Getting There

Woodbridge is on the rail line to Lowestoft from either Victoria Station or Liverpool Street Station in London. Get off two stops after Ipswich. For schedules and information, call tel. 0845/748-4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. The nearest rail station to Aldeburgh is on the same line, at Saxmundham, six stops after Ipswich. From Saxmundham, you can take a taxi or one of six buses that run the 9.5km (6 miles) to Aldeburgh during the day.

One National Express bus a day passes through Aldeburgh and Woodbridge on the way from London's Victoria Coach Station to Great Yarmouth. It stops at every country town and narrow lane along the way, so the trip to Aldeburgh takes a woeful 4 1/2 hours. For information, call tel. 0871/781-81-81 or visit www.nationalexpress.com. Many visitors reach both towns by Eastern County Bus Company's service from Ipswich. That company's no. 80/81 bus runs frequently between Woodbridge and Aldeburgh.

If driving from London's Ring Road, take the A12 northeast to Ipswich and then continue northeast on the A12 to Woodbridge. To get to Aldeburgh, stay on the A12 until you reach the junction with the A1094, and then head east to the North Sea.

Visitor Information

The Tourist Information Centre is at the Cinema, 152 High St., Aldeburgh (tel. 01728/453637; www.visit-woodbridge.co.uk), and is open year-round Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm.

Special Events

Aldeburgh was the home of Benjamin Britten (1913-76), renowned composer of the operas Peter Grimes and Billy Budd, as well as many orchestral works. Many of his compositions were first performed at the Aldeburgh Festival, which he founded in 1946. The festival takes place in June, featuring internationally known performers. There are other concerts and events throughout the year. Write or call the tourist office for details, or check out www.aldeburgh.co.uk. The Snape Maltings Concert Hall nearby is one of the more successful among the smaller British concert halls; it also houses the Britten-Pears School of Advanced Musical Studies, established in 1973.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.