Suffolk Coast

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With 40 miles of Heritage Coast, set in an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' - the Suffolk Coast (which includes the seaside towns of Aldeburgh and Felixstowe) provides a feeling of peace and tranquillity even at the height of summer.

CLICK HERE to reserve your 2009 Suffolk Coast brochure

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Aldeburgh

Charming and fashionable seaside town, which grew from an old fishing and shipbuilding centre. Fishermen still haul their boats up the steep shingle beach, and sell their catch each morning. The wide High Street has attractive Georgian buildings housing independent shops, galleries and restaurants. Try the fish and chips - some of the best in the country. Visit the 16th C. Moot Hall and the fine hilltop church - where the famous composer Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) is buried. He started the annual music festival held each June.

Tourist Information Centre - 152 High Street +44 (0)1728 453637.

Things to do
- Climb up the Town Steps for a view over the roof tops to the sea.
- Take the children to the model yacht pond to sail their little craft.
- Enjoy a musical performance at the famous concert hall at Snape.
- Visit the seafront lifeboat station.
- Purchase some fresh fish from the huts on the beach.
- Hunt on the beach for the precious gem amber.
- Discover the town's history at the Moot Hall.
- Browse in the various shops and galleries at Snape Maltings.
- Film buffs will love the cosy independent cinema.
- Walk along the beach to Thorpeness to see the 'Scallop' sculpture.

Events 2008
29 February-2 March - Aldeburgh Literary Festival
3-8 March - Celebration of Schools Music (Snape)
21-23 March - Aldeburgh Easter Music Festival (Snape)
13-29 June - Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts
10-13 July - Snape Antiques and Fine Art Fair
29 July-30 August - Aldeburgh Summer Theatre
1-31 August - Snape Proms
16-18 August - Aldeburgh Carnival
21-22 August - Thorpeness Regatta
23 August - RNLI Street Fayre
27-28 September - Aldeburgh Food and Drink Festival (Snape)
7-9 November - Aldeburgh Poetry Festival

Further Information: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/tourism

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Felixstowe

This Victorian resort retains much of its original charm. The 4 mile (6 kilometre) long seafront features a sand and shingle beach, beautiful award-winning gardens, paved promenade and pier. It's popularity began with the arrival of the railway in 1887, then a visit in 1891 by the Empress of Germany and her children. Felixstowe is particularly good for families, offering safe clean bathing and a host of activities likely to appeal to younger children.

Tourist Information Centre - 91 Undercliff Road West +44 (0)1394 276770.

Things to do
- Let the children loose at the indoor swimming pool.
- Test your skills on the seafront adventure golf.
- Turn back the clock and explore history at 18th C. Landguard Fort.
- Visit the viewpoint to watch the shipping at the Port of Felixstowe.
- Enjoy an evening at the town's theatre, with its variety of shows.
- Hire your very own beach hut for the day.
- Take a walk to Felixstowe Ferry for a pint at the riverside pub.
- Discover nature at Landguard Point, rich in birds and shingle flora.

Events 2008
4 May - Ipswich to Felixstowe Historic Vehicle Run
24-31 May - Felixstowe Drama Festival
5-6 July - Felixstowe Fuchsia Festival
5-13 July - East of England Lawn Tennis Tournament
19-20 July - Darrell's Day (Landguard Fort)
8-10 August - Felixstowe Carnival
7 September - Art on the Prom

Further Information: www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/tourism

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Other 'Seaside' Places of Interest

The coastline is dotted with seaside villages, such as Thorpeness with its steeply shelving shingle beach. It is most
unusual - featuring mock Tudor buildings, the 'House in the Clouds' (a former water tower) and a meare, with fairytale islands to explore by rowing boat. To the north, Dunwich is noted for its shelving shingle beach, crumbling cliffs and fish and chips. Whilst neighbouring Walberswick has a pretty green, sand dunes and an annual crabbing competition. Also don't miss, the quiet rural beaches and flora-rich dunes at Sizewell, and Shingle Street, where the steep shingle beach is a good place to hunt for the precious gem amber.

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