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Aldeburgh Music Festival
4 day holiday - Friday 13th June 2025
Highlights...
Aldeburgh Festival Opera: A Visit to Friends II
Knussen Chamber Orchestra: Nocturne and Folk
The Red House, Aldeburgh (home of Benjamin Britten)
Experience a symphony of timeless charm at the Aldeburgh Music Festival, held in the enchanting Suffolk town of Aldeburgh. Established in 1948 by the celebrated composer Benjamin Britten, this distinguished festival has become a beacon of classical music, attracting lovers of culture and history from around the world. Set against the dramatic beauty of the Suffolk coastline, the festival offers a rare opportunity to experience extraordinary performances in a setting that has inspired many of Britten’s finest works. At Snape Maltings Concert Hall, we will watch two performances in the best stalls seating of:

o Aldeburgh Festival Opera: A Visit to Friends II (including a pre-show talk).
o Knussen Chamber Orchestra: Nocturne and Folk
During our visit to Snape Maltings, you’ll have time to browse the quaint shops on-site amongst the backdrop of the tranquil Alde marshes, where the peaceful surroundings complement the world-class music within the Concert Hall. We are also delighted to include local excursions to learn more about this historical area, including The Red House in Aldeburgh, once owned by composer Benjamin Britten. Built in 1856, it became Britten's residence and creative retreat. The house showcases his personal art collection, offering insight into his life and works in the form of a museum dedicated to Britten’s legacy.
Our holiday is based in Ipswich, where our hotel sits in a prime location, perfect for exploring the local highlights. As one of England’s oldest towns, Ipswich dates back to Roman times and originally a Saxon port – it’s easy to spot the medieval landmarks and Georgian architecture during a stroll of the area. Over centuries, Ipswich grew into a major trading hub and became known for its wool trade and shipbuilding. It’s also within close reach of another notable point of interest in our itinerary, the village of Lavenham, frequently recognised by its well-preserved buildings framed with timber that date back to the medieval era. From enjoying concerts at iconic venues to relaxing by the water, the Aldeburgh Music Festival package offers the perfect blend of culture and history. For those with a love of classical music and English heritage, this event promises an unforgettable experience for the summer of 2025.
Salthouse Harbour Hotel 4*
Offering contemporary elegance beside the Neptune Marina, the Salthouse Harbour Hotel is a recent winner of Trip Advisor’s ‘Travellers Choice Award 2024’ for Ipswich, Suffolk. This 4-star waterfront hotel features stylish rooms equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, luxurious bedding, en suite bathrooms (walk-in showers available on request, subject to availability) and 24-hour room service. Relax in the comfortable lounge or unwind at the bar, this hotel stands next to the many yachts in the marina. You can also enjoy dining in ‘The Eaterie’, a favourite with Cultural Breaks Members for breakfast and 3-course evening meals.

Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 13th June
Your chauffeur-driven car will drop you off at The Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, where you’ll meet your Tour Manager, who will accompany you throughout the holiday. Your luggage will be loaded onto the coach for departure and refreshments will be served. On the way to Ipswich, we will stop half way for lunch at the historic Marygreen Manor in Brentwood. Later, on arrival at The Salthouse Harbour Hotel, your Tour Manager will help assist you with check-in and there will be porterage for your luggage. There will be time to settle in and unpack before our 3-course evening meal.
Day 2 – Saturday 14th June
Our day begins in Aldeburgh to visit The Red House, former home of Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, but now a museum dedicated to Britten’s legacy. We have lunch over in Snape Maltings, with time to visit the gift and antique shops. You then have the unique opportunity to enjoy a pre-show talk of ‘Aldeburgh Festival Opera: A Visit to Friends II’, before the main performance seated in the stalls of the Concert Hall. This world premiere of Colin Matthews' first opera, with a libretto by William Boyd, is inspired by a Chekhov short story. Four characters rehearse a recently discovered opera, where two women, both in love with an indecisive man, see their relationships mirror their roles. ‘A Visit to Friends’ explores love’s frustrations, blending Chekhov’s themes with Boyd's play ‘Longing’ and Scriabin-influenced music.
Day 3 – Sunday 15th June
Start the morning at Lavenham Guildhall, originally serving as a meeting place for local merchants and tradesmen, it now functions as a museum, offering a glimpse into the local wool industry and rich history during the 15th century. We will return to our hotel for a light lunch and free time, before the coach takes us to Snape Maltings Concert Hall. Our evening performance of ‘Knussen Chamber Orchestra: Nocturne and Folk’ offers a captivating evening of contemporary music with delicate nocturnal themes and vibrant folk-inspired rhythms. Branded ‘the beating heart of the Festival’, this major new commission from featured artist Helen Grime, with soloist Claire Booth and Allan Clayton singing Britten's Nocturne. The orchestra showcases intricate compositions, blending Benjamin Britten's legacy with modern sensibilities, creating a mesmerising and evocative experience for all.

Day 4 – Monday 16th June
Once breakfast is finished, the Tour Manager will assist you with check-out and your luggage will be loaded onto the coach. On the return journey, we will have a 2-course lunch including tea or coffee back at Marygreen Manor in Brentwood. Following lunch, we continue on to The Crowne Plaza Gerrards Cross, where refreshments will be available and your chauffeur-driven car will arrive to take you home. We hope you had a fantastic time celebrating the Aldeburgh Music Festival and highlights of Suffolk!
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,775 per person
Deposit: £200
National Trust Discount: £11
Balance due:
18th April 2025
Whats Included:
- Door to door cars from your home to the meeting point and return
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- Three nights at the 4-Star Salthouse Harbour Hotel
- 3-course dinner with 2 glasses of wine every night
- Breakfast every morning
- Lunch with tea or coffee every day
- 2-course lunch on the final day at Marygreen Manor, Brentwood
- Refreshments on the first and final day at the Crowne Plaza
- All Admission/talks/tours at properties visited:
- Lavenham Guildhall
- The Red House, Aldeburgh (home of Benjamin Britten)
- Best stalls seating at Snape Maltings Concert Hall for:
- Aldeburgh Festival Opera: A Visit to Friends II (& pre-show talk)
- Knussen Chamber Orchestra: Nocturne and Folk
- Plus, the services of your Tour Manager throughout your stay
- Gratuities
- V.A.T.
Room Upgrade: Upgrade to a Harbour View Room for an extra £195
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
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Business Hours
- Mon - Fri
- -
- Sat - Sun
- Closed
Cultural Breaks is a trading name of Advantage Travel Centres Limited, registered in England and Wales with registered number 04698963 Vat No. 680 7873 93 Head Office: C/O Regus, Eagle House, 167 City Road, London, EC1V 1AW