Discover Suffolk's Inspirational Valley of the Kings
Explore the Beautiful Deben Valley
Wickham Market and its villages make simply perfect bases for exploring and enjoying one of Suffolk’s most stunning, historic and nature-rich river valleys. Discover Ronald Blythe’s ‘Akenfield’ country to the north-east, close to the river’s source near the fine country town of Debenham (Deben-ham). Trace its course to tidal waters near Woodbridge to wonder at ancient riverbank treasures at the site of a royal Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo. Close to Felixstowe on its estuary, Kingsfleet marks the spot where monarchs gathered their fleets. No wonder, it is increasingly known as Suffolk’s very own Valley of the Kings.
At the heart of all Wickham Market is…
For the earliest ancient settlers in the fertile river valley, just as for today’s visitors escaping the rush for leisurely stays down by the bullrushes, the River Deben is both the attraction and the life-blood of Wickham Market and its beautiful surrounding countryside.
Wickham Market village sign displays all that it owes to the river, from industrious wheels it turned to the osier and reed beds which supported traditional crafts such as basket-weaving and thatching.
Suffolk’s Valley of the Kings
Archaeologists made an awesome discovery across the fields from Wickham Market at Rendlesham – an Anglo-Saxon royal palace believed to have Sutton Hoo connections with warrior King Raedwald, and a settlement the size of 70 football pitches!
Fast-forward the centuries and from early medieval times, barons, kings and powerful noble men made sites in nearby Framlingham, or in the Deben Valley at Ufford and Letheringham either their castle homes, grand estates or hunting grounds.
Castles & Kings WalksPriory lands & ‘Great House’ giveaways
Look closely at local maps and the landscape and the rich religious heritage of the Deben Valley fast becomes apparent. Spot priory remains at Campsea Ashe, Letheringham or Bruisyard near Framlingham and discover their connections. The colourful 20th century glass in Blaxhall Church by Sister Margaret ‘Tor’ Rope is worth the cycle ride or ramble too!
And don’t miss lost ‘Great House’ giveaways, like the miles of crinkle-crankle wall in nearby Easton or exotic tree species on the horizon at Campsea Ashe.
Villages Info
Firmly engrained farming traditions
It was Wickham Market’s fertile Deben Valley soils that diverted the railway to Campsea Ashe. The unsung rural heroes of everyday farming life described by Ronald Blythe in ‘Akenfield’, or by George Ewart-Evans, were the salt of the earth. Together with livestock, the fruits of local labours from ‘the veg patch of Suffolk’ found their way to the weekly ‘sale’. Today’s Campsea Ashe auction house continues the tradition.
There’s no better way to get a taste of Suffolk’s food and farming traditions than staying in the countryside, close to or on a working farm park or riding stables. Don’t miss Easton Farm Park or Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure both on the doorstep of Wickham Market village.
Station Location Nearby AttractionsA beautiful valley full of bird song & more
Woodpeckers, nuthatch, cuckoos, kingfishers; willow warblers, barn owls, swans, even Marsh harriers – there’s so much to spot, you won’t want to put your binoculars down! On fields and lanes, hare, deer, and muntjac are regular sights, along with otter on a river that’s home to pike, perch, dace and roach.
Whatever the season, there’s sure to be a colourful spectacle in the Glevering and Easton countryside by Wickham Market – from woodland carpets of snowdrops or bluebells to roadside displays of primroses, cowslips and sheeps parsley. Look out for precious pyramidal orchids on the water meadows in June and the ultimate autumn spectacle of a field of ‘Naked Ladies’ (crocus) in Martin’s Meadow Nature Reserve in ‘Akenfield Country’.
Martin's Meadow
Walk or ride this Deben Valley way
Set out on a mystery and history walk from Gallows Hill on the edge of Wickham Market, or a Treasured Suffolk Trail towards the Anglo-Saxon lands of Rendlesham. Wander along the valley through timeless villages with enormous churches to the waterfront at Woodbridge.
Fancy heading further out along the Deben? Download the Deben Peninsula Pocket Guide for inspiration and info. Cyclist-friendly rail services, sets of station-to-station walks and quiet lane cycling make it all oh-so-easy too!
Plan your visit – Around Wickham Market & Suffolk’s Deben Valley
PLACES TO STAY
In & Around Wickham Market
GETTING ABOUT
Maps & Need to Know Info
CYCLE ROUTES & RIDES
In & Around Wickham Market
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
In & Around Wickham Market
WALKS & TRAILS
In & Around Wickham Market
ABOUT 'WICKHAM'
History & Hidden Treasures
THINGS TO SEE & DO
In & Around Wickham Market
MARKETS & MORE
On The Hill
SHOP LOCAL
In & Around Wickham Market
SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
In & Around Wickham Market
WHAT'S ON
In & Around Wickham Market
