5 beautiful places to visit in East Anglia
With everything from beach holidays to rural escapes, East Anglia is a great place in which to take a break. Numerous attractions can be found across the area, with many exciting things to see and do. Here are just a few.
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Leigh-on-Sea is a picturesque town, situated west of Southend. Based on a traditional fishing village, many of the buildings in this beautiful town date from medieval times. Numerous fishing and cockling fleets still operate in the village, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year.
There’s plenty to see and do in Leigh-on-Sea, with nature reserves, pubs and restaurants, open spaces and a wide variety of wildlife. Many festivals are held in the town every year, so keep an eye on the calendar when planning your visit.
Holkham Hall, Norfolk
Surrounded by acres of parkland, Holkham Hall is in the perfect location for a lovely day out. You can take in the rich wildlife in the grounds or visit the nearby North Norfolk coast with its stunning beach.
The magnificent Palladian Mansion and Bygones Museum are well worth a visit for history lovers. You can also pay a visit to the 18th century walled gardens, which are currently being restored. This top tourist site has something for everyone.
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
After spending decades behind closed gates, Wrest Park has been revived by English Heritage and now stands as one of Britain’s largest ‘secret gardens’.
90 acres of lush green countryside surround a beautiful French-style mansion – the perfect spot for locals and tourists alike. The recently-restored Italian Garden and Rose Garden are also well worth a visit.
The Waterside, Rollesby
Nestled amongst the stunning surroundings of the Rollesby Broad, The Waterside is an amazing place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The tranquil landscape can be explored on a relaxing boat tour, or you can hire your own row boat and enjoy a pre-packed lunch while you soak up the surroundings.
There is also a specially designed bird hide, where you can spot some of the many species which inhabit the Broad all year round. The high quality restaurant provides a great way to round off the day.
Bawdsey Manor, Suffolk
Built in the 1890s, Bawdsey Manor is a large and beautiful house set in 150 acres of historic parkland. It has seen its fair share of famous inhabitants over the years and the guided tours, which are available at the site, come highly recommended.
The Manor Estate has spectacular views over the River Deben Estuary and the gardens are a lovely place to explore on a sunny day. Take a look at the 4 acre walled garden, which has been providing fruit, vegetables and flowers to the local community for many years.
Alexanders International School (www.alexandersschool.com) is on the Bawdsey Manor Estate, surrounded by the picturesque landscape of the grounds. Visit the website for more information.
If you’re planning a trip to East Anglia, you can find out more about the best places to visit online. From stately homes to seaside venues, there’s bound to be somewhere you’ll enjoy.
Useful Links
Visit East Anglia
Tourist information for the area
East Anglian Daily Times
News for the East Anglia region
Traveline East Anglia
Information on journeys in the South, East and Midlands, UK