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Snape Maltings: A Historic Arts and Concert Complex in Suffolk

Historic maltings transformed into a world-class concert hall and vibrant arts complex set in Suffolk’s scenic riverside landscape.

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Snape Maltings is a renowned arts complex located on the banks of the River Alde near Aldeburgh, Suffolk. Originally built in the 19th century as maltings for brewing barley, it was transformed in the 1960s by composer Benjamin Britten into a world-class concert hall and cultural hub. The site now features an 832-seat Concert Hall, galleries, shops, restaurants, and performance spaces set within beautifully restored Victorian industrial buildings surrounded by scenic estuary landscapes.

A brief summary to Snape Maltings

  • Snape Maltings Concert Hall, Snape Bridge, Snape, IP17 1SP, GB
  • +441728688303
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Attend a concert to experience the hall’s acclaimed acoustics and world-class performances.
  • Explore the independent shops and galleries scattered throughout the converted maltings buildings.
  • Enjoy a meal or coffee at the on-site restaurant or dog-friendly café with views over the estuary.
  • Take time to walk around the surrounding nature reserve and admire the sculptures in the parkland.
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Getting There

  • Train and Bus

    From Ipswich railway station, take a direct bus service to Snape Maltings. The journey typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Buses run regularly but check schedules in advance as frequency varies by day. Tickets cost approximately £5–£8 GBP one way.

  • Car

    Driving from central Ipswich to Snape Maltings takes around 30 to 40 minutes via A12 and local roads. Limited parking is available on site with a fee of about £3–£5 GBP for several hours. Note that parking can be busy during festival events.

  • Taxi

    Taxi rides from Aldeburgh or nearby towns take approximately 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £15–£25 GBP. Advance booking is recommended during busy periods.

Snape Maltings location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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From Industrial Roots to Cultural Landmark

Snape Maltings began life in the mid-19th century as a maltings complex, constructed by Victorian entrepreneur Newson Garrett. Its original purpose was to malt barley for the brewing industry, serving breweries in London and beyond. The location was chosen for its proximity to the River Alde, facilitating transport by barge. The maltings thrived for over a century but ceased operation in the 1960s, leaving extensive industrial buildings vacant.

Benjamin Britten’s Vision and the Birth of the Concert Hall

In the 1960s, composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears sought a larger venue for the Aldeburgh Festival, which they co-founded. They leased the largest maltings building from local businessman George Gooderham and commissioned its conversion into an 810-seat concert hall. Opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, the Snape Maltings Concert Hall was one of the earliest examples of repurposing industrial architecture for the arts. The hall is celebrated for its superb acoustics, achieved under the guidance of acoustician Derek Sugden, and its blend of historic brickwork and modern design.

Resilience and Expansion

Two years after opening, the Concert Hall suffered a devastating fire but was rebuilt and reopened in time for the 1970 Aldeburgh Festival, with enhanced acoustics and restored architectural features. Since then, Snape Maltings has grown into a vibrant cultural campus. The addition of the Britten Studio in 2009 expanded performance and rehearsal spaces, supporting year-round artistic development, education, and community engagement.

Aesthetic and Natural Setting

Set amidst the reed beds and salt marshes of the Alde Estuary Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Snape Maltings offers stunning views under the expansive Suffolk sky. The site retains much of its Victorian industrial character, with exposed brick and timber beams, while housing independent shops, galleries, and eateries. Sculptures and artworks are integrated into the parkland, enriching the visitor experience.

Artistic Excellence and Community Spirit

Snape Maltings is internationally renowned for hosting leading musicians and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra and Berlin Philharmonic, alongside emerging artists. Its programming balances high-caliber classical music with community events, education, and festivals, embodying Britten’s vision of an arts centre rooted in local culture yet global in reach.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors can enjoy concerts, exhibitions, and dining in a relaxed yet inspiring environment. The complex includes a dog-friendly café, a restaurant with scenic views, and numerous shops offering art, crafts, and home furnishings. The site is family-friendly and accessible, blending cultural enrichment with the tranquility of its natural surroundings.

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