Pictures of Aldeburgh

About Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh is a seaside retreat with boundless charm. The history of the resort quite possibly reaches back to Saxon times, certainly during the Middle Ages it was a prosperous port and later it became known as a fishing centre. During the 19th-century the railways brought tourists and the town began to flourish as a resort.

Part of Aldeburgh's fascination is that it has managed to remain almost unaltered for decades, and just a short distance from its shingle beach on the beautiful Suffolk Heritage coast, there is a feast of lovely old properties, some dating back to the 16th-century. The Moot Hall is not to be missed, it was built in 1512 and now houses a small museum. In the town's 15th-century church dedicated to St.Peter and St.Paul, there is a memorial window and a bust commemorating one of Aldeburgh's celebrated sons' - the poet George Crabbe who was born in the town in 1754. His poem 'The Borough' dramatically recalls the harsh life of Suffolk coastal folk in Crabbe's day. Benjamin Brittain, who came to the town and stayed, used this poem as the basis for his famous opera, Peter Grimes. It was Brittain who started the world acclaimed Aldeburgh Festival of Music which is now held at nearby Snape in a grand concert venue developed out of disused Maltings. Snape Maltings is exceptional, not only does it have the concert hall but the complex includes shops, boutiques, art and antique galleries and restaurants.

Aldeburgh is a bustling little place where you can purchase fresh fish on the unspoilt sea front whilst enjoying a delightful stroll drinking in the quiet atmosphere and admiring the endless flow of colourful fishing boats, smart yachts and sea-sport enthusiasts.
Though on a smaller scale, there still exists a thriving fishing industry, and the visitor can take pleasure in seeing old fishing huts and working boats bringing in their catch in from the sea. The Royal National Lifeboat Station makes an interesting visit, it's main attraction is the famous Aldeburgh Lifeboat.

Away from the beach there are delightful shops to browse and pleasant restaurants featuring fresh fish and seafood. For those who prefer a more traditional seaside special, there is an excellent fish and chip shop. The town hosts a number of year round events these include a colourful annual carnival which culminates in a twilight lantern procession and a beachside firework display.

South of Slaughden Quay, you can see the Martello tower, this was the last in a chain of defences built against Napoleon in the 1800's.

Along this part of the Suffolk Heritage coast there is a host of interesting coastal villages, each with much to offer - these include Thorpness with its lovely Mere, water-tower and windmill, and Orford which has an 800 year old castle.

For further information, please visit www.aldeburgh-uk.com