As you follow the guided walks you will eventually arrive back at the Boating lake and inevitably the Information Centre.

Going to a strange town with young or old children can be a little daunting when you don’t know where you are going or what there is for them to do.  However at Woodbridge you can soon find things to occupy them.  There are two play areas in the town, one being situated on Elmhurst Park and the other on Kingston Field.  Elmhurst Park play area is a more traditional play area with swings, slide and seesaw, whereas Kingston Field is much newer in design so no matter how old, they will enjoy the playground that has been designed for all ages.  You can find the traditional swings here along with the more modern play equipment such as zip wires.  The area itself is fully fenced in with picket style fencing and a couple of gates at either end to allow easy access, but restricts the chance of toddlers escaping.  The playground is situated on Kingston Field and can be found by following the path at the back of the swimming pool car park.  This will bring you out at the side of the train track, with the tennis club directly opposite.  The playground is then situated behind the tennis courts.

If you would prefer to go swimming then the Deben Pool will be ideal.  The men’s changing rooms are separate from the ladies, so if you are not comfortable with the more modern style changing rooms then this will be a pleasant surprise.  They are very spacious with cubicle changing as well as open.  There is a larger cubicle for family changing allowing room for a couple of children (or child & pushchair) and a parent.  Ample lockers are available, along with hairdryers.  Although there is only the one pool here, it is more than adequate if you have a young child.  There are steps leading into the pool at the side going into the shallow end, which measures 1metre at the shallowest point.  There is a handrail that goes around the pool to give reassurance to the less confident swimmer.  If you have any form of mobility problems do not despair as this swimming pool has full facilities to cater for people with any form of disability and will help when it comes to getting in and out of the pool. Public swimming is available frequently during the week, and timetables are available from the Tourist Information Centre (told you it was a must to go here).  As well as the swimming pool, Deben Pool also offers a health suite with gym and spa.

 If you have a child that is keen on skateboarding etc, then you may wish to take a look at the skateboard park situated at the side of the swimming pool complex.  This is fully fenced in and quite large, offering simple and more adventurous tasks to those who wish to have a go.  BMX bikes can also be used here.

If you are a person who likes to find out about the heritage of a town then you will be in for a welcome surprise.  This town offers you two museums, one being the Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum, situated at Shire Hall.  Here you can discover all there is to know about the Suffolk Punch via the historic photographs, farm and family mementoes, paintings and silverware. There is a small entry fee to this museum, but the contents make it a must visit for anyone with an interest of finding out more about this beautiful working horse.  However there is a downside to this venue and that is that it is only accessible via a flight of stairs, which are reasonably steep, so not really suitable for disabled people.  

The other museum in the town is the Woodbridge Museum, which tells the whole story of Woodbridge beginning at the Roman times to the present day.  This is a small but very informative museum that does have a small charge for entry, but worth it. 

The Woodbridge Tide Mill is a C18 Tide Mill and the symbol of Woodbridge.  It stands on the newly refurbished quay overlooking the river.  You can find the water wheel turning at low tide during visiting hours and there are displays on the Mill’s history,

As with most modern towns you can find the usual places to eat such as Prezzo’s, but you will also come across plenty of other smaller coffee shops, pubs and restaurants as you walk along The Thoroughfare.  A favourite which can be highly recommended is The Georgian Coffee House.  Although not very big, it makes up for this with its service.  If it is a nice day you may prefer to sit outside overlooking the Thoroughfare instead of inside. They offer simple cold meals such as sandwiches and baguettes as well at hot meals like lasagne.  Fresh cakes and cream teas are always nice in the afternoon as well. They do not offer a children's menu, but offer the same meals in smaller portions at smaller prices.  High chairs and booster seats are provided.  

If you are looking for a game of golf then look no further that Woodbridge Golf Club.  Here you will find a mature club boasting an 18-hole course and a 9-hole course that is open to the public (providing you hold a relevant club handicap). 

I hope that having read this you will want to make that holiday trip to Woodbridge Suffolk soon.  It is well worth the visit.