Season: summer
A mild, breezy day greeted me at Aldeburgh for this summer visit. The weekend had enticed a throng of visitors to the pretty village streets and to the independent shops, all a stone’s throw from the shingle beach and its fresh fish vendors. A game of boules was in full flow, as families played by the water’s edge and couples enjoyed the promenade. When summer arrives, Aldeburgh is a fine place to enjoy it.
Anna’s international perspective on the beach.
A celebration of Aldeburgh’s rich cultural heritage by the beach. Here’s a commissioned film about Benjamin Britten and his affinity to Aldeburgh, more widely a reflection on the perennial relationship between man and place – Benjamin Britten Centenary Film.
Season: winter
The beach at Aldeburgh is a wonderful place to find yourself on a misty, still winter morning. The sea’s music on the shingle is the only sound, just before the town wakes up and the early boats return with their catch. The pebbles have been endlessly turned upon and between each other, becoming smooth to the touch and harmoniously coloured. On mornings like these, it’s hard to pick out the horizon, as the massive sky folds into the sea. The mist seems to amplify each small sound, yet the intimacy remains.
What the beach here has meant and always will mean to Susan.
Dean’s work place.
A misty morning on the beach at Aldeburgh.
Season: autumn
Sitting on the East Suffolk coast, Aldeburgh is an attractive and well known seaside town, counting Benjamin Britten and Maggi Hambling among its luminaries. As well as its strong, ongoing musical and artistic associations, there’s a strong fishing tradition. There are miles of unspoilt shingle coast within easy walking distance of the town.
The beach is Duncan’s livelihood.
By the sea in the late afternoon at Aldeburgh.
The beach is a great place to exercise the dogs beside the beach in those months when they aren’t allowed on it and on the beach for those months when they can enjoy it too. The fresh air and watching the waves is a great place to relax and an ice cream or two adds to the enjoyment.
The beach is a true constant for me, like part of the family. My fondest childhood memories are those where I have a bucket and spade in my hand, or those of eating slightly sandy sandwiches sitting proudly in a hole I’d just dug! Now, as an adult whatever my mood, there is nowhere I’d rather be that the beach, be it with my own young family (still digging), or on my own when I crave the voice of the sea to offer me calm.
The beach a place where I’m reminded that all my problems are so small that they’re not worth worrying about – it puts everything into perspective. The waves will come and go, the tide-line will move and no amount of worrying will stop them. Flinging off my shoes and losing a couple of hours throwing a ball for the dog or paddling about in rock pools is like therapy, I always leave the beach happy and content with the world.