Latest news with #TheDig
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Dig into the UK's ancient past at these 7 archaeological sites
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Despite their ancient age, the UK's most famous archaeological treasures keep revealing new secrets, from recently unearthed dinosaur species to new Roman excavations. To help you follow the archaeology buzz, we dig into the nation's top spots to explore our ancient past, where revamped museums, interactive exhibits and hands-on excavation experiences bring our early history vividly to life. 1. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk First unearthed in 1939, with the shadow of the Second World War looming, Sutton Hoo is an early medieval royal burial site that's famously home to the ship burial of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon King Rædwald. Long-neglected, Sutton Hoo reopened in summer 2019 after a year-long refurbishment, which included transforming Tranmer House, home of Edith Pretty who commissioned the original archaeological excavation (the events of which are dramatised in the film The Dig, released in 2021). Now open to the public for the first time, the 1930s house has in-depth displays detailing the development of the dig and the ongoing research at Sutton Hoo. The refurb also saw the creation of a new walking route out to the burial mounds, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, who hauled the monumental timber ship to the top of a hill to bury their king, replete with gold and other treasures, including the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet. Nearby, at Woodbridge, pay a visit to The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (a team of professionals, volunteers and enthusiasts) is currently constructing a replica of the ship. 2. Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight earns its status as one of Europe's richest palaeontology hubs by producing new dinosaur discoveries practically year on year. Among the island's findings are around 20 species of dinosaur from the early Cretaceous Period. In 2024, one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK was unearthed on the island. Named Comptonatus chasei, it formed part of the local eco system over 120 million years ago. This discovery came only one year after the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur were found nearby, triggering reanalysis of similar remains to help solve the age-old question of why the dinosaurs went extinct. Lots of fossils are on display at Dinosaur Isle, the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Step over the sea wall at Sandown to explore its recreated prehistoric landscape, populated by life-sized models of the Isle of Wight's biggest dinosaur discoveries; see skeletons as they were found by fossil hunters; watch volunteers preparing the latest finds; or join the Fossil Walks led by expert guides teaching you how to find your own ancient artefacts. 3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire There's always something big being unearthed in Stonehenge country, and the latest discoveries reveal the origin of the largest rocks in the circle. In the last decade, it was discovered that the mysterious bluestones came from a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli hills. And, in 2024, scientists found that the alter stone – arguably the most ritualistically important piece of the formation – was brought to Stonehenge from the north of Scotland, a journey of well over 500 miles. Try your arm at dragging a massive stone monolith at the site's smartly curated visitor centre. Or, for the closest possible view of the stones, visit the site during winter or summer solstice: the only times of the year in which you can stand among the stones as part of its 'managed open access'. Watch the sun set and rise at this magnificent monument and share in the ancient sacred tradition. Just be sure to check the specific solstice entry times for the day. Stonehenge country has numerous options for further exploration, including the many archaeological treasures on show at Salisbury Cathedral Museum. And within sight of the stones is the UK's biggest prehistoric monument, which is around 4,500 years old. Uncovered in 2020, the Neolithic find includes 20 vast holes that suggest the boundaries of an earlier enclosure circle. The site is so large that is contains Durrington Walls, the UK's largest henge, and Woodhenge too. 4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxford Occupied for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists were expecting to find some worthy prizes beneath the ground of this ancient Oxfordshire landmark. What they weren't prepared for was a double-whammy discovery that spanned two rich seams of history: an extended Iron Age settlement with more than a dozen roundhouses dating from 400BC to 100BC as well as a vast Roman villa dating back to the late third century. Wittenham Clumps is managed by Dig Ventures who offer various 'Archaeology In Your Hands' experiences, which they describe as 'exciting crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeology projects you can be part of'. These can range from guided excavations at live digs to 'Finds Room' experiences, expert talks to online courses endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. It can be as in-depth or accessible as you desire; DigCamp, for example, are day experiences for families to get hands-on at a real, live, in-progress dig, dirt and all. 5. Orkney Islands, Scotland At the heart of Neolithic Orkney's rich pickings, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are widely regarded as the finest in Western Europe. Skara Brae is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Dating back some 5,000 years, this Neolithic settlement was discovered in 1850 by the Laird of Skaill, thanks to a landscape-stripping storm that raised grass from a mound under which the ruins had been concealed for millennia. With the white-sand beach of the Skaill as a fittingly dramatic backdrop, Skara Brae is a stone-built prehistoric settlement that reveals the finer points of day-to-day Neolithic life. See ancient homes complete with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats. Replica constructions complete the interior interpretation, which can be further explored in touch-screen clarity at the on-site visitor centre museum. 6. Hadrian's Wall Country Discoveries still abound at Hadrian's Wall, where there are plenty of places to step back into the past. Try historical re-enactments around the ruins, archaeological talks, guided walks or wall-spanning history-focused hikes and bike routes that take you between the North and Irish Seas. Plus, there are lots of hands-on dig opportunities for all ages. The wall itself, a near 80-mile stretch of fortifications marking the northern frontier of Hadrian's Roman Empire, isn't the only attraction here: there's so much more to see in the surrounding country. A mile south of the wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs: nine forts built on top of each other that garrisoned soldiers from across the Roman Empire. It includes a bathhouse, tavern and shops, all dating back to the third century. And if this isn't compelling enough, a 2017 discovery revealed an entire Roman cavalry barracks underneath the site, complete with thousands of extraordinary military and personal possessions dating back almost 2,000 years. It was a haul significant for its size and pristine state, but also for its evidence of the long military build-up that led to the wall's construction in AD 122. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. Or visit the on-site museum, which has an extensive display of the mind-boggling number of objects found during the excavations. 7. Scilly Isles The tiny Isles of Scilly are home to 239 hugely significant ancient monuments and archaeological landmarks: the UK's greatest density of historic sites. Maritime shipwrecks, Bronze Age burial chambers dating back 3,000 years, deserted Christian chapels on uninhabited islands, fortified castles and English Civil War headlands, all contribute to these wild islands' natural landscapes. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to large stone earth mounds that form distinctive Bronze Age burial chambers known as entrance graves — often described as Scillonian tombs, thanks to their local concentration. Strikingly preserved Innisidgen has sweeping views across to neighbouring St Martin's. And the cemetery of Porth Hellick Down, in St Mary's, to the south east, has six grave mounds, including the impressive 12-metre-wide Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: just two of a string of ceremonial monuments lining the Scilly Isles' coastal hilltops. They're stellar spots for eternal rest, or a panoramic place to camp for a few nights if you manage to bag a booking at any of the islands' campsites. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only). Solve the daily Crossword
National Geographic
6 days ago
- National Geographic
Dig into the UK's ancient past at these 7 archaeological sites
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Despite their ancient age, the UK's most famous archaeological treasures keep revealing new secrets, from recently unearthed dinosaur species to new Roman excavations. To help you follow the archaeology buzz, we dig into the nation's top spots to explore our ancient past, where revamped museums, interactive exhibits and hands-on excavation experiences bring our early history vividly to life. The iconic Sutton Hoo helmet sits in Room 41 of London's British Museum, along with a replica showing how the original might have looked in its day. It's only one of four known complete helmets from Anglo-Saxon England. 1. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk First unearthed in 1939, with the shadow of the Second World War looming, Sutton Hoo is an early medieval royal burial site that's famously home to the ship burial of seventh-century Anglo-Saxon King Rædwald. Long-neglected, Sutton Hoo reopened in summer 2019 after a year-long refurbishment, which included transforming Tranmer House, home of Edith Pretty who commissioned the original archaeological excavation (the events of which are dramatised in the film The Dig, released in 2021). Now open to the public for the first time, the 1930s house has in-depth displays detailing the development of the dig and the ongoing research at Sutton Hoo. The refurb also saw the creation of a new walking route out to the burial mounds, where you can follow in the footsteps of the Anglo-Saxons, who hauled the monumental timber ship to the top of a hill to bury their king, replete with gold and other treasures, including the iconic Sutton Hoo helmet. Nearby, at Woodbridge, pay a visit to The Longshed, where the Sutton Hoo Ship's Company (a team of professionals, volunteers and enthusiasts) is currently constructing a replica of the ship. 2. Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight earns its status as one of Europe's richest palaeontology hubs by producing new dinosaur discoveries practically year on year. Among the island's findings are around 20 species of dinosaur from the early Cretaceous Period. In 2024, one of the best-preserved dinosaurs ever found in the UK was unearthed on the island. Named Comptonatus chasei, it formed part of the local eco system over 120 million years ago. This discovery came only one year after the fossilised remains of a previously unknown dinosaur were found nearby, triggering reanalysis of similar remains to help solve the age-old question of why the dinosaurs went extinct. Lots of fossils are on display at Dinosaur Isle, the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Step over the sea wall at Sandown to explore its recreated prehistoric landscape, populated by life-sized models of the Isle of Wight's biggest dinosaur discoveries; see skeletons as they were found by fossil hunters; watch volunteers preparing the latest finds; or join the Fossil Walks led by expert guides teaching you how to find your own ancient artefacts. Dinosaur Isle is the UK's first purpose-built dinosaur museum. Here, a boy admires an iguanodon skeleton. Photograph by Dinosaur Isle 3. Stonehenge, Wiltshire There's always something big being unearthed in Stonehenge country, and the latest discoveries reveal the origin of the largest rocks in the circle. In the last decade, it was discovered that the mysterious bluestones came from a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli hills. And, in 2024, scientists found that the alter stone – arguably the most ritualistically important piece of the formation – was brought to Stonehenge from the north of Scotland, a journey of well over 500 miles. Try your arm at dragging a massive stone monolith at the site's smartly curated visitor centre. Or, for the closest possible view of the stones, visit the site during winter or summer solstice: the only times of the year in which you can stand among the stones as part of its 'managed open access'. Watch the sun set and rise at this magnificent monument and share in the ancient sacred tradition. Just be sure to check the specific solstice entry times for the day. Stonehenge country has numerous options for further exploration, including the many archaeological treasures on show at Salisbury Cathedral Museum. And within sight of the stones is the UK's biggest prehistoric monument, which is around 4,500 years old. Uncovered in 2020, the Neolithic find includes 20 vast holes that suggest the boundaries of an earlier enclosure circle. The site is so large that is contains Durrington Walls, the UK's largest henge, and Woodhenge too. The latest discovery surrounding Stonehenge reveals that the origins of its mysterious bluestones lay in a quarry deep in the Welsh Preseli Hills, and that they first stood in an earlier stone circle. Photograph by Andre Pattenden, English Heritage 4. Wittenham Clumps, Oxford Occupied for more than 3,000 years, archaeologists were expecting to find some worthy prizes beneath the ground of this ancient Oxfordshire landmark. What they weren't prepared for was a double-whammy discovery that spanned two rich seams of history: an extended Iron Age settlement with more than a dozen roundhouses dating from 400BC to 100BC as well as a vast Roman villa dating back to the late third century. Wittenham Clumps is managed by Dig Ventures who offer various 'Archaeology In Your Hands' experiences, which they describe as 'exciting crowdfunded and crowdsourced archaeology projects you can be part of'. These can range from guided excavations at live digs to 'Finds Room' experiences, expert talks to online courses endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists. It can be as in-depth or accessible as you desire; DigCamp, for example, are day experiences for families to get hands-on at a real, live, in-progress dig, dirt and all. 5. Orkney Islands, Scotland At the heart of Neolithic Orkney's rich pickings, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites are widely regarded as the finest in Western Europe. Skara Brae is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Dating back some 5,000 years, this Neolithic settlement was discovered in 1850 by the Laird of Skaill, thanks to a landscape-stripping storm that raised grass from a mound under which the ruins had been concealed for millennia. With the white-sand beach of the Skaill as a fittingly dramatic backdrop, Skara Brae is a stone-built prehistoric settlement that reveals the finer points of day-to-day Neolithic life. See ancient homes complete with stone bed enclosures, dressers and seats. Replica constructions complete the interior interpretation, which can be further explored in touch-screen clarity at the on-site visitor centre museum. Skara Brae, located on Mainland's Bay of Skaill, in the Orkney Islands, is older than both the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge and has been dubbed the Scottish Pompeii for its pristine state. Photograph by Visit Scotland 6. Hadrian's Wall Country Discoveries still abound at Hadrian's Wall, where there are plenty of places to step back into the past. Try historical re-enactments around the ruins, archaeological talks, guided walks or wall-spanning history-focused hikes and bike routes that take you between the North and Irish Seas. Plus, there are lots of hands-on dig opportunities for all ages. The wall itself, a near 80-mile stretch of fortifications marking the northern frontier of Hadrian's Roman Empire, isn't the only attraction here: there's so much more to see in the surrounding country. A mile south of the wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs: nine forts built on top of each other that garrisoned soldiers from across the Roman Empire. It includes a bathhouse, tavern and shops, all dating back to the third century. And if this isn't compelling enough, a 2017 discovery revealed an entire Roman cavalry barracks underneath the site, complete with thousands of extraordinary military and personal possessions dating back almost 2,000 years. It was a haul significant for its size and pristine state, but also for its evidence of the long military build-up that led to the wall's construction in AD 122. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. Or visit the on-site museum, which has an extensive display of the mind-boggling number of objects found during the excavations. A mile south of Hadrian's Wall, Vindolanda is regarded as one of Europe's most exciting Roman digs. Excavations at Vindolanda take place annually, attracting hundreds of volunteers from all over the world, so sign up early. 7. Scilly Isles The tiny Isles of Scilly are home to 239 hugely significant ancient monuments and archaeological landmarks: the UK's greatest density of historic sites. Maritime shipwrecks, Bronze Age burial chambers dating back 3,000 years, deserted Christian chapels on uninhabited islands, fortified castles and English Civil War headlands, all contribute to these wild islands' natural landscapes. St Mary's, the largest island, is home to large stone earth mounds that form distinctive Bronze Age burial chambers known as entrance graves — often described as Scillonian tombs, thanks to their local concentration. Strikingly preserved Innisidgen has sweeping views across to neighbouring St Martin's. And the cemetery of Porth Hellick Down, in St Mary's, to the south east, has six grave mounds, including the impressive 12-metre-wide Porth Hellick Down Burial Chamber: just two of a string of ceremonial monuments lining the Scilly Isles' coastal hilltops. They're stellar spots for eternal rest, or a panoramic place to camp for a few nights if you manage to bag a booking at any of the islands' campsites. To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Daily Record
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Netflix fans say 'exquisite' and 'impeccable' period drama is 'enchanting'
The Dig tells the story of the 1939 excavation of Sutton Hoo in Suffolk - and fans are already in awe of the 'beautiful and moving' film Period drama enthusiasts are in for a treat as the 'impeccable' film The Dig is currently available to stream on Netflix. The 2021 cinematic depiction of John Preston's acclaimed novel brings to life the tales of the 1939 excavation at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. Inhabitants were required to clear out as archaeologists uncovered an undisturbed ship brimming with enigmatic Anglo-Saxon artefacts. The motion picture showcases a stellar cast, featuring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes portraying Edith Pretty and Basil Brown, respectively. The narrative follows landowner Edith's resolve to explore the burial mounds on her estate with the assistance of self-taught archaeologist Brown, who she employs in the hope of unearthing their secrets. Boasting a lofty score on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered recognition for its 'excellent' performances from viewers. A critic says: "This isn't my type of film usually, but I found it to be enchanting and captivating. Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes are excellent, as is the young lad. A window on a dangerous time but also captures the charm of England back then , when everyone had manners and everything was done with TLC." Another viewer added: "I just watched The Dig, and I have to say, it's such a beautiful and moving film. I knew a little bit about the Sutton Hoo discovery, but this film really brings the whole story to life in such a heartfelt way. It's not just about the archaeology; it's about the people behind it and everything they went through.", reports Surrey Live. In the nascent stage of their working relationship, Edith presents an offer matching what Brown had been getting from the Ipswich Museum, yet upon his declaration of its insufficiency, they settle on a more substantial sum for his expertise. Initially, Brown would cycle long distances daily until Edith extends the hospitality of on-site accommodation, shared with her driver and chef, plus two assistants to aid in his endeavours. Despite attempts by his previous colleagues to draw him back into their explorations, Brown remains steadfast in his solitary excavation. His persistence soon pays off when he stumbles upon enigmatic iron rivets from a ship, hinting that the site might be the final resting place of a figure of supreme stature—perhaps an ancient king prompting an unforeseen voyage of discovery. A fan wrote: "Beautifully shot and carefully written. It's a well-crafted story about discovery, death, love and hope, set in a turbulent time where Great Britain is about to go to war with Germany. Though this historical film suffers from pacing issues, particularly in the first half of the movie, it delivers an emotionally compelling and resonating story that we rarely see these days." For those keen to delve into the true tale of the Sutton Hoo excavation and immerse themselves in a period drama, The Dig is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I visited the UK's happiest place to live with the country's best pizza and cosy pubs
YOU have probably heard of Sutton Hoo, the Suffolk site where a huge Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered under ancient grassy mounds. Excitement around the medieval treasure trove grew in 2021 when Carey Mulligan starred in a Netflix movie about the discovery, The Dig. 3 3 But it's not just ancient artefacts, old textiles and traditional silverware that make this area so special. The site sits close to Woodbridge, an off-grid market town on the banks of the River Deben that was recently crowned the UK's happiest place to live by Rightmove. Having spent a weekend soaking up its moreish cocktail of history, gorgeous views and cracking food — including one of the best pizzas I've ever had — I'm inclined to agree. It was a short trip for me and my partner across the Essex / Suffolk border, where we checked into one of Woodbridge's best-known hotels, The Crown. The charming inn features ten comfortable boutique rooms, with enormous beds and grand panelled bathtubs. The property's position, smack bang on the thoroughfare of the town, is perfect for soaking up the best Woodbridge has to offer, within walking distance of a high street scattered with independent shops. Swing by The W Gallery if you get a chance. We were captivated by a huge canvas of an avenue of neon orange trees by artist Samuel Thomas. A few doors down, at Bois Jolie, the owner explained how he went from market researcher to owning his own woodcraft business. Now, rather than staring at spreadsheets and pie charts, he spends his time creating interesting coffee tables and beautifully grained yew lamp stands, topped by his wife's colourful handmade shades. north wales staycation If we weren't convinced before, we certainly were after that: Woodbridge really is a town of happy people — and they love to chat. We had made sure we were well fuelled for our first day of adventure with a huge brekkie of juicy local sausages and perfectly poached eggs at the hotel. Make sure you book in here for dinner one night, too. The Crown's restaurant and bar are buzzing with locals on a Saturday night. If you ever tire of the hotel's jam-packed burgers, fish and chips and flavoursome salads, you won't need to venture far for a decent meal in Woodbridge. I recommend The Woodyard Ltd, where the air was thick with the lip-smacking scent of smoke and garlic. Its wood-fired pizzas are something special and we were grateful for our cold beers after devouring a Vesuvio — all charred dough, spicy nduja sausage and fiery salami. The queue for tables stretched out of the door and, after eating, it was easy to see why. The Anchor proved the perfect spot for a relaxed Sunday roast. My plate came piled high with pork, doused in a stock-rich gravy that was so good I would have happily drunk it from a mug. Once we were finished feasting, we walked it off along Woodbridge's River Deben and the marina, where hundreds of colourful boats are moored. 3 Take a peek at the tide mill on your wander. The Grade I listed mill is one of the few remaining in the country and has a history stretching back 800 years. We then made our way towards Kyson Hill, where the sun-drenched river is framed by salt marshes and ancient woodland. This National Trust area is full of wildlife and we spotted a heron motionless at the water's edge while, in the distance, deer darted between the trees. While we didn't get the chance to visit the mounds of Sutton Hoo itself on the other side of the river, its connection to the town is deepening. It's thought the ship and its treasure were hauled three miles up to the burial site from Woodbridge in the 7th Century, and now a community-led project is rebuilding the ancient craft in all its 90ft glory. The locals are brilliantly enthusiastic about the mission, and you can take a look at the impressive work in progress in The Longshed. After a weekend of eating, walking and soaking up the charm of this riverside town and all its history, I reckon Woodbridge is quite possibly the happiest place to live in the UK. And it's just as great to visit. It may even feature frequently on my property searches . . .
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I visited the UK's happiest place to live with the country's best pizza and cosy pubs
Make your way to stunning Kyson Hill, where the sun-drenched river is framed by salt marshes and ancient woodland HOO KNEW? I visited the UK's happiest place to live with the country's best pizza and cosy pubs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOU have probably heard of Sutton Hoo, the Suffolk site where a huge Anglo-Saxon ship was discovered under ancient grassy mounds. Excitement around the medieval treasure trove grew in 2021 when Carey Mulligan starred in a Netflix movie about the discovery, The Dig. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Enjoy Woodbridge harbour with its sail boats Credit: Alamy 3 Double rooms at The Crown at Woodbridge are from £115per night Credit: Supplied But it's not just ancient artefacts, old textiles and traditional silverware that make this area so special. The site sits close to Woodbridge, an off-grid market town on the banks of the River Deben that was recently crowned the UK's happiest place to live by Rightmove. Having spent a weekend soaking up its moreish cocktail of history, gorgeous views and cracking food — including one of the best pizzas I've ever had — I'm inclined to agree. It was a short trip for me and my partner across the Essex/Suffolk border, where we checked into one of Woodbridge's best-known hotels, The Crown. The charming inn features ten comfortable boutique rooms, with enormous beds and grand panelled bathtubs. The property's position, smack bang on the thoroughfare of the town, is perfect for soaking up the best Woodbridge has to offer, within walking distance of a high street scattered with independent shops. Swing by The W Gallery if you get a chance. We were captivated by a huge canvas of an avenue of neon orange trees by artist Samuel Thomas. A few doors down, at Bois Jolie, the owner explained how he went from market researcher to owning his own woodcraft business. Now, rather than staring at spreadsheets and pie charts, he spends his time creating interesting coffee tables and beautifully grained yew lamp stands, topped by his wife's colourful handmade shades. north wales staycation If we weren't convinced before, we certainly were after that: Woodbridge really is a town of happy people — and they love to chat. We had made sure we were well fuelled for our first day of adventure with a huge brekkie of juicy local sausages and perfectly poached eggs at the hotel. Make sure you book in here for dinner one night, too. The Crown's restaurant and bar are buzzing with locals on a Saturday night. If you ever tire of the hotel's jam-packed burgers, fish and chips and flavoursome salads, you won't need to venture far for a decent meal in Woodbridge. I recommend The Woodyard Ltd, where the air was thick with the lip-smacking scent of smoke and garlic. Its wood-fired pizzas are something special and we were grateful for our cold beers after devouring a Vesuvio — all charred dough, spicy nduja sausage and fiery salami. The queue for tables stretched out of the door and, after eating, it was easy to see why. The Anchor proved the perfect spot for a relaxed Sunday roast. My plate came piled high with pork, doused in a stock-rich gravy that was so good I would have happily drunk it from a mug. Once we were finished feasting, we walked it off along Woodbridge's River Deben and the marina, where hundreds of colourful boats are moored. 3 The Crown serves cracking food Credit: Supplied Take a peek at the tide mill on your wander. The Grade I listed mill is one of the few remaining in the country and has a history stretching back 800 years. We then made our way towards Kyson Hill, where the sun-drenched river is framed by salt marshes and ancient woodland. This National Trust area is full of wildlife and we spotted a heron motionless at the water's edge while, in the distance, deer darted between the trees. While we didn't get the chance to visit the mounds of Sutton Hoo itself on the other side of the river, its connection to the town is deepening. It's thought the ship and its treasure were hauled three miles up to the burial site from Woodbridge in the 7th Century, and now a community-led project is rebuilding the ancient craft in all its 90ft glory. The locals are brilliantly enthusiastic about the mission, and you can take a look at the impressive work in progress in The Longshed. After a weekend of eating, walking and soaking up the charm of this riverside town and all its history, I reckon Woodbridge is quite possibly the happiest place to live in the UK. And it's just as great to visit. It may even feature frequently on my property searches . . .
