Woodbridge is the best place to live in the East of England
It's been given the top spot on the Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
A list of the top eight places to live in our region has been published by the Sunday Times with Woodbridge in Suffolk coming out on top.
The judge's look at things like schools, air quality, transport, broadband speeds, culture, green spaces, and health of the high street when making their decision.
They also look for improving towns, villages or city centres for attractive well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has only highlighted.
Other areas that made the top eight in our region are:
- Dedham Vale, Essex/Suffolk
- Ely, Cambridgeshire
- Epping, Essex
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Saffron Walden, Essex
- Shotley Peninsula, Suffolk
- Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: "This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it's no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.
"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn't been a year for big cities or small villages.
"Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.
"Woodbridge is our winner in this region because it is arty, creative and historic.
"Its thriving, independent high street is full of the good things of life and the schools are excellent.
"During the pandemic, it has been the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors, whether it's sailing or wild-swimming in the River Deben or walking up Kyson Hill or in Rendlesham Forest."
Top places to visit in Woodbridge
The guide includes some recommendations for the best places to visit in Woodbridge.
Judges said Honey + Harvey serves some of the best coffee in the country (currently offering takeout from its Melton branch).
Other places which impressed judges include the Cake Shop Bakery, the Tea Hut, the Unruly Pig (named dining pub of the year by the Good Pub Guide 2021), and the Angel (which sells local craft beers and about 250 gins).
Other areas in Suffolk impressed too
Dedham Vale was described by judges as "immaculate" and "timeless".
Villages such as Stoke by Nayland, Nayland and Dedham were praised for their extensive network of footpaths and cycling routes, plus golf, fishing and watersports.
There are fine-dining spots and gastropubs, including the Angel Inn and the Crown, the Swan Inn in Stratford St Mary, the Sun Inn, Milsoms, Le Talbooth, and the Old Bakery Café.
Good local shops include Park Street Stores in Stoke by Nayland, IH Kerridge butcher in Nayland, which has queues out of the door on Saturday mornings.
Hall Farm in Stratford St Mary has a beautiful farm shop.
Judges said: "The immaculate, timeless villages of Constable Country are an ideal base for young families looking for country living within reach of work in Ipswich, Colchester or the City of London."
Part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), The Shotley Peninsula was described by judges as: "a slice of prime Suffolk countryside where you can enjoy laid-back village life and Swallows and Amazons-style fun in the water."
Their favourite things include the local produce at the brilliant Suffolk Food Hall and the views from riverside pubs such as the Butt & Oyster in Pin Mill.
Pin Mill was described as the prettiest village, but Stutton, Tattingstone and Holbrook, which has two pubs and a village shop, are equally admired.