The beautiful ‘unexplored’ market town with more than 80 independents | UK | News
A charming market town in Suffolk, located on the banks of the River Deben, is fast becoming one of the UK’s most attractive places to live. With its historic charm, thriving independent landscape, stunning river and 800-year-old Tide Mill, Woodbridge offers a rare combination of beauty, small-town character and modern amenities.
It was even named one of the best places to live by The Sunday Times this year, and Visit East England also highlighted the market town as one of the region’s ‘undiscovered market towns’, as well as praising its independent shops, inviting cafes, lively pubs and vibrant open-air markets.
With its rich history, strong community spirit, scenic surroundings and more than 80 independent businesses, Woodbridge is a hidden gem. From independent butchers to fishmongers, Woodbridge Greengrocers to the beloved independent Woodbridge Books, these local shops help keep the town center vibrant and full of character.
Located on picturesque Market Hill, Moose is another not-to-be-missed independent store selling homewares and clothing items you won’t find anywhere else.
The town has also been named the happiest place to live in Great Britain for the first time in 2024 by Rightmove’s Happiness at Home Index, thanks to its thriving high street, strong sense of community, beautiful natural scenery and countryside, and access to essential services such as healthcare and schools.
The average house price is £441,569, with the typical monthly rent being £1,478, making it a desirable yet accessible destination.
When it comes to food and drink, Woodbridge is home to many independent businesses. The Rebel Pig stands out as a must-visit and is consistently recognized as among the best in the UK.
In 2025, it was voted the best of the Top 50 Gastropubs in the UK in 2022, 2024 and 2025, and was ranked 28th in the National Restaurant Awards UK Top 100 list.
This 16th-century inn in Bahceli serves well-prepared Anglo-Italian cuisine and offers the finest Suffolk produce wherever possible. The three-course lunch offers outstanding value at just £35 per person.
Other highlights include the 17th-century pub, The Cherry Tree Inn, Two Magpies Bakery in Thoroughfare, a perfect spot for coffee and brunch, and The Woodyard, where diners can enjoy delicious pizzas with cocktails and riverside views.
The festive season is an excellent time to visit Woodbridge, especially for the annual Woodbridge Christmas Street Fair held in December.
Stalls of local traders and artisans offer a wide range of handmade and specialty items, including sculptures, chocolates, cakes, soaps, honey and much more.
Visitors also enjoy seasonal food and drinks, while carolers fill the streets with festive cheer, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
The Woodbridge Christmas lights switch-on event will take place over two evenings: Thursday, November 27 at Market Hill and Thoroughfare, and Friday, November 28 at Whisstocks Place and Tide Mill Way. Both events will kick off at 4 p.m., lights will turn on at 6 p.m., and the first night will feature live music, street performers, food and community events featuring Geno Washington.
