Little seaside town named best without rides or arcades
A quiet seaside escape with pastel-coloured homes, fresh seafood, and a storied past has been crowned the UK’s best coastal destination, and it doesn’t boast a single arcade or amusement ride.
Aldeburgh in Suffolk has topped The Times list of Britain’s best seaside spots, stealing the crown from better-known resort towns famed for bustling piers, fairground attractions, and flashing lights. Instead, Aldeburgh offers visitors a gentler, more nostalgic retreat, the kind where the soundtrack is seagulls and waves, not slot machines and bumper cars.
Known for its award-winning shingle beach, Aldeburgh has collected multiple national accolades, including the coveted Blue Flag status, which recognises high environmental and quality standards.
Instead of gaudy kiosks, the shoreline is dotted with traditional fisherman’s huts, where visitors can buy freshly caught fish straight from the net.
The Times praised the town’s atmosphere, describing it as the embodiment of East Anglia’s “time warp” charm. Rows of pastel-painted Georgian and Victorian houses line the seafront, and the high street is home to independent shops, art galleries, and cosy tearooms.
For those seeking culture, Aldeburgh is also steeped in artistic heritage, famously linked to composer Benjamin Britten and host to the internationally renowned Aldeburgh Festival.
The town’s unspoiled character sets it apart from other British seaside favourites. There are no neon lights, no carnival rides, and no competing choruses of arcade jingles — just a peaceful, postcard-perfect slice of the Suffolk coast.
Locals and returning visitors often point out that this lack of commercialisation is precisely what makes Aldeburgh special.
“You come here for the sea air, the seafood, and the sense of stepping back in time,” one long-time resident said. “It’s not about flashing lights, it’s about slowing down.”
With its combination of natural beauty, history, and tranquillity, Aldeburgh’s latest accolade may tempt more travellers to swap the hustle of Britain’s busier beaches for a quieter kind of seaside magic, one best enjoyed with an ice cream in hand, a fresh catch for dinner, and a stroll along the shingle at sunset.
Daily Express
