21 BEST Things To Do In Aldeburgh (By A Local!) 2025

Is there much to do in the small Suffolk coastal town of Aldeburgh?

The answer is YES, there is certainly plenty of things to do in Aldeburgh and around this charming English town.  Located at the edge of a pebble and shingle beach, Aldeburgh is loved for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful scenery, and seaside charm. 

The pretty shoreline is dotted with colourful boats, brightly painted pastel houses and fish huts selling freshly caught seafood. 

As well as the beach, there’s a superb promenade to stroll along, great walks, a vibrant high street full of independent shops, a good selection of places to eat, numerous art galleries and a famous fish and chip shop! 

I’m lucky to live only 18 miles/29 km from Aldeburgh! And no matter how many times we venture here, it’s always exciting and fun. So, we have combined the ‘best of the best’ activities from a local perspective into this article to help you plan a fantastic visit any time of year!

Where is Aldeburgh?

Aldeburgh is one of the most popular spots on the East Suffolk coast in England.  It sits on the North Sea coast, approximately 87 miles (140 km) northeast of London.  

This is a small town with a population of around 2,500 people. Tourists love coming here as it remains unspoilt by modern times.  Its architecture features charming Georgian, Victorian, and seaside cottages, adding to its quaint appeal.

21 Best Things To Do In Aldeburgh

Here’s our list of the best things to do in Aldeburgh to make your visit a fabulous one.  There’s more than enough to fill a weekend or why not stay longer and enjoy one of the famous Aldeburgh Festivals.  

Many of these activities can be combined in one visit and are free.  We’ve listed opening times along with costs for venues to help you plan.  Once you’ve arrived in Aldeburgh, everything we’ve listed can be done without a car – use our Aldeburgh Activities Locations Google Map .

1. Go To Aldeburgh Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the shingle beach or promenade, known for its colourful fishing boats and picturesque views.  Come early enough to see local fishermen bring in their catch.  Admire the pastel coloured homes along the front.

On a warm day, stop and relax on the beach. It’s wide and long enough to not feel crowded.  Grab your takeaway coffee from town or pack up a picnic. It’s a popular place for enjoying your fish and chips.  More on food options below! 

2. Enjoy Award Winning Fish And Chips

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop Closed Mondays. Open: Sun-Wed 11.45am -2.00pm. Thurs-Sat also 5-8pm.

If you’re like us, fish and chips always seem to taste better eaten outside, from a paper bag and with lots of salt and vinegar on them! This is definitely the case here. 

Since 1967, award winning Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop has been serving up this beloved traditional British dish. There is always a queue here but stay in it as the chips (French fries) are fantastic and the fish as fresh as they come!  

Everything on the menu is very reasonably priced. For example, a large bag of chips is only £3.50!  Buy your meal and walk the 2 minutes behind the shop onto the beach. Don’t feed the seagulls or they’ll be joining you for a bite of that fish! 

3. Tour Fisher’s Gin Factory 

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Fisher’s Gin Factory Open weekdays 9am-5:30pm and weekends 11am-5pm. Prices from £35pp. 

Right on the beach, next to the Brudenell Hotel, you can visit Fisher’s Gin Distillery. The tasting room, where you sample their crafted gins created with local wild herbs and coastal botanicals, has wonderful views over the North Sea.  

In fact, this is the closest gin distillery to the sea in the UK!   It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and perfect if you’re a lover of gin!  

Book ahead to secure your place on a tour.  Tours available all year round lasting about 90 minutes. If you don’t want to tour, pop into their shop and purchase gin.  Their 70cl bottles start from £15.  

4. Discover Aldeburgh South Lookout And Art House 

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to the Lookout and Art House 

Continue walking along the beach and you’ll come across two towers.  These lookout towers are simply named the North and South Lookouts.  Built around 1830, these lookouts supported ships navigate treacherous North Sea waters and sail safely on.

When vessels were in danger, men would be alerted by those in the lookouts; then race out in rowing boats to the troubled ship, to do the commercial business of rescuing or salvaging.  

With technology and over time the lookouts were no longer needed. The North Lookout became part of the Lifeboat Centre but for many years the South Tower had no official purpose and was mainly used by fishermen as a meeting place. 

However in 2010, an art dealer named Caroline Wiseman, visited Aldeburgh. She saw the ‘FOR RENT’ sign on the lookout and had a vision of the tower being a place to be available to artists. 

Before long, she had purchased the South Lookout for just this and bought the blue house opposite naming it ‘The Art House’. 

 

Today, many artists come to rent the tower and paint, encouraged by the stunning setting. Sculptures and artwork are displayed in the Art House. 

To view any work or rent the lookout, book an appointment on the Aldeburgh Lookout Site 

5. Learn About Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station

Kid Friendly! Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station  Open Daily from 9am-4.30pm. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday until 5.30pm.

Just past the South Lookout,  you will come across Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station. Operating since 1826, it’s coming up for its 200 year anniversary! Since formation, their lifeboats have launched 1,278 times and saved 693 lives. 

There is a visitor’s centre where you can check out resident lifeboat ‘Freddie Cooper’ and learn more about this station’s history, the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, and shop for gifts.   

The station often hosts open days and events so check their website above for details.

6. Uncover The Past at Moot Hall 

Kid Friendly. Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Moot Hall. £4/$5 per adult/£1 for children and free for Under 5s. Museum Hours: May-October: 1pm -4pm.  

As you walk along the promenade, about half way along at Market Hall Place,  you’ll come across Moot Hall which is one of the best preserved Tudor buildings in Britain.  

This 16th Century Grade 1 listed timber-framed building originally contained 6 small shops on the ground floor.  The word ‘Moot’ comes from Anglo Saxon times and actually means ‘meeting’.  

Today it is also home to  Aldeburgh Museum where you’ll learn so much about this Tudor building and the history of this seaside town.

7. Sail A Boat On Aldeburgh Model Yacht Pond 

Kids will love the model yacht pond just in front of Moot Hall. It’s open all year round so if you have a model boat, it’s a fun activity to enjoy here. 

If you haven’t got a model boat, local shops including the Lifeboat Centre sell them.  There’s plenty of benches around the pond and a grassy area to sit and relax here whether you have a boat or not.  Free activity. 

8. Indulge At Libardi’s Ice-Cream Kiosk  

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Libardi’s Ice-Cream. Open Daily 11-4pm with some seasonal variations. 

Next to the Model Yacht Pond, is the fabulous Libardi’s Ice-Cream Kiosk.  Libardi’s is run by an Italian family and as well as ice-cream, they also offer coffee and drinks. 

Grab your take away coffee to enjoy on the beach. If you’re a fan of ice-cream, like us, you’ll definitely want to try a couple of their flavours. Welcomes visitors all year.  

9. Buy Fresh Fish From The Smoke Huts  

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Ash Smoked Fishes. Generally open everyday from 7am -5pm with some seasonal variations. 

It’s fun to check out the fish menus and even purchase your favourite seafood from one of the huts on the promenade.  

Whether it’s lobster, crab, seabass, potted shrimp, prawns or cod you can buy fresh fish, raw or smoked, from one of the wooden shacks.  Especially great if you’re self catering!  

We like the Ash Smoked Fishes company at Hut 8 who not only sell a huge range of smoked fish but also delicious tarts and pates – nearly everything is ready to eat so you can purchase and enjoy straight away.

10. Book A Show At Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall 

Getting Here: Google Map Link to Jubilee Hall. The box office is open on a Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-12noon and daily in July and August.

Jubilee Hall in Crabbe Street, is another of Aldeburgh’s historic buildings, built in 1887 by a local business man  to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. 

Back then, the hall was used mainly for concerts and entertainment but was also an ice-rink at one point.  During WW2, it was used as a place of safety and refuge for those displaced by bombings.  

The Aldeburgh Festival, founded in 1948, by composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears showcased many classical music performances here encouraging the talents of young musicians.

Today, it is mainly a theatre and concert venue but can be hired out for your own private event! 

If you’re staying for a night, weekend or even longer, it’s great to know there is this fabulous stage for live shows right in the heart of the town on Crabbe Street. 

From jazz to comedy, plays, operas and tribute bands, there is something for everyone.   Check out their seasonal program and book tickets in advance for any shows you are interested in.   

11. See A Movie at Aldeburgh Cinema

Getting Here: Google Map Link to Aldeburgh Cinema. Tickets from £7 for under 15s; £11 for adults.  Discounts for elders. Opening times vary by show but generally from 6:45pm – 9pm daily.  Earlier Wednesdays and Sundays.

Alternatively or in addition to a live show at Jubilee Hall,  take a look at the program on offer in the local cinema.  Located on the High Street,  this independent single-screen cinema is one of Britain’s oldest movie theatres. 

Founded by Walter Hill in 1919, the aim has remained the same: to provide a warm welcome and to show the best in contemporary cinema and big-screen entertainment.  

12. Shop On Aldeburgh High Street

Getting Here: Google Map Link to the High Street. Shops are open daily and generally from 9.30am – 5pm. Some variations on a Sunday.  

We love the independent shops in the High Street. Whether you’re buying, browsing  or just window shopping, there’s plenty to enjoy.  

As well as a few more well-known high street names, you’ll find independent boutiques, Aldeburgh Art Galleries,  gift shops and antique stores.  

We particularly like Aldeburgh Book Shop which has a great selection of reads for all ages and The Pug and Pussycat for cards and local giftware.   

13. Eat on the High Street

For a small town High Street, Aldeburgh has loads of fabulous food offerings.  The town Market has a restaurant with outdoor seating, a deli for your own takeaway purchases and offers a range of fresh fruit and vegetables.  

Back to ice-cream – Ives Ice Cream Parlour has over 30 different flavours on offer including vegan and gluten free options.  

The Two Magpies Bakery is another popular spot for your freshly baked sourdough bread, morning pastries and coffee.  Eat in or takeaway.  

The Lighthouse is another popular restaurant open 7 days a week but you’ll need to book in advance.  Munchies Cafe is also popular and you can preorder.  

14. Treat Yourself To Afternoon Tea  

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to The Chocolate Teapot. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Open 10-5pm Thursday to Monday. From £20. Book in advance.  

If you crave a  traditional afternoon tea , there are several delicious options.  At one end of the High Street, we recommend The Chocolate Teapot who serve a range of sweet and savoury delights.  They also offer a range of other meal options. 

Other hotels in Aldeburgh include:

• The Wentworth or The White Lion both offer afternoon tea. These are a bit more of a formal set- up but if you want sea views, choose one of these. 
• The Brudenell Hotel also offers a Cream Tea which is tea with scone, jam and cream.  

15. Visit The Red House 

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to The Red House. Entry £11; Free for children under 16. Open Thursday to Sundays 10.30am-4.30pm. Guided tours are available at set times.

Once the home of the world famous composer Benjamin Britten and his partner Peter Pears, The Red House can be found a little out of the centre of town.  You can walk there in about 30 minutes or if you have a car, drive and park in the free car park.  

The house and its beautiful gardens are open to the public and offer an insight into Britten’s life and work, along with a collection of music manuscripts and personal artefacts. 

16. Spot The Scallop Sculpture  

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to The Scallop

As you end your walk along the promenade and head out of Aldeburgh, look out for the huge four foot high steel ‘Scallop’ sculpture by Maggi Hambling, a Suffolk born artist.  

The sculpture is a tribute to the famous British composer, Benjamin Britten who often walked along this beach.  It is inscribed with a quote from Britten’s opera, Peter Grimes, ‘I hear those voices that will not be drowned’.  

When it arrived on the beach back in 2003, it caused quite a debate dividing opinion on whether it was a spot or a beauty on the landscape. 

Many loathe it, others love it.  We must admit, we rather like it but go see for yourself.   The light on it is fabulous especially on a sunny day at sunrise or sunset.  Free activity! 

17. Walk to Thorpeness Village To Enjoy A Pub Lunch

Getting Here: Google Maps Link to Dolphin Inn Pub. Dog-friendly and open everyday from 11am to 10pm.   

From the Scallop, walk another 1.6 miles/2.5km on and you will arrive at the village of Thorpeness. This is a flat and easy walk on the pathway by the beach.  

In summer, look out for butterflies and wildflowers growing amongst the shingle. Continue past some of the beach houses and you’ll arrive at Thorpeness.  The beach here is similar to Aldeburgh but less busy.  

There are some lovely places to eat here.  We recommend ‘The Dolphin Inn’ a pub serving excellent food.  Gardens are gorgeous so sit outside and enjoy a refreshing drink after your beach walk.

Earlier opening from 9am at weekends for breakfast.  You can also stay here – they have three cosy rooms to choose from but book ahead as they’re very popular. 

18. Row A Boat On The Meare At Thorpeness

Getting Here: Google Maps Link  to The Boating Lake. Open April to October. Prices are displayed on a board by the lake. In 2024, rates start at £10 for one person, £14 for two for half an hour. Family tickets are available too.  

When you come off the beach after your walk from Aldeburgh, you’ll find yourself in the centre of this tiny hamlet. In front of you is a beautiful lake known as Thorpeness Meare.  This lake was created by a wealthy Scottish barrister back in 1913. 

 He wanted an adventure island and his plan for the lake was inspired by the writing of his friend J.M Barrie who wrote ‘Neverland’. 

If you hire a rowing boat and explore the meare, you’ll find all sorts of creeks and mini islands to row around and signs that say Pirate’s Lair, Wendy’s Home, and Captain’s House. It’s great fun for all the family. 

From Spring to Autumn, you can stop for tea here at the Meare Shop and Tea Room.  Sit outside by the lake – it’s really lovely. The teashop is open every day from 10am-5pm in spring and summer with slightly shorter hours from October to March. 

As you sit, you can’t fail to spot the ‘House in the Clouds’.  It’s a disguised water tower but you can rent it and stay here!  You’ll definitely get a great view!  Take a walk up to it and see the windmill close by.

19. Play A Round Of Golf At Aldeburgh Golf Club

Getting Here: Google Link to Aldeburgh Golf Club. The course currently closes at 6:30pm. 

Visitors are welcome at the Golf Club to play the River Course which is a nine hole course, challenging enough for experienced golfers, but also suitable for those of us who play a little less often. 

You can hire clubs directly from the pro-shop and book your tee off time online.  Although visitors can use lockers, unless they are with a member, they cannot use the bar or other club facilities.   

20. Walk ‘The Sailor’s Path’ To Snape Maltings 

If you like walking, then take the Sailor’s Path from Aldeburgh and follow it across heather, heathland and marshes to Snape Maltings. 

On this walk, you will enter an area managed by the RSPB called Snape Warren Nature Reserve.  As a habitat for many birds, don’t be surprised to find nightjars, woodlarks and yellowhammers.  If you are a bird lover, you might also want to take a trip to nearby RSPB Minsmere.

The route is  6 miles/9.5km and will take you around 2 hours.  It’s well signposted so you won’t get lost.  Interestingly, it was named  Sailor’s Path because long ago many sailors walked this path between Aldeburgh and Snape.  

To get onto the path, pass by the Golf Club and follow the road out of the town for about 500m. You’ll come across a wooden sign on the left.  From there simply follow the signs for Snape.  The terrain is a mixture of well surfaced paths and tracks. 

When you arrive at the Maltings, stop for a coffee, lunch, shopping or even take a boat trip along the River Alde.  Snape is great and a place you’ll probably want to return to for a longer visit as there is much to see and do here.  

Shops are open from 10am – 5:30pm weekends and close at 4pm on a Sunday.  Do visit the Food Hall and House and Garden shop.  Both housed in the same building; you can easily spend a couple of hours here just browsing.  

You can purchase all sorts of local Suffolk produce here including jams, sauces, cakes and of course Fisher’s Gin.  

21. Enjoy Annual Festival Events In & Around Aldeburgh 

Aldeburgh has many popular events going on throughout the year which draw huge crowds from locals and tourists.  It’s useful to note when these main ones are on should you want to go. 

Be aware that accommodation prices will most likely be higher at this time and restaurants, car parks  etc busier but the events are great fun and there’s something for everyone. 

 Aldeburgh Festival.  The Festival has been a pilgrimage for lovers of classical music and culture since 1948.

Every June it brings together new commissions, world-premieres and international stars on the stretch of Suffolk Coast which so bewitched its founder, the composer Benjamin Britten. 

The 76th Festival will take place 13 – 29 June 2025.

Aldeburgh Carnival. Held every year in August, the town hosts a 3 day carnival. 

From ‘Live Music’ on the beach to Duck Races on the Yacht Pond, 10K Sports Run, Punch and Judy shows, Treasure Hunts and Processions along the High Street, there lots to entertain you.

Extra car parking is available for this event.  Dates set for 2025  are 16th -18th August. Many activities are free.  

 Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival  Held at Snape Maltings,  this event has been running for 19 years. The festival feature 130+ local food and drink producers; live demo stages; celebrity chefs and masterclasses.

If you have kids they will love the free children’s cookery classes every 30 minutes. There is live music and so much more. Tickets are £15 with free entry for children under 16. Book in advance online for faster entry on the day.

FAQs

How do you get to Aldeburgh?

There are several options depending on your starting point and preferred mode of transportation.  We recommend travelling by car. Follow the A12 and then pick up the A1094 following the Aldeburgh signs.The drive from London is about 2-2 ½ hours depending on traffic. 

 If you arrive by train, the nearest station is Saxmundham about 7 miles away.  Take a taxi from here to your accommodation.  

While you are in the region, there are other interesting local towns and villages to visit. Use our Guide to Visiting Woodbridge, Things to Do in Felixstowe and Fun Activities in Orford Suffolk for more ideas to enjoy in this delightful corner of England.

How do you pronounce Aldeburgh in Suffolk?

Aldeburgh is pronounced “AWL-bruh”.  

The middle part, “de,” is silent, making the pronunciation shorter than it looks in writing.  The name is derived from the words “Alde” (meaning “old”) and “burh”(meaning “fort” or “stronghold”). So, Aldeburgh roughly translates to “Old Fort” or “Old Stronghold.”

Where to stay in Aldeburgh? 

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Aldeburgh.  You will need to book in advance especially around Easter, July and August and festival times.  

For luxury, book into The Brudenell next to Fisher’s Gin. There are 44 rooms with some facing the beach.  The Cross Keys is a great mid-range hotel also offering sea-view accommodation. There are only 3 rooms here though as it is more of an eating venue so book early.  

For self catering options including cottages, check out Suffolk Hideaways. 

What is the Lost Village near Aldeburgh?

The lost city near Aldeburgh is called Dunwich. Once a thriving medieval port and one of the largest towns in England, Dunwich was gradually lost to the sea due to coastal erosion and storms over the centuries.  

Today, Dunwich is a small village, but it is famous as one of the UK’s most prominent “lost cities.” Remnants of the old city still lie beneath the waves, and parts of the ancient town can still be explored, including the Dunwich Heath Nature Reserve. 

You can rent the sauna box on Dunwich Beach, which is fabulous. Dip in the sea and then head into the sauna van.  It’s wonderful!  Check times though as this is a seasonal activity.  There’s a lovely cafe here too called ‘Flora Tea Room’.

Wrap Up – Things to do in Aldeburgh

Whether you come here for a day, a weekend, or longer, we are sure you will discover even more fun activities both indoors and outdoors.

Having read our guide, we hope you are inspired to visit this seaside gem on Suffolk’s coast and we hope you will fall for the refreshing charm of this quaint town as much as we have.