Aldeburgh
Aldeburgh is one of Suffolk’s most popular coastal towns.
It draws visitors from far and wide and it is also known for its annual arts festival, the brainchild of composer Benjamin Britten.
Set on the Suffolk Coast AONB, the main attraction is off course the beach.
Behind the beach is the Crag, a seafront path lined by rows of elegant pastel coloured houses. While strolling along the beach you will see the many fishing boats sitting on the shingle, hauled in at high tide.
Heading north from Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station, you will come across the 16th century Moot Hall. This enchanting Tudor half-timbered building is Aldeburgh’s oldest building. Inside it houses the Aldeburgh Museum.
On the northern end of Aldeburgh’s beach, a memorial to Benjamin Britten was erected in 2003. This sculpture is called the Scallop and it represents two connecting scallop shells.
An interesting detail about the Scallop is how it changes according to where you stand.
From the south, looking away from Aldeburgh it takes the form of a seabird, while looking back to the town, you can distinguish the outline of two men in a boat.
Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB
The Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is one of Britain’s finest landscapes.
It extends from the Stour Estuary in the south to the eastern fringe of Ipswich and, in the north, to Kessingland.
Covering 403 square kilometres, it includes wildlife rich wetlands, ancient heaths, windswept shingle beaches and historic towns and villages like Aldeburgh.
This area is rich in coastal and countryside walks so there are many to choose from
Walking
You can walk along the beach towards Thorpeness. This great 6.5-mile circular walk takes in the highlights of Aldeburgh and on your way back you will pass RSPB North Warren.
In wintertime you can enjoy a short 3-mile Pub walk in Aldeburgh if that is to your liking.
If you are into wildlife and birding, then head for RSPB North Warren. North Warren is criss-crossed by footpaths, which offer a wide variety of routes.
The Alde river has one of the most beautiful estuaries on the east coast. The river flows through wide marshes and low hills under a huge Suffolk sky.
In the past, barges transported goods to and from Snape Maltings, and sailors would walk the path between Aldeburgh and Snape.
You can follow in their footsteps and walk the Sailors’ Path, a beautiful 6-mile route between Snape Maltings and Aldeburgh.
Cool Places to Explore: Snape Maltings | Orford Castle | Sutton Hoo | Framlingham Castle | Lavenham.
Cool Places to Eat: Aldeburgh Smokehouse | Slate Cheese | Two Magpies Bakery | The Unruly Pig.
Cool Places to Stay: Blacksmith’s Cottage.