The river passes through Woodbridge, turning into a tidal estuary before entering the North Sea at Felixstowe Ferry.

The river, though still little more than a stream, is forded twice in the village, with that which runs along Stoney Lane being claimed to be among the longest in England.

The present mill, built in 1793, is producing stone ground wholemeal flour in the traditional way.

The river Deben is a popular location for many other water sports including canoeing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding and windsurfing.

The area where the river Deben enters the North Sea at Felixstowe Ferry is also a popular location for the sport of kitesurfing.