Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Aldeburgh

9 'things to do' on Holiday in Aldeburgh

Whether you’re in Aldeburgh for the entire school holidays, popping up for a weekend or just passing through, here are nine things you should not miss.

1. A walk along Aldeburgh Beach should be at the top of any Suffolk bucket list. Don’t miss the photo opportunity provided by the metal scallop sculpture, then continue walking north towards Thorpeness, passing a Martello Tower on the way. The beach is dog-friendly between October and April, and don’t be surprised to see hardy locals and visitors enjoying a dip in the North Sea waters even in winter.
2. Hungry diners are spoiled for choice in Aldeburgh, but our favourite place for breakfast or brunch is the Aldeburgh Cafe on Hall Farm Lane. The menu rotates with the seasons, making the most of fresh, local produce, and the views over the countryside to the River Alde are gorgeous. There is plenty of seating indoors and outside, and with generous portions and pocket-friendly prices, you won’t be hungry for long.
3. Step back in time at the Aldeburgh Cinema. At more than 100 years old, don't expect to find the reclining bed-sized seats of a modern cineplex. What you will get is art-deco beauty, a bar and the opportunity to enjoy a classic film in one of the oldest continuously operating movie theatres in the country.
4. Moot Hall would be a destination in itself, even if it didn’t house the Aldeburgh Museum. The half-timbered building dates from 1520 and features exhibitions on the town’s history ranging from Romans and Saxons to the burning of witches and beyond.
5. Nothing tastes better than freshly fried fish and chips eaten on the seafront. Three of Aldeburgh’s chip shops are owned by the Cooney Family, who bought Aldeburgh Fish and Chip Shop in 1967, later expanding to include the Golden Galleon and The Upper Deck. Top-quality fresh fish caught locally combine beautifully with floury Suffolk-grown potatoes to create a meal you will never forget.
6. Carrying on with the family-owned theme is Ives Ices, owned and operated by the same family for 25 years. The extensive menu includes 34 different flavours plus sundaes, milkshakes and proper coffee. It’s a place good enough to plan your holiday around.
7. As if the beach wasn’t enough to attract visitors to the area, Aldeburgh’s festivals keep them coming back year after year. The most prominent events in the calendar are the Aldeburgh Festival which is a two-week celebration of music and arts in June, and the Aldeburgh Food & Drink Festival that takes place over the last weekend in September.
8. Shopping in Aldeburgh is as much of a treat as eating and walking on the beach. In addition to the variety of shops in Snape Maltings, the High Street has boutiques stocking local designers, antique and curio shops, and an Adnams gin outlet, as well as an array of popular high street stores. One reason that Aldeburgh is such a great choice for a self-catering cottage holiday in Suffolk is because of its excellent amenities that include a Tesco supermarket, a family-run butcher and delis packed with mouth-watering goodies.
9. Staying in Aldeburgh makes it easy to explore the rest of the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Thorpeness is within walking and cycling distance, and you can also cycle or drive to places like Saxmundham, RSPB Minsmere, and Leiston Abbey.