The Travel Guide
The Book of Travel guides were published almost yearly and generally followed a pattern of containing a paragraph or two on most locations in the UK, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Africa and Russia, along with travel tips, maps, illustrations, helpful contacts and advertisements.
For information about the book “The Queen” Newspaper Book of Travel: 1907 see the separate article below
Aldeburgh-on-Sea: 1907 entry
(pop. 2400), on the Suffolk coast, ninety-five miles from London by the Great Eastern Railway, has good bathing (mixed), sea and river (Alde) fishing, shooting, and golf. The course consists of 18 holes, varying fro 190 to 448 yards. There are numerous hazards, in the form of sand bunkers, pits, whins, and roads. Sunday play without caddies. Excursions to Leiston Abbey, Orford, Dunwich, and Slaughden (for boating). Gravel soil, shingle and sand beach.
HOTELS: Wentworth, Brudenell, and White Lion
BOARDING HOUSES: Grosvenor and Jay’s.
HOUSE AGENTS: Woodcock and Henry.
Aldeburgh-on-Sea: 21st Century edition
Nestled along the charming Suffolk coast, Aldeburgh remains a quintessential British seaside town, retaining its allure for those seeking the tranquillity of the coast, the thrill of outdoor activities, and a dash of cultural heritage. Situated ninety-five miles from London, now more conveniently accessed by road and rail services, Aldeburgh continues to offer a picturesque escape with its unique blend of natural beauty and artistic legacy.
The town’s reputation for good bathing endures, with its beaches providing a mix of shingle and sand underfoot, perfect for both leisurely days soaking up the sun and invigorating swims in the North Sea. The mixed bathing tradition has evolved, with modern sensibilities ensuring privacy and comfort for all beachgoers.
Fishing remains a beloved pastime in Aldeburgh, with the River Alde offering serene spots for river fishing, and the sea promising the excitement of angling in the open waters. The area’s natural habitats support a rich variety of fish, making it a rewarding experience for fishing enthusiasts.
For those with a passion for shooting, the surrounding countryside and coastal marshes present opportunities for wildfowling, a tradition deeply rooted in the area’s sporting heritage. The golf course in Aldeburgh, known for its challenging 18 holes that wind through a landscape dotted with sand bunkers, pits, whins, and intersected by roads, continues to be a draw for golfers. The course’s design, favouring strategic play over mere distance, along with the policy of Sunday play without caddies, reflects the enduring nature of the game’s tradition in Aldeburgh.
Excursions to nearby historical sites like Leiston Abbey, the ancient town of Orford, the lost city of Dunwich, and the quayside village of Slaughden, offer visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Suffolk’s history and its maritime heritage. These destinations, easily accessible from Aldeburgh, provide insightful day trips steeped in the region’s past and natural beauty.
Accommodation options in Aldeburgh have maintained their historical charm while evolving to meet contemporary standards of comfort and hospitality. The Wentworth, Brudenell, and White Lion hotels continue to offer welcoming stays, with their seafront locations providing stunning views of the Suffolk coast. Boarding houses, a nod to the town’s traditional hospitality, offer cosy, more personalised lodging experiences, catering to visitors seeking a homely atmosphere.
For those considering a longer stay or a more permanent retreat to the coast, local estate agents remain ready to assist, offering a range of properties that reflect Aldeburgh’s unique character, from quaint cottages to elegant seaside homes.
In revisiting Aldeburgh with the guidance of a 1907 travel guide, one discovers a town that has beautifully preserved its Edwardian charm while welcoming the modern traveller with its timeless appeal and natural splendour. Aldeburgh invites visitors to step back in time, if only for a moment, to enjoy the simple pleasures of seaside life with a contemporary twist.
