Woodbridge is an attractive riverside town - close to the Suffolk Coast, and set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Tide Mill, now fully restored and in working order, sits majestically on the quayside. Built in the 18th Century and powered by the rising tide, the mill was in commercial use until 1957. The original millpond has become a marina, but, as part of this meticulous restoration, a new pond has been created, which feeds the water wheel that still turns at high tide. Built in 1575, the Shire Hall has been beautifully restored in recent years. The first floor houses The Suffolk Horse Museum, a fascinating exhibition celebrating the history of the Suffolk Punch, the world's oldest breed of heavy working horse. Although now very rare, Suffolk Punches are still bred and a few of these beautiful horses graze the water meadows just outside Lower Ufford and the marshes at Shingle Street. Across the road from the Shire Hall is Woodbridge Museum, a treasure trove of information on the history of the town and its more notable residents. These include the painter Thomas Churchyard, the mapmaker Isaac Johnson and the poet Edward Fitzgerald - translator of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and something of an eccentric. From the Market Hill it is just a five-minute walk to Buttrum's Mill, named after the last miller. This is a six-storey tower mill, making it the tallest surviving mill in Suffolk. A climb up to the top is more than worthwhile - not only to learn something of the history of milling, but also to enjoy the lovely views across the rooftops of Woodbridge to the Deben Estuary below. The town“s ancient centre has retained all its old world charm and has some great restaurants and superb antique shops and galleries. The Riverside Theatre nearby is a thriving cinema and theatre. There are an abundance of excellent riverside walks, and birdlife is wide and varied. There are pleasure trips from Woodbridge down the River Deben - a very relaxing way to travel. Across the river from Woodbridge is the famous Sutton Hoo burial site, which is managed by The National Trust. The site has been developed with an education centre, restaurant, shop, exhibition and interpretation centre. This is set well away from the burial site itself, so that it still retains its atmosphere of mystery and calm, even on the busiest of days. | 
