Aldeburgh, Hidden Gem on the North Sea

I had never heard of Aldeburgh before this trip, and would have never heard of it if it wasn’t for Susan. She lived in Aldeburgh when she was pregnant with Erika. Erika had never been back and they both wanted to see it again. That is why the majority of our trip was spent here. Aldeburgh is a cute fishing town on the North Sea.

We were very lucky with the weather. The week we were there they had a heatwave. It was 80 degrees every day, but because we were right on the sea, it was so windy that I couldn’t even wear a hat most days. I’m not usually one for relaxing lazy vacations but I loved Aldeburgh. It had a small beach town vibe that I was so familiar with but underneath that, the history of the town flowed through. The combination of the colorful beach houses and old Tudor buildings made me want to slow down and thoroughly explore.

Our second day there I tested out the water. It was nothing like I had experienced before.

I’ve been on rocky beaches before but I’ve never been on a pebble beach. I’d recommend keeping your shoes on until you get to the water. Those small rocks hurt and because it’s all pebbles and no sand it’s very easy to slip. I actually dug a hole of pebbles until I hit wet pebbles because I couldn’t believe there wasn’t any sand! Once I stepped into the water I was surprised how warm it was, at least 70 degrees. I went in up to my knees before the current hit me. I’ve never felt anything so strong. It was pushing my legs so hard I had trouble staying standing. I didn’t dare go in any further. This was the only day I went into the water. I saw one or two people swimming, they always stayed close to the shore, during our week there but I’m not confident enough in my swimming to try going further than I did.

My favorite place to hangout and people watch is the boating pond. It’s so cute, I’ve never seen one before. It has a view of the sea and there is a coffee and ice cream kiosk right next to it.

After a few days I had a routine to my days. I’d get up earlier than everyone else and walk to the bakery that open at 8.

I waited with the Locals outside for the shop to open up and picked up fresh croissants still warm for everyone and walked back for breakfast. The town doesn’t really open up until 10 so after breakfast with everyone I’d have a lazy morning usually reading or hanging out in the backyard.

In the afternoon I’d go explore the shops with whoever would go with me and usually stop for ice cream at The Ice Creamery. My favorite was honeycomb ice cream with aero chocolate mixed in! I went so often I got to know one of the staff there. She gave me some recommendations for Amsterdam.

Everyone usually had dinner together. The place we went to almost every night was Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop. According to The Guardian, it’s the best fish & chips in the UK. The line is long but moves quickly and is so worth it. One of the reasons we ate there was because Hannah was a picky eater. We always ate in the backyard of White Hart Inn, the pub next store. The backyard had picnic tables and a pizza kiosk, where Hannah got her dinner. Everyone waited there While two of us bought dinner. I always went with because I douse my fish and chips in malt vinegar, the first time I actually went back to get more. The fish and chips come in a paper bag and you get a wooden fork to eat with. I usually got plaice it’s a little sweeter than haddock. I never warmed up to the mushy peas but the chips were the best I’ve ever had. They were freshly made. I saw them cutting up the potatoes while in line. I think they use a type of potatoes I’ve never had before because the chips are crisp on the outside but so creamy on the inside. I could eat them every day for the rest of my life.

We did Eat and a few different places though. One night we picked up Indian food at Sea Spice, you can’t go wrong with Indian in the UK. Another night we went out to eat at Brasserie Bleue at The White Lion Hotel.

I had prime rib and Yorkshire pudding. the prime rib was great but my mom makes better Yorkshire pudding.

Our time in Aldeburgh was great and so relaxing but we did go on some interesting day trips that I’m excited to tell you about.