From scenic walks and hidden gems, to attractions and seasonal experiences, our Spring Guide is packed with inspiration to help you make the most of the season. Whether you're a solo traveler, bringing the whole family, or even your four-legged friend - there’s an adventure waiting for you, all within easy reach of one of our pubs or
Big Houses.
Farming and Wildlife
As the daffodils appear, it suggests the start of spring and lambing season at Kentwell Hall, Long Melford. Join the team every weekend in March to visit their newest residence and wander the spring gardens and woodland.
Take a trek with a more unusual four-legged friend along Wells Beach, North Norfolk. After a spot of lunch at The Globe, head out with the alpacas to enjoy an unforgettable walk with the salt marshes as your backdrop.
Meet animals from far and wide at Jimmy's Farm in Suffolk. Home to over 100 breeds, from pigs to polar bears, there's rare breeds and reptiles all waiting to be visited.
At the end of spring, head just along the road from Jimmy's Farm for The Suffolk Show on 29th - 30th May. Experience a traditional agricultural event with trade stalls, flower show and displays in the big ring.
Art and Culture
Kicking off from 16th March periodically throughout spring and summer, Thornham Vintage and Antiques Fair is a stone's throw from the beach, and ideal for those looking for textiles, furniture, art, books and more. If you need some fuel for the antique hunting, why not head to The Chequers for brunch served until 2pm daily and then stop by for a post-shopping drink at The Lifeboat Inn.
Feeling cultural? Melford Hall near The Black Lion is opening its doors on Saturday 17th May for a torchlight talk and tour exploring some of the most important historical paintings around the medieval hall.
If you're local, or planning to pop back, visit the iconic village of Lavenham (wonderful all year round) just a short drive away and immerse yourself in another visit to an historic home. "You’ll meet wool merchants, weavers, witches and even a few ghosts" as you explore The Crooked House, one of the 'world's most photographed homes' as said by Country Life.
If you'd prefer to sit back and take in the entertainment, Cambridge Corn Exchange has a host of upcoming shows for all the family this spring. From an evening with Monty Don to The Ultraviolet Orchestra, laughing along to Rob Beckett or taking in the opera Madama Butterfly.
Markets and farm shops
With some of our most-loved veggies starting to pop up in spring (including asparagus, rhubarb and radishes) it's the perfect time to pop to your local farm shop or market.
From April, Bury Lane Farm, between The Carpenters Arms and The Cricketers, Clavering, opens its doors for Pick Your Own Tulips alongside all the locally grown produce.
If you're visiting the city of Cambridge for the day, be sure to check out their historic weekly market held in the square. On a Sunday from 10am until 4pm, they host local farmers, craftsmen and artists.
If hand-crafted produce is up your street, Reepham Country Market and Holt Market both host a selection of local sellers in Norfolk. Reepham market is on every Wednesday and Holt hosts their popular Sunday market on the first weekend of the month from April until December.
Walks and cycle routes
Take in views of Dedham Vale National Landscape, on the doorstep of The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland; There's a variety of cycle routes covering 69 miles of fields, woodland and quaint villages. Whether you opt for a 6 mile section or 15 mile section, be sure to refuel at the pub afterwards.
Ready to stretch your legs further? Join The Suffolk Spring Classic on Sunday 27th April. Kick-starting at Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket, this charity cycle ride has different levels, but the longest route for seasoned cyclists is 120km of undulating hills.
If you prefer both feet on the ground, there's plenty of coastal walks to discover near our pubs. Whether you're fossil hunting along Old Hunstanton, near Le Strange, or discovering the history of Dunwich before a pint at The Ship, there are walks for all the family and your four-legged friend.
Just ten minutes from The Old Bridge, Huntingdon, is Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows. This National Trust watermill is free to visit and especially great to take a wander around as the meadow flowers start blooming for springtime.
If you're heading towards the Norfolk coast, be sure to stop off at this hidden gem - Gooderstone Water Gardens.
A tranquil spot for artists, bird watchers or those who simply enjoy exploring gardens, the trail takes you across waterways around the six acre plot.
Off to the gallops
With longer, lighter days ahead, it's time for a day at the races; whether you're donning a hat and frock or grabbing your Barbour, there's a variety of races in our region.
Fakenham Racecourse, near Holt, is hosting their annual West & North Norfolk Point-to-Point on Sunday 23rd March, with food trucks and retail stands in attendance. It's a great afternoon out for all the family; or if you're closer to Colchester, head to Higham's Point-to-Point on Good Friday.
Rather experience flat racing? The iconic Rowley Mile at Newmarket Racecourses is transformed once again for The Betfred Guineas Festival from Friday 2nd – 4th May. Get ready to witness up-and-coming jockeys, great entertainment and be part of racing history.
Revisit history
With the 80th anniversary of VE Day approaching, IWM Duxford is celebrating the role that aviation played in the Second World War and victory in Europe. Visit Duxford on Saturday 10th March for a special Flying Day featuring some of the iconic planes, including Supermarine Spitfire and North American P-51D Mustang.
Looking for something a little more unusual? Sheringham is hosting its iconic Viking Festival and Parade on Saturday 5th April. Celebrating ancient viking culture and its traditions, be sure to visit the viking village and reenactments in Beeston before heading down to the seafront for boat burning!
If you're interested in the high-seas, head to a talk on the seafaring adventures of the Hyde Parker family, owners of National Trust Melford Hall. The account depicts of the capture of Santisima Trinidad and the wreck of the Phoenix. It is a free event and booking is not essential.
Book now for later
It may feel like summer is a long way off, but you certainly don't want to miss tickets for some of the most popular events of the season which are on sale now.
Heritage Live concerts have historically shown some of the most famous artists and this year is no exception. Mariah Carey is headlining at the Royal Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, and The Jacksons are heading to Audley End, just five minutes from The Eight Bells.
The Pantaloons are returning to our gardens this summer with their signature blend of humour, energy and theatrical chaos. After sell-out shows at a few of our pubs last year, we're excited to be hosting them across the region with performances of Hamlet, Robin Hood and Sense and Sensibility. To find out more about tickets, head to our website here.
The Suffolk coast comes alive on the last weekend of July with Henham Park's most notable event of the year, Latitude. Tickets are on sale now, so be quick to get your hands on them and see artists like Sting, Snow Patrol and Fatboy Slim.
Across Chestnut
With produce changing with the seasons, we'll also be launching our new menus shortly and continue our lunch set menus Monday - Friday during the week. With pub classics and regional favourites, the menu with two courses for £23, or three courses for £26, is ideal for a quick catch up with friends, working lunches or refuelling for your spring adventures.
Stop by for a night away when exploring the East of England. Stay for longer during the week with four nights for the price of three, or if you want to push the boat out, experience Dinner, Bed and Breakfast on the weekend (Friday and Saturday night) with an in-room gift, bottle of wine and increased food allowance.
Just a little reminder that Mother's Day is around the corner. Whether you're celebrating, remembering, or just enjoying quality time with the ones who matter most, we've got you covered. Our Chefs have put together two and three course menus for lunch and dinner with surprises on the day.
The Giving Tree
Established in 2020 to provide funding to ensure local charities and voluntary groups can continue with the valuable work they are doing in the region, The Giving Tree excitedly became a registered charity this February and are part of some great fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
Some of the team will be partaking in the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday 9th March, whilst others are in training to take part in Pier to Pier later in the year; We are proudly sponsoring both the Norfolk and Suffolk routes in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices.
With credit to @timunhead for his photograph of The Crooked House and Visit East of England for their photograph of Duxford.
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