10 minute read
Woodbridge
ORFORD
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At Orford the River Ore divides the land between the idyllic village and the internationally important Orford Ness Nature Reserve, with its intriguing 20th century military history.
Don’t miss: Rewarding yourself with the panoramic view after climbing to the top of the towering Orford Castle. Walking through the site of the WWI airfield which is now home to marshland birds, on self-guided trails at Orford Ness. Watching the sun go down aboard a sunset supper cruise on the Lady Florence or an à la carte dinner during the summer season. An armful of truly fresh bread and traditional pastries from Pump Street Bakery - we can’t resist the doughnuts! The tempting selection of smoked seafood at Pinneys of Orford. Stylish dining at The Crown and Castle. Flavoursome, no-nonsense cooking at The Butley Orford Oysterage. The weekly Country Food and Craft Market held in the Town Hall every Saturday. Spending more than you had planned in the Village Store, packed full of local delights, not to mention a fine array of plants. Time out in Grade I listed St Barthlomew’s Church, voted one of the best churches in the UK. A circular walk out to Sudbourne Church, or straight along the River to Snape Maltings. Passing time down at the busy harbour before walking along the river to count the cows.
5 5PLACES TO GO WILD
CARLTON MARSHES / OULTON BROAD Flower studded marshes drained by a system of dykes and grazed by cattle in summer create a paradise for marshland birds and birds of prey including hobby and marsh harrier.
MINSMERE / NR WESTLETON Discover some of the UK’s rarest wildlife and enjoy family-friendly activities. Choose an idyllic walk or head to the coastal lagoons to see an impressive variety of birds, including avocets, bearded tits and bitterns. If you’re lucky, an otter around the reedbed pools.
THE MERE / FRAMLINGHAM With its surrounding wet meadows and ancient castle backdrop, the Mere is considered by many to be the best view in inland Suffolk. Its wildlife is equally special and the reserve is best known for its sedge beds and stream of migrating birds.
BOYTON AND HOLLESLEY MARSHES / WOODBRIDGE Boyton and Hollesley Marshes are two vibrant coastal reserves in the lower reaches of the Alde-Ore Estuary. They are both grazing marshes, which means they’re great places for watching birds of prey, owls, butterflies and dragonflies, depending on the time of year.
TRIMLEY MARSHES / FELIXSTOWE Whether it is rafts of duck, colonies of avocet or a peregrine, its razor-like wings in stooping flight, the sheer number of birds that Trimley Marshes attracts is nothing short of spectacular.
WOODBRIDGE
The attractive town of Woodbridge lies a few miles inland on the river Deben, with a thriving sailing, yachting and rowing community and bustling town centre.
Don’t miss: The unspoilt harbour and walking the river paths down by the River Deben and stopping off for tea at The Tea Hut. The Tide Mill Living Museum for the chance to get up close with the giant mill stones which still grind flour today. The Shire Hall and Market Square, abundant with independent clothing retailers. Popping into the historic Bull Inn for a bite to eat before heading to New Street Market. Scandinavian inspired living right in the heart of Woodbridge at Vanil. A leisurely stroll along The Thoroughfare. Big on flavour sandwiches and great tasting coffee at Honey + Harvey. Wall to wall violins at Woodbridge Violin. Mixing with the locals at the bar in The Anchor. People watching in one of the town’s many cafés. Treating yourself to a spa day at Ufford Park.
Did you know: Records show there has been a tide mill on the River Deben since 1170.
For everything stylish and practical
BARRETTS OF WOODBRIDGE
With gorgeous river walks and many local businesses to support, Woodbridge is the ideal place for a day out. The beautiful Barretts of Woodbridge store is located in the centre of Woodbridge’s famous Thoroughfare, along with many other popular independent shops.
Specialising in inspiring and beautiful home furnishings, they stock a wide range of quality furnishings, gifts, furniture, bed linen and accessories from top brands such as Neom, Sophie Allport, and Christy. Barretts have been helping people ‘Love their Home’ for over 50 years, and their high level of service is a major asset. And they’ve followed this through to their recently re-launched online presence, making online shopping a more exciting experience. Barretts take great pride in dressing their windows beautifully, giving you inspiration to make your home a special place. This follows through the showroom as you are greeted with a friendly welcome and discover gifts for loved ones (or even yourself), living and dining furniture, beds & bedroom furniture, as well as fabrics and carpets to start your big projects! You can sign up for their Barretts Reward Card so every time you buy you will receive points to spend back in the store on anything you like and whenever you like. They look forward to welcoming you into the store very soon! Free car park at the rear of store.
40-42 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL T. 01394 384300 / www.barretts.co.uk
THE BULL INN
The Bull Inn is a charming 16th century coaching inn ideally located in the centre of historic Woodbridge. Overlooking the Market Hill, there is easy access to the River Deben, Sutton Hoo and the beautiful Suffolk Coast, making it the ideal place to base your stay. Recently nominated as one of the best places to eat in Suffolk, The Bull Inn offers a seasonal menu featuring some of the finest local produce, as well as an excellent range of real ales and an extensive wine menu.
2 Market Hill, Woodbridge IP12 4LR T. 01394 382089 / www.bullinnwoodbridge.co.uk
JOHN IVES FOOTWEAR
John Ives of Woodbridge is a family shoe shop run by brother and sister duo, David & Fay, who took over from the founder of the company, their late father John, and have 70 years of service between them. They have two separate shops side-by-side on the Thoroughfare, the main shopping street in Woodbridge, which are dedicated to women’s and men’s footwear and offering brands such as Crocs, Dubarry, Ecco, Gabor, Josef Seibel, Pikolinos, Rieker, Skechers and many more! Fay, David and their dedicated staff continue to provide top quality footwear and a distinguished, friendly and knowledgeable service to all their customers and look forward to welcoming you to Woodbridge soon.
29 & 31 The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AA T. 01394 386393 (Womens) / 383241 (Mens) / www.ivesfootwear.co.uk
UFFORD PARK HOTEL
Set in 120 acres of stunning historic parkland and surrounded by beautifully peaceful countryside, Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa is one of Suffolk’s best kept secrets. Located just ten miles from Ipswich, with easy access from the A12, it is the perfect location for a family weekend, romantic getaway, or a golf, spa or business break or event.
The hotel boasts elegant and modern accommodation, an award-winning golf course, Suffolk’s only two-tiered driving range, a Thermal Suite Day Spa, indoor pool and well-equipped gym, bar and restaurant, as well as function suites and wedding rooms for hire. All facilities are open to non-members and non-residents, making it an ideal setting for a spot of lunch with family or a coffee and catch up with friends. You are also able to get in your steps on the two-mile trim trail and can even bring along your dog - who is welcome to stay at the hotel! All visitors are offered free parking and wi-fi throughout the hotel, and it also have two charging stations for drivers of electric or hybrid vehicles.
Ufford Park, Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge IP12 1QW T. 01394 383555 / www.uffordpark.co.uk
SECKFORD HALL
Indulge yourself at Seckford Hall, a blissful haven in the heart of historic Suffolk. With 42 bedrooms, 2 AA rosette restaurant, spa and afternoon tea options like no other, the memories start here… Culinary Excellence At Seckford Hall Come & Dine at ‘1530’ - its 2 AA Rosette Restaurant.
Set in the warm Tudor charm of this country house, 1530 offers a stylish and comfortable setting in which to enjoy some of the most exquisite food in the county. It turns local produce into mouth-watering dishes, catering for a range of dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. To book, please call or use the online booking system. Lunch & Afternoon Tea Gift Vouchers also available.
Luxury Afternoon Tea Go on, treat yourself and a friend.
Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surroundings of Seckford Hall is the perfect treat. Enjoy its traditional approach, with three tiers of elegant finger sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes and indulgent clotted cream and preserves. Served 2pm- 5pm. From £18.00. All this is complemented by a wide selection of refreshments: a range of speciality teas, Brodie Coffee or a soft drink of choice. Or indulge with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne. Lunch & Afternoon Tea Gift Vouchers also available.
Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa, Great Bealings, Woodbridge IP13 6NU T. 01394 385678 / www.seckford.co.uk
Otley Hall, Hall Lane, Otley, IP6 9PA T. 01473 553585 / www.otleyhall.co.uk
MARTHA’S BARN AT OTLEY HALL
Just a few miles from Woodbridge, set within ten acres of tranquil gardens at Otley Hall, Martha’s Barn is a new destination café offering speciality coffee, homemade cakes and creative seasonal menus that showcase Suffolk’s local produce. Otley Hall is a Grade I listed Tudor Hall with picturesque gardens reflecting an exquisite blend of wild and formal features including vibrant borders, water features and nods to medieval design throughout. The gardens are open from 29th Mar - 28th Oct 2022.
Deben Café Bar on HMS Vale
Halfway between Woodbridge and Wilford Bridge, Deben Café Bar is a welcome spot for rest and relaxation with spectacular views over the River Deben.
Licensed Bar, Draft Beer, Hot & Cold Drinks, Barista Coffee, Wholesome Food, Breakfast Rolls, Hot Pastries, Sandwiches & Snacks, Covered & Open Air Seating, Dog Friendly
Open: Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun (Closed Tue, Wed) Please note we are a walking/cycling destination; there is no parking in Melton Boatyard. Search IP12 1PE. TrTra ai in ns s s st to op p a at t WoWoo od db br ri id dg ge e a an nd d M Me el lt to on n f fo or r a a w wo on nd de er rf fu ul l o on ne e-w wa ay y r ri iv ve er r w wa al lk k. . T: 01394 388643 | www.debencafe.co.uk | FB/Deben Café Bar on HMS Vale
