_Plan your stay in East Anglia, East of England

Plan your stay in East Anglia, East of England with recommendations for places to visit, places to stay and things to do.

What is East Anglia like?

East Anglia is a huge natural environment of dynamic coast, enormous skies, rolling countryside, majestic estuaries and winding waterways. East Anglia gives you time and space to relax. 

Like the south-west corner of Britain, East Anglia in the East of England feels like a place apart from the rest of the country. Countryside and coast are largely wild and uncultivated.

Having the best overall climate in the UK means East Anglia is a great year-round destination.

Three National Landscapes, the Broads National Park, unique destinations such as the Brecks, more than 130 miles of coastline that include wide sandy beaches, soaring cliffs and some of the best wildlife spotting in the UK, an amazing history that takes in five invasions from people who have hugely influenced us, a strong claim to be the Origin Story of England and also the location for the first holiday visitors to the UK on our Deep History Coast, you’re very welcome to East Anglia...

What is East Anglia?

East Anglia is made up of the ancient counties of the ‘South folk’ (Suffolk) and the ‘North folk’ (Norfolk) of the East Angles who ruled the region from the 6th century until William the Conqueror’s invasion in 1066. The Normans formalised the two counties, as well as building castles and a magnificent cathedral. Suffolk and Norfolk have very different landscapes, attractions and things to do, but both are great for short breaks, long weekends and holidays.

Beyond the two county capitals, waterside Ipswich and Norwich with its magnificent castle, cathedral and historic heart, this is a region of quaint market towns and idyllic villages punctuating large landscapes, with a huge sky and horizons dotted with medieval church towers.

Where is East Anglia in England?

East Anglia is in the East of England on the east coast of England – it’s the bit that bumps out into the North Sea.

Where is East Anglia from London?

East Anglia has an excellent Inter City rail service from London Liverpool Street to Ipswich and Norwich, with good branch lines to other destinations in the region. Suffolk and Norfolk are also within easy reach of the Midlands, yet retain their rural quality.

When is the best time to go to East Anglia?

There is no bad time to go to East Anglia – the coast and countryside and many of the attractions can be enjoyed year-round. East Anglia has the best overall climate in the British Isles.

What are the major towns in East Anglia?

Norwich is a city best experienced on foot – enjoy Europe’s largest permanent covered market, The Lanes full of independent shops, medieval cobbled streets, historic riverside, Norman castle and cathedral.

Savour the waterfront in Ipswich – take a boat trip out on the River Orwell, discover John Constable at Christchurch Mansion, explore beautiful parks and the vibrant town centre.

Bury St Edmunds is a delightful mix of medieval and Georgian architecture, with the country’s last Regency theatre, picturesque Abbey and Cathedral. Bury St Edmunds is acclaimed as the dog-friendliest town in the country and foodie capital of Suffolk.

King’s Lynn boasts a host of Graded buildings, a legacy of its close trading ties with Northern Europe, including a magnificent Holy Trinity Guildhall, Georgian Hanse House, magnificent Custom House and Minster and the last remaining stage that Shakespeare acted on.

Newmarket is the world headquarters of horseracing, having been popularised by King Charles II. An early morning tour of The Gallops is a must-do.

What areas are in East Anglia?

The Broads National Park includes 125 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways that allow you to get close to nature and wildlife.

The Dedham Vale National Landscape is tranquil, unspoilt countryside around the Stour Valley that includes Constable Country.

The Norfolk Coast National Landscape includes soaring cliffs, the country’s largest seal colony, multiple National Nature Reserves, long sandy beaches and tidal salt marshes.

The Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscape has sandy beaches, marshes teaming with wildlife, heathland, forests, majestic estuaries and quintessential seaside towns and villages.

The Brecks National Character Area is a distinctive landscape of heathland, prehistoric Pingos, ‘Deal Rows, Neolithic flint mines and the largest low-lying pine forest in the UK.

What is East Anglia famous for?

As well as stunning coast and countryside, there are two thousand years of history to explore. Strangers arriving by boat helped shape East Anglia – the Romans, Anglo Saxons, Vikings and Normans. In the second world war, there was a fifth invasion of more than 300,000 United States servicemen and women serving with the Eighth Air Force. 

What is there to do in East Anglia?

As well as enjoying countryside and coast, East Anglia has a Royal estate and magnificent stately homes, two architecturally stunning cathedrals, medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings, and picturesque, unspoilt towns and villages.

Why do people visit East Anglia?

Festivals and events are a great reason to visit and then stay to enjoy our coast and countryside. These include The Aldeburgh Festival at Snape Proms; Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the oldest continuous arts festival in the UK; Out There festival of performing circus acts at Great Yarmouth; Latitude at Henham Park; and food and drinks festivals at Aldeburgh and Holkham Hall. 

Frequently asked questions about East Anglia

Which is nicer, Norfolk or Suffolk?

Norfolk and Suffolk are equally wonderful destinations.

Are there any famous people from East Anglia?

Iceni Queen Boudicca, naval hero Horatio Nelson and nurse Edith Cavell all have prominent statues in London’s city centre. Discover their stories in East Anglia.

What is the nickname of the East Anglia football Derby?

The East Anglia football Derby is played between Ipswich Town and Norwich City and is called The Old Farm Derby, a joke on the Glasgow game between Celtic and Rangers called The Old Firm Derby.

Who was the King of East Anglia?

The Wuffinga dynasty included King Raedwald who’s burial site at Sutton Hoo revealed a treasure trove. Later King Edmund was martyred by the Vikings and became the first patron saint of England.

Why is East Anglia so called?

East Anglia is named for the Angles from southern Denmark who settled here from the 5th century.

Did the Vikings live in East Anglia?

The Danish Great Heathen Army – what we know as Vikings - landed in East Anglia in 865 and became part of the Danelaw four years later. Edward the Elder wrestled it back and incorporated it into the Kingdom of England in 918.

What food is East Anglia known for?

Seafood and shellfish, particularly oysters, mussels, lobsters and the eponymous Cromer crab. There are many vineyards, distilleries and breweries to tour.

Is East Anglia worth visiting?

East Anglia is worth visiting at any time of the year.