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The Great Outdoors

Aldeburgh's 18 hole links course is as testing as they come and has hosted the English Ladies and the University match. The 9 hole river course is excellent for family golf. In both cases, it is a good idea to ring the professional (Keith Preston, 01728 453309) to find out what's happening to avoid competitions.

Sailing
Aldeburgh Yacht Club has produced more that its share of Round the World and Olympic sailors and is a safe, friendly place to mess about in boats. Temporary membership can be arranged by calling the secretary’s office (Ian Coventry or Pauline Garlick, 01728 452562).

Nearby at Slaughden, there is a public slipway where small boats can be launched for a fee. Tide tables are published on the town notice board next to the Tourist Information Centre (152 High Street) and also in the Aldeburgh Gazette.

Boat bits can be bought at the Aldeburgh Boatyard Company run by Peter Wilson (01728 452019). It's worth a visit just to see the latest 8 metre under construction in the shed.

For a larger range of boat bits, Seamark Nunn at Trimley St Martin near Felixstowe is the place to go (01394 451006).

Tennis
Public tennis courts are just ten minutes' walk away. Turn left out of the drive, turn right along Park Road, over the hill, and they are on your left. There is no booking system; just turn up and take your turn, paying the court fee into the honesty box or at the pavilion, if open.

Thorpeness Country Club offers extensive tennis courts, including professional lessons and tournaments (01728 452176).

Model Boats
The boating pond next to the Moot Hall is an enduring attraction for small children - and big ones! No parent has truly experienced Aldeburgh until they have waded into the middle of the pond to rescue a stranded yacht.

Boating
The Mere at Thorpeness is an artificial lake – great for introducing children to the pleasures of sailing, rowing, canoeing, or frankly just getting very wet!

Cycling
Aldeburgh and Suffolk are made for cycling. For many children, it will be their first taste of real freedom as Aldeburgh is very safe, particularly Crag Path. For the more adventurous, either head north through Thorpeness and beyond, or you can brave a short bit of busy road past the Golf Club and head south to Snape and lots of quiet roads to the south. This is the training ground for the Thompson Triathlon Team.

You can hire cycles at two places: Byways (www.bywaysbicycles.co.uk, 01728 668764) or Avocet (www.eastcoastmountainbiking.co.uk, 07706 479965).

Walking
There's excellent walking around Aldeburgh. You will find a footpath map in the house. See OS Explorer 212 and Landranger 169.