WITH its impressive riverside views, strong maritime heritage and variety of renowned retailers the charms of Woodbridge have long been known to locals and visitors alike.

But the historic market town has now received national recognition after its high street was named as one of the best in the country.

The Sunday Times rates Woodbridge as among the UK’s elite, in a top ten list that also includes the likes of Whitstable in Kent.

It says: “A low-key version of Southwold, its posh coastal neighbour, the yachtie enclave of Woodbridge is just as lovely, with meandering river walks and a tidal mill.

“The Thoroughfare, the quiet main drag, is a mix of Georgian and Tudor architecture, and a ‘shop local’ mecca, with artisanal coffee shops, smart kitchen stores, a greengrocer selling local produce, the Crown gastropub and the Cake Shop bakery, where speciality loaves include Adnams sourdough.”

Chris Harrold, chairman of Choose Woodbridge, said they were delighted to receive such recognition.

“We have a good balance of national chains along with independent retailers and individual boutiques,” he continued. “Its an ideal mix to ensure we maintain a thriving high street.

“It’s a nice surprise to be recognised and very much appreciated. It shows that all our hard work is paying off and that we are moving in the right direction.

“You hear a lot of negative stories about the situation nationally but I think this proves that the high street isn’t dead.”

Mark Halls, from the town’s Fine and Country estate agents, said Woodbridge is a highly regarded market town with plenty to see and do and very convenient for London.

“Woodbridge is steeped in history with a fine selection of shops and restaurants,” he said. “It has its own theatres, swimming pool, doctors, dentists and railway station on the Ipswich-Lowestoft east Suffolk line.”

N For a special eight page focus on Woodbridge see Wednesday’s East Anglian Daily Times.