Aldeburgh is a very pretty town on the Suffolk coast, with a collection of historic buildings, a beautiful promenade along a stretch of picturesque shingle, Blue Flag beach, and an annual arts festival founded by local-boy-done-good, Benjamin Britten. Fishing is still a major industry here, and two of its local fish and chip shops have been nationally recognised, so it’s pretty much the quintessential British family seaside holiday — with a bit more classical music! All of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Aldeburgh have a family-friendly pitch, as well as being ideal, out of the school holiday season, for adults looking for a peaceful seaside escape.

The best places to stay in Aldeburgh are busiest during the summer months, but there is plenty to occupy visitors to Aldeburgh on wetter days, and during the quieter seasons. Aldeburgh’s most famous landmark might be its Martello Tower — these Napoleonic War era fortresses are stout, round strongholds, and Aldeburgh’s is Britain’s largest, made up of four towers, and certainly worth a look. Benjamin Britten’s house, and office, is also a great place to visit — the studio where he composed is open year round, and they have lots of events on throughout the year. Aldeburgh’s Moot Hall, an iconic, 16th century, half-timbered building, has been turned into the local museum, and on the beach is another Aldeburgh landmark, a giant ‘Scallop’, the work of a local artist and craftsman, and a magnificent thing set against this beautiful stretch of coastline.

As well as Britten’s Aldeburgh Festival in June, the town hosts a literary festival in March, so the best places to stay in Aldeburgh tend to be busy then too. 

The Best Places to Stay in Aldeburgh

For Families

• The Wentworth is a comfortable and traditional seaside hotel, with 35 generously proportioned rooms and suites, a very nice restaurant, and plenty of charm. This is the sort of place people come back to time and again, and they’ll remember you too. The best rooms are those with sea views (and binoculars); the rooms in the Garfield House annex are larger, and ideally suited to families.
• The Brudenell is another waterfront hotel, with sea views, good-sized rooms and the promise of comfort and relaxation. It is located at the quieter end of Aldeburgh’s promenade, and its sunny terrace is a peaceful retreat at the busiest time of year. The decor in the 44 rooms and suites is classic with a little dash of nautical charm, and some great photography of the local area. The restaurant specialises in seafood and coastal gins.

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Travel Information

• You can get to Aldeburgh from London in about three hours by rail, or in about two hours by car. If you’re thinking of flying in, the closest international airport as the crow flies is probably Norwich International Airport which is about an hour away from Aldeburgh by car or taxi, but about three hours away by public transport. London City Airport is only about three and a half hours away by rail, or just under two hours by car or taxi. Heathrow is on the opposite side of London from Aldeburgh, but it’s still under four hours by train, or about two hours and twenty minutes by car or taxi.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Aldeburgh Festival takes place each June, and that’s definitely the busiest time of year to visit. If you’re not into Benjamin Britten, the Aldeburgh Literary Festival happens in March. Most people come to Aldeburgh to enjoy a seaside holiday, and the best weather for that is generally in the summer months, between June and September, but there’s a lot to be said for visiting slightly outside the most popular times. Spring and autumn are certainly worth considering, and there are plenty of things to do on a rainy day.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Southwold, which is just a little north along the coast
• Or expand all the way out to the best places to stay in Suffolk
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• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.