On the picturesque Suffolk coast lies a quiet Georgian village that has become an unexpected sanctuary for some of Britain's biggest celebrities. Walberswick offers a peaceful retreat from the public eye, attracting famous faces with its unspoilt landscapes and tranquil atmosphere.
A Magnet for the Arts and Media
This small seaside community has long been a popular destination for those working in the arts, film, and media sectors seeking to escape the crowds. While the neighbouring town of Southwold provides a more vibrant family holiday destination, Walberswick maintains its reputation as a quieter alternative for a simple coastal break.
The area's most recent claim to fame came when Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran chose the village as the filming location for his Christmas song 'Under the Tree'. The Suffolk-born star enjoyed his time there so much that he was reportedly reluctant to leave and is believed to have purchased two properties near Walberswick, despite his main residence being in Framlingham.
Celebrity Residents and Local Connections
Ed Sheeran isn't the only famous figure drawn to this coastal haven. Love Actually and Bridget Jones creator Richard Curtis and his family have owned holiday homes in the area for years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Curtis spent most of his time in Walberswick, enjoying coastal walks, and later dedicated his Christmas novel, That Christmas, to the village.
Joining this exclusive community is actress Keira Knightley, who rumours suggest owns a home in the village after being spotted in local pubs and shops. Reports first emerged in 2018 that she had made the move to this picturesque location.
The family connections run deep, with David Morrissey, husband of novelist Esther Freud and brother-in-law to Richard Curtis, also spending time in Walberswick. These strong family ties to the area made it inevitable that The Walking Dead star would enjoy peaceful summers by the seaside.
Natural Beauty and Quirky Traditions
Beyond its famous residents, Walberswick's main attraction is its breathtaking natural environment. The village sits at the mouth of the River Blyth and boasts:
- A sandy beach and grassy dunes
- A nature reserve spanning 1,000 acres of heath and marshland
- Distinctive meadows teeming with wildlife including otters, deer, and numerous bird species
Despite its celebrity inhabitants, the village maintains its traditional charm and is particularly renowned for its crabbing. Each summer, Walberswick hosts the World Open Championships, where enthusiasts from far and wide descend on the village to partake in the sport of crab catching with their buckets and nets.
The combination of natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and surprising celebrity presence makes Walberswick a uniquely appealing destination on the Suffolk coast, offering both spectacular landscapes and the chance of spotting a famous face enjoying the simple pleasures of village life.
