Many people are attracted to the whimsical charm of Aldeburgh, with its pebbled beach, vibrant art scene, bustling shops and award winning fish and chip shop. If you’ve been won over by Aldeburgh’s nautical appeal then there are many other, similar places for you to discover along The Suffolk Coast.
If you love Aldeburgh's famous fish & chips, check out Pakefield
The charming coastal village of Pakefield is home to many a' chippy. Pakefield Plaice is the locals’ go to fish and chip shop on the stunning cliff tops just a stone's throw from the sea. Serving up fresh hot bags of chips and crispy battered fish, in pleasingly large portions and with all the extras should you want them. Why not takeaway and eat them down on the beach?
Fish Dish in Felixstowe is also worth a visit, for its fresh fish and local potatoes, crispy batter and double cooked chips. The Cumberland fish bar in nearby Woodbridge is also well-known for its traditional fish fry-days serving delicious fish, chips and mushy peas.
For more inspiration check out our list of the best fish & chips on The Suffolk Coast!
If you love Aldeburgh beach, check out Felixstowe
This sand and pebble stretch of beach is lined with pastel coloured beach huts with plenty of space to relax, play and explore. Take a stroll along the Edwardian seafront, enjoying the well-kept seafront gardens and if you walk as far as the port you can watch the ships going in and out whilst enjoying a well earned lunch at the View Point Cafe.
For the traditional seaside experience, be sure to pay a visit to Mannings Amusements and finish off the day with ice creams and sweet treats from The Little Ice Cream Company.
If you love Aldeburgh Beach Lookout and Arthouse, pay a visit Lowestoft's Banksys!
If you love Aldeburgh's iconic Beach Lookout and Arthouse, hop in the car and travel down the coast to Oulton Broad where you can an original Banksy artwork. The world-famous mysterious artists recently enjoyed a staycation on The Suffolk Coast, creating incredible pieces in Nicholas Everitt's Park in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft town centre and Lowestoft beach and across the border into Norfolk in Gorleston, Great Yarmouth and Cromer. Some have since been sold, but the incredible painting of children in a boat can still be seen. Find out more and visit them with our Banksy artwork guide.
If that's whet your cultural appetite, pay a visit to Rowe & Williams Gallery in Yoxford, specialising in modern and contemporary art inspired by Suffolk and East Anglia. In the current summer collection you can see work by Lionel Bulmer featuring scenes of Walberswick in oils and Roland Suddaby’s striking coastal scenes in watercolour and ink.
On the coast in Pakefield, you will find the Ferini Art Gallery; an unassuming building in the heart of the village, with 4 galleries showcasing the work of established and emerging local artists across a range of mediums. Look out for special evenings held there, such as special exhibitions, wine tasting and much more.
If you love Aldeburgh’s shopping, check out Bungay
Home to a busy high street which boasts a range of independent shops and delightful cafes, Bungay is a great alternative for those who love independent shops. Earsham Street Deli is a foodie’s paradise, stocking a whole range of fresh produce including cheese and butter, local meats and eggs and delicious bread. Stock up on local honey and preserves, refreshing cordials, and a range of quiches, pies and antipasti. Crocks of Bungay is a family owned and run boutique stocking an array of gifts for all. Alongside the cards, gifts and toys, homeware, ceramics and sculptures, Crocks is renowned for an extensive jewellery collection, stocking the work of local silversmiths as well as international brands in all styles and materials.
Visit Wightman’s; one of Bungay’s oldest established businesses, founded 150 years ago and still thriving today. It sells a range of homeware from furniture and beds to carpets, rugs, curtains and fabrics.
If you love Aldeburgh’s seafront restaurants, check out Lowestoft's seafront eateries
Enjoy a meal with a view! Located on the promenade and overlooking the sandy Blue flag beaches The Hatfield Hotel boasts a breath-taking view of the rolling waves, best enjoyed from the decking area, well shielded from the bracing breeze. Enjoy coffee and cake, tea and scones or go all out with a Sunday Carvery.
Be sure to pay a visit to East Point Pavilion - this newly regenerated Victorian-style pavilion is home to a range of street food vendors and a cool bar serving hot, cold and alcoholic drinks. It also hosts weekly wellbeing sessions such a meditation and yoga, as well as live music every Saturday evening and monthly markets and events.