Aldeburgh is a pretty coastal town on the river Alde and enjoys breathtaking views both seawards and following the river Alde inland towards Orford. Its name comes from ‘Alde Burgh’ meaning “old fort” and the town’s history is closely linked to the changes time and Mother Nature have wrought to the coastal map.
Aldeburgh was once an important Tudor port and its shipbuilders were responsible for Francis Drake’s ‘Golden Hind’. But over time the River Alde silted up taking its toll on the town’s fortunes, and coastal erosion swept away the heart of its old town. Some historic buildings have survived the centuries, such as 400-year old Moot Hall (picture below), the Norman Church and a Martello tower.
To find out all about the strange, circular look out buildings known as Martello Towers which are a feature of the East Anglian coastline, take a look at our article on Martello Towers, and to book a stay in the Landmark Trust’s Martello Tower on the Aldeburgh Coast (pictured below) please click on the link above.
Aldeburgh had to wait until the 19th Century fashion for beaches and craze for sea air brought back visitors in quantity, establishing it as a popular seaside resort.
Aldeburgh
Today Aldeburgh is famous for many things – good food, great fish & chips, Aldeburgh Music, Maggi Hamblings’ Scallop on the beach, as well as a vibrant art and music scene. There are several Art Galleries in the town including one from Caroline Wiseman based in the iconic South Lookout. Keep an eye on Art Exhibitions for details of current Exhibitions.
The historic Jubilee Hall built in 1887 and nestled on the seafront, is home to the Aldeburgh Literary Festival which takes place every March, as well as many other music, performance, theatre, festivals, talks, fairs and more throughout the year. The Jubilee Hall has played an important part in the cultural history of Aldeburgh and continues to promote and support the arts, click on the link above to find out more and see what’s on.
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Aldeburgh is also famous as the home of composer Benjamin Britten and his partner Peter Pears. There are many reminders of his life about the town and you can visit St Peter and St Paul’s Church in the town where he is buried.
Every June a classical music festival takes place at nearby Snape Maltings. This festival was founded by Britten along with Eric Crozier and Peter Pears in 1948. It has taken place ever since and is a fitting tribute to the three.
One of the most controversial monuments celebrating the life of Benjamin Britten is ‘The Scallop’, created by local artist Maggi Hambling. This sea shell sculpture sits on Aldeburgh’s beach to the north of the town. There have been petitions to have the shell removed as some see it as a blot on the landscape which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but others feel it is a perfect reminder of Britten and a good tourist attraction!
Far from being a ‘look, don’t touch’ piece of art, visitors are encouraged to sit on the Scallop and watch the sea. Britten himself loved the view so much he took a walk on the beach every afternoon.
For weekend seadogs Aldeburgh has a very active yacht club and teaches sailing to juniors and adults. There are also two popular golf courses, all-weather tennis courts, a boat lake and, of course, excellent swimming.
Aldeburgh’s strong local community shares activities and knowledge with the visitor, providing poetry and arts and craft residential courses. The pretty high street has craft, food and antiques shops, independent boutiques as well as some national chains, plus a myriad of pubs and an independent cinema.
Be sure to put the Aldeburgh Market on your to visit list, situated on the High Street, a few yards from the seafront, this fantastic Deli offers extensive fish counter, fresh fruit and vegetables and dairy items from local suppliers including milk, cheese, yoghurts, freshly baked bread plus many more hand made and locally sourced products, there’s even an award winning fish restaurant providing the freshest meals.
Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh certainly won’t disappoint those looking for an active break. The River Alde itself offers opportunities for sailing. There are centres nearby that offer horse riding and even llama trekking. Bird watching is another local past time with RSPB Minsmere and Havergate Island both close at hand. Please see RSPB in Suffolk.
Another of Aldeburgh’s claims to fame is one to sample at mealtimes. The town’s fish and chip shop has been owned by the Cooney family since the 1970’s and was described by ‘The Times’ as ‘possibly the finest on the East Coast’. What better way to end an active day than with some local fish and chips?! See Aldeburgh Fish & Chips to find out more.
There are a number of excellent hotel and accommodation options to choose from in Aldeburgh, such as –
The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh which is literally a pebble’s throw from the beach.
The White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh has 38 cosy and inviting bedrooms some with sea views as far as the eye can see.
A short walk from the town centre and blue flag pebble beach at Aldeburgh is the The Fairway Bed & Breakfast an Adults Only bungalow. Ample off-road parking, a King Size en-suite room which includes a delicious full English Breakfast. Perfect for a peaceful getaway.
Or for self catering options, try Aldeburgh Basecamp Glamping accommodation right beside the sea is a perfect choice for families. The fully equipped units contain everything you need including cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, quality bedding and fluffy towels, and your pooch is also welcome!
Suffolk Cottage Holidays based in Woodbridge, have an amazing choice of around 200 charming self-catering holiday cottages and houses in beautiful coastal and countryside locations throughout Suffolk including Aldeburgh, Orford, Southwold, Woodbridge, Lavenham and Harwich. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you find your perfect property in no time.
Aldeburgh Self Catering Cottages from Best of Suffolk
Self catering in Aldeburgh couldn’t be easier with everything you need on your doorstep, and Best of Suffolk have a wide range of Aldeburgh holiday cottages for you to choose from so check them out here today.
Aldeburgh
For a list of accommodation and things to do in Aldeburgh, please also see:
A Guide to Aldeburgh Hotels
Accommodation in Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh Attractions
Visit Aldeburgh
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