Aldeburgh Area Guide

Aldeburgh means ‘old fort’, although it’s likely that any fortifications in the original village have long ago crumbled into the sea. Originally a small settlement, it became a thriving port in Tudor times. It was also known for fishing and shipbuilding.

But today Aldeburgh is perhaps most famous for its connection to the British composer Benjamin Britten. He started the Aldeburgh Festival of Arts back in 1948 and the annual event takes place at nearby Snape Maltings. Britten, along with his partner, Peter Pears, also set up the Aldeburgh Music Club in 1952 and today a choir of around 100 singers meet regularly throughout the year and give several concerts locally.

The town also has a yearly pottery festival and regular food festivals, as well as a colourful summer carnival. The pretty streets are lined with galleries, craft and antique shops. Colourful houses stand proudly opposite the beach and the picturesque surroundings and vibrant arts scene draw many visitors each year.

The Martello tower is the largest in the UK, made up of four towers joined together. A little further north, you’ll see a rather unusual sculpture on the beach. It’s called The Scallop and is the work of local artist Maggi Hambling. The controversial piece is said by some to by an eyesore and by others to be a beautiful piece that catches the light and a lovely place by which to sit and watch the sea, as Britten himself did daily. Pay it a visit and make up your own mind!

Did you know?
Shipbuilders here are said to have made Sir Frances Drake’s famous ship, the Golden Hind.

Amenities

You’re spoilt for choice here when it comes to shops, with many independents to choose from. The weekly market offers fresh fish, dairy, bread, fruit, veg and many artisan and locally-sourced products. And for your everyday bits and bobs, there are also a few supermarkets.

Unsurprisingly for a popular holiday destination, there are some lovely places to eat out. While many British coastal towns serve first-class fish and chips, Aldeburgh is home to a chippy run by the Cooney family, said by The Times to be ‘possibly the finest on the east coast’.

Leisure-wise, there’s plenty to do here, both inside and out, from the independent cinema to the yacht club, plus golf courses, tennis courts and a boating lake. The town has a library and museum and is within walking distances of a nature reserve and part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Education

There’s a primary school in the village, with a catchment secondary around four miles away. The famous Summerhill school is also close by.