Why visit East Anglia?
Fields, fens… and not a hill in sight
East Anglia’s is a subtle beauty. This quiet region of eastern England is feted for its low-lying landscape of big, big skies and a sweeping coastline where sea and sky seem to merge into one.
It’s no secret that East Anglia is Britain’s flattest region – good news for those of you looking for walks and bike rides that won’t leave you worn out at the end of the day.
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Follow in the footsteps of one of England’s greatest painters on the Constable Walk in Suffolk
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Walk the car-free Marriott’s Way in Norfolk
Historic towns
Part of the appeal of rural camping or glamping in East Anglia is the chance to get away from it all, but don’t forget the region’s handsome historic towns.
A typical day in Cambridge could involve punting on The Backs, gazing up at the masonry of King’s College Chapel or taking snaps of the city's Mathematical Bridge. With a little planning, you could combine holidays here with a visit to England’s other illustrious seat of learning, Oxford, a two-hour drive away in Central England.
If you’re looking for cathedrals, meanwhile, you’ve the choice between Peterborough, Norwich, Bury St Edmunds or Ely, where the city’s soaring Norman structure is known as ‘the ship of the Fens’.
The Wash and North Sea coast
Camping in East Anglia also puts you within reach of two splendid stretches of coastline: the quiet and often sandy beaches along the North Sea and The Wash, a large rectangular bay in the region’s north-west corner.
East Anglia has a whole host of excellent seaside resorts to explore, so make sure to go crabbing in Cromer or spend a day admiring Aldeburgh’s pastel-coloured villas while you’re here.
But because East Anglia’s seaside towns are widely spaced out, there are plenty of more secluded beaches in between – ideal for those after quiet seaside camping or undisturbed saltwater swimming.
East Anglia’s best attractions
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Watch (and taste) how beer is made at Greene King Brewery, Bury St Edmunds
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Discover art, architecture and antiquities from all over the world at The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
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Take it easy in the gorgeous green surrounds of East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden, three miles south of Happisburgh
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Speed through the East Anglian countryside between Sheringham and Holt on a North Norfolk Railway steam train
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Take the kids to Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, a few miles north of Ipswich
Unexplored East Anglia
Traditional transport
From the fantastic RAF flying machines that grace the skies over Cambridgeshire to the skiffs and sailboats that glide through the Norfolk Broads, East Anglia is a region rich in transport traditions.
To find out more, head to the Ipswich Transport Museum, the East Anglia Transport Museum in Lowestoft or the American Air Museum near Cambridge. Alternatively, charter your own boat in Wroxham, or, for something more modern, set off to Go Ape Thetford to try their off-road segways.
The best bric-à-brac
East Anglia’s excellent range of vintage centres and retro shops have placed the region on the radar of collectors, who flock to antiques hubs like Clare, Long Melford near Sudbury, Beccles and Holt. If you’re happiest when haggling, it’s good to know that the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire areas also have a lively car boot circuit.
Paddling through the Fens and Broads
When you feel it’s time to tune into nature, it’s time to book a pitch by one of East Anglia’s waterways and get out paddling.
Whether you have your eye on outdoor breaks near The Broads National Park or lesser-known spots like the Waveney Valley or the Fenland District, have a look at our selection of sites close to places where you can hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
Here’s how
Have a play with our filters to find the site that’s right for you or read on for some of our most popular options:
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Book an electric pitch in East Anglia
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Browse Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire’s best dog-friendly parks
Finally, for more inspiration, practical help or tips and tricks, have a browse of our camping guide.
