We've been championing our region, its people, produce and places for the last twelve years now, so we're thrilled that East Anglia has been named in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025.
East Anglia offers a taste of traditional England without the typical touristy attractions. Comprising Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, this region features charming villages with 16th-century half-timbered houses, artistic wool towns and a coastline adorned with beaches and bird reserves where the sounds of bitterns can be heard in spring.
Though Lonely Planet offers some good ideas of things to see and do, such as bird-watching in Minsmere or university-hopping in Cambridge, this English Tourism Week we've comprised our locals-list of 15 things to do in the region not suggested by Lonely Planet.
WANDER THROUGH ALDEBURGH
This quintessential fishing town on the Suffolk coast is home to independent shops, miles of shingle beach and Maggi Hambling's 'Scallop' - a giant tribute to Benjamin Britten, who lived in Aldeburgh.
VISIT A CASTLE
Built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, Colchester Castle is the largest example of its kind anywhere in Europe. You can visit at your leisure or book one of their daily tours.
HIT THE SHOPS IN HOLT
The ideal way to while away an afternoon on the Norfolk coast; If you're not by the beach, discover the yards around Holt and their hidden boutiques, gift shops and antique shops.
PADDLE BOARDING NEAR SUDBURY
Just ten minutes from The Black Lion, take a trip down country lanes to find paddle boarding spots along the River Stour. You can hire them here or take your own and spend an hour or so under the canopies.
DISCOVER THE FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM
Take in art and antiquities at The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Housing over half a million objects, you could be here a while, so it's especially great to hide away on a rainy day.
TAKE A BOAT OUT
Built in the 20th century, discover the village of Thorpeness on the Suffolk coast and hire a boat to visit the Peter Pan themed islands around the meare. Oh, look out for the House in the Clouds, too!
BRIDGE END GARDENS, SAFFRON WALDEN
Hop (but not literally) over the wall from The Eight Bells into Bridge End Gardens. Open daily and free to the public, be sure to discover the maze and greenhouse.
CANOE ON THE RIVER IKEN
Walk from Snape Maltings along the River Alde for big sky, scenic views and stumble upon Iken Canoe. Open throughout spring and summer, it's the ideal mode of transport to explore more of this scenic spot.
DROP IN ON ANNE BOLEYN
Widely believed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, keep an eye over your shoulder on every turn as Blickling Hall is claimed to be haunted by her to this day.
CLIMB ST EDMUNDSBURY CATHEDRAL
A relatively new cathedral tower, complete in 2010, allows for picturesque views of Bury St Edmunds, the famous Greene King brewery, and miles of villages and countryside. Climb 202 steps of St Edmundsbury Cathedral on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year.
SWIM AT SEA PALLING
An underrated spot near the Norfolk Broads, Sea Palling is a family-friendly beach that's so expansive it is rarely overcrowded in the summer months with plenty of room to set up camp. It even has a Blue Flag status for pristine waters! Discover more of Norfolk's beaches here.
EXPLORE ELY
Half an hour from The Three Blackbirds, Ely is a pocket-sized city on the banks of the River Cam. With one of arguably the most impressive cathedrals in the country, wander the grounds, hire a boat or browse the independent shops nearby.
FIND THE RAFT SPIDER
Redgrave and Lopham Fen is part of Suffolk Wildlife Trust and comprises of over 400 acres of fen, woodland and wetland. It is one of only three places you can find the Fen Raft Spider, so be sure to carry your binoculars with you.
CATCH AN OUTDOOR PLAY
Whether you're joining us this summer for a performance in one of the gardens by The Pantaloons or heading to Thorington Theatre, there's nothing better than an evening spent under the sun watching a play.
GET LOST IN THE WOODS
Take your four-legged friend out for a long walk or hire a bike to explore 18,000 hectares of patchwork pine in Thetford Forest. If live music is more your thing, they also host summer concerts!
If you want to tick off a number of these spots, be sure to check out our Spring Offers on weekend escapes, midweek breaks and longer stays.
Still after some more inspiration? Go on then, give Lonely Planet's article a read here.
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