Top Things to do in East Anglia
Top Hotels in East Anglia
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10 Free Things to do in East Anglia That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in East Anglia, United Kingdom including Horsey Beach, Lavenham, Bury St. Edmunds, Norfolk Coast Path, Elm Hill, Norwich Cathedral, Holkham National Nature Reserve, Cromer Pier, Holkham Bay, Christchurch Park.
Restaurants in East Anglia
1. Horsey Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
Reviewed By MisterBee123 - Chippenham, United Kingdom
We were advised to go to Horsey Gap to see the seals. So we did. We dined from the burger van in the car park (very good) then went to see the seals. There were a lot of seals and a lot of people watching them! It was great to see them in their natural habitat and seemingly not too bothered by their audience!
2. Lavenham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Lovely timbered buildings, an ancient guildhall and graceful churches help to make Lavenham one of the most attractive and charming villages in Suffolk, England.
Reviewed By shanes236 - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
As we approached Lavenham from Sudbury, we passed a beautiful church to our left and continued to drive until the signs indicating the Market Place. We visited here about 3 years ago but only stopped for a cup of tea. We managed to park in the centre of the market place but there are spaces in the road that approaches. Market Square has enough spaces for about 20/25 cars. There is no doubting how beautiful this village is.....strikingly so. Beautiful pastel coloured buildings that are timber beamed, stunning little old fashioned shops and tearooms and we passed an excellent looking restaurant at the bottom end of the village. Combined, it would be best to visit Bury St Edmonds as well as although beautiful, there is about enough in Lavenham for a couple of hours. A stunning film set like village worthy of anyones time. Visited 4th November 2020.
3. Bury St. Edmunds
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Originally a Benedictine abbey founded in 945AD, today this historic village features graceful Georgian streets and colorful flower gardens.
Reviewed By samdalf
Ancient Tudor ruins, a whole host of wonderful independent shops, cafes and restaurants still in the centuries old buildings (which still look magnificent and charming today), a myriad of buskers (Bury St. Edmunds isn't known as Busker's Corner for no reason) dotted around the town centre, as well as all the current shops in the new "Arc" development, Bury St. Edmunds ticks every singe box ever conceived. This hub of music, coffee and unique shopping experiences is all held in the beautiful "old town" centre which is a sight to see. The new "Arc" development is a modern shopping district with loads of clothes shops (H&M, Topshop, River Island, Peacocks, Topman, Animal, FatFace, Superdry, and others). If Bury is a bit of a trip then make it a special visit by coming for the award-winning Christmas Market held every year in Angel Hill and the town centre. Maybe even stay a night of two in the spectacular, ivy adorned Angel Hotel
4. Norfolk Coast Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 42 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer, with the majority of this walking trail running through the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The most westerly point of the Norfolk Coast Path is the seaside town of Hunstanton. It then passes through areas rich in wildlife - first the salt marshes near Brancaster, then Holkham National Nature Reserve with its extensive sandy beaches and pine woodland underlining the vast open sky. Look out for massive flocks of geese in the winter, coming in to safely spend the night here. After Wells-next-the-Sea the Norfolk Coast Path skirts along the edge of salt marshes, with views of Blakeney Point, famous for its grey and common seals. Cley-next-the-Sea marks the start of the section that follows an extensive shingle beach and wildlife-rich freshwater marshes. The route continues along the shingle beach almost as far as Sheringham, where it follows the top of the sandy cliffs, heading inland and meandering through the wooded hills between Sheringham and Cromer. This trail combines with the Peddars Way (which it joins at Holme-next-the-Sea) to form the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales.
Reviewed By wendyanddavid536 - Solihull, United Kingdom
We walked a short stretch of the Norfolk Coast Path between Morston and Wells-next-the -sea, on a gloriously sunny late September afternoon, through the salt marshes, enjoying the plants, birdlife and sea. A great tonic in these lockdown times.
5. Elm Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Allied to its proximity to the Cathedral area and the river, this is undoubtedly the nicest part of the city. Elm Hill itself has managed to retain an old- fashioned and almost quiet atmosphere that is entirely appropriate to its age. Although it now has shops etc., the style of the place has been retained and its lovely old buildings and cobbled street evoke images of times long past and it is certainly a place you should visit.
6. Norwich Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,926 reviews
“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By rickw73 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
Where to begin?! I am a cathedral lover but had forgotten how special Norwich is. Boasting the largest cathedral close in England, the essentially Norman building is topped by a later, but most elegant spire. Strolling around the exterior gave glorious views across fields. I walked in at 7.30am to find the building deserted but bathed in wonderful summer sunshine. I watched peregrine falcons soar from the spire over the nave, I gawped at the 1380 dated reredos with its detailed painting and interesting political, as well as religious, story, and I gazed at the delightful and humorous roof bosses high over head -and the hidden misericords under choir stall seats. The cathedral also has some very good wall paintings which are well preserved (relatively) and worth taking time to see. Look out especially (in the south part of the nave) for the painting of the Bishop receiving money from King Rufus to buy his job! Stay as long as you can. And say a prayer there too! Did I mention the excellent small gift shop and the superb new refectory serving great food at reasonable prices? Wow! What a special place!
7. Holkham National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
Windswept tidelines, a maze of creeks and saltings, miles of dunes and sandspits, shady pinewoods, green pastures and grazing marshes, the mix of habitats and the blend of wildlife confirm Holkham National Nature Reserve as a unique place.
Reviewed By rachelcV9704LD - Cambridge, United Kingdom
What a superb nature reserve! Beautiful landscape of pine forest and endless beaches. In 2 hours I saw a huge flock of wigeon as well as teal, Brent geese and lapwings in the fields either side of the car park, & goldcrest, long tailed tits & red kite and kestrel hunting in the pines. Make sure you plan for at least half a day to enjoy this picturesque and extensive reserve.
8. Cromer Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,278 reviews
Cromer Pier, a heritage seaside pier in the civil parish of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast was designed by Douglass and Arnott and constructed by Alfred Thorne and is owned by North Norfolk District Council. The Pier is 151 metres (495 ft.) in length and was officially opened on 8 June 1901. Awarded Pier Of The Year in 2015 by The National Piers Society. The Pavilion Theatre at the end of the pier is one of only five UK end of pier theatres and is home to The Cromer Pier Show, the only end of pier show of its kind in the world. We are famous for crab fishing with the very best spot in Norfolk for the big catch, it’s a great way to relax and connect with nature for all the family. Grab a bite to eat above the waves with our Mediterranean inspired menu in Tides, enjoy a glass or two on our unique quarterdeck patio and pop into our perfectly stocked gift shop and take a piece of Cromer home with you.
Reviewed By jond_uk - Braintree, United Kingdom
We’re regulars to Cromer End of the Pier Show and it really is the highlight of our year both summer and Christmas. Proper family entertainment and a variety show with a great mix of comedy, magic, dance and singing from a very talented cast. Meeting the cast afterwards in the foyer is also a lovely touch.
9. Holkham Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
Reviewed By Dencroft - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
We parked the car at Lady Anne’s drive opposite the Victors Inn and Holkham hall. £9 for the whole day. Fantastic dog friendly beach, nice walk along the beach to the beach huts at Wells where you have to cut up into the pine woods (as beach by life boat station is DOG FREE) towards the car park and beach cafe. Toilets and water for the dog provided next to the car park. You can either walk back to the car via the North Norfolk path through the woods or return back to the beach through the pines and down the steps back onto the beach. Lovely few hours of walking and taking in the beautiful views and see air!
10. Christchurch Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 843 reviews
Reviewed By RodF143 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
This park is certainly a Jewell, it is a wonderful open space in the centre of Ipswich. The arboretum is well tended and full of lovely shrubs, flowers and magnificent trees; squirrels that are quite tame are in abundance and a variety of birdlife; the outside tennis courts that are nestled in the trees are well utilised. The large ponds with their many species is of wildfowl and if you are lucky you may see one of the many turtles or terrapins that frequent the wilderness pond, that's if the commorant sitting high up in the tree at the edge hasn't picked them off. To cap it all, the highlight of the park, that is the Christchurch Mansion, free to all to roam and see it's many displays of art and artifacts, and indeed I was very fortunate to see Rodin's sculpture "The Kiss" on the day I visited. The park was bustling with people of all ages and backgrounds. What a joy.
