Aldeburgh has become a centre for music lovers and poets worldwide. The annual Aldeburgh Festival was introduced by Benjamin Britten and is usually held during the month of June at Snape Maltings nearby.
Here disused malthouses have been transformed into a concert venue. A smaller festival is also held in September. Carnival day is one of the highlights of the town with lots of entertainment culminating in a wonderful firework display. Birdwatchers can find lovely reserves at Minsmere (RSPB) and Havergate Island home of the Avocet. Victorian houses painted in all the colours of the rainbow are very much a feature of the town. For holiday accommodation visit our 'where to stay' pages which list - inns - bed and breakfast - hotels - self catering - guest houses and camping and caravanning.

In the church of St. Peter and Paul is the grave of Benjamin Britten. His opera Peter Grimes was inspired by local poet George Crabbe and also the town of Aldeburgh itself.

The beautiful 15th century church contains a bust of the poet George Crabbe who was born in the town in 1794. His birthplace of Slaughden has long since been swallowed up by the North Sea. Long shore fishermen still launch their boats as they have done since the 13th century from the beach.

Some six streets have been lost to the sea since the 16th century. The Moot Hall which dates from around 1540 was originally in the centre of the town, but now sits happily down by the seashore. It houses a small museum devoted tot he town's history.

Fishing and boat building form part of Aldeburgh history and are still very much part of the town today. Pretty sailing boats dot the shingle shore making many a painter and photographer reach for either their brush or camera. Buoys and nets complete the picture and from minute huts fishermen still sell their catch that they have just landed. Lapwing, snipe and godwit strut along the seashore oblivious to the holiday maker with their bucket and spade, ice cream and sunshade.

The High Street mostly Georgian is also decked out in candy colours and there are lots of interesting shops to rummage around. Plenty of places for a cup of tea, a light lunch or a slice of cake. For those wishing for a more substantial lunch or evening meal there is a wide variety of different places to try.

The Cooney family have owned a fish and chip shop for over thirty years in the town and it is reputed that their customers are quite happy to queue up in order to sample their award winning fish and chips. 
A number of thrillers were set in the area including 'The Woman in White'.

The name Aldeburgh is pronounced Orld-brur.  

In the high street note number 4 which is where Benjamin Britten lived until 1957.Also number 18 a timber framed house which used to the Old Custom House. Its said that the stone steps that lead up to its front door were built directly onto the shingle.

Learn more about Elizabeth Garrett mayor of Aldeburgh and first female mayoress in England!

Slaughten used to be the main port of the town but has long since been washed away.


Martello tower shaped like an ornamental design of four lobes like a clover leaf, was once a defence against Napoleon but was never used. It is now a holiday home.

The Uplands Hotel was the home of the country's first female doctor and surgeon. It was also the birthplace of Millicent Garrett Fawcett leader of the suffragette movement