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ALDEBURGH
This unspoilt town possesses a fascinating shingle beach and a totally infectious charm, while being internationally famous as a result of its association with the late Benjamin Britten and the annual Festival of Music.
There are many places to visit and things to do in Aldeburgh. The 16th century Moot Hall is well worth viewing and it houses a small but interesting museum. The beautiful 15th century parish church contains a bust of the poet George Crabbe, who was born in the town in 1794, but regretfully his birthplace at Slaughden has long been lost to the sea.
Within walking distance of Coastguard Court, the wide High Street offers a range of interesting shops selling anything from antiques to groceries for your everyday needs. There are many pubs and several good restaurants, and in particular the local Adnams beer should be sampled!
Fish can be bought daily on the beach and
the Royal National Lifeboat Station, housing the famous Aldeburgh lifeboat,
offers visitors a rare opportunity to view at close quarters one of these
remarkable vessels. England's most northerly Martello tower on the Slaughden
shingle bank is visible from the property.
SURROUNDING AREA
The area around Aldeburgh reflects the unspoilt nature of the Suffolk
coast. Only 2 miles north along the shore is the unusual coastal village
of Thorpeness, with its picturesque Mere and excellent golf course; and
your attention is drawn to one of the books in your Coastguard Court bookcase
entitled One Man's Dream.
The village of Snape, about 5 miles by road, is the home of the Aldeburgh
Festival and "Proms" at the renowned concert hall at Snape
Maltings, which is augmented by an extensive complex featuring craft
and antique shops, exhibition areas, restaurants and a wide range of
related activities.
The small industrial town of Leiston was created by the establishment
of the steam and agricultural machinery works of Richard Garrett, and
the fascinating Long Shop Museum reflects this industrial heritage. The
nearby ruins of St Mary's Abbey are probably the most impressive monastic
monument left in Suffolk.
To the south of Aldeburgh the isolated castle town of Orford is of particular
interest and charm, its 800 year-old castle being open to the public and
the church of St Bartholomew has seen several performances of Benjamin
Britten's works over the years, including Noye's Fludde in 1958 and Curlew
River in 1964.
The market town of Saxmundham was once an important communication centre
between London and Great Yarmouth, and the 14th century parish church
possesses a renowned hammer beam roof. The world famous Bird Sanctuary
at Minsmere is close at hand, as are the villages of Tunstall and Westleton.
OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST FURTHER AFIELD
Woodbridge is situated on the River Deben between Aldeburgh and Ipswich,
and is an attractive town which is recommended. There are many buildings
of interest including the Tide Mill down on the quay and the Moot Hall
on the Market Square. There are several places to eat and drink after
a stroll along the river bank.
Framlingham is another interesting market town, famous for its castle
up on the hill. East Bergholt and Flatford, being Constable country to
the south of Ipswich, with river and beautiful countryside.
Southwold is another charming and comparatively unspoilt
seaside town, home of the excellent Adnams Brewery, and the villages of
Westleton, Dunwich, Walberswick and Blythburgh can be visited en route.
The little museum at Dunwich explains the fascinating story of this previously
prominent town, now lost beneath the sea, while Blythburgh has its famous
large church, often called the Cathedral on the Marshes.
Halesworth, Bungay, Beccles & Eye - typical market towns offering
a further impression of Suffolk life.
NEAREST RAIL STATION:
Saxmundham (8 miles). Anglia Railways, Telephone: 01603 764776
NEAREST PORT:
Harwich (48 miles). Stena Line, Telephone: 0990 455455
NEAREST AIRPORTS:
Stansted, Luton, Heathrow or Norwich
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