Snape-Maltings-Concert-Hall-inside-Jeremy-Young

With Suffolk’s Aldeburgh being in the international gaze thanks to the Britten centenary this year, there has never been a better time to explore the landscape and experiences which inspired his great works.

Britten’s work was influenced by the picturesque landscape in and around the coastal town of Aldeburgh. The annual Aldeburgh Festival (7-23 June) which Britten started 66 years ago offers the most unique chance of experiencing his best known opera Peter Grimes in the location which inspired him: Aldeburgh beach. Taking place on the 7 June 2013, featuring Alan Oke as the title character, it is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival.

As well as experiencing Britten’s work, a trip to Suffolk gives the opportunity for you to visit his homes; you could even stay in the birth place of the great man, Britten House in Lowestoft. The Red House which was home to Britten and his partner Peter Pears for the majority of his time in Aldeburgh is re-opening over the summer, and Britten’s studio has been opened up for the first time ever.

Walking is another great way to explore the Suffolk countryside; Britten himself used to take walks every afternoon to reflect on what he had composed in the morning. Aldeburgh Festival features two guided walks, one following the coast ending in Lowestoft, the other offering views of stunning Suffolk farm land. If you are looking for the same opportunity for reflection as Britten, it is easy to explore Suffolk on foot, as there are walks for every skill level, from a beach stroll to longer walks around the river Alde or nearby Orford Ness.

PeterGrimes(c)PhilipVile-low

The Sailors’ Path is an historic six-mile route linking Aldeburgh and Snape. Following a relaunch in 2012 it’s a fascinating way to take in the breadth of local landscapes from the meandering River Alde, the ancient woods of the Blackheath Estate and expanses of marshes and reed beds.

Beyond the Britten centenary, Suffolk has lots to offer culture lovers. The region boasts the only remaining Regency theatre The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds. Ipswich is home to many galleries, the largest being Christchurch Mansion whose collection contains work by John Constable and Thomas Gainsbourgh. Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury is also worth a look as it’s the artist’s birthplace and today houses a fascinating museum.

Scallop-sculpture-Aldeburgh-beach

In Aldeburgh itself there is a tiny art gallery that packs a serious cultural punch: The South Lookout, it is in an old Lifeboat Lookout tower, so offers spectacular views alongside a selection of modern and contemporary art. Plus the quaint Aldeburgh cinema which has been showing films since 1924 is a hotspot for art-house films, documentaries and opera screenings.

For those who are curious as to the history of the area, in nearby Leiston The Long Shop Museum is one of the earliest purpose built industrial buildings in the country and showcases the region’s industrial as well as rural heritage. Further afield, Orford Castle is one of the most complete medieval keeps in the country, and would make an interesting stop on any visit. As would eerie Sutton Hoo, the Anglo Saxon royal burial site at Woodbridge.

For foodies, the area is home to a wide array of places to eat from the award winning Aldeburgh Fish and Chip shop to newly refurbished The White Lion Hotel on the sea front. For those wanting to go a bit further afield, the 13th century King’s Head in Orford serves classic dishes with locally sourced ingredients. Plus in Orford there’s the popular pub The Crown and Castle which is owned by TV’s ‘Hotel Inspector’ Ruth Watson.

Alternatively, Suffolk boasts some impressive producers like the no nonsense Butley Orford Oysterage which has been growing oysters for over 50 years. The British Larder in Bromeswell is a hub of local produce and makes a good place to experience local Suffolk food at its best. Snape Malting’s a few miles from Aldeburgh, has a monthly farmer’s market (9.30 – 1pm first Saturday of every month) which celebrates the best of delicious local fare.

www.visitsuffolk.com

With so much happening for Britten’s centenary, now is the time to discover the landscape, art and culture which make Suffolk one of the country’s best kept secrets.

To Visit:-

Aldeburgh Festival www.aldeburgh.co.uk

The Red House www.brittenpears.org

Snape Maltings www.snapemaltings.co.uk

Aldeburgh Museum www.aldeburghmuseumonline.co.uk

Orford Castle www.english-heritage.org.uk

Orford Ness www.nationaltrust.org.uk/orford-ness

Sutton Hoo www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sutton-hoo

Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds secure.theatreroyal.org

Gainsborough’s House www.gainsborough.org

Christchurch Mansion www.cimuseums.org.uk

The Long Shop Museum www.longshopmuseum.co.uk

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