London is only an hour or so by train, but in sumptuous Suffolk the bustle of the big city can really feel a million miles away when you want or need it to. It is picturesque and peaceful, with plenty to offer for contemporary contentment – especially for families.
Lodged between Essex and Norfolk in the east of England, Suffolk’s charms are rooted in rural beauty and tasteful, historic coastal locations, with a magnetic patchwork of ‘chocolate box’ villages. The epitome of the English good life, and impossible to avoid. Allied to this, crucially, is a healthy dose of vibrant urban centres and schools, ensuring that all-important balance between richly traditional heritage and key modern conveniences. With a broad selection of attractive properties on the housing market, quality of life is well within reach.
WOODBRIDGE
Often named as one of the best places to live in the UK, Woodbridge is a genuine alternative to those who yearn for a different lifestyle to that experienced by London living. Beauty is everywhere in Woodbridge: it’s a historic coastal market town, famous for its maritime heritage: the houseboats nestling sleepily in the harbour and the not-so-tranquil annual regatta, when the town truly comes alive, along with the biannual Maritime Woodbridge Festival. Water is a big draw for local residents, especially those who prioritise health and wellbeing: there are plenty of wild swimming options, which are popular and safe.
With well-preserved architecture, cobbled streets, and that riverside setting (along the River Deben), it’s a location that puts the mind at rest and relaxes the soul. Fear not though – there is still a discernible buzz: Woodbridge is a very community-minded town, with a growing number of events and activities that bring residents together, especially with professional families moving to the area in increasing numbers. The town has a comforting mix of people – young, old, and everyone in between – and they’re all catered for with a host of essential services and modern amenities. Woodbridge’s high street really pops – it’s graced with a stimulating mix of independent shops, boutiques, cafes and galleries. Dining options are also excellent – the waterfront area has places from which to take in stunning river views. The housing stock in Woodbridge is varied: modern developments, period properties, traditional country cottages, luxury homes with riverside views. Transport links are good. On the road, the A12 provides a route to Ipswich and London, while Woodbridge railway station offers regular services to Ipswich, with a convenient fast connection to London Liverpool Street.
SOUTHWOLD
Want to feel like you’re on holiday every day? That’s the vibe reported by some residents of this quintessentially English seaside town, who luxuriate in Southwold’s sandy beaches, independent boutiques, historic pier and lighthouse, plus cutting-edge cultural events.
Yes, tourists love Southwold – especially in summer. But there’s a homely feel that pervades throughout the year for locals, that goes well beyond a nice day out or a short holiday. The town is noted for being family-friendly, and some of its foremost features make it so: clean sand on the beach, with safe, shallow waters; immaculately-tended streets; a welcoming atmosphere; a range of modern facilities; and a packed calendar of exciting events and cultural activities. The Southwold Arts Festival takes centre stage every year, celebrating the arts with a week of theatre, talks, exhibitions, and music, while Southwold Christmas Lights switch-on and display is always a must-see, capturing the attention of the whole town (and many beyond it) throughout the festive period. Southwold has an arty feel too – it benefits from the proximity of the now well-established Latitude Festival each summer – and the bohemian edge seeps into the atmosphere of everyday life, with creative appetites catered for in style across the town’s independent boutiques, cafes, bookshops and galleries.
BURY ST EDMUNDS
‘Bury’, as it’s known to locals, has a wealth of historical associations – Charles Dickens stayed at The Angel Hotel here and mentions the town in his novels – but it’s not stuck in the past. It might have stunning Georgian squares and quaint timber-framed buildings, but Bury St Edmunds is in fact a lively growing town where young families put roots down, enjoying the range of modern amenities with its rich cultural history and beauty as a pleasant backdrop. School options are excellent in the area, and ‘Bury’ is well situated in West Suffolk – an hour from the coast and with superb transport links to London, Ipswich, and Cambridge. A genuine glow exists around the town because it is the home of Greene King, the UK’s largest British-owned brewery – a source of local pride, not to mention employment. The food scene is also thriving: among the diverse range of numerous restaurants, pubs, and cafes, there is a Michelin-starred restaurant and one of the smallest pubs in Britain (if you can find it). Bury St Edmunds also has a cultural twist or two: The Apex is a respected venue for music and performances, while the Theatre Royal is a stunningly restored Regency theatre.
ALDEBURGH
Aldeburgh is a highly desirable place to live, a real cocktail of appeal. Perched on the Suffolk coast, the landscape and architecture are simply breathtaking, and the atmosphere is just so. There’s an air of exclusivity to Aldeburgh, in one sense, but with that comes a sense of community: because the population is small, it tends to be close-knit and caring. And if you’ve heard of Aldeburgh before, it’s no surprise – the town has a cultural heritage which goes well beyond its shores on the North Sea; it’s traditionally associated with composer Benjamin Britten, and is now renowned for the much-respected Aldeburgh Festival. The event showcases a genuinely world-class bill of music and the arts and attracts visitors and performers from around the world. For living, this gorgeous coastal town attracts a mix of retirees, families, artists, and professionals who lap up the blend of tranquillity and vibrancy (the Aldeburgh Yacht Club is a hub of social activity, with sailing and other water sports activities on offer). Properties are at a premium: housing stock isn’t plentiful, but there are colourful cottages and historic buildings close to its picturesque shingle beach, and a deeper range of period properties and modern homes a little further away from the seafront. London is further away than other areas of Suffolk, but if you can make it work, an amazing quality of life is right on the doorstep: relaxed, peaceful, ideal for a gentler pace of lifestyle.
Other areas of Suffolk are hugely appealing – the ancient market town of Framlington, with its 12th-century castle; the historic old hub of Sudbury, with shops aplenty and stunning meadow walkways by the River Stour; the ‘wonky’ mediaeval village of Lavenham, with its proud community and eye-catching Tudor cottages. Wherever your preference lies, Suffolk is a sure bet for rural charm, beautiful countryside, cultural heft, and safe and welcoming communities. Not only that, but the property market has something to offer the broadest of palettes: historic cottages, eco-friendly modern homes, converted barns, and much more.
