The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in East Anglia, England

July 29, 2021 Layne Dawes

Discover the best top things to do in East Anglia, United Kingdom including Horsey Beach, The Red House, Parham Airfield Museum, Bury St. Edmunds, Elm Hill, Felbrigg Hall, Riverside Walk, The Plantation Garden, Holkham National Nature Reserve, City of Norwich Aviation Museum.
Restaurants in East Anglia

1. Horsey Beach

Horsey NR29 4EJ England http://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/horsey-beach.html
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,029 reviews

Horsey Beach

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. The Red House

The Red House Golf Lane, Aldeburgh IP15 5PZ England +44 1728 451700 [email protected] http://brittenpears.org/visit/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 144 reviews

The Red House

Benjamin Britten was one of the greatest composers of the twentieth century. He wrote a vast amount of incredible music and wanted everyone to enjoy it – professional and amateur musicians, music enthusiasts, children and families. He was born in 1913 and raised in Lowestoft, and Suffolk was the backdrop for nearly his entire life. At The Red House in Aldeburgh he lived with Peter Pears, his muse and life partner, for nearly two decades until his death in 1976. As well as exploring Britten’s music, visitors to The Red House can see his and Pears’ eclectic collection of art, books and objects, wander around their gardens, and discover more about their lives. Please note: following the government’s announcement of a new national lockdown from Thursday 5 November, the buildings at The Red House will close to visitors.

Reviewed By TerryPhilpot - Oxted, United Kingdom

You do not have to know anything about Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears to enjoy a visit to their home. It is so cosy and welcoming that it is almost as if they are about to walk in. The gardens, too, while not large, are pleasant. Make sure, too, that you visit their graves in the small municipal cemetery next to the churchyard of Aldeburgh's parish church.

3. Parham Airfield Museum

Parham Airfield, Woodbridge IP13 9AF England +44 1728 621373 [email protected] http://www.parhamairfieldmuseum.co.uk
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 102 reviews

Parham Airfield Museum

DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATION WE ARE SORRY BUT WE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. Please check the website for further information. The 390th Bomb Group Memorial Air Museum and the Museum of the British Resistance Organisation are housed in the original war time control tower, associated quanset (nissan) huts, and include the Percy Kindred Library and cafe. Situated on open fields the museum is signposted from the A12 North of Woodbridge after passing through Little Glemham. We are open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday’s from the first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October and also on Wednesdays during June, July and August. FREE Kids activites:- Ink Stamper Trail, Lego Table, Activity Sheet FREE parking, FREE Admission DONATIONS GRATEFULLY RECEIVED

Reviewed By Y6088JNchriss

This is an incredible museum and memorial to the bomber crews that flew from here during the war. Lots of interesting stories and artifacts and the volunteers that work there are enthusiastic and have an extraordinary knowledge of the history of the base. Couldn't recommend more highly. I've been multiple times and have a jumper too!

4. Bury St. Edmunds

England
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 93 reviews

Bury St. Edmunds

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

5. Elm Hill

Waggon and Horses Lane, Norwich NR3 1HG England +44 1603 666071 http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/norfolk/norwich/elm-hill.htm
Excellent
59%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 622 reviews

Elm Hill

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. Felbrigg Hall

Felbrigg Near Cromer, Norwich NR11 8PR England +44 1263 837444 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/felbrigg-hall/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,448 reviews

Felbrigg Hall

Reviewed By 827JohnC - Wisbech, United Kingdom

In Cromer last Sunday with my wife, who was there to play bowls, which I declined to spectate (Watching grass grow without the excitement of watching paint dry!) Just nipped down the road to Felbrigg Hall, ample car parking, very near to reception and close to the hall. Good welcome from reception team, and excellent directions, not really time to visit the estate, so straight to the Hall, and a warm welcome from the volunteers on duty. Pleasant amble with the usual high standard of information available from the Room Stewards, a fascinating house, well worth a visit. A few days ago a winger left derogatory feed back because he objected to the fee structure, well he is of course welcome to his opinion, but really..... Adult Membership of the National Trust is £6 a month, for that you get free unlimited access to all the NT properties, that my friend is a BARGAIN!

7. Riverside Walk

Riverside Road, Norwich England http://www.norwich.gov.uk/info/20006/sports_parks_and_leisure/1579/river_walks/1
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 586 reviews

Riverside Walk

Reviewed By Dencroft - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Sunny September Sunday leisurely stroll along the river wensum in Norwich. We were staying at the Maids Head hotel and wanted to walk down to Carrow road football ground. We started our walk (pub crawl) at the ribs of beef pub walking past St James mill, Cow Tower, Pulls Ferry with our next stop at the Red Lion pub which is right on the river. Carry on down the river to The Compleat Angler pub and cross over the bridge so you are opposite the train station, lovely walk past the riverside entertainment centre, plenty of places to eat and drink here and on the opposite side of the bank is beautiful old mill looking buildings it’s very interesting. Eventually to come across Carrow Road football ground the home of Norwich City. We turned around at this point and on the way back up the riverside we visited the beautiful pub called The Adam and Eve and the Wig and Pen before turning off the riverbank at Wensum Street. Walk is leisurely 6.5km and took us around 4 hours, so a really good walk (as long as the weather is kind to you) Totally recommend if you are staying in Norwich.

8. The Plantation Garden

4 Earlham Road, Norwich NR2 3DB England +44 7504 545810 [email protected] http://www.plantationgarden.co.uk/
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 444 reviews

The Plantation Garden

A beautifully restored Victorian garden of 3 acres which is run by volunteers for the benefit of the community. All your entrance fees go the the upkeep of the garden, new plants etc. On Sundays in summer teas are served to musical entertainment. PLEASE NOTE: TOILETS are only open when there are volunteers on duty...on Sundays in the summer and for special events. Please see our website for details of events. Refereshments and toilets are available at St. John's Cathedral Narthex next door. We regret we have NO PARKING, but there is a pay and display carpark next door.

Reviewed By francesl566 - Cambridge, United Kingdom

Beautiful gardens. An oasis of calm and refreshment and a treat for the eyes. Highly recommend a visit.

9. Holkham National Nature Reserve

Holkham Estate, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB England +44 1328 710227 [email protected] http://www.holkham.co.uk/nature-reserve-beach/introduction
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 541 reviews

Holkham National Nature Reserve

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.

10. City of Norwich Aviation Museum

Aviation Museum Old Norwich Road, Norwich NR10 3JF England +44 1603 893080 http://www.cnam.org.uk/
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 239 reviews

City of Norwich Aviation Museum

The museum started out as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company way back in 1977. The membership was later opened up to non employees and a temporary site was secured on the 17/35 runway at Norwich Airport. In early 1982, museum exhibits included Avro Anson (TX228), Westland Whirlwind (XP355), Sea Vixen (XP919) and a Dassault Mystere IV (121). 1983 saw the arrival of our Vulcan bomber which flew in to the airport after its retirement from service. By 1985 the museum had moved to its present site and an air fair held to help raise funds to expand the museum. At this time the Anson had gone (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales) but Vampire (XD373) had arrived. 1986 saw another air fair on 14th September that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier and another arrival, T-33 (16718). Over the next few years, services were laid, the main exhibition hall erected and the arrival of more aircraft.

Reviewed By 849andrewg

I would recommend a visit to this attraction. The staff on site are, friendly, knowledgeable and prepared to take time to answer questions from the visitors. We had guided tours of their Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod exhibits, both presented by two very knowledgeable people who explained things in an easy to understand way. The tea room was well stocked and service was with a lovely smile. If you are worried about the cost, don't, it must be one of the most reasonably priced attractions I've visited. Believe me there, is a lot for little money. I am happy to recommend the museum to anyone from very young, to very old, male or female. we spent quite some time there, due to the fact I wanted to experience the inside of the iconic Vulcan and Nimrod. Easily accessed by car but don't know about public transport.

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