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.
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
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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.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
English Heritage - Orford Castle
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SOUTHWOLD OLD DRILL HALL
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Eye Castle
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Great Yarmouth Row Houses
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The Tolhouse
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English Heritage - Greyfriars Cloisters
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Great Yarmouth Beach
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National Trust - Elizabethan House Museum
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War Memorial
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Pudding tower
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The Broads National Park
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Britannia Pier
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Clacton Pier
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Unmissable attractions to see
Thorpeness Windmill
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The Long Shop Museum
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Snape Maltings
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Leiston Abbey
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Saxmundham Museum
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Discover Saxmundham’s rich history through fascinating local artifacts and immersive period displays in this charming Suffolk museum.
RSPB Minsmere
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Explore Suffolk’s stunning coastal reserve with diverse wildlife, accessible trails, and family-friendly nature experiences at RSPB Minsmere.
National Trust - Dunwich Heath and Beach
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Discover the rare coastal heath, vibrant wildlife, and tranquil shingle beach of Dunwich Heath, a serene National Trust nature reserve on the Suffolk coast.
Darsham Marshes
11.9 km
A serene 20-hectare marshland reserve in Suffolk, rich in birdlife and classic wetland habitats within the Minsmere River Valley.
Dunwich Museum
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Discover the lost medieval port of Dunwich through fascinating artifacts and community stories in this charming coastal museum.
RSPB Dingle Marshes
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Explore Suffolk’s rich coastal mosaic of reedbeds, shingle, and marshes, home to rare birds and plants in a tranquil natural sanctuary.
Dunwich Forest
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Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape
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Yoxford Antiques Centre
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Dingle Great Hill
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Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve
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East Anglia's premier coastal wetland sanctuary where rare birds, shingle flora, and tidal marshes converge.
Essential places to dine
The Unruly Pig
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Anchor at Walberswick
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Sole Bay Fish Company
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Rustic harbour-side seafood eatery in Southwold serving fresh fish, classic fish and chips, and indulgent shellfish platters with estuary views.
Le ROC at the Harbour
18.0 km
Charming French bistro on Southwold harbour, serving fresh Mediterranean-influenced dishes with stunning sunset views and warm, dog-friendly hospitality.
The Sail Loft
18.3 km
A vibrant seaside restaurant and hotel offering fresh seafood, rustic charm, and stunning sea views in the heart of Southwold.
Al Fresco Dining
18.8 km
Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals in the charming open-air setting of The Common, Southwold’s beloved al fresco dining spot.
Clubhouse Bar & Catering
18.8 km
Cozy dining on Southwold’s Common with fresh local flavors and warm, attentive service in a charming coastal setting.
Red Lion
18.9 km
Historic 17th-century pub on South Green offering local ales, home-cooked food, and a welcoming, dog-friendly atmosphere.
The Black Dog Deli Pizza Company
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Artisanal sourdough pizzas crafted with fresh, local ingredients in the historic Lord Nelson pub, Southwold’s cozy coastal gem.
Suzie's Cafe
19.0 km
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Jack's Burgers & Friends
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Tasty, freshly cooked burgers and kebabs served in a relaxed, friendly setting in the heart of Southwold’s Market Place.
The Swan Southwold
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Squiers of Southwold
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A quaint, traditional tearoom on Southwold’s High Street offering simple, hearty fare and a warm community spirit.
The Crown
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Doh Pizzeria
19.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Parish Lantern
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Denny Of Southwold Ltd
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High Tide
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Collen & Clare
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Huus
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Vintage Store
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Chapmans of Southwold
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Seasalt Cornwall
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Little Pretty
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Quba & Co
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Jack Wills
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MEA boutique
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Mountain Warehouse Southwold
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East of Eden
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Joules
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Duchies
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The William Adams
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The Rumbold Arms
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The Red Herring
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The Alexandra Freehouse
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The Marine
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The Blue Oyster
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Liberty's Rock Cafe
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The Landmark
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Lady Haven
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Uptown Bar
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Peggotys Lounge
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Merlin’s Sports Bar
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The Mariners
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Duke's Head Hotel
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Supper Club
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The Club
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Carbon Nightclub
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Moonlight Cabaret & Karaoke
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Buddha Club
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Mavvy’s
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Fallen Angels
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Loft Nightclub
55.1 km
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Popworld - Norwich
55.2 km
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Fluke
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Mojo's
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Sugar & Spice - Strip Club and Lap Dancing Norwich
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Mantra
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Trilogy Nightclub
56.1 km
Experience Colchester’s vibrant nightlife at Trilogy Nightclub, where diverse music and energetic crowds create unforgettable weekends.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly