Woodbridge

The tide's out, and the mud gleams silver-black across Woodbridge's river frontage - this is proper Suffolk, where sailing boats bob on their moorings and the pace drops to something altogether more civilised. The River Deben curves through town like a gentle question mark, bringing with it a maritime atmosphere that's shaped Woodbridge for centuries.

Market Hill forms the heart of things, crowned by the town's distinctive Shire Hall with its Dutch gables. Thursday market days see the square come alive, but midweek it's pleasantly quiet - perfect for browsing the independent shops that line the surrounding streets. The Riverside Theatre punches well above its weight for a town this size, pulling in touring productions that wouldn't look out of place in Ipswich.

Wander down to the waterfront and you'll find the tide mill - one of the few working examples left in Britain. When the Deben's running high, it's quite something to watch. The surrounding countryside rolls away in gentle Suffolk fashion, with Newbourne Springs offering peaceful woodland walks just outside town. Low Barn Wood provides another green escape, while Newbourne Village Sign marks a proper Suffolk village complete with thatched cottages.

Getting here's straightforward enough - the A12 runs nearby, and it's a twenty-minute drive from Ipswich if you're coming by train. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding area, from traditional touring sites to glamping options that let you wake up to proper countryside views. Woodbridge makes an excellent base for exploring the Suffolk coast - Aldeburgh's forty minutes away, while the RSPB reserve at Minsmere is within easy striking distance.