Town and around
The Town StepsAldeburgh is a delightful seaside town on the north sea coast. Fishing boats still operate from the beach and fresh fish is often available straight from the boat. Despite the march of time, Aldeburgh retains much of its original charm with wonderful roof scapes visible from the top of the town steps, the delightful High Street with its array of shops.
The beach at Aldeburgh is shingle. There is sea bathing for the hardy. Sandy beaches are an easy 3 - 4 minute drive to the north of the town at Thorpeness where there is the Mere, a large shallow lake where its possible to hire boats. 10 minutes drive away is the town of Leiston with its indoor pool at the leisure centre and also a fascinating museum, the long shop, at the old Garrett engineering works. Live steam events are often held there.
For the outdoor types, there are lots of walks: across the marshes and along the river wall; the old sailor's path to Snape for a pub lunch, or a round trip to Thorpeness via the old disused railway line. Aldeburgh has a first class golf course and there is another excellent course at Thorpeness. There are 2 sailing clubs on the river at Slaughden. The RSPB has 3 reserves within easy reach, North Warren, Minsmere and Havergate Island. Cycles can be hired in the High Street. The Snape Maltings Concert Hall is a short drive from town. In August Aldeburgh Town hosts the annual Carnival with processions and evening fireworks, while the Yacht club holds its Regatta.
There is also the renowned Aldeburgh Cookery School which is highly popular with women (and chaps too) and its only 5 - 6 minutes walk from the Cottage!
The River Alde, a tidal estury, offers wonderful sailing, up river to Snape or down to Orford, Shingle Street and the Mouth