The Red House, Aldeburgh

This year’s Aldeburgh Festival marks 50 years since Benjamin Britten’s death in 1976.

As the former home of Britten and his partner Peter Pears, we’re at the heart of this living history and the perfect place to spend a day during the Festival and discover more about their lives and work.

We’re open every day throughout the Festival, hosting a range of exciting events, including the return of our National Garden Scheme day on Wednesday 17 June and celebrating the first day of summer with solstice yoga on the croquet lawn, overlooking our tranquil gardens on Sunday 21 June.

There are still some tickets available for our Festival events, find out more via the link, https://bit.ly/4x4SEij

On this day 64 years ago, Britten’s War Requiem premiered at Coventry Cathedral, a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives in both the First and Second World Wars.

Due to the scale of the work, the performance often required multiple conductors. The premiere featured the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Coventry Festival Chorus, conducted by Meredith Davies, alongside the Melos Ensemble conducted by Britten himself.

Britten chose soloists to represent the nations involved in the conflict: British tenor Peter Pears, German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, and Heather Harper, who stepped in at short notice when the Soviet Minister for Culture disallowed Galina Vishnevskaya to perform.

We wish composer Thea Musgrave a very happy birthday, remembering that her opera 'The Voice of Ariadne' featuring Thomas Allen and Jill Gomez was premiered at the 1974 Aldeburgh Festival.

📸Nigel Luckhurst, © Britten Pears Arts.

Looking for May half-term plans for the family?

Pick up one of our activity bags, packed with fun activities for children to enjoy as they discover the house and gardens.

As you explore the house, don’t miss our sensory trays – full of fascinating objects that bring our founders’ stories to life.

Got a little longer? Join our Mini Music Makers sessions for 0–5 year olds on Friday mornings, where little ones can learn through play, music and exploration.

We’re open Thursday to Sunday, 10.30am – 4.30pm – we can't wait to welcome you.

Find out more via the link, https://bit.ly/4dzg5HH

Today we’re celebrating local history and the joy of everyday moments. Our Archive is full of treasures, from Britten’s world‑famous concerts to receipts from Aldeburgh High Street.

Among them are records of regular trips to the local greengrocer and butchers, and even a receipt where a bottle of Pimm’s cost just £2.09!

These personal details offer a wonderful glimpse into their lives as a couple, helping us preserve their home and share these everyday stories with our visitors.

“I enjoy working in the studio enormously.”

The Composition Studio sits just steps from the house. It’s where Britten wrote some of his best known works, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and War Requiem.

The building dates back to the 1650s, when it was likely a hayloft on the dairy farm. When Britten planned to convert it into a studio, he consulted architect HT Cadbury-Brown. The design considered acoustics, soundproofing and insulation to create a quiet, private workspace.

A large south facing window looks out over orchards and fields, an inspiring setting for composing.

📸© Philip Vile

We’ve recently received the wonderful gift of two programmes for our Archive!

Dating back to Britten’s works at Glyndebourne, these were generously donated by Marion Weir, who worked there as a waitress at the time.

One programme is signed by Britten himself, and the other by the head chef. While our Archive already holds several programmes signed by Britten, this is the first we’ve ever had signed by a chef.

Stories like these are why we love hearing your experiences and preserving living history to share with others.

A special exhibition celebrating those who shaped Britten’s final years and enduring legacy.

Included with general admission, our latest exhibition in the Kitchen Gallery brings together archival treasures, remarkable stories and bronze busts of individuals close to our founders. Discover the people who cared for Britten in his later years and played a vital role in ensuring his legacy lived on.

Book your visit to us now via the link, https://bit.ly/4d37jmq.