Enjoy Wickham Market Village, Community & Countryside
Things to See, Do & View
Wickham Market is a large and friendly gem of a Suffolk village with a rich, yet undiscovered, heritage, close to Framlingham, Woodbridge, Snape and Aldeburgh on the coast . Home to traditional independent shops, weekly markets, inviting cafés and places to eat, vibrant community groups and more, it makes an ideal relaxed base for enjoying all that East Suffolk has to offer.
Church heritage corner
Set on higher ground with an unusual octagonal tower and tightly pointed spire, All Saints’ Church pinpoints the original heart of Wickham Market. Over its 700 year history, it has come to be surrounded by all sorts of properties and spaces with tales to tell.
Look out for ‘The Pightle’, once an animal pound, in front of Church Terrace; ‘Camping Close’ referring to an ancient sport, not tent pitches(!); Glebe land used as allotments, as well as fine Georgian façades and signs of the forgotten Crown ale house.
All Saints Church Heritage Walks‘The Hill’ – a time-honoured trading place
Wickham Market’s hilltop market square (aka ‘The Hill’) has been central to village life in more ways than one for nearly 600 years. Originally stalls (which became permanent buildings over time) and inns would have edged a livestock market. This moved to Campsea Ashe only in the last century. From 1785 -1976, The Hill was on the main Ipswich to Yarmouth road.
Today, The Hill is lined with independent shops, repurposed historic pubs and coaching inns and buildings from every era – look out for the tell-tale signs! As well as regular, twice weekly market days, it hosts seasonal markets and supports community events.
Weekly Markets Seasonal Markets
Step back in time discoveries
The historic village centre is just half of Wickham Market’s story. Celebrated in the village sign, this was also once place of industry – of basket weavers, millers and … boiler makers!
The wealth that came from its passing traffic, trade and in particular the flair of its engineering entrepreneurs transformed the village. Take a walk, north down the hill towards the River Deben and there are only tucked away traces of the world-class ironworks, but fine detached villas and smart cottage terraces funded by its success remain mainly intact.
Village HistorySecret histories of engineers & entrepreneurs
In Victorian times, Wickham Market’s industry quarter with its foundry, engineering sheds and gasworks had a heavy reliance on the river. Today, ‘cleaner’ industries and businesses operate out of the village’s River View Business Park.
In the 1860s, Whitmore & Binyon’s engineering works employed over 200. Its award-winning steam engines and flour milling machinery were exported across the globe.
Find out more Heritage Walks
History for sale – antiques & auctions
Like a good browse? Wickham Market has a great little collection of places to pick up inspiration for home interiors, including vintage and antique shops in both heritage and modern settings. Check out the emporium in the former National School, charity shop vintage offerings in part of an old inn, or the antiques warehouse on River View Business Park.
Don’t miss the Monday Sale (auction) at Campsea Ashe. As well as general ‘sales’ of bric-a-brac, antiques and all sorts, the auction house programmes more specialist sales from bygones to farm machinery.
Places to BrowsePlaces to remember
Loved ones lost in battle. Bomb damage by The George. Basque refugees in the old Workhouse. Evacuated London children sharing local family homes… Wickham Market was far from untouched by the wars of the last century.
So close to the coast, WWI Zeppelins on the horizon and Flying Fortresses coming in to land at the nearby WWII airfield were a reality. Take a stroll – and take time to reflect and remember.
Memorials & More Area Archive Centre
The George – Back at the heart of the community
Devasted by fire in 2013, Wickham Market’s large early Tudor inn – The George – has achieved a Phoenix-like rise thanks to the love, determination and sheer hard work of members of the community, along with support from the Lottery’s Heritage Fund. Now owned by the community, it’s a family-friendly, food-serving pub and community hub with a fully accessible activity/ function room venue, kitted out with all the tech for 21st century meetings and more. It has a growing calendar of gigs sessions and events too.
What are you waiting for? Go and enjoy!
Community calendars full of activities & events
Wickham Market has a great array of regular clubs and classes open to all, including pop along opportunities such as art and craft workshops, fitness sessions, folk nights and quizzes.
Look out for seasonal markets with fun, family entertainment on The Hill, and annual must-sees like the Wickham Market Village Show – an ongoing tradition for 75 years.
Clubs & Groups Event Calendars Markets & Festivals
Green spaces for all to enjoy
Countryside campsites, by the river for a spot of fishing, or by the equestrian centre for some riding fun. Footpaths across the fields or edging grand estates. Recreation spaces for that family footie game, or playtime adventures with the little ones. Country golf courses that suit you down to a tee. Conservation landscapes; meadow nature reserves; rural lanes and forest tracks just right for cycling, and a vast area of outstanding natural beauty between Wickham Market and the coast. Stay, share, relax, enjoy, explore – live.
Deben Valley Walks & TrailsPicnic & Play
Looking for somewhere for the little ones to snack and let of steam? Fancy a game of tennis? Want a footie spot to kick the ball around with friends? Or maybe you know someone who’s keen to take to the ramps with the skateboard?
The village hall recreation field together with Simon’s Cross sports grounds have facilities to keep everyone smiling, including club sports pitches and a bowling green.
Village Hall Field Simon's Cross Field
Family fun indoors & out
Who can resist meeting the animals down at Easton Farm Park near Wickham Market… or bouncing on its big cushion?! At the Oliver Hayward Playbarn, the littlest peeps can play, whilst you relax and watch with a cuppa. There are ponies to ride on at Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure, an adventure golf experience complete with dinosaurs just down the road at Ufford, and whole forests to explore and make dens in at nearby Tunstall and Rendlesham.
Find out moreClock up a castle or two
Why take a tour of the little lanes and picturesque East Suffolk villages on route to one of the area’s magnificent 12th century castles? Both Orford and Framlingham are only a short drive or gentle bike ride from Wickham Market. Heritage market town Framlingham is also accessible from the village by bus, has strong ties to global pop icon, Ed Sheeran, and was a film location for cult TV Series, The Detectorists.
Framlingham Castle Orford Castle Local Villages
Golf – Pay & play, or stay
Whether you fancy a practice round, or taking to the green for some competition and camaraderie with friends, the golf courses close to Wickham Market at Glevering and Ufford are located in quiet, Deben Valley countryside spots. There’s even a hotel, spa and American-style crazy golf alongside the Ufford Park course.
Prefer a golf course by the coast? Prestigious clubs and courses at Aldeburgh and Thorpeness are only a half-hour’s drive and the cliff top course at Felixstowe just a little further.
Find out moreEnjoy the ride
Horses are a regular sight right in the village centre of Wickham Market – but then, the much-loved Valley Farm Equestrian Leisure facility is literally just down the lane. Catering for all riding abilities and offering everything from single sessions to riding holidays and courses, there’s even on-site camping too.
Interested, but not a rider? You can always enjoy a spot of spectating over lunch at the café!
Plan your visit
Explore by bike – or on foot
Follow quiet lanes, country footpaths and bridleways to discover the natural beauty and rich heritage of off-the-beaten track Wickham Market and its characterful villages.
Enjoy a bit of breathe-in space and feel alive under Suffolk’s wrap-around skies along with some gentle exercise. What’s more, there’s a great crop of directed village, countryside and forest walks and rides to help you on your way. Why not take a look?
Routes & Rides Walks & Trails Villages
Plan your visit – Enjoy exploring Wickham Market
GETTING ABOUT
Maps & Need to Know Info
PLACES TO STAY
In & Around Wickham Market
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK
In & Around Wickham Market
MARKETS & MORE
On The Hill
SHOP LOCAL
In & Around Wickham Market
ABOUT 'WICKHAM'
History & Hidden Treasures
WHAT'S ON
In & Around Wickham Market
Things to do near me in Wickham Market close to Aldeburgh Suffolk
Traditional weekly markets; antiques, bygones and bargains to be had at Campsea Ashe auction house in the weekly sale; riverside campsites with fishing for guests; fun places to stay and young family adventures at East Farm Park; heritage walks with Sutton Hoo connections; welcoming community events; the Maverick Festival of Americana music at Easton, awesome concerts and arts offerings at Snape Maltings – all these and more make Wickham Market the ideal base for relaxed, friendly holidays just 20 minutes from Aldeburgh on the Suffolk Heritage Coast.
