Woodbridge is one of the prettiest towns in the Suffolk Coastal area, nestling on the banks of the River Deben.  It has a long and illustrious history and was once a thriving port and ship-building centre.

No story can be told about Woodbridge without mentioning Thomas Seckford, the famous benefactor who created a Foundation in 1587, and endowed it with his property in Clerkenwell. The Seckford Foundation is still benefiting Woodbridge to this day.


Thomas Seckford, who was Master of the Court of Requests to Queen Elizabeth 1, was responsible for building the Shire Hall in 1575 to house the Quarter Sessions that he wished to move from Melton.  He gave the use of the upper part of the Hall for judicial purposes but retained his other rights in the Hall as part of the Priory Manor.




In 1987, the Town Council purchased the Shire Hall and moved its offices from Eden Lodge in Cumberland Street.  It then granted a lease to the Suffolk Horse Museum for the upper floor where they created a Museum, whilst the ground floor now serves as the administrative centre for the Town Council.

Woodbridge has something to attract everyone, there is a bustling Town Centre, there are regular country and farmers markets, a swimming pool , cinema/theatre , various sporting facilities, museums, the famous Woodbridge Tide Mill  (one of only three working Tide Mills left in the country) and numerous eating and drinking establishments.  Woodbridge achieved the award as a Fairtrade Town in February 2008. 






The award-winning Elmhurst Park is a haven for young and old alike, and always has a beautiful display of bedding plants to attract and delight.

Enjoy a visit to Woodbridge!