A Guide to the Town of Aldeburgh in Suffolk on the River Alde

Aldeburgh is a beautiful town on the river Alde. It isindependent cinema. One shop well worth a visit is The
blessed with breathtaking scenery, both seawards andAmber Shop. With branches in both Aldeburgh and
following the river Alde inland.Southwold, here you will find a delightful and vast
Aldeburgh's name comes from Alde Burgh meaningcollection of all things amber, including jewellery
"old fort". The town's history is inextricably linked to the(example pictured above) and ornaments.
changes time has wrought to the coastal map.Every June a classical music festival takes place at
It was once an important Tudor port, its shipbuildersnearby Snape Maltings. This festival was founded by
responsible for Francis Drake's 'Golden Hind'. But theBritten along with Eric Crozier and Peter Pears in 1948.
River Alde silted up, taking its toll on the town'sIt has taken place ever since and is a fitting tribute to
fortunes, and coastal erosion swept away the heart ofthe three.
its old town. Some historic buildings have survived theAldeburgh certainly won't disappoint those looking for
centuries, such as 400-year old Moot Hall (below), aan active break. The River Alde itself offers
Noman Church and a martello tower.opportunities for sailing. There are centres nearby that
Aldeburgh had to wait until the 19th Century fashion foroffer horse riding and even llama trekking. Bird
beach and craze for sea air brought back visitors inwatching is another local past time with RSPB
quantity, establishing it as a popular resort.Minsmere and Havergate Island both close at hand.
Aldeburgh is famous for being the home of composerAnother of Aldeburgh's claims to fame is one to
Benjamin Britten. There are many reminders of his lifesample at mealtimes. The town's fish and chip shop
about the town and you can visit the church where hehas been owned by the Cooney family since the
is buried; the town's St Peter and St Paul's Church.1970's and was described by 'The Times' as 'possibly
One of the most poignant and, indeed, controversialthe finest on the East Coast'. What better way to end
monuments of Benjamin Britten is 'The Scallop',an active day than with a portion of fish and chips?!
created by local artist Maggie Hambling. This sea shellThere are a number of excellent hotel and
sculpture sits on Aldeburgh's beach to the north of theaccommodation options to choose from in Aldeburgh,
town. There have been petitions to have the shellsuch as -
removed as some see it as a blot on the landscape,The Brudenell Hotel, Aldeburgh which is literally a
however, others feel it is a perfect reminder of Britten.pebble's throw from the beach.
Far from being a 'look, don't touch' piece of art, visitorsCottages4You, who are based in Aldeburgh and have
are encouraged to sit on it and watch the sea. Brittenover 270 cottages available for hire across Suffolk.
himself loved the view so much he took a walk on theThe White Lion Hotel, Aldeburgh which has 38 cosy
beach every afternoon.and inviting bedrooms, and some with sea views as
For weekend seadogs it has a very active yacht clubfar as the eye can see.
and teaches sailing to juniors and adults. There areBest of Suffolk who offer self catering
also two popular golf courses, all-weather tennisaccommodation in stylish holiday cottages along the
courts, a boat lake and, of course, excellent bathing.Suffolk Coast and countryside.
Aldeburgh's strong local community shares activitiesMilton Villa, Aldeburgh, a comfortable, well equipped, self
and knowledge with the visitor, providing poetry andcontained Family House B7B in the heart of Aldeburgh.
arts and craft residential courses. The pretty highFinally, the nearby Thorpeness Hotel and Apartments
street has craft, food and antiques shops, reflecting& Golf Club, Thorpeness, with its 36 rooms, some
local passions, as well as a myriad of pubs and anoverlooking the Meare, gardens or golf course.