Aldeburgh Town Attractions

Now a private residence, Aldeburgh’s impressive, Victorian former water tower is located adjacent to Aldeburgh Community Hospital. It only viewed from Park Road or Priors’ Hill Road, but is clearly visible on a walk through Newson Garrett’s ‘New Town’ (accessible through Park Gates next to Aldeburgh Library, or along from the green spaces and play places of King’s Field.

Please respect the privacy of the property owners at all times – thank you. 

The Cuthbert Harrison Memorial Garden – locally known as Dial House Garden – is one of Aldeburgh’s secret hideaways. A quieter and often wonderfully colourful place to sit, it is tucked away on a tiny side street, just metres away from Moot Hall Green.

Aldeburgh is home to both a north and south ‘lookout’ – brick-built watchtowers  constructed in the mid-19th century for fishing pilotage groups. Today, the North Lookout (1840) adjacent to the RNLI Lifeboat Station serves as an RNLI store, whilst South Lookout (c.1830) is now ‘ a catalyst for art ideas’, a facility for emerging artist residencies and is open to the public (most Saturdays) as a gallery of their work.

Brilliant for birdwatching and experiencing the hauntingly fragile and ever-changing world of the River Alde. Transformed by a tidal surge in 2013 from fresh water grazing marsh to salt marsh, Hazlewood Marshes are home to salt-blasted skeleton trees, marsh samphire, wading birds, a truly remote hide and history in spadefuls. Ideal for visiting from the Sailors’ Path between Aldeburgh to Snape.

Originally the site of a Tudor port, RSPB North Warren Aldeburgh is an oasis of calm right on the town’s doorstep. Located just across Thorpe Road from Aldeburgh’s famous ‘Scallop’, its watery marshlands make it a firm flightpath favourite with migrating geese, but varied habitats also attract warblers, yellowhammers and marsh harriers. There are a number of viewing platforms.

Set in 5 acres of gardens on the outskirts of Aldeburgh, The Red House (BrittenPears Arts) is a museum, garden and performance venue which holds and honours the collections, archive and galleries of 20th century composer Sir Benjamin Britten, and his partner, the famous classical tenor, Peter Pears. A super place to visit (or stay) for anyone with an interest in Aldeburgh, the Arts or who loves gardens!        

Aldeburgh’s famous pup called ‘Snooks’ lives alongside the yacht pond on Aldeburgh seafront. He comes with a lovely tale (and tail!) and loves putting a smile on folks’ faces, being regularly yarn-bombed since Christmas 2017. But who did he belong to? What hats does he wear? And is it true that he has a twin ?

Aldeburgh’s Roman Catholic church looks out to sea from The Terrace at the top of the town steps. Despite its crenelated porch, flint façade and truncated round tower, it is not as old as it may first appear, dating from around 1925 and displaying an Arts & Crafts movement influence. Aldeburgh’s Catholic parish extends to include All Saints, Leiston.

Aldeburgh parish church with its 14th century tower, mighty south porch and impressive, welcoming interior is well worth a visit. Inside, its memorials include a stunning stained glass window tribute to Sir Benjamin Britten by renowned artist, John Piper. It is part of the Alde Sandlings Benefice.

Young and old alike love Aldeburgh’s model yacht pond on Moot Green. Even without a boat to float, it’s a calm spot for ice-cream, coffee or drifting off a while…  The shallow pond is a converted military water tank and is a year-round favourite for mini waterborn adventures. You’ll find it ‘guarded’ by ‘Snooks’, a bronze statue of a local doctor’s dog.

A memorial to the composer, Sir Benjamin Britten, ‘Scallop’ is a massive must-see sculpture in steel by the local contemporary artist, Maggi Hambling. An awesome public art work on the shingle, Scallop bears the haunting words penned by the 18th century poet, George Crabbe, and later reimagined by Britten in his opera ‘Peter Grimes’.

Must-see Aldeburgh Museum reveals the inside Aldeburgh’s iconic 16th century Moot Hall and so much more! Enjoy two floors of family-friendly interactive displays and artefacts sharing the rich history and fascinating stories of town and surrounding area.

Suffolk’s very own, free mobile app for walking, cycling and more is a useful tool for walkers and cyclists enjoying the East Suffolk coast and beyond. This handy digital solution gives free access to high-quality Ordnance Survey mapping and a growing library of tried and tested trails including some in East Suffolk.

Free to download digital walking trails in Aldeburgh have been devised through a partnership between East Suffolk Council and walking app company ‘Go Jauntly’.

Created to promote walking, wayfinding and connection with nature, this free, community-based mobile app must be installed on your mobile phone or device before you can download the walks.

An historic, independent cinema offering contemporary films and big-screen entertainment. Aldeburgh Cinema Trust is a valued community hub and hosts Aldeburgh’s famous Documentary Festival, an annual weekend of inspiring films and discussion.

The UK’s largest, England’s most northerly and last to be constructed – Martello Tower CC  was built to keep Napoleon out. This quatrefoil shaped building stands at the foot of the Orford Ness peninsula, between the River Alde and the sea. It is not possible to visit the interior of the property – unless you choose to stay in it, as it is cared for and let by The Landmark Trust! Its exterior can however be clearly viewed from most sides and at quite close quarters.

Founded in 1851, the RNLI Aldeburgh Lifeboat Station has been supporting maritime safety and the community for well over a century. Visitors are welcome to see inside the boathouse through the windows of the external viewing gallery. Tours for groups may be possible by appointment.

Overlooking Aldeburgh’s iconic shingle beach, Fishers Gin Distillery has fast become one of the town’s most magnetic experience. A shop as well as an attraction, it offers bookable tours and tastings (over 18s only) all year round. A must for both gin and Suffolk Coast lovers alike, visit to discover the home and story of Fishers lovingly-crafted seaside gins.

Offering an array of musical and dramatic performances, both amateur and professional, historic Jubilee Hall also serves the community as a film-theatre, dance-hall, badminton court and,in the past, a roller-skating rink! Available for hire for either private or public events.