Aldeburgh Area Guide

What is it like to live in Aldeburgh?

Once a thriving fishing community and shipbuilding centre, this charming seaside town has grown in popularity over the years. However, fishing is still part of the Aldeburgh community, and some fishermen are still dragging their fishing boats up the steep shingle beach to be welcomed by eager customers to collect their morning catch.

Location

Aldeburgh is a North Sea coastal English town in the county of Suffolk, north of the River Alde. It was home to the composer Benjamin Britten and has been the centre of the international Aldeburgh Festival of arts at nearby Snape Maltings, founded by Britten in 1948.

On the southern point is the Martello tower, and on the north is the famous steel Scallop designed by a local artist – Maggi Hambling.

Music, arts and culture are prominent in Aldeburgh, with an annual music festival and many performances.

The famous and world-renowned composer Benjamin Britten has significantly influenced the town. He is buried on the grounds of the hilltop church.

There are two famous fish and chip shops in the town constantly competing for the best in the country for their fish and chips, for the best is the one next to the white hart! Hungry customers come from all around the region for dinner.

The Georgian high street is wide with plenty of parking and is home to several independent boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants. There are few occasions one visits Aldeburgh without returning with several shopping bags.

History

The rich architecture of Aldeburgh, dating back in parts to Anglo-Saxon times, creates an exciting atmosphere. From the 1930s semi-detached houses lined the road into town. Many of the Victorian Townhouses have now been turned into hotels. The ancient Moot Hall – now home to the museum, is probably one of the most famous properties in the town.

Aldeburgh has a good infrastructure with supermarkets, cinemas, and bus links to the larger neighbouring town of Saxmundham.

Out and About

Walking through the town’s side streets will take you down to the shingle beach. With the beach to your right, you can drive or walk. Or if you are feeling energetic to the neighbouring hamlet of Thorpeness.

Thorpeness holds many childhood memories for the locals. The main draw is the mere, which can be explored by rowing boat, and once through the narrow waterways, you are taken on a wonderful fairy-tale experience to little islands with crocodiles and tiny houses.

The owner of the Estate, Stuart Ogilvie, created a wonderful holiday resort here featuring Mock Tudor buildings, The House in the clouds – a former water tower.

For more information on Aldeburgh’s housing market, contact our local property professional.