The gorgeous market town with 80 independent shops that's UK's happiest place to live

Speak to anyone in Woodbridge, and they will tell you they are pretty happy with life. In an ever-changing world, the Suffolk town just north of Ipswich has retained its quintessential British charm - so much so that some locals affectionately describe it as "how England used to be".

With a stunning riverside location and plenty of chances for sailing, many have moved here to spend time on the water, as well as enjoy its vibrant town centre stuffed full of about 80 independent shops. It's no wonder the famous boatbuilding site was top of Rightmove's most recent Happy at Home index. But what's really got residents and visitors smiling is not just a slower pace of life, but a community spirit few other places can match.

Kirk Weir, 80, who moved to Woodbridge from London about 40 years ago, says: "It has that old, village-style, community feel, which you can't get in London. There's much more civic awareness and positiveness."

In awarding Woodbridge the title of happiest place to live, Rightmove says residents scored it particularly highly for "the community spirit and friendliness of the people, and access to essential services such as doctors, or schools".

Mr Weir adds that it is a great place to raise a family. "There are good schools. It's so much more positive for children," he says. "When our children were teenagers, you didn't need to worry about them. It's remarkably crime-free.

"It's surprisingly close to London. It's also a local destination. People come here on a Saturday because it's pretty.

"It's got diverse shops and it's got lovely walks. People come here to have a walk and a coffee and do a bit of shopping."

A walk around the area wouldn't be complete without a visit to Woodbridge Tide Mill, on the bank of the River Deben.

It is the town's most iconic destination - thought to be one of the oldest tide mills in the country, and certainly the last that is still operational.

Saved from destruction in 1968, it was restored and opened to the public in 1973. Today, visitors can enjoy tours of what is described as a "fascinating and remarkable living example of our industrial and cultural heritage".

Rory Doyle, 46, who lives on the Suffolk/Essex border, says of Woodbridge: "It's so convenient. It's a nice little town with nice shops.

"It's different to other places, as you see some independent shops and coffee shops."

One of the newest outlets people can visit on Woodbridge's famous Thoroughfare is Bramblebee and Co Interiors, which works with small family-run firms and local artists who make bespoke products for the store.

Even though it has only been open in Woodbridge for about a month, having previously opened a pop-up site in Southwold, it epitomises the tight-knit community of independent stores.

Lizzie Ager, who has opened Bramblebee and Co Interiors as a joint venture with her mother, says they chose Woodbridge because it is a "very busy" town.

"Seventy percent of customers are residents," she says. "They quite enjoy looking after independent shops.

"It's a nice ratio where there aren't too many chain shops. People have come in who own other independent shops and give advice.

"Everyone works together. There is a WhatsApp group. If another shop is having an issue, we all know what's happening. They're not really in competition with each other. They're all unique in their own way.

"Shops don't stay empty for very long. It means there's a good flow of customers. You can pretty much buy everything in the town."

She describes Woodbridge as the "perfect" location to live and visit.

"Having the river is stunning," she says. "It's very good for walks. It is lovely to be able to walk around. You can easily get to London and the coast."

Nick Birbeck, 64, who moved to Woodbridge four and a half years ago, says the town is "how England used to be".

His views echo those of TikTok content creator Evin Hannon, who praised the "colourful, quaint cottages that make you feel you've stepped back in time" after a 10-day stay in the town.

Mr Birbeck adds: "You don't have to go far out of Woodbridge to see the difference. It is quaint and picturesque. The biggest thing is the actual people.

"Before, I lived in Shenfield [in Essex]. It's a slower way of life here. Everyone thinks there's not much going on around here, but there is.

"There's a station and you can still get to London.

"It is not cheap to live here, but there are quite a few people who have moved here."

Susi Whitlock, 54, who has lived in Woodbridge for 30 years, says the property market in the town has long been "thriving".

House prices have rocketed over the past 10 years, up from an average of £330,000 to about £420,000 today, according to Rightmove.

There was a particular spike after the Covid pandemic because of people looking to take advantage of working from home by moving out of London.

Ms Whitlock says: "It's a nicer way of life and a slower pace.

"People do comment when they come here that it's nice to have a proper high street with independent shops, rather than a lot of chains.

"People have come here as a destination for shopping. It's a great place to eat and drink."

Just a five-minute drive from Britain's happiest town is one of the country's best gastropubs, the Michelin-starred Unruly Pig. It has been praised by judges for being "winsome and warm" and serving "filling and well-crafted pub food".

Ms Whitlock's only disappointment is that high street banks have deserted Woodbridge, even though shops often still make cash transactions. After Lloyds' closure earlier this year, not a single one is left, although there is a community banking hub at Woodbridge Library.

But Ms Whitlock says: "It's a town that's got everything you need and it's also got a nice atmosphere.

"We've got the railway line, we've got the river, we've got a nice traditional high street, great schools, and the A12, which gets you anywhere in minutes.

"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."