East of England Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options in East England.


Introduction to East of England

East of England is a region located in the eastern part of England, it comprises six counties: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. It is well-known for its beautiful natural landscapes, historic attractions, and cultural diversity. The region has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and is home to numerous historic sites and museums. Its coastline stretches over 450 miles, and it is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.

List of Places to Visit in East of England

The East of England is a perfect destination for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers. Here are some of the top places to visit in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The British Museum of Road Transport in Coventry
  • The Imperial War Museum in Duxford
  • The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge
  • The National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket
  • The Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery
  • The Henry Moore Foundation in Great Bardfield
  • The Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire

Natural Attractions of East of England: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Norfolk Broads
  • The Peak District National Park
  • The Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
  • The Suffolk Coast
  • The Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • The Dunwich Heath and Beach National Trust Reserve
  • The Cambridgeshire Fens

Hiking/Biking Routes of East of England

East of England offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking and cycling. Here are some of the best routes in the region:

  • The Peddars Way
  • The Norfolk Coast Path
  • The Icknield Way
  • The Essex Way
  • The Stour Valley Path

Best Things to Do in East of England: Activities and Tours

  • Take a guided tour of the Cambridge University
  • Visit one of the region’s many stately homes
  • Experience the thrill of a hot air balloon ride over the countryside
  • Try your hand at sailing on the Norfolk Broads
  • Take a stroll along the famous Cromer Pier
  • Go on a safari at the Africa Alive! Wildlife Park
  • Discover the history of the Roman walled city of Colchester

Week-Long Itinerary for East of England

Here is a week-long itinerary that covers some of the best places to visit in East of England:

  • Day 1: Visit the historic city of Cambridge, including the famous colleges, museums, and art galleries.
  • Day 2: Explore the beautiful Norfolk Broads, and take a boat trip to discover the area’s diverse wildlife.
  • Day 3: Visit the city of Norwich and its impressive medieval cathedral and castle museum.
  • Day 4: Visit the Imperial War Museum in Duxford, one of the best aviation museums in the country.
  • Day 5: Discover the beautiful countryside of Suffolk, including the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
  • Day 6: Visit the seaside town of Cromer and walk down its famous pier or try your luck at its arcades.
  • Day 7: Explore the historic city of Colchester, including its Roman walls, castle, and art galleries.

Food and Drink Scene of East of England

East of England has an abundance of delicious local dishes and beverages to try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Norfolk Smoked Haddock Chowder
  • Essex Jellied Eels
  • Suffolk Ham
  • Bedfordshire Clanger
  • Hertfordshire Pudding
  • Cambridgeshire Lardy Cake

Local Beverages

  • Adnam’s beer from Southwold in Suffolk
  • Cambridge gin from the Cambridge Distillery
  • St. Peters Brewery beers from Bungay in Norfolk
  • Aspall’s cider from Debenham in Suffolk

Where to Stay in East of England: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

East of England has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

  • The Swan Hotel in Lavenham
  • Bull Hotel in Long Melford
  • The Crown Hotel in Southwold
  • The Globe Inn in Wells-next-the-Sea
  • The White Hart Hotel in St Albans

What to Buy in East of England: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some things to take home as souvenirs from East of England:

  • Cambridge Gin
  • Suffolk Cheese
  • Norfolk Lavender
  • Colchester Oysters
  • Football Club scarfs

Local Culture and Customs of East of England

East of England has a rich culture and history that dates back thousands of years. The region celebrates several traditional festivals and events throughout the year, including:

  • King’s Lynn Mart, Norfolk
  • St Edmund’s Weekend, Bury St Edmunds
  • Bury St Edmund’s Christmas Fayre, Bury St Edmunds
  • St George’s Day Parade in Luton

Best Time to Visit East of England

The best time to visit East of England is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild, and the days are longer.

Do’s and Don’ts of East of England

Do:

  • Do explore the region’s beautiful countryside and coastline
  • Do take part in local festivals and events
  • Do try local dishes and beverages

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter the region’s natural landscapes
  • Don’t disturb local wildlife
  • Don’t underestimate the changeable weather

Safety and Health

Safety in East of England

East of England is a safe region to travel to, and crime rates are relatively low in most areas. However, it is always advisable to take the usual precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in cities.

Health in East of England

There are no particular health concerns in East of England. However, it is always advisable to have travel insurance and to consult your doctor about any necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to East of England: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near East of England

  • Luton Airport
  • London Stansted Airport
  • Norwich Airport

Bus Stations Near East of England

  • Coach and Bus Station in Norwich
  • Luton Bus Interchange
  • Bedford Bus Station

Other Options

East Anglia’s main rail lines run between Cambridge and London Liverpool Street Station, and between Norwich and London Liverpool Street Station. The area is also easily accessible by car, as it is served by the M11, A47 and A14 motorways.

How to Get Around in East of England

There are several transportation options for getting around the East of England:

  • Train
  • Bus
  • Taxi
  • Bicycle

Where to Go Next from East of England: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to explore after your visit to East of England:

  • London, UK
  • Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
  • The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
  • The Jurassic Coast, Dorset

Conclusion

East of England is a beautiful region with a wealth of natural and cultural attractions to explore. From the historic cities and towns to the scenic countryside and coastline, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or a lover of great food and drink, East of England is sure to delight and inspire you.

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    Bedfordshire
    Cambridgeshire
    Essex
    Hertfordshire
    Norfolk
    Suffolk