Holiday cottages near Woodbridge

The riverside is the heart of the town. Walk along the Deben past the Tide Mill and the boatyards, or follow footpaths out along the estuary for wide views across the water. In town, the streets around the Thoroughfare and Market Hill are good for browsing shops and stopping for coffee, and there are plenty of places to eat in the evening.

Across the river is Sutton Hoo, the National Trust site where a famous Anglo-Saxon ship burial was discovered. It makes an excellent half day out, with exhibitions, walking trails and views back towards Woodbridge. Check the National Trust website for current opening times before you go.

East of Woodbridge, Rendlesham Forest offers waymarked walking and cycling trails through pine woods and heathland. Beyond the forest, the coast is within reach by car: Orford, with its castle and quay, and the beaches around Shingle Street and Bawdsey are all popular. Further north, Aldeburgh and Southwold make good days out if you want a classic seaside town.

Ipswich is a short drive or train ride from Woodbridge if you want a bigger choice of shops, the Waterfront or a day at the town's museums. Woodbridge station is on the East Suffolk line between Ipswich and Lowestoft, which makes it possible to explore some of the coast without a car.

If you want to walk everywhere, a home in the town centre puts the river, shops and restaurants on your doorstep. Countryside homes in Sutton are quieter and have more outdoor space, but you will want a car for most trips. Rendlesham is convenient for the forest and has local shops. Each property page includes a description of the location, parking and what is nearby, so you can choose the setting that suits your trip.

Woodbridge is a year-round destination. In summer the river is busy with sailing boats and paddleboarders, and the riverside is a lovely place to sit with an ice cream or a drink. Autumn brings golden colour to the forest and quieter footpaths along the estuary, while winter is the season for cosy pubs, Christmas shopping on the Thoroughfare and crisp walks by the water. Spring is a good time for birdwatching on the Deben, as the estuary mudflats attract wading birds. Whatever the season, booking ahead is wise for school holidays and bank holiday weekends.