Location: Aldeburgh
Top Things to do in Aldeburgh
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What to do and see in Aldeburgh, United Kingdom (UK): The Best Places and Tips
Aldeburgh (/ˈɔːlbrə/ AWL-brə) is a coastal town in the English county of Suffolk. Located on the North Sea coast to the north of the River Alde, the town is notable for having been the home of composer Benjamin Britten and as the centre of the international Aldeburgh Festival of arts at nearby Snape Maltings, founded by Britten in 1948. It remains an artistic and literary centre, with an annual Poetry Festival and several food festivals and other cultural events. A former Tudor port, Aldeburgh was granted borough status in 1529 by Henry VIII. Its historic buildings include a 16th-century moot hall and a Napoleonic-era Martello Tower.
Restaurants in Aldeburgh
1. Aldeburgh Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By bryan m - Harlow, United Kingdom
Aldeburgh Beach isn’t one if you have young kids, with buckets and spades but those who haven’t it worth a visit. Views that go on forever, beautiful clean beach and very few people on an early February morning. We walked for about 4 x miles, round trip and loved it
2. The Red House, Aldeburgh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Benjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a vast amount of incredible music and wanted everyone to enjoy it – professional and amateur musicians, music enthusiasts, children and families. He was born in 1913 and raised in Lowestoft, and Suffolk was the backdrop for nearly his entire life. At The Red House in Aldeburgh he lived with Peter Pears, his muse and life partner, for nearly two decades until his death in 1976. As well as exploring Britten’s music, visitors to The Red House can see his and Pears’ eclectic collection of art, books and objects, wander around their Gardens, and discover more about their lives. Gallery: An engaging exhibition about Britten. Library: Where Britten rehearsed and entertained. The Red House: Walk through Britten and Pears’ home. Composition Studio: Where Britten composed his music. Gardens: Extensive grounds that span 5-acres. Archive: Home to one of the UK’s most important centres for music research.
Reviewed By MOUMAR09 - Winchester, United Kingdom
Well managed, interesting, and good use of space for special Exhibitions. Worth a visit even if you are not a Benjamin Britten fanatic.Thank you for your review. We are glad you enjoyed your time at The Red House; there is plenty to see and do here for a range of visitors and interests.
3. Aldeburgh Cinema
Overall Ratings
5 based on 76 reviews
Aldeburgh Cinema has been continuously showing films for almost 100 years, a feat made possible through the ingenuity of local heroes, starting with gentleman’s outfitter, Walter Hill, who originally built the auditorium alongside his shop. The Cinema was rescued from closure in the 1960s by the determination of remarkable individuals, including Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, who devoted time and money to ensuring the little town of Aldeburgh still has its own cinema to this day.
Reviewed By pablo_jaye - Glorious Basingstoke
..... after watching Jaws in this cinema!!! It is a fantastic place - As an independent cinema, it shows a raft of current as well as classic films, so a wonderful opportunity to support a place like this.
It has very comfortable seats, to which you can take sweets, popcorn, beer, wine or even get your takeaway order delivered there for you. The sound and visual quality is excellent too - as was demonstrated by a very loud shriek at one of the dramatic moments in Jaws, hollered by a famous actress sat in front of us.
If you are in the area, it is well worth a trip.
4. Snape Maltings
Overall Ratings
4 based on 551 reviews
Snape Maltings is a place of energy and inspiration – a visitor destination of outstanding natural beauty and one of the world’s leading centres of music, founded by Suffolk-born composer Benjamin Britten. Visit this remarkable collection of redeveloped Victorian industrial buildings for world-class Concerts and events, distinctive independent shops, cafes, galleries, walks and abundant wildlife, all set against a breathtaking expanse of reeds, water and sky.
Reviewed By Dave S - Rendlesham
The area and buildings of the Mal tings complex are fantastic. I live in the area and pass at least a couple of times a week.
For the person on a limited income the Maltings shopping is definitely on the avoid list. The overpriced tat on sale is overblown and pretentious.
It is definitely a “place to be seen”.
Aldeburgh music run a fantastic concert hall with a very good range of artistes and musical experiences.
The prices do, however, restrict the venue to the more financially privileged.
The regular vintage and bygones market is another excuse for the financially privileged to clear out their tweeds and twin sets at vastly inflated prices.
Basically, if you are looking for somewhere to throw money at, here’s the place to be.
The Maltings cafe seems to be very choosy over who they treat decently. On my only visit our afternoon tea was left to one side on the counter whilst a lot of later customers were served their food in good time.
The whole place is commercially judgemental and has set its sights on extracting as much money as it can from those gullible and pretentious enough to support it.
It’s a pity because the area is stunning.
5. Mint Fitness
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Mint Fitness is a newly renovated fitness studio offering fitness classes, personal training, sports massage, gym and yoga. We are perfect for visitors to Aldeburgh because we have absolutely no joining fees or contracts. All our classes are fun, effective, safe and suitable for all abilities.
Reviewed By AbbiH93
I'd been looking for something different to try to re-motivate myself after an injury; I am so glad I discovered Mint Fitness! Initially I was nervous about trying spinning so I went along to a class with a family member who was also new to it. After one class, we were both hooked! The instructors are friendly, enthusiastic and excellent motivators! Their choice of music keeps the pace fun and fast! You're guided through each session, but if you need to slow down and recover, that's fine! The classes are suitable for any ability level. The equipment is excellent; the bikes are easy to set up and use. The instructors even offer towels and water if required.
I love that these reasonably priced classes are available on my doorstep on a flexible Pay-As-You-Go basis. I would highly recommend Mint Fitness to anyone!
6. Aldeburgh Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Barrie L - Norwich, United Kingdom
I expect that there may well be a complaint about this review - but you could find it extremely helpful! We had read about the museum, and on strolling along the Promenade, were reminded that it was in the Moot Hall. So later, I went back to enquire concerning cost and opening hours. Result - it was closed all day, every day, during November, December, January, February, and March. So if you are in Aldeburgh during those months, don't bother.
However, the Moot Hall is architecturally extremely attractive, and well worth a visit for that reason alone. I can remember being fascinated by it from my earliest years, which was a long time ago. Before so much of Aldeburgh was swallowed up by the sea, this was the centre of town. It is a 'must see' - hence my rating of 4.
7. DP's Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Enjoy_Beach_Life - Bedfordshire
Funny little place, friendly owner/bar staff and decent pricing for drinks. This is not your smart, sophisticated bar (thank goodness) and its a little shabby but for post 11pm drinks that works for me..
Lots of locals and a few out-of-towners (thats us), but all good and friendly. Probably the most 'edgy' place in Aldesburgh..
8. Slate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Slate is a specialist cheese retailer and delicatessen in the bustling Suffolk seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold. Formerly known as Lawson’s Delicatessen in Aldeburgh, we have changed our name to Slate and opened a new shop in Southwold. Our new name encapsulates our passion for cheese and delicious food and drink provisions. Quality cheese is at the heart of what we offer, alongside our prepared meals and salads, bread, charcuterie, olives, chutneys and preserves.
Reviewed By Ben B - London, United Kingdom
Delighted that Lawsons has new owners. Already the deli has a smart new appearance, and I'm looking to see what other changes the new team will bring over the coming months. I know the previous owners had been trying to sell the business for a number of years, and as a result it had been treading water for quite some time. I'm so pleased that the shop didn't get transformed into yet another clothing boutique, as the food scene in Aldeburgh town is limited really can't afford to lose any outlets. (Although the ones that have been there for years are moribund and could do with a shakeup.) I'm hopeful that there will be more, and more exciting, choice in the prepared, ready to eat section. There is such potential for Ottolenghi style salads and prepared meat and vegetable dishes in Aldeburgh, but no one seems to have risen to the challenge. In past years I've often looked in the Lawsons window and despaired as the offering of coleslaw, carrot salad and Scotch eggs seemed virtually unchanging (although the deli meats and cheeses and grocery offering was always pretty good). Good luck to the new owners, and I hope that by summer there will be some excitement in your front window!
9. Aldeburgh Summer Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
From 1984 the Summer Theatres were operated by The Jill Freud Company, which was established by Jill Freud as a small to mid-scale touring company in 1980. Following Jill's retirement in 2010 Suffolk Summer Theatres Ltd was established in order to ensure the future stability and security of the Summer Theatre Seasons. We aim to continue the long tradition of repertory theatre in Southwold and Aldeburgh. entertaining holidaymakers in both towns with a broad mixture of comedies, thrillers and family drama - "Classic theatre for a modern audience" The company is managed by two producers: Mark Sterling - Director of Productions Peter Adshead - General Manager
Reviewed By Peter W - Frinton-On-Sea, United Kingdom
The production of Noises Off by Michael fray was very well done by a strong cast. The energy levels were high throughout, especially in the mostly mimed second act. It is great to see such ambition in local theatre, as this type of play is far more demanding in every way than standard comedies.
10. Captain's Wood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By LoonyLoo - Sleepy Suffolk
We often visit Captain's Wood. It's always a magical place to walk - the veteran oaks are magnificent; in April and May the wonderful bluebells carpet the ground in one area beneath lovely hazel trees. Sometimes we catch sight of the herd of Roe Deer which wander through the woodland and open meadows. Muntjac deer are common and the woodland birds a delight. It takes anything between an hour and two and a half to walk the circular path, depending on the distractions!
