IT SEEMS my holiday hotspot is set to become busy in 2025, after East Anglia was named one of the top 10 regions worldwide to visit this year.
I’ve heard some critics say it’s flat and boring, but they don’t know what they’re missing – it’s better than Cornwall if you want to beat the summer crowds.
My holiday hotspot has been recognised as one of the best in the UK[/caption]
There are plenty of sandy beaches to choose from along the coast[/caption]
Luckily there’s loads of lovely locations across Norfolk and Suffolk, so hopefully holidaymakers won’t all flock to one or two places as there’s something for everyone in these crowd-pleasing counties.
I’ve been visiting several times a year for two decades of staycays so I know all the best bits, whether you love coast, countryside or city.
If you’re after somewhere unique, you should head to Southwold with its eccentric Under the Pier show filled with wacky one-of-a-kind interactive machines.
You can also take a tour of the Adnams Distillery and find out how your favourite spirits are created.
For a family-friendly beach break, I would choose Gorleston, just below Great Yarmouth.
It’s the quintessential British seaside resort, with a model boating lake, kiddy splashpad, arcade, bandstand overlooking the sea and entertainment venues including the pavilion and nearby theatre.
Last year, we spent a weekend in Norwich, soaking up its chilled-out city vibe.
I loved checking out the Sainsbury Centre’s sculpture park around a lake, with plenty of grass and green spaces for the boys to run around.
In the city centre, you can check out the castle, which is currently undergoing renovation and plans to reopen its keep this spring.
But even though I’ve visited loads of East Anglia already, there’s so much to do here that there’s still bits on my bucket list.
East Anglia has some incredible countryside views[/caption]
This year I’m aiming to make it to Hunstanton as that’s one part of the coast I haven’t seen yet.
For young families, head for one of the many visitor attractions that make for a fun day out.
Roarr! Dinosaur Park near Norwich was a firm favourite with my boys, especially as we visited in the summer when the splashpad was running.
It also has a great indoor softplay as well as lots of huge dinosaur models to check out.
BeWilderwood is another attraction aimed at younger visitors, with natural play equipment under the forest canopy and a fairytale feel that families love.
You can get back to nature too with plenty of walking in nature reserves[/caption]
If you want to get back to nature, you’re spoilt for choice all over East Anglia as it has amazing landscapes and nature reserves to get far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I loved spotting the seals basking on the sand at Blakeney Point, although obviously visitors should keep their distance from these gentle creatures to avoid causing any stress to the animals.
Another tourist attraction that is worth a visit is Sutton Hoo near Ipswich, where the remains of an Anglo-Saxon burial ground were discovered 85 years ago.
Time Team plans to return to this National Trust site this summer to carry out more archaeological work, but there’s also acres of green space for children to let off steam once they’ve had enough history.
A secret spot that we stumbled across was Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve near Lowestoft, which has a great wooden playground outside its visitor centre and lots of boardwalks around the site to spot wildlife.
It’s a tranquil spot if you’ve had enough tourist trail for a while.
With timeless townscapes, stunning coastlines, inland adventures and a vibe that harks back to the England of days gone by, it’s no wonder that East Anglia secured a place in the Lonely Planet must-visit list for 2025.
Here Are Our Recommendations for Norfolk
Writer and Norfolk resident Toni Jones gives us the lowdown of where to eat and drink in the county
- Local bakery Bread Source is a Norfolk institution, with THE BEST sourdough and locations throughout Norwich (the Cathedral Cafe location is really special)
- The Grosvenor Fish Bar is the city’s trendiest chippy (gluten-free available!)
- Eric’s Fish and Chips is a staple for glampers and beach-lovers in North Norfolk
- Head to Meadowsweet in Holt for a special occasion (advance booking is 100% needed and you can book one of the bedrooms upstairs for a super special occasion)
- Take your mates and your pup to The Brisley Bell in Dereham for an all-day Sunday roast
- And The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough is a critics fave for food and atmosphere, also dog-friendly and they host all kinds of fun events
- Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy Turkish food at Haggle.
- Also in Norwich we love the cheese room at Jarrolds department store (because… a room full of cheese), brunch at Cafe 33 (two locations, no bookings but worth the queue) and The Ivy Brasserie for a glamorous lunch.
- Cake-lovers need to track down Matilda Rose Bakes (available at various establishments around Norfolk), and cruffins from the microbakery at Hempnall are a total Saturday morning treat (the only day it’s open!)
- For fun vibes head to Yarm in the Royal Arcade for two-floors of street food, craft beers, self-service wine and the best in mixology or Junkyard Market for more street food and drink and live music events.
- And a Norwich night always seems to end with a nightcap at Gonzo’s Tea Room.
There are plenty of beautiful beach spots to choose from[/caption]
