Where to live next: Woodbridge, Suffolk
More than a pretty market town, Woodbridge blends heritage, culture and community - no wonder it tops the list of the UK’s happiest places
What makes a place truly happy to live in? According to Rightmove, it’s a strong sense of community, local pride and a well-rounded mix of amenities - qualities that Woodbridge, crowned the happiest place to live in Great Britain, has in abundance.
A jewel in Suffolk’s crown, Woodbridge sits beside the River Deben on the edge of the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape, with miles of trails and countryside walks on its doorstep. The town is steeped in history - most famously through its connection to Sutton Hoo, the UK’s most significant Anglo-Saxon site - while its working tide mill, one of only two remaining in the country still producing stoneground wholemeal flour, stands as a distinctive landmark on the historic waterfront.
But it’s not just the tranquillity, heritage and natural beauty that draw people here. Increasingly, buyers who might once have set their sights on the Cotswolds or Home Counties are looking east to the relative value of Suffolk. Remote and hybrid working have reshaped priorities, with lifestyle and space now often outranking a short commute into the capital. Even so, Woodbridge still offers excellent connections: London is around 65 minutes away from Ipswich, and Stansted Airport is within easy reach.
As Georgie Veale, Director of Knight Frank’s Woodbridge office, describes, “The area has an undeniable and enduring pull. We see many people, like me, who grew up here and have chosen to return,” she says.
A vibrant new energy in Suffolk
With renewed attention on the region has come fresh investment and a flourishing local scene of independent shops, cafés and restaurants. “The town has a wonderful energy - from its independent cinema to pop-up shops and Pilates classes on the waterfront, there’s always something happening,” she says.
The surrounding areas, too, have never been more desirable. Southwold, often nicknamed ‘Chelsea-on-Sea’, is known for its chic high street of boutiques and award-winning restaurants, set against the backdrop of a beautiful sandy beach. Nearby villages such as Waldringfield and Ufford offer quintessential countryside charm, while Orford is celebrated not only for its historic castle but also for its artisanal businesses - from Pinney’s famous smoked fish to the renowned Pump Street bakery.
8-10 bedroom house for sale in Mill Lane, Southwold, Suffolk, IP18
A family-friendly lifestyle
The area also appeals strongly to families, thanks to its excellent schools. Among them are Woodbridge School and Framlingham College, co-educational independent day and boarding schools, and the well-regarded state school Farlingaye High.
Housing options are diverse as well. Within Woodbridge, you’ll discover charming Georgian townhouses alongside distinctive Tudor-style homes featuring exposed beams. As you move out into the surrounding countryside, the scenery expands to include farmhouses and more spacious properties set on larger plots of land. “A unique highlight is the tradition of Suffolk Pink which colours many of the region’s historic homes,” she notes.
Land for sale in Levington, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10
Georgie’s local gems:
“The White Horse in the charming village of Easton is a true hidden gem - a cosy 16th-century pub and restaurant full of character.”
“The Riverside Cinema is a real cultural hub for the town. Tucked just off the waterfront, with an ice cream shop right outside, it feels so quintessentially Suffolk.”
“There are countless beautiful walks nearby - from a gentle stroll along the River Deben to exploring the high street and the clapboard fisherman's huts of Aldeburgh.”
Thinking of a move to Suffolk? Contact our local experts in our Woodbridge office.
