Today Aldeburgh is famous for many things – great fish and chips, Maggi Hamblings’ Scallop on the beach, a rich cultural identity as well as a vibrant art and music scene. Discover this idyllic coastal gem of Suffolk by reading below, our pocket guide to Aldeburgh… where pastel-hued holiday homes dot the seafront and lazy beach days are on constant repeat.
Having recently welcomed The Old Coach House and 23 The Terrace onto our portfolio, it’s a joy to bring you our insider tips on a part of Suffolk we all know and love so well. With most of the team having grown up close to this coastal town, we most definitely know a thing or two about how to spend a week in and around Aldeburgh. From beachside brunching and local gin tastings to cultural trips and concerts for all to enjoy, here’s a local guide to Aldeburgh and all the wonderful thigs it has on offer:
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:
Indulge in the renowned local fare of freshly caught fish and chips, served steaming hot from the town’s beloved fishmongers. Whether you choose The Golden Galleon, The Upper Deck, or The Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop – all part of the same family – expect a taste sensation that reflects the region’s coastal bounty. Join the queue on Friday or Saturday evenings for a truly authentic experience.
Or take a visit to one of The Fisherman’s Sheds on the Crag Path. “The freshest fish you will ever taste”, say the locals in the know. And it’s true: the local fishermen head out at night and open up their shutters first thing in the morning. Along with the latest haul – expect smoked cockles, brown shrimp, kippers and haddock – they offer handy advice on how best to prepare, cook and serve.
For a gastronomic adventure, visit The Suffolk, a converted coaching inn boasting a standalone bar offering inventive cocktails like the sea buckthorn margarita and coral spritz. Delight in upscale bar snacks and delectable dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients, including lobster bisque, BBQ monkfish tail, hand-dived scallops or dressed crab with pickled cucumber.
Take a visit to The Regatta – you can’t miss the boxy sky-blue front of this charming local restaurant with an atmosphere that matches Aldeburgh’s easy seaside charm. Its menu is full of wonderfully unfussy seafood dishes, with a specials board that often features the likes of wild seabass and seared tuna steak, along with whatever has come in on the boats that morning (you always can rely on seabream with plenty of samphire, or lobster doused in garlic butter).
WHAT TO DO:
Stroll along Aldeburgh’s vibrant High Street, flanked by charming Georgian buildings housing independent shops, galleries, and cafes. Don’t miss that chance to wander into Fleur of Aldeburgh or O&C Butcher for some trendy fashion finds. For modern Scandi-interiors, Burnett and Company has an array of stylish homewares. The Aldeburgh Bookshop is another gem of a place – it is how all good bookshops used to be, with reading chairs and knowledgeable all who passionately deliver the annual Aldeburgh Literary Festival in March for all to enjoy. For a unique souvenir of your time in this gem of a place, visit Fishers Gin Distillery where you can sample this locally distilled gin during one of their highly regarded tours and tastings . Learn how Ben, the Head Distiller, hand forages wild herbs and local coastal botanicals, before it is finally stored in the most beautiful bottle you’d want to keep forever.
There are hours of fun to be had on Aldeburgh’s pebbled beach. Besides collecting beautifully coloured stones, there is a fantastic lookout tower to climb, a lifeboat station with the occasional drill to watch and – of course – the sea to dip in (only for the brave in winter). If you’re short on time, however, even a walk from one end to the other does wonders for the soul.
When you’re standing on the beach, looking up at the row of pastel-coloured Victorian seafront villas is as good a view than any postcard. Further down the Crag Path, admire Maggi Hambling’s iconic scallop shell sculpture, a tribute to composer Benjamin Britten, whose legacy permeates the town as you pass by – it really is a sight to be seen!
Delve into Britten’s world at The Red House, his former residence with partner Peter Pear – now a wonderful museum, set amidst picturesque gardens. A small but fascinating museum with a lovely five-acre garden to explore. The farmhouse is home to the couple’s collections and archive, alongside a gallery space, shop and outdoor café. Children will enjoy following the Garden Discovery Trail and learning about the nature.
Engage in the annual Aldeburgh Literary Festival or explore galleries like Aldeburgh Beach Art House, showcasing works by renowned artists – think Picasso, Matisse, Emin, Frost and Blake – with many works for sale (viewing is by appointment only).
WHERE TO STAY:
There is nothing better than sleeping just a stone’s throw away from the water. A stay in Aldeburgh will offer you just that. Discover our collection of luxury retreats in this wonderful Suffolk coastal town.
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at hello@curiousretreats.co.uk
Images courtesy of: The Suffolk, Pinney’s of Orford
