Original article written in French
Steeped in history, shaped by religious events and Norman invasions, East Anglia remains surprisingly overlooked by travellers discovering England — despite being just two hours from London! Join us on a fascinating road trip through architectural gems, national parks, seaside escapes, and cultural treasures.
Artistic and Historic Towns
First stop, just northeast of London: Cambridge. Famous for its world-renowned universities — some of which occasionally open to visitors (check timings and guided tours) — the city has welcomed scientific legends such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking. It's the perfect place to soak up a “Harry Potter-esque” atmosphere, with glowing brick buildings at sunset, quaint shops, students cycling past, and cosy traditional restaurants (The Eagle pub is particularly iconic). To make the most of your stay, book a room at the elegant University Arms Hotel, enjoy views over Parker’s Piece, wander the city’s charming streets, and don’t miss “The Backs” — the scenic riverside walk along the Cam, which you can explore by punt (a traditional flat-bottomed boat). For a more contemporary touch, pay a visit to Kettle’s Yard, the former home of H.S. “Jim” Ede, once a curator at the Tate Gallery. Now a museum, it showcases the personal collection he amassed throughout his life — from Miró and Henry Moore to more obscure early 20th-century British artists.
Just 90 minutes’ drive away lies Norwich, packed with cultural and historical delights. Even your hotel stay comes with a history lesson: the Maids Head Hotel claims to be the oldest in the UK — nearly 800 years old! Directly opposite stands Norwich Cathedral, over 900 years old and inspired by the Norman Abbey of Fécamp. Its towering spire (the second tallest in the country, after Salisbury), its Anglo-Norman nave, and the largest cloister in England will leave a lasting impression.
Another must-see is Norwich Castle, a major fortress ordered by William the Conqueror in 1067. Over the centuries, it evolved into a royal palace, a prison, and now a museum. Following extensive renovations, the castle is set to reopen in summer 2025, restored to its former glory with incredible attention to detail — from historical materials and colour schemes to immersive visitor experiences.
But Norwich is more than its cathedral and castle! Explore the city’s thriving arts scene, savour local cuisine in its many restaurants, and browse the vibrant, centuries-old market, one of the oldest in the country.
Cathedral-Hopping Continues…
If you believe, like us, that one can never visit too many cathedrals, head north of Cambridge to Ely Cathedral. Built on a site that once hosted two monasteries, Ely is another medieval masterpiece combining Romanesque and Gothic styles — though much of the visible decoration dates to the Victorian era. Marvel at the dramatic octagonal lantern, the intricately carved choir (look for the hidden panels in the upper levels), and the painted nave ceiling depicting the life of Christ.
Roughly halfway between Cambridge and Norwich lies Bury St Edmunds, a town steeped in medieval history. Its crowning glory was once its Benedictine Abbey, founded in the 11th century and among the richest in England — and the fourth richest in Europe. Though in ruins today, it drew pilgrims from around the world to honour St Edmund, the martyred king. The town is full of hidden gems, which you can uncover on themed guided tours run by the local tourist office. Don’t miss quirky spots like The Nutshell, Britain’s smallest pub — just under 10 square metres — open since 1867!
Peace and Quiet on the Water
No visit to East Anglia would be complete without a nature-filled escape. Just beyond Norwich lies The Broads, a wildlife-rich wetland region straddling Norfolk and Suffolk. Criss-crossed by waterways (locally known as “broads”), it’s the largest protected wetland in Britain and home to over a quarter of the country’s rare species.
To explore, hire a small boat (no licence required!) and meander along the tranquil River Waveney, flanked by reeds and teeming with wildlife. You’ll pass kayaks and paddleboarders on your way to The Locks Inn, a charming riverside pub that was bought by the local community in 2020 — it’s now owned by over 1,600 shareholders!
From here, it’s just a short drive to the Suffolk Coast, where the North Sea laps against historic seaside towns. Head south to Thorpeness, once designed as a holiday village for affluent families. Today, it’s perfect for a stroll or a row on its ornamental lake — originally part of the Hundred River — and to admire the quirky House in the Clouds, a whimsical waterside home.
Just 3km down the coast, don’t miss Aldeburgh, with its colourful seafront houses, traditional fisherman’s huts on the pebble beach, and — a must — some of the best fish and chips in the country. Foodies will love The Lighthouse, where French chef Thierry Aubugeau brings a local twist to British cuisine, with plenty of veggie and vegan options. The Suffolk is another standout, showcasing regional produce in elegant dishes like roast cod with samphire, stuffed chicken, or pan-fried asparagus.
Aldeburgh is also where renowned composer Benjamin Britten settled in 1957 with his partner Peter Pears. Their home, now open to the public, is filled with artwork and contains a treasure trove of archives — including personal letters from Queen Elizabeth II, a close friend of Britten.
Embrace Rural England
For a taste of bucolic charm, East Anglia’s countryside is as picture-perfect as they come. It inspired landscape painter John Constable, who famously painted en plein air (outdoors) and influenced French artists from the Barbizon school. Visit Flatford, his childhood home, to see the real-life landscapes behind the masterpieces.
Continue on to Lavenham, once one of England’s wealthiest villages in the 15th century, thanks to the wool trade. It produced the famed Lavenham blue cloth, dyed with woad imported from Toulouse. The wealth is still visible today in its crooked, timber-framed houses — a time capsule of medieval elegance. Don’t miss a guided tour to uncover the town hall, historic merchants’ homes, and the luxurious Swan Hotel. It’s no wonder Harry Potter fans might recognise it — Lavenham doubled as Godric’s Hollow in the films.
Before leaving, be sure to try a truly local surprise: English wine. Thanks to changing climates and expert producers, the UK is gaining global attention. Giffords Hall Vineyard, one of the region’s oldest (and pesticide-free for 35 years), is mostly run by women and demonstrates just how good English wine can be.
How to Get There
East Anglia is easy to reach from London — just over an hour by train or around two hours by car to Cambridge.
For travel from Paris or Lille, Eurostar is the quickest, simplest, and greenest option to reach central London (2h15 from Paris, 1h20 from Lille). Tickets start from €44 one-way. Visit eurostar.com for more information.
Important: Travellers from the EU now require a valid passport and must apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to enter the UK. The ETA is valid for two years.
By Elodie Lécadieu, originally published on 21/07/2025