Norfolk and Suffolk : A Destination Guide

The ancient kingdom of East Anglia forms that easily-identifiable ‘hump’ on England’s east side. It offers a range of holidays for those wishing to holiday on home turf and get to know their country a little better.

With popular seaside resorts such as Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Felixstowe, East Anglia is an ideal destination for those looking for a traditional holiday with easy access to wide, sandy beaches. If your family likes to get out and about, East Anglia’s flat countryside is perfect for cyclists who want to take in some of the UK’s most spectacular scenery. Routes are gentle and suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.

The Fenland Experience

East Anglia’s flatness is the result of reclaiming ancient marshland for farming purposes. Drainage has produced an extensive network of marshes throughout the region known as The Fens. The Fenland Waterways provide a perfect opportunity for another kind of holiday. Boating on the Norfolk Broads is popular, giving visitors a river’s-eye view of the wildlife and flora. There are plenty of opportunities to rent boats for a day, giving you a chance to experience the Fenlands and Norfolk Broads at a gentler pace.

A continental influence

As you travel through East Anglia, you might be forgiven for thinking you were abroad. There is an obvious Dutch influence in much of the local architecture. This is  particularly noticeable in the red-tiled roofs. It was Dutch technology that helped to reclaim the marshes, and the workers left their mark on the region.

With so much to see and do, we’ve compiled some of the popular and interesting activities to make your choices easier:

1. The Norfolk Broads If your ideal holiday involves spending time on the river, then be sure to visit the Norfolk Broads. The waterways are over 125 miles long, and many parts are impossible to access by car. Hiring or chartering a boat will give you the opportunity to view rare and exciting wildlife such as otters. There’s also very little artificial lighting in the area. So if you are a keen stargazer then take your telescope with you, as the Broads will give you an opportunity to get the most from the night skies.
2. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway Norfolk’s flat landscape makes it an ideal destination for families who want to see more than just spectacular beaches and a rugged coastline. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway runs from King’s Lynn, through Cromer and on to Great Yarmouth. Along the way it gives you a chance to see some of the most inspiring scenery in the UK. There are a variety of places to stop and explore, and the virtual lack of any hills makes the Cycleway suitable for cyclists of all abilities.
3. Take a trip on a steam train An enchanting trip on a steam train is a great way to turn a sight-seeing expedition into a memorable and magical experience. Norfolk has four heritage railways to choose from, each taking you through some incredible landscapes. You can choose from the Mid-Norfolk Railway, The North Norfolk Railway (also known as the Poppy Line), and the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway. The Bure Valley Railway runs right through the heart of the Broads.
4. Visit Sutton Hoo Sutton Hoo is one of the world’s most famous burial sites. Here you’ll find a rare Anglo-Saxon ship burial, and the final resting place of Raewald, an Anglo-Saxon king. Families can also experience what it was like to live in the Dark Ages. West Stow offers a carefully reconstructed village where you can explore houses and soak up the sights, sounds and even the smells of Saxon life. Re-enactors give the experience extra authenticity.
5. The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts is a hub of music, comedy, art and community events and classes. Named after the much-loved radio DJ, the John Peel Centre is situated in an historic corn hall. It provides a focus for all things artistic throughout East Anglia.

With so much to see and do, one visit to Norfolk and Suffolk is never enough. We offer a wide range of luxury cottages throughout the region, available all year round. You can to be close to a beach, in the middle of a town or somewhere much more secluded. But no matter where you are, you’ll find Norfolk and Suffolk an inspirational destination filled with some unexpected delights!