Sizewell - Thorpeness - Aldeburgh - Sizewell

Brian and Anne Sandland

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This walk combines the ultra-modern in the form of Sizewell Power Station with the timeless location at the tiny hamlet and the unusual architecture of Thorpeness with the fascinating variety of Aldeburgh.

Fishing is a major occupation in the area and Aldeburgh seafront has a score of huts where you can buy the freshest fish (the boats are drawn up on the beach by winches). Interestingly enough though, the local fish and chip shop obviously has a very up-market clientele (possibly because of the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Festival). We come to this conclusion because it is the only fish and chip shop we know which has salmon and chips as a major item on its menu!

Aldeburgh also has connections with a surprisingly large number of famous names of former days. Perhaps the best known are Elizabeth Garrett-Anderson, Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears. The last two are buried in the churchyard which you pass on the walk. The walk back along the disused railway track brings to mind memories of the era before Dr Beeching. There are remnants in the way of buildings, fencing, sleepers and the overgrown remains of a station platform along the route, but you'll have to be observant to spot them all! Michael Palin has fond memories of the area, referred to in his books.

At the end of your walk you can choose to relax with a pint at the Vulcan Arms (an ominous name for a pub in the shadow of a nuclear power station!) Or you can visit the power station itself; guided tours are provided and there is a Visitor Centre which attracts a great deal of interest. Whether you are for or against the use of nuclear power you cannot help but be impressed by the buildings themselves. A final option is to repair to the cafe on the seafront and enjoy a meal, possibly of the superb locally caught fish, before making your way home again.

England - East England - Suffolk - Coast

Features

Birds, Church, Great Views, Museum, Pub, Sea, Toilets
10/18/2011 - Sarah Freshwater

We completed this walk on the 15th of October and whilst it is an easy walk, would recommend it for the points of interest and the section along the cliffs/seafront. We actually started it from the hotel where we were staying in the centre of Aldeburgh - from the Moot Hall, the road that takes you up to the roundabout and the junction of Church Farm Road is the main road (A1022). This dissects the High Street and Wentworth Road so it's very easy for walkers to pick up the route if they are staying at a hotel or B&B in the town.

1/26/2009 - Walkingworld Administrator

Thanks to Adrian Perkins for updating this walk January 2009.