The Best East Anglia Attractions & Activities

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

a grand Jacobean house with much period detail. Explore life below stairs in the service wing and meet the horses in the stable yard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

this charming hamlet was the inspiration for many of Constable's paintings, famously 'The Hay Wain' and 'Flatford Mill'

boasting the very latest in marine technology creating an underwater tunnel allowing an all-round view of hundreds of species

this early Tudor house has a fine carved oak ceiling and contains exhibits displaying the history of Thetford and Breckland including archaeological and natural history exhibits. There is also a fine herb garden

Anglesey Abbey, near Cambridge, is a Jacobean-style house filled with art and antiques. Surrounded by stunning gardens and the historic Lode Mill, it offers seasonal beauty, from spring blooms to winter light displays.

providing on site information about the canal and sightseeing trips on the historic working boat during the warmer months

Berkhamsted Castle in Hertfordshire is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress dating from the 11th century. Once a royal stronghold, its impressive earthworks and ruins offer a fascinating glimpse into England’s medieval past.

Braintree District Museum highlights the area’s industrial and social heritage, from silk weaving to Crittall windows. Set in a former Victorian school, it offers engaging exhibits, local art, and family-friendly activities.

admire the panoramic vista across the water and the wide variety of wildlife from the Wildlife Centre reached by a boardwalk

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway with a fine collection of diesel and steam locomotives, running between Aylsham and Wroxham

Colchester Castle in Essex is a Norman fortress built on the foundations of a Roman temple. Now a museum, it showcases Roman artefacts, medieval history, and interactive displays, all within the largest surviving Norman keep in Europe.

The De Havilland Aircraft Museum, in Hertfordshire, showcases historic aircraft including the Mosquito, Comet, and Tiger Moth. It celebrates British aviation innovation through interactive displays and restored originals.

Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge, the university’s official church, stands at the city’s heart. Its lofty tower offers panoramic views, while its historic interior has witnessed centuries of academic and civic life.

an elegant Palladian stately home, with a magnificent walled garden, extensive parkland with cycle routes and children's play areas

moated, Tudor manor with fine furniture and paintings, surrounded by period gardens and offering a variety of hands on Education Days for children

Kettle’s Yard, in Cambridge, blends art and domestic charm. Once the home of collector Jim Ede, it houses modern art, sculptures, and natural light-filled spaces, offering a serene experience of creativity and contemplation.

The Lodge Nature Reserve near Sandy is the RSPB’s headquarters and a haven for wildlife. With woodland walks, heathland views and birdwatching hides, it’s perfect for exploring nature in peaceful Bedfordshire surroundings.

the history of horse-racing using the latest inter-active, audio visual technologies and with a fine collection of decorative sporting art

Peckover House & Garden, in Wisbech, is a Georgian townhouse showcasing elegant interiors and tranquil walled gardens. Once home to a Quaker banking family, it reflects refined simplicity and the beauty of 18th-century design.

Peterhouse College, founded in 1284, is the oldest college at the University of Cambridge. Its intimate courts, historic chapel, and beautiful gardens create a tranquil setting that reflects centuries of academic tradition.

wildlife park with a wide range of animals from all over the world. Daily talks and displays. Large children's play area

Southend-on-Sea Pier in Essex is the world’s longest pleasure pier, stretching 1.33 miles into the Thames Estuary. Visitors can walk or take the pier train, enjoying sweeping coastal views and a true seaside experience.

The Polar Museum, in Cambridge, explores the history of Arctic and Antarctic exploration. Its fascinating exhibits include artefacts, maps, and stories of famous expeditions, celebrating human endurance and polar science.

The Round Church in Cambridge, built around 1130, is one of only four Norman round churches in England. Its distinctive shape, inspired by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre, houses exhibits on Cambridge’s history and the spread of Christianity.

The Swiss Garden at Shuttleworth in Bedfordshire is a beautifully restored Regency landscape. With ornate bridges, grottoes and colourful planting, it offers a tranquil and picturesque escape inspired by 19th-century romantic design.

Trinity College, Cambridge is the university’s largest college, founded by Henry VIII in 1546. Famous for its Great Court, Wren Library, and Nobel laureate alumni, it’s a centre of learning set within stunning historic grounds.

This converted barn houses an array of children's play equipment & toys, including a toddler area, slides, soft play & ball pools. Outside, young visitors can enjoy a bouncy castle & an activity garden

surrounded by 30 acres of parkland and home to over 1000 animals including penguins, leopards, fur seals, tigers and zebras

set on a Roman site this farm has many rare breeds that visitors can feed. See sheep shearing, foot trimming, calving & lambing in season

set in a timber framed, thatch roofed 16th Century building with a collection of local artefacts and bygones from local trades

a fine example of a Jacobean mansion displaying fine tapestries & furniture with extensive grounds

a fine collection of roses, wall shrubs, climbers, fruit & vegetables. Visit the arboretum containing over 1000 different species.

experience the power of steam in all its forms, from working locomotives to stationary engines, steam roundabout, traction engines & Royal Coach all in a garden setting.

displaying the history of local industry over the past 200 years. There is a re-created 1920's pharmacy & a 1930's pawnbroker's shop. Further features of this museum include temporary exhibitions.

exciting and ambitious exhibitions depicting the story of the town’s links with the sea and River Colne, including its unique role as a Limb of the Cinque Ports, the only one north of the Thames

spectacular 15th century timber-framed building with a local history museum and walled garden

an impressive, Tudor, merchant's house boasting an attractive garden and some ornate internal panelling and carvings

designed by Humphrey Repton in the nineteenth century with extensive views and magnificent rhododendrons, when in season

one of the most important Anglo-Saxon burial sites in Europe in the form of a group of low grassy mounds overlooking the River Deben

Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds feature colourful flowerbeds, historic abbey ruins and riverside walks. Set in the town centre, these award-winning gardens offer peaceful beauty and heritage in one place.

Aldenham Country Park, in Hertfordshire, offers lakeside walks, woodlands, and family attractions. Visitors can explore the farm, adventure playground, and the enchanting Winnie the Pooh Trail set in peaceful countryside surroundings.

Barleylands Farm Museum in Essex celebrates rural life with displays of vintage farming tools, machinery and crafts. Set within a family-friendly farm park, it offers hands-on learning and a glimpse into agricultural history.

Beccles & District Museum, housed in Leman House, showcases the town’s heritage with exhibits on local industries, river life, costume and community history. Its collections bring the story of this Suffolk market town to life.

Big Sky Adventure Play in Peterborough is a large indoor play centre featuring multi-level soft play zones, slides, and sensory areas. With dedicated toddler spaces and a café, it’s ideal for family fun and active play all year round.

Boydells Dairy Farm in Essex is a working farm where visitors can meet, feed and milk animals. With lambs, goats and ponies, it offers a fun, hands-on countryside experience for families and children.

Brentwood Museum, set in a 19th-century cottage, displays everyday objects from the past. Run by volunteers, it offers a nostalgic glimpse into local life, from domestic items to wartime memorabilia.

The Forest of Marston Vale in Bedfordshire is a community forest with woodlands, wetlands and trails created to restore the landscape. Centred on the Forest Centre & Millennium Country Park, it’s ideal for walking, cycling and wildlife watching.

Gamlingay Wood is an ancient woodland rich in wildlife and seasonal flowers. Managed by the Wildlife Trust, it offers peaceful walking trails and a glimpse of traditional English woodland habitats.

Hollytrees Museum, set in a Georgian townhouse in Colchester, explores 300 years of local life. With period rooms, toys, clocks and family artefacts, it offers a charming glimpse into Colchester’s past. Free entry and set within the scenic Castle Park.

Mead Open Farm near Leighton Buzzard offers interactive animal encounters, indoor play zones and outdoor adventure areas. With seasonal events and hands-on activities, it’s a fun countryside day out for families.

Priory Country Park in Bedford is a 360-acre green space with lakes, meadows and woodland. Built around a former gravel pit, it offers walking and cycling trails, wildlife habitats, fishing and a tranquil escape close to the town centre.

Shaw’s Corner, in Ayot St Lawrence, was the country home of playwright George Bernard Shaw. Preserved as he left it, the house and gardens offer insight into his life, work, and creative retreat.

The Higgins Bedford Museum combines art gallery, museum and local history in a restored Victorian house and brewery. Its collections range from fine art and decorative objects to archaeology and stories of Bedford’s past.

Woodside Animal Farm near Luton offers family-friendly fun with farm animals, play areas and tractor rides. It’s a hands-on day out where children can meet, feed and learn about animals in a safe, rural setting.

Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire is one of Britain’s oldest nature reserves. Its wetlands, reed beds, and waterways shelter rare wildlife, offering boardwalk trails and peaceful glimpses of traditional Fenland landscapes.