A SUFFOLK resort is one of the most unique places in the country to visit, according to a new travel survey.Aldeburgh takes eighth position in a list of the 10 most unique places for holidaymakers and visitors.

Richard Smith

A SUFFOLK resort is one of the most unique places in the country to visit, according to a new travel survey.

Aldeburgh takes eighth position in a list of the 10 most unique places for holidaymakers and visitors.

The town is described as “picture postcard perfect” in the survey unveiled by Best Western Hotels and travel expert Simon Calder yesterday.

Judges scoured the length and breadth of the nation to uncover the top 10 locations that they felt everyone must visit.

They described Aldeburgh as a hidden gem and they were captivated by the seaside resort's unsung qualities.

The judges chose Aldeburgh for its natural beauty and local charm and Mr Calder said: “With a succession of pastel-painted cottages decorating the main street, Aldeburgh is picture postcard perfect.

“Should you tire of simple appreciation of the well-preserved prettiness, it also boasts a city's worth of bookshops, bespoke fashion retailers, a genuine sweet shop and a half-timbered cinema that also serves as an art gallery.”

He added: “Helping to track down the top 10 unique places in Britain has been a joy. This is surely the time when we rediscover the hidden diamonds on our doorstep - and Aldeburgh is definitely one of the most valuable gems.”

However, Aldeburgh has already become increasingly popular and the town's tourist trade is no longer seasonal and operates for much of the year.

Guide books draw attention to plenty of music lovers flocking to Aldeburgh, the social whirl of concerts, exhibitions, wine tastings and plays, picnics on the beach, buying fresh fish from huts, queuing for fish and chips and the colourful carnival parade.

There is also the 16th Century Moot Hall, home of the town's museum and the town council, which was once in the centre of the town.

Taking top spot in the survey was Saltaire, a 19th century model village in West Yorkshire.

Declan Austin, Best Western's director of uniqueness, said: “This search proves there are many fantastic and completely unique locations for us to experience here in Britain. We don't always have to hop on a plane and go abroad.”

The Top Ten are:

1. Saltaire, Bradford.

2. Alnwick, Northumberland.

3. Dittisham, South Devon.

4. Callanish Stones, Isle of Lewis.

5. Oxo Tower, London.

6. Matlock Bath, Derbyshire.

7. Romney Marsh, Kent.

8. Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

9. Sefton Park Palm House, Liverpool.

10. Centre for Alternative Technology, Macynlleth.