It’s the middle of the school holidays, and yet the stunning Suffolk town of Aldeburgh feels like the country’s best kept secret.
The queue for the fish and chip restaurant (aldeburghfishandchips.co.uk) is only slightly out the door, and we were seated within 15 minutes which is a darn sight better than most seaside towns in peak season. We’ve practically got the beach to ourselves, as we stroll between our holiday home and the neighbouring village of Thorpeness, and we didn’t even get stuck in miles and miles of traffic as we snaked our way east from Hampshire.
Ok, full disclosure…we visited during the Easter holidays, but a quick look on social media tells us that even in the summer months, Aldeburgh is a very worthy contender of the quietest summer seaside break in the UK. If like us, you are looking for a laidback, easy-going holiday with a group of friends or extended family, then you too will delight in beautifully presented The Court House, which is available to rent through local experts, Suffolk Hideaways.
Offering accommodation over two levels, the downstairs boasts a majestic master suite, with ensuite and walk-in shower and super-king bed, as well as access to the terrace and lawn outside (perfect for anyone who can’t manage the stairs) and a vaulted open plan living, kitchen and dining area with large sliding doors which allow for summertime inside/outside living.
The enclosed entrance hall and cloakroom are handy for shedding beach clothes or muddy boots, and worked well as the overnight dwellings of the cocker puppy who joined us. The Court House welcomes everyone and is completely secure at the rear, meaning dogs and children can happily run around outside without risking any potential escapees.
Upstairs there are two further double bedrooms, one with ensuite, and a twin bedroom and family bathroom, giving plenty of space for children to share, or for couples to have their own space away from the open-plan arrangement below. Each room is stylishly designed with a neutral palette and large Juliet doors to allow the stunning Suffolk light in through to every nook and cranny. The Neal’s Yard toiletries in each bathroom add a touch of luxury, and the finishes are high end and feel very well looked after.
The property comes with two parking spaces, which is ideal considering its close proximity to the main high street and beachfront. Here, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to grabbing your morning coffee and pastries, but after much discussion, we agreed that Two Magpies Bakery (twomagpiesbakery.co.uk/) was definitely our favourite. Mainly thanks to the most delicious tasting amaretti biscuits we have ever had. From small beginnings in nearby Southwold, Two Magpies now have a host of bakeries across the county and into Norfolk, alongside offering baking classes and a recipe book, so as to take a slice of your time in Suffolk away with you.
After a decadent breakfast, the beach beckons as it peeps through the little alleys, which provide glimpses of the sea as you wander past. But further along the high street, there are plenty of opportunities for holiday-money spending too in art galleries, boutiques full of unique homeware and womenswear, as well as jewellers, bookshop, antiques and more. If a bracing walk by the dramatic North Sea is the draw however, then walk on for Aldeburgh’s shingle beach, which provides miles of coastal strolling opportunities.
We embarked on a trek north along the beach to Thorpeness, pausing to appreciate the giant scallop shell sculpture by local artist Maggi Hambling, which was erected in tribute to Benjamin Britten in 2003 and is the perfect place for a photo opportunity.
The landscape here is flat and rugged, punctuated dramatically by The House in the Clouds (houseintheclouds.co.uk), a landmark building which majestically looms over the Thorpeness Mere nature reserve. Once serving as a water tower, this unusual property is now available to rent out via Airbnb.
Walking on to admire the local black and white architecture that is so synonymous with the village, we came to the tranquil Thorpeness Meare (thorpenessmeare.com), and spent a lovely hour messing about on a couple of rowing boats and exploring the islands, which incidentally were named by Peter Pan creator J.M Barrie, each having their own attraction from The Fort to the Dragon's Lair.
Back in Aldeburgh, we stocked up on teatime treats at Lawson’s Delicatessen, which is full to the brim of tasty salads, local cheeses, fish and charcuterie. The staff were knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we were left with plenty of lunchtime leftovers to keep us going for the following day.
When in Aldeburgh, it would be an absolute crime not to sample the local seafood stock. If not from the huts and cabins lining the beachfront, of which there are cockles and mussels alive, alive o, then by taking a quick trip over to Southwold, famous for its fishing industry and sensational seafood suppers. We enjoyed a fantastic lunch out at Sole Bay Fish Company (solebayfishco.co.uk), but we also heard excellent things about The Suffolk (the-suffolk.co.uk), back in Aldeburgh and given more time, would definitely have snapped up one of the very in-demand tables (book early to avoid disappointment).
A quick turn on the 2p machines in Southwold and our holiday was complete; not resisting a stop at the beautifully tranquil Snape Maltings on the way home. The perfect place to while away a few hours before your drive back, Snape is a stunning nature reserve on the bank of the River Alde and luxury shopping destination, which also boasts a world-famous concert hall. The view from the River View Restaurant doesn’t disappoint and is the ideal place to contemplate what a lovely time you’ve had, as well as plan your return trip.
Book your stay
Short breaks at The Court House start from £1,818, rising to £2,250 for a week away. Available from September onwards at suffolkhideaways.co.uk.
