50th Anniversary at Aldeburgh

Having celebrated our Golden Wedding Anniversary with a party for 37 friends in December and later in the Spring, afternoon tea at Mulberry House, it was now time to enjoy the last of our celebrations at our chosen hotel, The Brudenell in Aldeburgh. The party was a gift from our children, the afternoon tea was a gift from friends and one night at the hotel a gift from a group of friends, the second night being our gift to each other.



We arrived at our hotel mid-afternoon, having visited Southwold, a seaside resort a little further up the coast first. Aldeburgh being not too far away, we visited places on the way and on the way back with the intention of doing nothing once there but walk and relax and enjoy the sea air.



I had packed only winter clothes as we were experiencing cold weather, and being away for only for 2 nights and staying on the edge of the North Sea did not think I would need anything else, but yes you guessed, the weather turned warm and sunny. Not complaining but wished that I had listened to that last minute thought of 'throwing in something cool!'

The hotel had been closed for refurbishing from New Year until Easter so everything was new and looking very different to how it was on our last visit when celebrating my 70th birthday. It had kept it's seaside theme but with a more modern look.

Even waves in the carpet

The hotel staff knew we were celebrating so left us a hand painted watercolour card with scenes of some of the beach front houses.

The chocolates came with the room

Where we sat and gazed at the sea

With tea brought up on arrival

Just listening to the waves through the open window night and day was one of my favourite things

Anne Semonin toiletries - French and pretty expensive

We took breakfast indoors, it has the sense of being on a ship without the motion

but we could have eaten outdoors

In the evening I chose fish on both nights. Always think this a good option when it is straight from the sea. Here we have my half eaten Line caught cod, Asparagus with Canellini beans and Pea sauce and garnished with Truffles (which I had already eaten). Truffles are such a delicacy and cost 350 pounds per kilo! Delicious but the tiniest amount is enough.

As part of the modernisation the hotel has stopped using white tablecloths - just as well as many dishes are now served on slate! Alan had a plate as he had Rack of Lamb, lamb dumplings and crispy Lamb balls with vegetables.

A beach sculpture in memory of the Composer Benjamin Britten who once lived here. The town still holds music festivals in his name. The text which cleverly shows up against the sky says - "I hear those voices that will not be drowned"

Gulls in flight

An old 'lookout tower' now converted into a holiday cottage.

More 'lookout' towers also converted into comfortable holiday cottages. These towers were meant to defend the country from French invasion but that never happened.

The old town pump on the left.

The cottage at the top on the right hand side is the second home of friends of my daughters.

Just as we were getting into the car to leave the Lifeboat was launched. We did not stay around to see the outcome as we had plans for the day.

Lots of photos of this town in previous posts under 'Suffolk' so concentrated here only on the hotel and the beach.