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History + Heritage

History and heritage across East Anglia

The East of England carries history in layers, from ancient kingdoms and Saxon stories to medieval towns, coastal heritage and the lasting imprint of the 20th century. It’s a region where you can climb a castle keep for wide views, wander the remains of abbeys and priories, then spend the afternoon in a grand estate where gardens, galleries and parkland make history feel accessible. Churches, cathedrals and historic streets add depth to city and town breaks, while maritime heritage runs strongly through coastal communities shaped by trade and fishing. There are also powerful modern stories here, including sites connected to the Second World War and the presence of US servicemen, with museums and memorials that connect local landscapes to wider national and international history. The best part is how varied it feels, you can go big with a landmark day out or keep it gentle with a short wander and one well-chosen museum. Whether you’re visiting with family, travelling as a couple or planning a themed trip, the region’s heritage is easy to explore and always gives you something to take away.

History + Heritage Stories & Inspiration

1920 900 Holkham Hall view cyclists 1

Posted: 7th Oct 2026

East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife…

1920 900 Holkham Hall view cyclists 1
Family Friendly

Things to do in East Anglia

Posted: 7th Oct 2026

East Anglia has splendid beaches, beautiful stately homes and estates, some of the best wildlife…

1920 900 Holkham Hall and Estate cyclists
History + Heritage

Find your space in Norfolk’s and Suffolk’s country estates

Posted: 6th Sept 2026

Norfolk and Suffolk have a superb collection of country estates to immerse yourself in. Visit…

1920 900 Beccles Food Festival
Food + Drink

20 reasons to book an Autumn break in Norfolk and Suffolk

Posted: 1st Sept 2026

Looking for Autumn breaks in Norfolk and Suffolk? Nourish your soul and your taste buds with a…

Top History + Heritage Attractions

001 food museum stowmarket
Attractions

Food Museum

The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.

001 food museum stowmarket
Attractions

Food Museum

The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.

001 hindringham hall

Shortlisted for Historic House Garden of the Year Award 2020

001 hindringham hall
Attractions

Hindringham Hall Gardens

Shortlisted for Historic House Garden of the Year Award 2020

001 houghton hall

Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

001 houghton hall
Attractions

Houghton Hall, Walled Garden and Sculpture Park

Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

001 thursford collection thursford norfolk

Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer…

001 thursford collection thursford norfolk
Attractions

Thursford Collection

Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer…

History + Heritage Events

Tree of Life Seyi Adelekun Ethel Aanyu
Art Exhibition

Tree of Life

Date: 20th Jun 2026 - 30th May 2027

Woven from hand-dyed sisal rope, Tree of Life is a tactile and immersive installation.

Tree of Life Seyi Adelekun Ethel Aanyu
Art Exhibition

Tree of Life

Date: 20th Jun 2026 - 30th May 2027

Ollie Adegboye, Theo Collard-Peters, London 2022
Art Exhibition

Love Stories

Date: 18th Dec 2026 - 30th May 2027

Bringing together the work of ten internationally acclaimed photographers, Love Stories explores…

Ollie Adegboye, Theo Collard-Peters, London 2022
Art Exhibition

Love Stories

Date: 18th Dec 2026 - 30th May 2027

Goldweight representing human couple, c.1700 1899
Art Exhibition

The Last Human Kiss

Date: 13th Nov 2026 - 11th Apr 2027

Spanning painting, sculpture, photography and film, The Last Human Kiss explores how the kiss has…

Goldweight representing human couple, c.1700 1899
Art Exhibition

The Last Human Kiss

Date: 13th Nov 2026 - 11th Apr 2027

Phoebe Boswell, Boswell Ballad of the Spirits a dance for broken lovers, 2025

Date: 13th Nov 2026 - 11th Apr 2027

Reflecting on how deep connections are formed, broken, remembered and mourned, Ecstasy and the…

Phoebe Boswell, Boswell Ballad of the Spirits a dance for broken lovers, 2025
Art Exhibition

Ecstasy and the Aftermath

Date: 13th Nov 2026 - 11th Apr 2027

History + Heritage Businesses

001 sowerbys holiday cottages burnham market norfolk

Independent and local, we are north Norfolk's leading holiday cottage agency. Discover the place…

001 sowerbys holiday cottages burnham market norfolk
Accommodation

Sowerbys Holiday Cottages

Independent and local, we are north Norfolk's leading holiday cottage agency. Discover the place…

001 Sykes Holiday Cottages Norfolk

Discover your next escape to Norfolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

001 Sykes Holiday Cottages Norfolk
Accommodation

Sykes Holiday Cottages Norfolk

Discover your next escape to Norfolk with Sykes Holiday Cottages.

001 the angel hotel
Food & Drink

The Angel Hotel

4 Star coaching Inn located in the centre of Bury St Edmunds

001 the angel hotel
Food & Drink

The Angel Hotel

4 Star coaching Inn located in the centre of Bury St Edmunds

001 Seckford Hall Hotel Spa Woodbridge Suffolk

Seckford Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan country house set within 34 acres of Suffolk countryside,…

001 Seckford Hall Hotel Spa Woodbridge Suffolk
Accommodation

Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa

Seckford Hall is a beautiful Elizabethan country house set within 34 acres of Suffolk countryside,…

Top History + Heritage Itineraries

960 640 Norwich The Lanes
Arts + Culture

Nourish yourself in Norwich, The City of Stories…

Avg Duration: 48 hours

960 640 Aldeburgh James Crisp 112024 20
Arts + Culture

Short break on the Suffolk Coast - 3 night break

Avg Duration: 3 nights

960 640 Bury St Edmunds Angel Hill 1

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