The Best East Anglia Attractions & Activities

Recommended places to visit and things to do throughout East Anglia

Pre-book East of England Attractions, Tours & Experiences


 
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Cambridge University Botanic Garden spans 40 acres of beautiful landscapes showcasing over 8,000 plant species. It offers glasshouses, themed gardens, and tranquil walks, blending scientific discovery with natural beauty in the heart of the city.

  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • architecture
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Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire is a masterpiece of medieval architecture, famed for its soaring octagon tower and intricate carvings. Known as the “Ship of the Fens,” it dominates the skyline and hosts concerts, exhibitions, and services year-round.

Hatfield House

Hatfield

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • architecture
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  • royalty
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Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is a grand Jacobean mansion set in vast gardens and parkland. Famous as the childhood home of Elizabeth I, it features opulent state rooms, fine art, and beautifully landscaped grounds rich in history.

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  • National Trust
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  • art
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  • walking
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Ickworth House in Suffolk is a grand Georgian estate known for its striking Rotunda, art collections and landscaped parkland. Managed by the National Trust, it offers elegant interiors and scenic walks.

IWM Duxford

Duxford

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  • open year round
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  • aviation
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  • military history
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IWM Duxford in Cambridgeshire is Britain’s largest aviation museum, set on a historic RAF airfield. It showcases iconic aircraft from Spitfires to Concorde, alongside military exhibitions, air shows, and hangars full of aviation history.

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  • open year round
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  • architecture
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  • art

King’s College Chapel in Cambridge is a Gothic masterpiece, famed for its soaring fan vault ceiling, medieval stained glass, and world-renowned choir. Set beside the River Cam, it’s an iconic symbol of the city and university.

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • architecture
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  • food & drink
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  • politics
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  • guided tours
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Oliver Cromwell’s House, in Ely, Cambridgeshire, offers an immersive glimpse into 17th-century life. Once the Lord Protector’s family home, it features period rooms, interactive exhibits, and insights into England’s turbulent Civil War era.

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • aviation
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  • military history
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The Shuttleworth Collection in Bedfordshire showcases historic aircraft and vintage vehicles, many still flown or driven today. Set at Old Warden Aerodrome, it combines aviation heritage with beautiful gardens and a Swiss Garden to explore.

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • film & TV
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  • Harry Potter
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Step into the world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near London. Explore iconic sets, costumes, props and behind-the-scenes secrets of filmmaking. Highlights include the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the breathtaking Hogwarts model.

Whipsnade Zoo

Dunstable

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • wildlife
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Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is the UK’s largest zoo, set across 600 acres of parkland. Home to elephants, lions, rhinos, and hundreds more species, it offers safari-style drives, walking trails, and sweeping views over the Chiltern Hills.

Alton Water

Ipswich

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  • open year round
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Suffolk's largest reservoir offers a whole host of activities. Sailing, Windsurfing, fishing, walking & cycling are the most popular. Camping is also offered

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • English Heritage
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  • art
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a grand Jacobean house with much period detail. Explore life below stairs in the service wing and meet the horses in the stable yard

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  • café

come & visit Lord Braybrooke's private steam & diesel railway that runs through pretty woodland for 1.5 miles. Spot the teddy bears that line the route

Helmingham Hall

Stowmarket

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famous for its Grade l listed gardens set within a 400 acre deer park surrounding the moated Tudor Hall. Enchanting herbaceous borders within the walled kitchen garden, also a rose and knot, herb and wild gardens with rare and beautiful plants

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  • open year round
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the most complete Norman cathedral in Europe and a fine example of Romanesque architecture, with over 900 years of history

Sandringham

Sandringham

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  • royalty
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the much loved country retreat of HM Queen Elizabeth ll. Explore objets d'art collected by the Royal family, or browse the classic cars in the Transport Museum

Snape Maltings

Saxmundham

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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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set in Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is the home of the world famous Aldeburgh Music Festival, with many craft shops and art galleries

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gardens created by the award winning, lecturer and plantswoman, Beth Chatto. The 5 main areas all deal with challenging soils and aspects

Abberton Reservoir

Colchester

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  • open year round
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  • wildlife

internationally important wetland site, with up to 40,000 ducks, geese and swans visiting each year with five hides on the site for watching the wide range of wildlife that visit the reservoir

Firstsite

Colchester

  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • art
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  • ceramics
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  • fashion
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  • film & TV
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  • café
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Enjoy the varied programme of exhibitions, films and events. Relax in the new cafe with outdoor balcony seating and find fresh and fun new products in the shop. There is also a children's events programme

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