The Best of East Anglia | Recommended Places to Stay & Visit

The Best East Anglia Hotels

Check out our editors' handpicked hotel recommendations throughout East Anglia and explore a wide choice of special collections, including luxury hotels, family-friendly hotels, budget hotels, country house hotels, spa hotels and much more...

The Best East Anglia Bed & Breakfasts

For a more personal travel experience, check out our editors' recommended B&Bs and guest house accommodation throughout East Anglia, including special collections of luxury, country and city centre B&Bs.

The Best East Anglia Pub Accommodation

Offering a less formal environment than most hotels, the traditional British pub, often with a surprisingly good restaurant, is a great place to relax at the end of the day. Check out our editors' recommended inns and pubs with rooms throughout East Anglia.

Aldeburgh

Aldeburgh, a charming coastal town in Suffolk, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque scenery. Famous for its annual Aldeburgh Festival of music, the town was home to composer Benjamin Britten, a key figure in 20th-century classical music. Visitors enjoy its pebble beach, historic buildings, and vibrant arts scene, alongside fresh seafood from local fishermen.

Cambridge

Cambridge is globally renowned for its prestigious university, founded in 1209. Characterised by beautiful architecture, including the iconic King's College Chapel, the city blends academic excellence with rich cultural traditions. Alongside its numerous colleges, Cambridge offers lush parks, museums, and the scenic River Cam, popular for punting, attracting students and tourists alike.

Clacton-on-Sea

Clacton-on-Sea, a vibrant seaside town in Essex, is famous for its Victorian pier, sandy beaches, and lively seafront attractions. Established as a holiday destination in 1871, it offers a range of entertainment, from amusement arcades to theatres and gardens. Popular with families, Clacton hosts an annual air show and provides a typical British seaside experience with its promenade and fish and chips.

Colchester

Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, is steeped in history dating back to Roman times. Located in Essex, it's renowned for its well-preserved Norman castle, Roman ruins, and vibrant cultural scene. The town boasts a zoo, numerous parks, and a variety of arts and entertainment venues. Colchester combines historic charm with modern amenities, offering a unique blend of past and present.

Cromer

Cromer, a picturesque coastal town in Norfolk, is famed for its historic pier, home to a unique lifeboat station and Pavilion Theatre. Renowned for delicious, locally caught crabs, Cromer's culinary scene is a highlight. With a rich Victorian heritage, the town offers beautiful beaches, cliff-top walks, and a traditional seaside atmosphere.

Ely

Ely is a small city renowned for its magnificent cathedral, with a unique octagonal tower and known as the "Ship of the Fens" for its towering presence amid flat landscapes. Rich in history, Ely was once an island in marshy fenlands. It offers a blend of medieval architecture, a bustling market, and a peaceful riverside.

Great Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth, a coastal town in Norfolk, boasts a rich maritime history and classic seaside charm. Known for its long sandy beach and historic Pleasure Beach amusement park, the town is a hub for family-friendly entertainment. It features a well-preserved medieval town wall, the Time and Tide Museum, and scenic waterways.

Lavenham

Lavenham, in Suffolk, is a characteristic medieval village, famed for its well-preserved half-timbered houses and rich wool trade history. This picturesque village boasts over 300 listed buildings, including the striking Guildhall and St. Peter and St. Paul's Church. Lavenham's charming streets, local artisan shops, and traditional tea rooms offer a glimpse into England's splendid Tudor past.

Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes in East Anglia, form one of the UK’s most picturesque and biodiverse wetlands. This extensive area, created by medieval peat excavations, offers a unique landscape of waterways, marshes, and woodlands. Popular for boating, birdwatching, and leisurely walks, the Broads provide a tranquil retreat with rich flora and fauna.

Norfolk Coast

The Norfolk Coast is celebrated for its striking natural beauty and diverse wildlife. This coastline, part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, features expansive sandy beaches, salt marshes, and charming seaside towns. It's a haven for birdwatching and coastal walks, with iconic landmarks like Blakeney Point and Holkham Beach. Its rich ecology and scenic landscapes draw visitors seeking tranquility and nature.

Norwich

Norwich, a vibrant city in Norfolk, is distinguished by its rich history and cultural heritage. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Norwich Cathedral and the 12th-century castle, the city blends historic charm with modern vitality. Home to a bustling market, numerous museums, and the University of East Anglia, Norwich offers a dynamic blend of arts, education, and commerce.

Southwold

Southwold, a charming coastal town in Suffolk, is famous for its classic seaside charm and unique attractions. The town boasts colourful beach huts, a historic pier with an amusement arcade, and the iconic Southwold Lighthouse. Known for its pristine sandy beach and Adnams Brewery, Southwold offers a traditional British seaside experience with a touch of sophistication.

Suffolk Coast

The Suffolk Coast is a picturesque stretch of coastline known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes. This region offers long sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and tranquil estuaries, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and birdwatching. The coastal towns of Aldeburgh, Southwold, and Lowestoft are highlights, each with its own unique charm and attractions, making the Suffolk Coast a popular destination for visitors.