Visitors to Woodbridge on Saturday 27 June can take a horse-drawn trip back in time in a wagon pulled by magnificent Suffolk Punch Horses.
The wagon rides start and finish at Woodbridge station, with a circular route through the historic market town, including Market Hill, the Thoroughfare, Quay Street and New Street. The specially-made wagon carries up to 20 people, and rides last about half an hour. Marion Wells, Town Centre co-ordinator said “The clip-clop of horses’ hooves takes you back to a different era. It’s a beautiful way to see our historic town.”
The Suffolk Punch Horses will have travelled from the nearby Suffolk Punch Trust at Hollesley Bay Colony Stud. The Trust aims to protect the heritage and secure the future of the Suffolk Horse (known as the Suffolk Punch). The Suffolk Punch Trust is fundraising to build an Educational and Heritage Visitor Centre at the Hollesley Bay Stud. The centre is currently open to the public on special Open Days and for pre-booked educational groups only. Look out for the display stand near the meeting point for the wagon rides for further information.
The Suffolk Punch is probably the oldest surviving breed of working horse – dating back to at least 1768. If you’re interested in the history of the breed, it’s worth visiting the Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum on Market Hill in Woodbridge. The Museum is devoted to displaying the world of the Suffolk Punch, including a blacksmith’s shop and a harness maker’s workshop. There is also a remarkable picture collection of Suffolk Punch horses, ranging from oils, watercolours and drawings to early photographs. The Museum is open 2 – 5pm Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, Admission Adults £2, Children/Concessions £1.50.
Suffolk Punch wagon rides will be available from 11am – 4pm on Saturday 27 June, Saturday 1 August and as part of Heritage Open Day on Sat 5 September. Rides last approx 30 minutes. Fares are Adult £4.50, Child £2.
Information: Woodbridge Tourist Information Centre on 01394 382240.
Suffolk Punch Heavy Horse Museum (Woodbridge): www.suffolkhorsesociety.org.uk Tel 01394 380643
The Suffolk Punch Trust: www.suffolkpunchtrust.org