Aldeburgh Music Festival
4 day holiday - Friday 12th June 2026
Highlights...
- Christchurch Mansion
- Debussy’s Opera ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’
- Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Steven Osborne
Join us on our annual break to enjoy two memorable performances at The Aldeburgh Festival of Music and the Arts; 2026 marks a special significance being fifty years since the death of Benjamin Britten. Founded in 1948 by the composer Benjamin Britten, singer Peter Pears and librettist Eric Crozier, the Festival continues to bring together outstanding musicians from around the world. It reflects the legacy of Britten and Pears and their commitment to supporting young artists with performances from developing talent of the next generation. Snape Maltings is a world-renowned landmark on the Suffolk coast, and is home to the wonderful concert hall where we have best stalls tickets for two performances: ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’ and The Scottish Symphony Orchestra with Steven Osborne. As well as enjoying the concert hall we will have a pre-show dining experience in the River View Restaurant and some time to browse the charming shops on site.
Our first concert on Saturday evening will be a performance of Debussy’s opera ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’, completed in 1902 it has since become one of the most admired works in his repertoire and audiences continue to be captivated with its ‘elusive, shimmering beauty’. This dark fairy-tale tells the story of a mysterious princess, a remote castle and a love triangle and promises to be a breath-taking performance. On our second visit to the Concert Hall we will be entertained by Steven Osborne and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The concert brings together mesmerising presentations from both Orchestra and Osborne as they perform: Elizabeth Ogonek’s All These Lighted Things, Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G, Ryan Wigglesworth’s Piano Concerto and Ravel’s La Valse. The blend of Ravel’s jazz infusions to Wigglesworth’s time-tripping Concerto will transport you in to a world of limitless possibility. is
Salthouse Harbour Hotel β
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Due to its popularity with our members, we are returning to the 4-Star Salthouse Harbour Hotel situated on Ipswich’s vibrant harbour quayside with views across Neptune Marina. 2026 sees the hotel turn 60 and with this a new chapter! There will be new spaces to drink, eat and unwind on the waterfront after a ground floor transformation. The modern bedrooms offer en-suite bathrooms (the Marina rooms have a separate walk-in shower), complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. All rooms have a large flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and 24 hour room service. There are lifts to all floors. Although a transformation of the ground floor has taken place, the new restaurant is in keeping with the art, energy and design it is known for. The three-course dinner every night includes two glasses of wine or soft drinks.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 12th June
Arriving by door-to-door car at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gerrards Cross, you will be greeted by your Tour Manager who will be with you throughout the holiday. Coffee or tea with pastries will be served before we board the coach. On our way to Ipswich we will stop at the historic Marygreen Manor Hotel in Brentwood, Essex for a light lunch before continuing our journey. We will arrive at the Salthouse Harbour Hotel early afternoon, where your Tour Manager will assist with check-in and porters will take your luggage to your room. After check-in, we have some free time to relax, settle in and enjoy our surroundings before dinner.
Day 2 - Saturday 13th June
After breakfast, we will take the short drive to Christchurch Mansion, a beautiful Tudor building in Ipswich. We will have a guided tour of the Mansion taking in the history of the house, the story of the three families who once lived there and the guide will highlight some of the important items in the collections. Our visit also includes entry in to the Wolsey Art Gallery to view the exhibition to celebrate Constable 250. Following our visit, we will return to the hotel for a light lunch and an opportunity to change for our first visit to Snape Maltings. There will be time to enjoy a wander around Snape Maltings quaint shops before our early, pre-concert meal in the River View Restaurant. This evening we can
sit back, relax and enjoy the performance of ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’.
Day 3 – Sunday 14th June
Today we leave the hotel after breakfast and depart for a visit to Aldeburgh. We have a tour of Aldeburgh Museum which will give us a unique insight into the lives of the people of Aldeburgh. After a light lunch close by there will be some free time to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the coastal town; taking in the beautiful shingle beach or enjoying the delightful High Street with its charming independent shops. On our return to the hotel, there will be time to prepare for our early dinner and our second night at Snape Maltings. Tonight, we will enjoy a mesmerising performance from the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Steven Osborne in the Concert Hall.
Day 4 – Monday 15th June
Following a leisurely breakfast, your Tour Manager will assist with check-out and ensure all baggage is loaded on to the coach for our journey home. Our two-course lunch will be enjoyed at the Marygreen Manor and gives an opportunity to reminisce with friends about the holiday. We will then continue on to the Crowne Plaza where light refreshments will be served before your door-to-door cars arrive.
Total Price of the Holiday: £1,975 per person
Deposit: £300
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Balance due:
14th March 2026
Whats Included:
- Return door to door car service
- Coach travel throughout the holiday
- 3 nights at the 4-Star Salthouse Harbour Hotel
- 3-course dinner with two glasses of wine every night
- Full English or continental breakfast every morning
- Light lunch with coffee or tea on three days
- 2-course lunch with coffee or tea on last day
- Morning refreshments on the first and last days
- Tickets for best stall seating:
β Snape Maltings – ‘Pelléas et Mélisande’
β Snape Maltings – BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra & Steven Osborne
- Admission/talks/tours at all properties visited:
β Christchurch Mansion
β Aldeburgh Museum
- •Gratuities
- •The services of your Tour manager throughout your stay
- V.A.T.
Upgrade:
Upgrade your room to a Harbour View Room for an extra £195
Upgrade your room to a Superior Marina Room for an extra £345pgrade to a Premium room for an extra £135
The minimum number required for this holiday is 11.
For more information or to book call
020 4568 3377
