Best places to live near Ipswich
There are many wonderful areas surrounding Ipswich, in this blog we consider the best places to live near Ipswich.
Ipswich is located just 30 minutes from Bury St Edmunds by train and around the same amount of time by car.
Ipswich in Suffolk is a popular place to live but for many, the preference is to find a home near to the town in order to have easy access to the amenities and transport connections.
Coastal places to live near Ipswich
Some 8 miles east of Ipswich is the Suffolk Coast, a 50 mile stretch of heritage coastline famed for its scenic marshland, sweeping countryside and largely untouched beaches.
With a wonderfully varied selection of towns and villages located within its area of outstanding natural beauty, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Thorpeness
For those seeking an idyllic retreat, we recommend the picturesque village of Thorpeness.
Its Peter Pan themed boating lake and beautiful mock-Tudor houses look plucked from the pages of a storybook, while the surrounding heathland and forest are rich with birds and insect species alike.
Orford
The small fishing village of Orford is just as idyllic, with pretty cottages, traditional pubs and a quiet village life that make it popular with second homeowners.
Aldeburgh
For those who enjoy vibrant seaside towns and resorts, look no further than Aldeburgh and Southwold.
Famous for its pebbled-beach, pastel-coloured villas and scenic golf course, Aldeburgh also boasts a thriving high street full of independent boutiques and delicious eateries.
Southwold
Elsewhere, the quintessential seaside resort of Southwold is full of character and charm, boasting both an award-winning pier and an award-winning brewery!
Dedham Vale
Located between the Deben River and the Alde & Ore Estuary, the Deben Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Dedham Vale is often referred to as Constable Country as it was made famous by the paintings of John Constable.
Set amongst stunning heathlands, seascapes and farmland, its un-spoilt habitats make it an important area for nature conservation.
The Deben Valley is also rich with history, home to a number of heritage sites including the hauntingly beautiful Sutton Hoo: as the site of two early medieval cemeteries, it remains one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time.
The picturesque villages of Hollesley, Boyton, Alderton, Ramsholt and Bawdsey can all be found in the Deben Valley.
Filled with beautiful properties, stunning scenery and delicious eateries, they are the perfect locations for those seeking a quieter way of life.
Orford Ness
Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness is a ten-mile long shingle spit and one of the most extraordinary places in Britain.
The peninsula, which can be accessed via ferry, sees rare wildlife thrive where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested.
The site has extensive former military connections; once an airfield, Orford Ness helped contribute to the development of radar.
Elsewhere, its diverse habitats of shingle, marshland, lagoons and waterways are home to a variety of birds, mammals, moths and butterflies, including deer, hares, owls and falcons.
Villages near Ipswich
Woodbridge
Suffolk is blessed with being part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and nowhere is this more evident than the idyllic quayside town of Woodbridge.
With its wonderful riverside paths and stunning scenery, it is the perfect place for keen ramblers; many enjoy a quiet waterside walk alongside the peaceful tidal estuary which is rich with wildlife.
It may appear calm and serene, but there is always a buzz in the air!
The town is full of fantastic independent shops, from boutiques and delis to tailors and florists.
It also boasts a number of fabulous food venues, including The Crown, which was recently named by the Times as one of the ‘Best 30 pubs for lunch in Britain’. Regular food, vintage, and craft markets are also held throughout the year
With its thriving community, boutique shops, and riverside paths, Woodbridge is perfect for those who seek an idyllic country retreat but still crave a lively town atmosphere.
Take your pick from its charming cottages, Victorian terraces and Tudor townhouses.
Melton
Just a five minute drive from Woodbridge is the small village of Melton.
For those who like golf, Melton is home to both St Audrys Golf Course and Ufford Park Hotel, which boasts an 18 hole golf course and driving range.
The village is also well connected, with Melton Railway Station on the East Suffolk Line with links to Ipswich and on to London Liverpool Street.
The popular Melton Park development is a prime location for those moving to the area.
An award-winning residential development created in the grounds of the former St Audry’s Hospital, it is a discreet and peaceful location that offers some fantastic parkland walks.
Sutton
Just off the B1083 road is the small village and civil parish of Sutton.
Situated near the Rendlesham Forest, it is just south of the famous Sutton Hoo estate, home to the site of an Anglo-Saxon ship burial.
The village is very small and modest, with a town hall, medieval church and Baptist Chapel, as well as a local pub called the Plough Inn.
Sutton is well positioned with easy access to the A12 trunk road for the wider Suffolk area.
Hadleigh
Around 10 miles west of Ipswich is Hadleigh, a market town and civil parish.
With its colourful, half-timbered houses and beautiful medieval church, Hadleigh is a quintessentially English town full of charm.
Its high street boasts the traditional butchers and bakers, as well as homely country pubs, tea shops and delis.
Other facilities include a doctor and dentist surgery, plus a swimming pool and leisure centre.
Hadleigh has three primaries: St Mary’s CofE, Beaumont Community and Hadleigh Community, all of which are rated “good” by Ofsted, as was the town’s only secondary school, Hadleigh High.
Pin Mill
Pin Mill is a beautiful riverside hamlet on the Suffolk Coast set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Bordered by stunning woodland, it offers breathtaking scenery, tranquil mudflats and an unspoilt cliff plantation teeming with wildlife.
As a result, it is a popular area for birdwatchers, sailors and ramblers alike.
With a vibrant yet friendly community, Pin Mill is home to a number of small businesses, including historic boatyards, photographic studios and sailing clubs, while the local pub, The Butt and Oyster, is popular amongst locals.
Its waterside properties boast spectacular views of the River Orwell.
Manningtree
One of the smallest towns in England, Manningtree lies on the River Stour and is part of the Dedham Area of Natural Beauty.
With a name derived from ‘many trees’, the town boasts stunning woodland and waterside areas alike.
Manningtree is known for its many Georgian buildings and Mistley Towers, the impressive remnants of a fine 18th-century church.
Elsewhere, Manningtree Railway Station is on the main London to Norwich line, making the town the ideal location for those seeking a quiet, rural life but still need to commute.
Finding a home near Ipswich
Choose Garrington to help find your perfect home in or around Ipswich.
Our professional property finders can advise on the best possible location for your needs and scour the market to find your dream property.
To discuss your search and our services, please do get in touch.
