Aldeburgh in Suffolk has been a regular destination for one writer for 17 years, who visits at least once a year to escape London. The town, with an estimated population of just 2,348, is small but offers everything needed for a charming coastal getaway.
A town that has barely changed
The first visit was on the eve of the writer's 15th birthday, and at 32, she notes that Aldeburgh hasn't changed much in the last 17 years – which she sees as a good thing. She enjoys seeing the same businesses thriving, from the Aldeburgh Cinema to The Golden Galleon fish and chip shop.
The high street features an independent bookshop, several charity shops, art galleries, a deli, and an ice cream parlour. The food scene is exceptional, with The Suffolk's seafood restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide, Thai Street Kitchen takeaway slots filling up quickly on Friday nights, and Sea Spice offering curries comparable to London's finest.
The beach and beyond
The pebble beach is the main attraction, with colourful houses in pastel shades lining the seafront, wooden fishing boats on the shingle, and the North Sea sparkling in the sunshine. Early risers before 9am can see locals heading for a dip in dressing gowns and water shoes, some swimming and others floating to wake themselves up.
Walking trails include a two-mile stretch to the village of Thorpeness, passing the Scallop, a steel shell-shaped sculpture memorial to composer Sir Benjamin Britten, who lived in Aldeburgh. In the opposite direction lies Slaughden, a hamlet with England's largest Martello Tower and Slaughden Sailing Club, with footpaths through salt marshes alongside the River Alde.
A place to relax
The area also hosts nature reserves like Snape Marshes and RSPB Minsmere. However, the writer says she never does strenuous hikes – Aldeburgh is for relaxing. She enjoys breathing in the sea air, eating great food, having a drink at the pub or wine from the Adnams store, and reading.
A long weekend is ideal, but visitors might want to stay longer. The town has captured the writer's heart, and she is already counting the days until her next return.
