13 of the best things to do in and around Aldeburgh
Visiting the Suffolk seaside town of Aldeburgh? Lucky you – this destination is well-known and well-loved for a whole host of reasons.
From the historic buildings to the food and from the arts and culture scene to the natural glory all around it, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy on your visit. If you’re ready to get your Aldeburgh itinerary sorted, we’ve rounded up our favourite attractions and things to do in and around the town so that you can make the most of your time here.
Aldeburgh Cinema
You may not have had a cinema trip high on your agenda, but make an exception for Aldeburgh Cinema; it’s one of the oldest in the UK, having run for almost 100 years. Proudly independent and now a charity, the cinema screens contemporary films, classic movies and event-based entertainment such as the Royal Ballet. Each November, it holds a Documentary Festival.
Over the years, the cinema has welcomed a whole host of well known faces through its doors, Bill Nighy, Joanna Lumley, Anthony Horowitz, Bill Turnbull, Sir Lenny Henry, Ralph Fiennes and Griff Rhys Jones OBE.
The Red House
A red brick farmhouse that was once the home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, The Red House is now in the care of Britten Pears Arts and has become a museum and gallery space with shop and café.
It is well worth taking a tour here, which takes between 1-2 hours, to discover more about the couple’s life. You can also explore Pears’ eclectic collection of art, books and objects, and follow a family trail in the wonderful five acre gardens, or attend an event or exhibition.
Aldeburgh Beach
Visiting Aldeburgh beach is an essential for those who find themselves in the town. A shingle beach that is backed by a promenade, it’s the ideal place to soak in the atmosphere, relax and enjoy yourself. The beach is home to an icon of the town, a four metre high scallop sculpture by artist Maggi Hambling.
If you’re wandering the beach at lunchtime or during the evening, make sure to accompany your walk with some fish and chips!
Aldeburgh Treasure Trail
A fantastic option for families is the Aldeburgh Treasure Trail. This self-guided trail sees you discover the town while hunting treasure, and takes around two hours to complete. Beginning at Fort Green Car Park, you’ll pass the boating lake, Moot Hall and The Red House, amongst other landmarks.
You can download your trail for instant access – perfect if you’re making a last minute decision on what to do that day – or plan ahead and get a printed version sent to you. The trail is suitable for all ages from 6+.
Cycle the coast
If you’re looking for another way to explore Aldeburgh and the surrounding area, why not try doing so by bike? There are several excellent cycling routes from Aldeburgh that allow you to discover nearby areas of interest, or you could take it slow and stay local.
For those looking to rent bikes, Eezybike offer a click and collect electric bike rental service and have one of their four locations in Aldeburgh (as well as Bury St Edmunds, Orford and Needham Lake).
Visit art galleries
It would be remiss to take a trip to Aldeburgh without taking in some of the thriving arts scene. There are several to choose from, but the small and unpretentious Aldeburgh Gallery, based on the High Street, is a good starting point. Aldeburgh Contemporary Arts, also on the High Street, is one of Suffolk’s longest established galleries and also provides a great opportunity to browse a selection of paintings, prints and ceramics.
At certain times of year, you may even come across festivals in the town, which is home to many celebrations of all things arts and culture, such as the Aldeburgh Literary Festival which takes place annually in March, and the High Tide Festival in September.
Sailors Path Walk
This delightful walk through heaths, woodlands, marshes and meadows is one of Suffolk’s most popular. The Sailor’s Path Walk runs between Aldeburgh and the stunning heritage destination of Snape Maltings, on a seven mile trail that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural world of the Suffolk coastline.
Traditionally starting at Snape Maltings (itself an excellent spot for coffee, cake, shopping and the arts), the trail is widely considered to be suitable for most visitors, although some sections are not suitable for those with mobility issues. The time it takes ranges from three to four hours, so for those who enjoy walking and time spent in nature, it makes an ideal activity for the day.
Aldeburgh Museum
Moot Hall, a tudor building that you will undoubtedly notice if you’re exploring the area, is home to Aldeburgh Town Council but also a museum dedicated to the town. Open each afternoon, it houses various displays and collections that tell the story of how the town became a flourishing fishing and shipbuilding centre. For smaller visitors, there are games and challenges as well as dressing up.
There is no need to book a ticket ahead of time – just turn up on the day to purchase your ticket on arrival.
Discover entertainment at the Jubilee Hall
Aldeburgh’s well-loved Jubilee Hall was originally built in 1887 for concerts, dances and entertainment, and is still operates with that same purpose today. Offering performances both amateur and professional from across the musical and dramatic worlds, it’s well worth a visit if your trip to Aldeburgh happens to coincide with one of the shows available (and you can check what’s on ahead of time on their website).
Jubilee Hall has been used as a film theatre, badminton court and even an ice skating rink in the past, so it’s truly a part of the local community.
RSPB North Warren
Nature lovers are bound to enjoy time spent at RSPB North Warren, a nature reserve that covers the area of marshes between Aldeburgh and the nearby holiday village of Thorpeness. The reserve can be explored via several miles of public footpath which weave around it, creating several different walking routes depending on your abilities and time. You can spot bird life here throughout the seasons and usually quite easily from the footpath or the beach; wading birds throughout the winter months and Marsh Harriers in the spring.
The paths are both pushchair and wheelchair accessible, and dogs on leads are permitted to join you.
Fishers Gin Distillery Tour
Fans of a tipple will love the opportunity to discover a gin distillery by the sea. Fishers Gin, a family run distillery that overlooks Aldeburgh’s pebble beach, offers wonderful tour experiences with seasonal variations. They start with a Fishers Original Gin and Tonic on arrival, followed by sharing their wisdom and insight on all things botanical, gin and the Suffolk coast.
Take a trip to surrounding towns and villages
Aldeburgh is a fantastic place to spend time, but if you’re keen to get out into more of Suffolk, make sure to find time during your trip to visit some of the other destinations the county has to offer. Up the coast, the seaside town of Southwold is waiting to be explored and can be reached by bus or in the car in under an hour.
Further south and more inland, the market town of Woodbridge makes an excellent day trip; a true gem of a place full of independent businesses and surrounded by natural beauty. In fact, there are an abundance of pretty market towns in Suffolk to explore, as well as gorgeous villages and glorious outdoor spaces.
Sample Aldeburgh’s food and drink
Some destinations have such a fantastic food and drink scene that eating and drinking becomes as much as thing to do as any other attraction – and Aldeburgh is certainly one such destination.
As a coastal town, fish and chips are a must, but there’s excellent options for everything from breakfast to afternoon tea too. After a busy day, why not visit Aldeburgh’s newest restaurant, The Suffolk, to enjoy the sea views from their roof terrace along with a menu that focuses on seafood and fresh local fish.
Feeling inspired? If you’ve yet to book your holiday accommodation, browse our range of holiday properties in Aldeburgh today. From coastal cottages to houses on the high street, we’re sure we’ve got the one for you.
