Sport in Aldeburgh
Bounded by the North Sea in one direction and the River Alde in the other, it’s inevitable that sailing plays a prominent role in the leisure activities in the town. Slaughden Sailing Club was started more than 40 years ago by a small group of Mirror Dinghy enthusiasts. From very humble beginnings, the club eventually built a new clubhouse in 2003, part-funded by the National Lottery and helped by club members who gave their professional expertise for free. It’s now a friendly unpretentious sailing club offering competitive racing, training, instruction and a good social scene. Next door, is Aldeburgh Yacht Club. Founded in 1897, the Club now has around 1600 members and a large modern, purpose-built clubhouse. There is active racing at weekends from April to December with both keelboat and dinghy classes and a more frequent programme, particularly amongst the youth and junior classes, during August. The Club has an active social programme and new members are welcomed. Juniors are particularly encouraged with tuition available for both learning to sail and learning to race. Away from the water, Aldeburgh offers golfers a wonderful treat. Aldeburgh Golf Club, founded in 1884, has two courses - the 18-hole championship course and the River Course, a pretty 9-hole course more suited to beginners and high-handicap golfers. At 6603 yards but with no par fives on the men’s card, the Championship Course
enjoys fine views of the River Alde and the North Sea and is a challenge for even the best golfer. situated on free-draining sandy soil, play is possible throughout the year. Is tennis more to your taste? Try Aldeburgh Tennis Club, just off Park Road. Four championship standard hard courts, two of which are floodlit. New members are always welcome but visitors can use the courts on a pay-as-you-play basis. And right next door is Aldeburgh Bowls Club, a thriving friendly club where all comers are welcomed regardless of age or skill level. Once again, you can either become a member or pay when you play. From the Bowls Club, turn right along Jubilee Walk and arrive at King’s Field, the largest recreation space in Aldeburgh. Close to the town’s Community Centre, the area has an outdoor gym, play equipment for juniors and a toddlers playground. Aldeburgh and Thorpeness Rugby Club play their home games here and the field is well-used by locals and visitors.
Slaughden Sailing Club 01728 454335 www.slaughdensailingclub.co.uk Aldeburgh Yacht Club 01728 452562 www.aldeburghyachtclub.co.uk Aldeburgh Golf Club 01728 452890 www.aldeburghgolfclub.co.uk
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