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The Red House, Aldeburgh: Home and Legacy of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears

Explore the tranquil home and gardens of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, preserved as a vibrant cultural and historical sanctuary in Aldeburgh.

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The Red House in Aldeburgh is the former home of composer Benjamin Britten and tenor Peter Pears, preserved to reflect its 1960s state. Nestled within a tranquil five-acre garden, the Grade II 17th-century farmhouse houses their personal collections, archive, a gallery, museum shop, and a garden café. Visitors can explore Britten’s composition studio, the library, and seasonal exhibitions, immersing themselves in the artistic and domestic life of this iconic couple.

A brief summary to The Red House, Aldeburgh

  • The Red House, Golf Ln, Aldeburgh, Aldeburgh, IP15 5PZ, GB
  • +441728451700
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Allocate around two hours to fully explore the house, gardens, archive exhibitions, and enjoy the garden discovery trail.
  • Visit on Thursdays or Fridays to access the archive and join special behind-the-scenes tours offered seasonally.
  • The site is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, with accessible toilets and free parking available on site.
  • Enjoy refreshments at the garden café during open season, perfect for a relaxing break amidst the tranquil gardens.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Driving to The Red House from central Aldeburgh takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Free parking is available on site. Note that access is seasonal and the roads are rural, so check opening times before traveling.

  • Bus

    Local bus services connect Aldeburgh to nearby towns such as Saxmundham and Leiston. From Aldeburgh town center, a taxi or a 25-minute walk on quiet roads leads to The Red House. Bus fares typically range from £3 to £7 one way.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, walking from Aldeburgh town center to The Red House takes about 25 to 30 minutes along mostly flat, quiet lanes. The terrain is suitable for most fitness levels but may be less accessible for wheelchair users.

The Red House, Aldeburgh location weather suitability

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

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Discover more about The Red House, Aldeburgh

A Sanctuary for Creativity and Partnership

The Red House, located on the outskirts of Aldeburgh, Suffolk, was the cherished home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears from 1957 until Britten's death in 1976. This mid-17th-century farmhouse was chosen by the couple to escape the public eye and to create a private, inspiring environment where Britten could compose freely. The house has been meticulously restored to its mid-1960s appearance, based on a detailed 1965 inventory and recollections from family and friends, offering an authentic glimpse into their domestic and artistic life.

Preserved Interiors and Personal Treasures

Inside, the house reflects a lived-in home of the 1950s and 60s, blending everyday items with unique personal possessions. Visitors encounter Pears’ collection of Staffordshire-style King Charles spaniels, Britten’s sister’s sewing kit, and the couple’s monogrammed suitcases and clothing. The composition studio, a converted hayloft with views over the Suffolk countryside, remains a focal point where Britten created some of his most significant works, including "War Requiem" and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." The adjoining library, built in 1963, houses a Steinway 'D' grand piano and served as a rehearsal and entertaining space.

Gardens Reflecting Life and Legacy

Surrounding the house is a peaceful five-acre garden that Britten and Pears personally tended. Originally a space for tennis, croquet, and vegetable growing, it has evolved into a wildlife-friendly environment that mirrors their tastes in flowers and plants. The garden offers visitors a tranquil spot for reflection, picnics, and exploration via a family-friendly garden discovery trail featuring sculptures and floral displays inspired by the couple’s collections.

Archive and Cultural Hub

Adjacent to the house, the Britten–Pears Archive holds one of the most comprehensive collections of manuscripts, photographs, letters, and artworks related to Britten and Pears. It serves as a vital resource for music research and a pilgrimage site for enthusiasts worldwide. The site also includes a gallery space hosting exhibitions about Britten’s music and art collections, alongside a museum shop and a café offering refreshments during open seasons.

Experiencing The Red House Today

Open seasonally from Thursday to Sunday, The Red House welcomes visitors to explore the ground floor, gardens, and exhibitions, with guided tours available for the upper rooms and the archive. The atmosphere is intimate and evocative, allowing visitors to sense the artistic partnership and domestic harmony that defined Britten and Pears’ lives. The site is wheelchair accessible and dog friendly, with facilities including accessible toilets and free parking.

A Cultural and Historical Beacon in Aldeburgh

The Red House stands as a testament to the creative genius and personal lives of two extraordinary artists. It embodies a rare balance of privacy and cultural influence, having been the heart of the Aldeburgh Festival’s early years and a nurturing ground for Britten’s compositions. Today, it continues to inspire visitors with its rich history, artistic heritage, and serene environment, making it a unique destination on the Suffolk coast.

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