No concert, no problem: there's plenty more to do at Snape.
Look across the river and the reedbeds or be active and walk the sailors' path to Aldeburgh. The old boat offers a good frame for photography and there may always be an egret to focus on.
All around the site there are views that only the magic of Snape can provide. Sculpture takes context from the distant village. Alternatively, with a view to distant Iken church, a Barbara Hepworth group and beyond a wagon and horse could haven seen when the maltings were at work – only this is another sculpture giving an ironic setting in the marsh.
Many people come for the shopping of course. Not a hint of Black Friday, even though the January sales are in full swing. There are clothes, from fashion to weather-proof, or books, greetings cards and works of art. In the main warehouse food, kitchen and tableware, furnishing both soft and hard, not to mention the wonderful Cafe 1888, offer enough to keep anyone busily interested.
For antiques collectors there are other options, and beyond the concert hall are craft workshops. Even the RSPB – why even? this is an unofficial bird sanctuary – has an office and in season there are boat trips towards the estuary where we have seen marsh harriers in display.
For a main meal the Plough and Sail gastro-pub, just off the road, is highly recommended. They have midweek offers that are close to irresistable. Alternatively, a short walk across the bridge leads to the Crown, which suffered a near-disastrous flood a year ago but is now back nutritious and tasty business.
So, enjoy the air – it isn't only Skegness that's so bracing – take in the views, go into the fascinating buidings whether or not you want to do shopping, eat and drink and as the programme these days is really comprehensive you may even find there's a concert to enjoy. Snape has everything, even flats to buy or holiday homes to rent.
