The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in East Anglia, England

August 22, 2021 Darwin Bolte

Discover the best top things to do in East Anglia, United Kingdom including Bury St Edmunds Guildhall, Norwich Cathedral, St Michael and All Angels, Ickworth, The Norman Tower, Castle Acre Priory, Unitarian Meeting House, Ancient House, The Willis Building, St Mary-le-Tower.
Restaurants in East Anglia

1. Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Bury St Edmunds Guildhall

Dating back to before 1279 (the earliest written reference to the building), Bury St Edmunds Guildhall is the oldest continuously used civic building in England and its World War Two Royal Observer Corp room is the only surviving room of its kind in the world. Step through the original medieval arch into the earliest part of the building which was redecorated by the Georgians to create the stunning Court Room and Banqueting Hall. The building also has a Tudor Kitchen, a Robing Room, a beautiful garden and sensory garden as well as the precious Royal Observer Corp Room. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat in our Pear Tree Cafe with tables set in the Banqueting Hall and garden. The Guildhall is open to the public on Wednesdays and Sundays with free entry. We often host tours and talks as well as other events such as concerts. Information for these can be found on our website, as well as Facebook and Twitter. The building can be hired for events such as weddings as well as corporate events.

2. Norwich Cathedral

65 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DH England +44 1603 218300 [email protected] http://www.cathedral.org.uk/
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,926 reviews

Norwich Cathedral

“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!

3. St Michael and All Angels

Scott's Lane, Boulge, Woodbridge IP13 6BW England http://www.achurchnearyou.com/boulge-st-michael/
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

St Michael and All Angels

4. Ickworth

The Rotunda, Horringer, Bury St. Edmunds IP29 5QE England +44 1284 735270 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,418 reviews

Ickworth

An Italianate Palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics. The Italianate Garden mirrors the architecture of the house, whilst also encasing an idiosyncratic Victorian stumpery, contrasting light and shade. The Rotunda is home to one of the finest silver collections, family portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds, works by Titian and Velázquez, and Neoclassical sculpture including Flaxman’s ‘Fury of Athamus’. Below stairs, the Servants’ Quarters recreate domestic service through the stories and memories of those who lived here. In 2019/2020, Ickworth is set to secure its future thanks to a major new conservation project. Ickworth is embarking on a multi-million pound major conservation project which will see us heading up to the roof. To find out more about the work visit the website and discover how Ickworth will be re-imagined during the works.

Reviewed By U8395VUlisag

Didn't really know what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised, very interesting house, with lots to see, rooms set out in their original form, lots of visual information and helpful guides, enjoyed a 4 mile circular walk, including visiting the church and the walled garden. Would highly recommend for a great day out, free to National Trust members.

5. The Norman Tower

Angel Hill, Bury St. Edmunds England
Excellent
29%
Good
71%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

The Norman Tower

Reviewed By F3109NGdavidb

Impressive building but I can't find information as to why there are steps down to it and it is so low as it used to be level with the abbey?

6. Castle Acre Priory

Castle Acre, King's Lynn PE32 2XD England +44 1760 755394 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-acre-priory/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=castle%20acre%20priory
Excellent
68%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 408 reviews

Castle Acre Priory

Reviewed By coupleofwalkers

Brought to life by the audio guide. It is well worth reading the information boards at the start and going carefully round with the guide. Visit the castle, too for a fuller picture of life in the past.

7. Unitarian Meeting House

Friars Street, Ipswich IP1 1TD England +44 1473 210064 [email protected] http://www.unitarianipswich.com
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Unitarian Meeting House

8. Ancient House

The Ancient House 30 Butter Market, Ipswich IP1 1BT England
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Ancient House

Reviewed By K9499VTmariab - Ipswich, United Kingdom

Well worth a visit when you are next in Ipswich. There's an information room upstairs, in a strange room with homaphradites depicted on the wall paintings.

9. The Willis Building

15 Friars Street, Ipswich IP1 1TD England +44 1473 223000
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 70 reviews

The Willis Building

Reviewed By sarahbarrett2018 - Ipswich, United Kingdom

Come to Ipswich during the 2nd weekend in September and pick up a "open heritage" booklet and visit this grade 2 listed building designed by Norman Foster in the 1970s. the outside is hung smoked glass, and the interiors are yellow and green as Norman Foster was, reportedly a Norwich City supporter. Have a cup of tea in the cafe situated at the top of a series of esculators running through the middle of the building, and sit in the most famous roof lawn in East Anglia.

10. St Mary-le-Tower

17 Tower Street, Ipswich IP1 3BE England http://www.stmaryletower.org.uk
Excellent
67%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15 reviews

St Mary-le-Tower

Reviewed By mRoshe

124 christmas tree displayed throughout the church. Beautiful christmas trees. Entrance is free to view the trees and there are some excellent activities for children as well as the opportunity to relax and enjoy a quality cup of coffee and home-made cake in the beautiful setting of so many lovingly decorated trees.

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