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The East Anglia Travel Guide explores the east of England, the region has the Norfolk Broads in the north, Cambridgeshire in the West and Colchester in the south. The region does not have the large metropolitan cities that are evident elsewhere in the UK, which is reflected in the relaxed atmosphere. The best known places here are Cambridge, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich, East Anglia enjoys a climate that is better than most of the UK.



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East Anglia Guide

Overview and Attractions
East Anglia Hotels
East Anglia Map
East Anglia Weather
Flight Search



Overview and Attractions

Colchester is Britain’s oldest recorded town and the original Roman capital, it has the largest surviving Norman keep in Europe. Colchester has a rich and well documented history, Colchester museum is a popular place to visit whilst in the town, and it covers Colchester’s varied history. Many of Colchester’s ancient buildings remain to the present day and these are open to tour, the Town Hall is also a prominent place to visit. Whilst the town is steeped in history is does also have a modern feel to it. It is also a university town thanks to the University of Essex ensuring there is also a modern vibe. The zoo is located on the outskirts of Colchester, it plays a leading role in international breeding programmes and runs educational courses on various aspects of wildlife.

The world famous university town of Cambridge is at the heart of the fens that are open flat land that used to be under water. With the land so flat it takes it ideal for cycling, you do not have to be a cycling enthusiast to enjoy cycling here. The atmosphere in tranquil and classical Cambridge comes from its thriving arts and culture scene, knowledge and fun from the university based here. The relaxed atmosphere, calm and wonderful surroundings have long seen admired by others cities with perhaps a passing hint of envy. When compared to its scholarly rival Oxford, you find Cambridge to be smaller and it is fortunate to have a charm and atmosphere that characterises places of this size. Cambridge is not just for book worms either, the great outdoors are in their element here. A lot of the colleges here on the River Cam and have great lawns that go all the way down to the river banks. The archetypal picture perfect postcard seen can be viewed here especially in the summer where many an afternoon can be spent relaxing on the river bank. You can enjoy a cruise on the River Cam and see Cambridge in its glory, you can also relax and watch the world go by at a quayside pub.

Many visitors enjoy wondering around the historic cobblestone streets of Cambridge of visiting any of the 31 colleges- The King’s College is one of the most famous to visit. Other Cambridge’s highlights are the Fitzwilliam Museum, which has a most impressive collection of antiquities and includes works of art by Rembrandt and Turner to name but a few. The Saxon Church of St. Ben’s has now been amalgamated with the university and is linked by a passageway that dates back to the 16th century. There is also a market held in the square outside Great St. Mary’s Church. For further information please see:

Visit Cambridge

The delightful county of Cambridgeshire is host to one of most beautiful small cities you will find anywhere, Ely. The spectacular cathedral dominates all around it you can explore the narrow streets that are lined with historic buildings, famous residents include Oliver Cromwell. St. Ives is a riverside market town and nearby Huntingdon is the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell and you can visit his museum in the school he attended. St. Neots is the largest town in the county, here you can enjoy a stroll in the Riverside Park. The town of Wisbech, is at the heart of a fruit and flower growing area in the county. The town offers fine examples Georgian street architecture in the UK such as the North Brink and Museum Square.

Heritage Britain

In the county of Suffolk, you can visit the remains of the abbey can be visit at the historic and attractive market town of Bury St. Edmunds. Those that enjoy racing are well catered for at the National Horse Racing Museum in Newmarket, seen as birthplace racing. Thetford Forest has good walking routes, cycling and other activities. The coast is a delight the best exploring is to be found on Suffolk Coast Walk. Aldeburgh is a quiet and scenic seaside town that makes for a relaxing, enjoyable visit.

Bury St. Edmund’s is situated in the heart of East Anglia. It is a picturesque town, it has been around since medieval times. Historic parts of the original Bury St. Edmunds Abbey remain, these include St. James’ Tower that dates back to the 12th century and the gatehouse dates back to the 14th century and links the Abbey Gardens to Angel Hill. The Abbey Gardens surround the ruins, are very much a now a beauty spot with wonderful floral displays, they are popular with visitors. The Art Gallery gives you the opportunity to see new artists with new work and new ideas. There are works from both home grown UK and overseas artists and designers. For further information please see:

Bury St Edmunds Art Gallery

If you like places that are charming and have a penchant for the arts, Norwich is worth visiting. The city was once one of the largest and prosperous cities in Norman England and has undergone a transformation from a predominantly textile and industrial city in to its current guise as a modern cosmopolitan boom area that is flying high. In Norwich you can walk to a lot of the attractions and major landmarks. The highlights include the Clock Tower, Norwich Castle and Cathedral. History has been well preserved here and Norwich’s ancient buildings and streets are on the whole still in tact, it all adds to the experience when visiting. Despite having examples of the ancient city of Norwich, there are also modern buildings such as The Forum and the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, located in the University of East Anglia. For those that like nightlife, Norwich has a hip club scene and it seen as one of the best in the region.

Visit Norwich

East Anglia has a delightful coastline stretching some 250 miles from The Wash to the River Thames. It can be argued the areas are not overly commercial and the beaches are unspoilt, add the crumbling cliffs for scenery and mudflats and salt marshes and you have a region that has its own character and fell. There are areas that have been designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, the region is popular among sailing enthusiasts, birdwatchers and botanists, given the plethora of flora and fauna in the region.
The coastline is dynamic and constantly evolving. In some areas the sea is retreating, that results in salt marshes and marshes whilst in other areas, the sea is gaining inwards. This has given rise to East Anglia’s constantly evolving coastline.

Accommodation in the East Anglia region is available to suit all budgets from those on a budget to those looking for more luxury. It is worth remembering to ensure your hotel is not too far away from where you need to get to, this can save a great deal of time each day in travelling to and from your hotel. It is wise to do your research and ensure your hotel is actually located at a convenient location and offers the amenities you require. There are budget, mid range and exclusive hotels available in East Anglia, for further information please see:

Norfolk Hotels

For Suffolk Hotels please see:

Suffolk Hotels


Cycling is a very popular way to see the region, the gentle terrain and wonderful countryside make it an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are many regional cycle routes in the area, considering the region has thousands of miles of quiet country lanes, it is perfect to explore further on two wheels.

East Anglia makes for a relaxing and tranquil holiday destination. The East Anglia Travel Guide has introduced you to a region famous for its rich history, charming towns and gentle English countryside that makes it aesthetically pleasing. It is ideal for those that prefer to say away from big cities and commercialised resorts.

East Anglia Travel Guide

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East Anglia Map
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