A recent poll, which gathered the opinions of around 35,000 people, has named a town in Suffolk as the top place to live in the UK. Woodbridge, known for its unusually warm summer climate and exceptionally dry conditions by British standards, has been crowned the winner.
With the coast just a quick 15-minute journey away, it’s no wonder this town, home to roughly 8,000 residents, is so popular. One local described Woodbridge as still having a “village feel”.
Sam Denny Hodson, who operates an interiors and clothing shop in the town, spoke to the Sunday Telegraph, saying: “All ages have something nice to do. Every holiday, my adult children come home.”
Sam further added: “Everybody feels very safe, and people appreciate that we have more independent shops than just about any town in the UK. And the water makes a massive difference.”
Russell Stowe, another shop owner in the town, expressed his contentment with life in Woodbridge: “We’re very lucky,” he said, adding: “Everybody here just goes about their business in, well, a jolly way. Everybody seems quite happy with life, and I think that comes from the town itself,” reports the Express.
He also highlighted the variety of activities available: “The coast is 15 minutes away, you’ve got the river at the bottom, fabulous walks, great pubs, there’s not a bad one.”
Despite its relatively small size, Woodbridge boasts a wealth of pubs, restaurants, a cinema, and numerous picturesque country walks.
Woodbridge, renowned for having the oldest working tide mill in the world and being a stone’s throw from the famed Anglo Saxon burial site Sutton Hoo, has recently become home to Kate Trefusis and her husband, local vicar Charles Trefusis. In 2022, she expressed her contentment with their move, saying, “It’s the happiest place I’ve ever lived.”
The town’s popularity, however, is not without its drawbacks; parking is becoming a significant issue, and property prices are soaring, with the average house now costing a staggering £441,569.
Despite these concerns, one local resident highlighted the exceptional community spirit: “the people are amazing,” but jokingly cautioned, “Don’t tell everyone, though, because they’ll all want to move here.”