51乱伦

What makes a place truly happy to live in? According to Rightmove, it鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 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 51乱伦鈥檚 Woodbridge office, describes, 鈥淭he area has an undeniable and enduring pull. We see many people, like me, who grew up here and have chosen to return,鈥� 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. 鈥淭he town has a wonderful energy - from its independent cinema to pop-up shops and Pilates classes on the waterfront, there鈥檚 always something happening,鈥� she says.

The surrounding areas, too, have never been more desirable. Southwold, often nicknamed 鈥楥helsea-on-Sea鈥�, 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鈥檚 famous smoked fish to the renowned Pump Street bakery.