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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
Where to find Anglo-Saxons in East Anglia
Posted: 1st Jun 2026
Before the Normans, England was a patchwork of independent kingdoms of the Angles and Saxons. The… Before the Normans, England was a patchwork of independent kingdoms of the Angles and Saxons.…
Where to find Anglo-Saxons in East Anglia
Posted: 1st Jun 2026
Before the Normans, England was a patchwork of independent kingdoms of the Angles and Saxons. The…
Where to find Normans in East Anglia
Posted: 28th May 2026
East Anglia was a vital region for the Norman invaders, a place of wealth, but also a strategic…
What is the legend of Black Shuck in East Anglia
Posted: 6th May 2026
Black Shuck is a legendary spectral black dog with flaming red eyes who roams the coast of East…
Top History + Heritage Attractions
Orford Castle - English Heritage
Discover one of England's most complete and unusual keeps, at this fascinating visitor attraction… Discover one of England's most complete and unusual keeps, at this fascinating visitor…
Orford Castle - English Heritage
Discover one of England's most complete and unusual keeps, at this fascinating visitor attraction…
Sainsbury Centre
The Sainsbury Centre is a world-class art museum with a unique perspective on how art can foster… The Sainsbury Centre is a world-class art museum with a unique perspective on how art can…
Sainsbury Centre
The Sainsbury Centre is a world-class art museum with a unique perspective on how art can foster…
Food Museum
The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future. The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.
Food Museum
The Food Museum connects people with where our food comes from, past, present and future.
Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
900 years of history, yours to discover 900 years of history, yours to discover
History + Heritage Events
Love Stories
Date: 18th Dec 2026 - 30th May 2027
Bringing together the work of ten internationally acclaimed photographers, Love Stories explores… Bringing together the work of ten internationally acclaimed photographers, Love Stories…
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. Woven from hand-dyed sisal rope, Tree of Life is a tactile and immersive installation.
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… Spanning painting, sculpture, photography and film, The Last Human Kiss explores how the kiss…
Ecstasy and the Aftermath
Date: 13th Nov 2026 - 11th Apr 2027
Reflecting on how deep connections are formed, broken, remembered and mourned, Ecstasy and the… Reflecting on how deep connections are formed, broken, remembered and mourned, Ecstasy and the…
History + Heritage Businesses
The Crooked House, Lavenham
Suffolk's most photographed home that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme. Suffolk's most photographed home that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme.
The Crooked House, Lavenham
Suffolk's most photographed home that inspired a world-famous nursery rhyme.
Strangers Hall Museum
A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich - one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings. A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich - one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings.
Strangers Hall Museum
A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich - one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings.
Sandringham
The Royal Family's country retreat - perhaps the most famous historic house in Norfolk, set in "the… The Royal Family's country retreat - perhaps the most famous historic house in Norfolk, set in…
Sandringham
The Royal Family's country retreat - perhaps the most famous historic house in Norfolk, set in "the…
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery… Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned…
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery…
Top History + Heritage Itineraries
Voted The Sunday Times' Best Place to Live 2026, the city of Norwich in Norfolk, with its medieval… Voted The Sunday Times' Best Place to Live 2026, the city of Norwich in Norfolk, with its…
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a city, then the Suffolk Coast is the perfect… If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of a city, then the Suffolk Coast is the…
Relax in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages and well-preserved… Relax in stunning rolling countryside that's punctuated with beautiful villages and…
Trending Items
The Assembly House
Immerse yourself in Georgian splendour by booking one of our stunning bedrooms at The Assembly… Immerse yourself in Georgian splendour by booking one of our stunning bedrooms at The Assembly…
The Assembly House
Immerse yourself in Georgian splendour by booking one of our stunning bedrooms at The Assembly…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its… Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with…
The Old Drift House
Idyllic 'chocolate box' thatched cottage in the picturesque medieval village of Kersey with its…
Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and get… Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and…
Ipswich Town Football Club Stadium Tours
Go behind the scenes at Portman Road Stadium, see areas usually off limits to the public and get…
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is… Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…
The Swan at Lavenham Hotel & Spa
Located in the Suffolk medieval village of Lavenham, the 4 Red Star 15th C Swan at Lavenham is…
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