We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to the East Anglia region, these include:
Ely Cathedral dates back to the 11th century, located a short drive from Cambridge city, and began life as a monastery in AD 673. The cathedral is full of history and is known for its fine architecture. There are three services held here daily and are open to all. Those wanting to know more can go on one of the guided tours available around the year. The cathedral also has meeting and seminar rooms and a banqueting area that can be hired out.
Oliver Cromwell's House is located in the in the East Anglia heartland, it has witnessed a number of changes over the years, formerly it has been an inn called The Cromwell Arms and has also served as the vicarage for St. Mary's church. Visitors to the house will be able to recreate the life and times of Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader. Whilst the haunted bedroom tells the story of Oliver Cromwell's death.
Historic Peterborough Cathedral is an attraction worth seeing for visitors, dating back to the 13th century, the western front is deemed as being among the most impressive feats of medieval architecture in Britain. The three story nave benefits from a timber ceiling, it still retains much of the original painted decoration. This historic cathedral is certainly an impressive sight and is steeped in history, it is arguably among the most beautiful cathedrals in the UK.
Fitzwilliam Museum is home to some of the finest art works and treasures in the UK with a number of notable collections from Turner and Rembrandt to name but a few. The museum includes a range of collections with antiques from around the world including Roman, Greek and Egyptian.
Primavera art gallery, located opposite King's College in the centre of Cambridge there are wonderful views of the College from the gallery. Primavera is a favourite among art enthusiasts; the gallery and shop, bring together a refined exploration into some of the finest art and crafts in the UK. Primavera contains a number of highly acclaimed selections of ceramics, glass, antiques, furniture, metals and textiles. The gallery showcases artistic British talent with a varied range of works and collections for visitors to explore.
The 17th century Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property that was a one time the home of Rudyard Kipling's daughter. Located a few miles outside the city of Cambridge, the historic house is an impressive sight, with scenic gardens and parks. Over the years some illustrious names in English architecture have been associated with the house these include James Gibbs and Sir John Soane. Visitors will find a mix of formal Victorian parterres, Dutch Gardens and arboretum in the gardens.
Wimpole Home Farm is located beside the historic house, it was a model farm that became established in 1794. Currently it operates as a centre for breeds centre and as a home to heavy horses. The farm also features a Victorian Dairy, a thatched Great Barn and a children's play area. For energetic visitors or those that wish to participate in some scenic countryside walking, there is the 13 mile long Wimpole Way, which leads from Cambridge to Wimpole Hall. The walk takes you through rolling countryside, historic villages and areas of ancient woodland.
Visitors to Cambridge can visit one of the colleges that make up the world famous Cambridge University. There are in excess of 30 colleges that fall under the umbrella of Cambridge University each is an independent entity in its own right with its own distinct style and history. Visitors can take a tour of Trinity College founded back in 1546. Inside visitors will enter via the Great Gate above which is a statue of the founder of the college King Henry VIII. The Great Court is the largest court in any of the various colleges at Cambridge and Oxford, there is also the Clock Tower and the Fountain for visitors to see and much more during the tour.
Elton Hall is located on a large countryside estate among woodland and scenic countryside close to Peterborough. Located in an impressive setting, the centrepiece is the impressive Hall that includes elements of styles from the 15th and 17th centuries. Highlights in the Hall include the Marble Room, Drawing Room and the Library. There are impressive collections of books and furniture. Outside the Gardens offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy a stroll in scenic surroundings taking in the history and tradition of the surroundings. Elton Hall and the surrounding woodland and countryside offer visitors a fine heritage attraction in the county.
Imperial War Museum Buford is located close to the village of Buford in East Anglia, 10 miles from Cambridge. The museum is home to approx 200 aircraft, vehicles and naval vassals. Set on the grounds of a former World War I and World War II airfield, the museum includes a range of interactive exhibitions that bring history to life. Famous collections include Land Warfare with some of the best known tanks, military vehicles and artillery on show.
The 1940 Operation Room shows how the RAF’s fighter aircraft were directed in to combat during the Battle of Britain. The Battle of Britain exhibition recounts the people and the aircraft that defended Britain during the Blitz and the Battle of Britain during World War II. The American Air Museum includes the largest collection of US military aircraft in Europe including aircraft from World War II and the cold war era. The museum hosts a number of air shows each year that include a number of exciting flying displays with events and activities to enjoy for the whole family.
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is located at the University of Cambridge. Opened back in 1884 and over the years the museum has showcased the University’s collection of archaeological artefacts from around the world and local antiquities. The museum includes a range of changing exhibitions that include both a local and international theme.
Housed over 3 floors, on the ground floor is the Clarke Gallery that includes British and World archaeology. On the first floor is the Maudslay Gallery that includes displays of art and material culture from all over world. Highlights include artefacts from the voyages of Cook and highly regarded sculptures from native Americans, Asia and Africa. On the second floor is the Andrews Gallery that houses temporary exhibits, that exhibits are based on the research of students and curators.
The Norfolk Broads are famous for the wonderful scenery on show, there are several wildlife reserves, including a floating conservation Centre at Ranworth. With a nature trail running from the centre, walkers can explore the local fen vegetation and birdlife. The RSPB runs a bird reserve at Strumpshaw located close to the city of Norwich, Strumpshaw Fen is a great place to fully explore the great diversity of habitats and wildlife. Visitors can walk around the reed beds and woodlands and see the enchanting marsh harriers, kingfishers, and if you are lucky see the elusive Chinese water deer. During the spring and summer there are many butterflies and dragonflies in the area.
Sandringham is located in Norfolk and is the country retreat of the Queen. Sandringham has served as the private home to generations of royalty. The house is set in 60-acre gardens which have been described as among the finest of the royal gardens.
There is also a museum of Royal vehicles and mementoes, the principal ground floor apartments with collections of porcelain, jade and family portraits among others, these are open to the public from Easter to October. The Visitor Centre contains a gift shop offering a wide range of gifts and local foods, whilst the Plant Centre has produce from the Sandringham greenhouses. The restaurant that serves both hot and cold food. Private and corporate dinners and special occasions can be arranged with the restaurant.
Norwich Cathedral is one of the best known landmarks in the city; it has great history and presence and adds to the historic nature of the city. There are some interesting features of the cathedral the preservation of the original floor plan created by Bishop Herbert de Losinga. Some of the oldest stained glass in Norwich Cathedral, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, can be viewed in the ambulatory. The impressive nature of the building reflects the aim to both educate and impress. Some of the decoration dates back to the 12th century; impressive given in 1272 the majority of the cathedral was damaged by fire and subsequent repairs entailed redecoration.
Visitors can see a reconstruction of a historical Anglo-Saxon village at the West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, that is built on an original settlement site. Visitors thus have the chance to experience Anglo-Saxon houses and imagine what life in one of the villages would have been like all those years ago. The original settlement was occupied around AD 450 - 650, settlers came along the river Lark, West Stow is one of very few Anglo-Saxon villages that have been excavated and studied closely. Visitors can see the original objects that made up day to day living at the village. The finds from the site are displayed and interpreted at the Anglo-Saxon Centre. This Centre with its rare objects is the final piece in the jigsaw to recreating the village and life as it would have been all those years ago.
Framlingham Castle provides a great day out for the whole family with some spectacular views here to enjoy. With 900 years of history there is plenty to discover here, children will enjoy the activity books available for children and visitors can take the interactive audio tour to learn more about the castle and its long history. It is a 12th century castle marked out by a continuous curtain wall linking thirteen large towers. Framlingham is an imposing site and would make for a lovely afternoon out in pleasant surroundings in Suffolk.
It is recommended that prior to visiting East Anglia; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.
Despite having a relatively low profile as a holiday and short breaks destination East Anglia has plenty to offer visitors. The region has its own charm and character and its lack of large cities and more relaxing pace of life ensures the region is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the best of the great outdoors combining the Norfolk Broads with the attractions of Norwich and the charm of the villages and towns in the region. There are a choice of historic attractions including Sandringham, including museums, galleries and castles. East Anglia’ attractions ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
