Suffolk by the Seaside

Left London by car at 8pm to avoid rush hour, which is always bad on a Friday night. Drove an easy 2.5 hours to Thorpeness, near Aldeburgh in Suffolk.

Spent a gorgeous summer day in Aldeburgh, enjoying sunshine, sea and a traditional pub lunch.

The name, Alde Burgh means "old fort" although this, along with much of the Tudor town, has now been lost to the sea. In the 16th century, Aldeburgh was a leading port, and had a flourishing ship-building industry. Sir Francis Drake's ships Greyhound and Pelican (later renamed Golden Hind) were both built in Aldeburgh. The flag ship of the Virginia Company, the Sea Venture is believed to have been built in the town in 1608. When the River Alde silted up and was unable to accommodate larger ships, the area went into decline. Aldeburgh survived principally as a fishing village until the nineteenth century, when it became popular as a seaside resort. Much of its distinctive and whimsical architecture derives from this period.

The beach, although pebbley, is great and a stroll along it takes you past many of the town's most impressive buildings. Make sure you visit the Moot Hall, a timber-framed building that's over 400 years old.

The town is home to serveral excellent pubs where you can enjoy delicious Suffolk cider and a hearty Ploughman's Lunch. There are also a couple of nice boutiques selling clothes and accessories on the main road.

An absolute must is Aldeburgh's fish and chip shop. Owned and run by the Cooney family since the 1970s, it has been described in The Times as "possibly the finest on the east coast".