Things to do & places to visit in East Anglia, United Kingdom

East Anglia #24 destination in United Kingdom 2023. The average rating score is 4.45 based on 52.4k traveler reviews, of 30 attractions. Timezone: Europe/London, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 21:56.

Top things to do (18)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 UK Parachuting (2.171 reviews)
- A brilliant, thrilling, safe experience !
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM Sports Complexes

Tandem Skydive from 13,000ft securely strapped to a instructor. Learn to Skydive with our Accelerated Freefall Courses. Open all year round. See more..
5.0 Horsey Beach (1.161 reviews)
- Huge numbers of seals with their newborn pups
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

An abundance of seals in their natural environment. We visited on 21 November 2022 and there were lots of pups that had been born within the last 7 days (350+) which are the white coloured ones with fluffy fur. Other mums are on the beach waiting to give birth. Seeing the pups feeding from their mothers and the bulls parading for female attention was wonderful to see. Parking is £3.50 for up to 2 hours (minimum) and more if you stay longer. About an hour was enough. Information is available from knowledgeable volunteer rangers and the roped off headland walkway is only 5 minutes’ walk from the car park with a gentle incline is suitable for most. A highlight of our trip to Norfolk. See more..
5.0 Greene King Brewery (890 reviews)
- A great experience for all beer lovers.
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

My dad and I booked the brewery tour, and it was amazing from start to finish. John, the tour guide was absolutely brilliant: super knowledgeable, friendly and really generous with the tastings. We left happy, we’d learnt a ton about the history and the process of brewing, and also had a new found respect for the simple art of brewing our favourite tipples. Cannot recommend this experience enough - especially give yourself time to enjoy the tasting, and then try and choose one of the many bottles to take away. Also, make sure someone else is driving - as you won’t want to miss the cask ales available. Overall a great way to spend a couple of hours in Bury. See more..
5.0 UK Parachuting (2.171 reviews)
- A brilliant, thrilling, safe experience !
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM Sports Complexes

Tandem Skydive from 13,000ft securely strapped to a instructor. Learn to Skydive with our Accelerated Freefall Courses. Open all year round. See more..
4.5 Norwich Cathedral (4.112 reviews)
- Absolutely brilliant - Norwich must do!
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust. See more..
4.5 Cromer Pier (2.708 reviews)
- An incredible evening of entertainment!
Piers & Boardwalks

Cromer Pier, a heritage seaside pier in the civil parish of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast was designed by Douglass and Arnott and constructed by Alfred Thorne and is owned by North Norfolk District Council. The Pier is 151 metres (495 ft.) in length and was officially opened on 8 June 1901. Awarded Pier Of The Year in 2015 by The National Piers Society. The Pavilion Theatre at the end of the pier is one of only five UK end of pier theatres and is home to The Cromer Pier Show, the only end of pier show of its kind in the world. We are famous for crab fishing with the very best spot in Norfolk for the big catch, it’s a great way to relax and connect with nature for all the family. Grab a bite to eat above the waves with our Mediterranean inspired menu in Tides, enjoy a glass or two on our unique quarterdeck patio and pop into our perfectly stocked gift shop and take a piece of Cromer home with you. See more..
4.5 BeWILDerwood Norfolk (2.426 reviews)
- Kids had a great time
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Open on selected dates February - October. BeWILDerwood is a wild and imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses and hints of intriguing characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads. The setting for the book ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’, by local children’s author Tom Blofeld, it’s a wonderful, mystical place. Parents are encouraged to play alongside their children, which makes for a fabulous and brilliantly exciting time for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Gorleston-on-Sea Beach (2.300 reviews)
- Nice beach
Beaches

A stunning bay with a huge, wide curving, sandy beach with ramp access plus model yacht pond and children's splashpad. With adjoining shops, cafes, amusements and amenity area, everything you need is close by. See more..
4.5 The Sandringham Estate (2.057 reviews)
- Great playground
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

Sandringham is the much loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British Monarchs since 1862. See more..
4.5 Wells Next The Sea Beach (1.910 reviews)
- You have to feel sorry for the stupid crabs!
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Beaches

At low water, Wells beach has huge open views and mile upon mile of sands and shallow channels to enjoy. When the tide comes in, the beach is transformed into a harbour, with the entrance channel suddenly busy with visiting yachts, fishing boats setting out for the day or returning with their catch, local small boats going out to fish as well as clouds of small sailing boats racing or cruising within the harbour. The golden sands are backed by colourful beach huts which have been the subject of many a painting and postcard. The popular Beach Cafe nearby is perfect for refreshments during your visit. See more..
4.5 Africa Alive Zoological Reserve (1.864 reviews)
- Money well spent
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Explore the sights and sounds of Africa and discover lions, giraffes, rhinos, meerkats, hunting dogs and many more animals from the African continent. The spectacular centrepiece of Africa Alive!, our "Plains of Africa" paddock, is the perfect place to spot 5 species of African savannah animals, including our graceful giraffe and heavyweight rhinos. Enjoy a bird's eye view of our magnificent lions from "Lookout Lodge", and visit "Lemur Encounters", which gives you the chance to get incredibly close to our ring-tailed lemurs as you walk through their enclosure! Bird lovers can also enjoy spotting native species from our new "Wader's Lake Boardwalk". Discover some amazing facts about our animals during our exciting feeding talks and seasonal Bird of Prey displays. Climb aboard the free Safari Roadtrain for an entertaining journey around the Park. Look, learn and play in our fun-packed Discovery Centre and meet some of our smaller residents at the animal encounter sessions. The park offers a great outdoor adventure play area, as well as restaurants, free car parking, disabled facilities and a gift shop where you can find souvenirs and gifts for everyone - including yourself! Open daily at 9.30am all year, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. For admission prices and closing times please check our website See more..
4.5 Abbey Gardens (1.824 reviews)
- Lovely gardens which were deffo enjoyed during the hot weather
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Parks • Gardens

We visited this on a rather warm day (29deg) and we did the 'Abbey Gardens and Meadows Reserve Circular' walk from AllTrails. This is a 3.5Km walk that starts in the gardens, at least for us it did, and ends up there. The walk is fairly nice, mostly walking in fields and the gardens, with a small portion on the streets of BSE's. The gardens are lovely and if you are going I would recommend visiting the Pilgrims's Cafe See more..
4.5 Blickling Estate (1.780 reviews)
- First Visit - Excellent
Sunday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites

You'll never forget your first sight of Blickling. Sitting in a magnificent garden and park is a breath-taking mansion, flanked by ancient yew hedges. Past owners have used the estate as a refuge while performing on the world's political stage. Philip Kerr, the last private owner, helped shaped the National Trust's history, using his influence to find a way of saving great country houses for future generations to enjoy. Until his death in 1940 he used the house for entertaining his prominent guests; and photographs, sounds and objects help to tell his story. Outside, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring. See more..
4.5 Thursford (1.717 reviews)
- Superb Christmas Spectacular
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visited by over 5.8 million people. The Thursford Collection - The sights, sounds and sensations of the golden age of steam are never forgotten. Climb on board and enjoy all the fun of the fairground on our traditional carousels and gondola. Experience the size scale of steam with the largest collection of traction engines in the world. Delight in the unique sounds of Robert Wolfe show on the mighty Wurlitzer. Christmas Spectacular - Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, a cast of over 130 performers deliver an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. Santa's Magical Journey - A trip to Santa will never be the same again with this truly unforgettable journey to the perfect Christmas memory. See more..
4.5 Holkham Hall (1.676 reviews)
- Fantastic day out for all the family
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Holkham is a beautiful place rich in wildlife, history and heritage, with lots of things to do for all ages. With a stately home at its centre, Holkham encompasses a National Nature Reserve, a beach, a walled garden, and acres upon acres of parkland that is roamed by its resident fallow deer. Visit the Holkham Stories Experience to truly discover the history the estate and come away enlightened with one or two interesting facts up your sleeve. Children will enjoy our Woodland Adventure Play Area and ropes course, and all will be able to explore more of the grounds with cycle and boat hire available most of the year. Holkham hosts a number of events throughout the year; visit our website for full information on our visitor attractions and events. See more..
4.5 Hunstanton Beach (1.675 reviews)
- Summer music
Beaches

Hunstanton comes alive when the music festival kicks in with free live music on the green. Check out the date as it moves depending on band’s availability. This year it was June for the Queen’s platinum jubilee. Other free music days are often from the bandstand or buskers corner from the pavilion. See more..
4.5 Felbrigg Hall (1.549 reviews)
- Great walks even better cinnamon buns
Historic Sites

Two visits in a couple of days, each visit booked time entry in advance, a painless entry system, make simple by some great volunteers who were keen to ensure you could enjoy the visit. Maps can be downloaded before you arrive, but there was a leaflet that was available detailing the various walks etc available In the old stable yard is a shop, second hand book outlet, ice cream stand and the cafe. Covid rules apply, so some of the seating is restricted as is the menu. What is available is very tasty. The garden shop is well stocked with plants, and is an easy place to spend money. The grounds are spectacular, the walled garden in particular is worth a visit. The one way system still ensures that you can see everything is one of the largest walled gardens that we have seen. On our second visit, we took one of the woodland walks, there are a number ranging from 1.2miles up to around 4 miles. These are special you can walk in the woods, and enjoy the silence. See more..
4.5 Ickworth (1.516 reviews)
- An enjoyable visit with helpful staff
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

An Italianate Palace in the heart of an ancient deer park. Formal gardens, pleasure grounds, rolling Suffolk landscape and woodlands invite gentle strolls or long walks, runs, bike rides and picnics. The Italianate Garden mirrors the architecture of the house, whilst also encasing an idiosyncratic Victorian stumpery, contrasting light and shade. The Rotunda is home to one of the finest silver collections, family portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds, works by Titian and Velázquez, and Neoclassical sculpture including Flaxman’s ‘Fury of Athamus’. Below stairs, the Servants’ Quarters recreate domestic service through the stories and memories of those who lived here. In 2019/2020, Ickworth is set to secure its future thanks to a major new conservation project. Ickworth is embarking on a multi-million pound major conservation project which will see us heading up to the roof. To find out more about the work visit the website and discover how Ickworth will be re-imagined during the works. See more..
4.5 ROARR! (1.458 reviews)
- Incredible family day out
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

There’s big. There’s bigger. And then there’s ginormous-saurus. The #1 dinosaur-themed adventure park in the UK is the only place to go for authentic prehistoric action, hot from the Jurassic era. Plunge into Dippy’s Splash Zone, grapple the Predator High Ropes, follow the Dinosaur Trail. Outdoor excitement or indoor play, this is an immersive, fun-packed day out for the whole family. Bold explorers! Brave adventurers! Brilliant storytellers! Mums! Dads, Grandparents! It's time you came ’It’s time you came-n-saurus’ See more..
4.5 Banham Zoological Gardens (1.454 reviews)
- £10 Special Entry
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Banham Zoo is an award-winning family attraction and one of the most exciting zoos in the country with over 2,000 animals from around the world. Throughout the day there are plenty of activities to thrill and entertain families, including daily animal feeding talks and displays, one of the most exciting Birds of Prey displays in the UK, our amazing subtropical house "Eureka" with free-flying birds and butterflies, our "Penguin Cove" an enlarged and enhanced enclosure for the colony of penguins. Live "Amazing Animals!" presentations, beautiful big cats such as tigers, snow leopards and cheetahs, Free Safari Roadtrain, indoor and outdoor play areas, Zarafa Heights walkway, Sky Trek aerial trekking course & zip wire, and interactive fun activities in our Education Centre. As well as all the wonderful things to see and do, the zoo offers an excellent choice of eating facilities, a fantastic gift shop, free car parking, disabled facilities and much more. See more..
4.5 The Broads National Park (1.251 reviews)
- First time at the broads
Sunday: National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Discover dramatic landscapes, raw natural beauty and a rare quality of light. Where big, bright skies meet endless horizons and dreamlike landscapes. A place where time stands still. Real peace, open space – it’s a place unlike anywhere else... The Broads National Park. See more..
4.5 Oxburgh Hall (1.222 reviews)
- Transformation in action.
Sunday: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Architectural Buildings

Home to the Bedingfeld family for 500 years, Oxburgh reveals one family's unshakable Catholic faith and story of endurance. See more..
4.5 Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens (1.154 reviews)
- Enjoyable visit
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

We visited oct 26th , There were three of us and we were all amazed by this place. We travelled from the west midlands were we have a zoo that is expensive and after a recent visit lacked the bigger animals Your place was fantastic all animals appeared happy and comfortable in there surroundings, It is such a lovely place you have and i will highly recommend. Well done to all who make this place such a lovely home for these animals. See more..
4.5 Time and Tide Museum (1.054 reviews)
- Superb
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Set in one of the UK's best preserved Victorian herring curing works, Time & Tide tells the story of Great Yarmouth from its Ice Age origins to the present day. Experience the heady atmosphere of a 1950s fish wharf and take the wheel of a steam drifter. Hear gripping tales of wreck and rescue and meet some of the colourful characters who made their living from the sea.Discover the town's rich maritime heritage and its development as a popular seaside resort. Wander down a tupical 1913 'Row' and see inside the homes of a local fisherman and his neighbours. Explore the smokehouses, where the lingering aroma of smoked herring is a reminder of times gone by. See website for details of of our events programme. Museum gift shop available. Pop up coffee shop open Tuesday to Thursday for drinks and snacks only - please see website for updates re opening days during winter. For all other enquiries please see the website or telephone the museum. See more..
4.5 East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden (1.027 reviews)
- Vast, delightful garden
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM Gardens

The garden is open from 3rd March to 31st October on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays from 12pm to 5.30pm. The gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage are one of the most exciting surprises in the county, who would expect to find a verdant, sheltered garden in the prairie landscape that is north east Norfolk? Enter the garden and you are worlds away from the local landscape for here there are many gardens within the whole including a new Walled Garden, Rose Garden, Woodland Garden, Mediterranean Garden and a stunning Desert inspired by the landscape of Arizona. These areas are connected by magical avenues and areas of informal planting with some places allowed to be wildlife friendly which includes a stunning Corn Field that contains the corn field weeds of yesteryear and has been known to move visitors to tears. See more..
4.5 Pensthorpe (958 reviews)
- A great day out!
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens

Pensthorpe is the ultimate destination for discovery. Our staggering 700-acre site includes four fabulous gardens and a species-rich nature reserve. Take a trail through wetlands and hedgerows, woodland and riverbanks, and farmland and water meadows. And duck into a bird hide along the way to get up close with feathered friends. There are awesome activities for little nature lovers too. From our impressive outdoor eco-friendly play area, WildRootz, to rope bridges and snaking slides inside Hootz House. Enjoy a ride off-road on the Pensthorpe Explorer and check out fascinating fossils in the Discovery Centre. Finally, don’t forget to wet your beak at our café and stop in our shop for wildlife books, toys, bird feeders, and local produce. Ideally located, close to Fakenham, Pensthorpe makes for an action-packed outing for the whole family. It’s where little adventures happen every day, and every visit helps Pensthorpe Conservation Trust save declining bird species. See more..
4.5 Norwich Cathedral (4.112 reviews)
- Absolutely brilliant - Norwich must do!
Sunday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust. See more..
4.5 Cromer Pier (2.708 reviews)
- An incredible evening of entertainment!
Piers & Boardwalks

Cromer Pier, a heritage seaside pier in the civil parish of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast was designed by Douglass and Arnott and constructed by Alfred Thorne and is owned by North Norfolk District Council. The Pier is 151 metres (495 ft.) in length and was officially opened on 8 June 1901. Awarded Pier Of The Year in 2015 by The National Piers Society. The Pavilion Theatre at the end of the pier is one of only five UK end of pier theatres and is home to The Cromer Pier Show, the only end of pier show of its kind in the world. We are famous for crab fishing with the very best spot in Norfolk for the big catch, it’s a great way to relax and connect with nature for all the family. Grab a bite to eat above the waves with our Mediterranean inspired menu in Tides, enjoy a glass or two on our unique quarterdeck patio and pop into our perfectly stocked gift shop and take a piece of Cromer home with you. See more..
4.5 BeWILDerwood Norfolk (2.426 reviews)
- Kids had a great time
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Open on selected dates February - October. BeWILDerwood is a wild and imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses and hints of intriguing characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads. The setting for the book ‘A Boggle at BeWILDerwood’, by local children’s author Tom Blofeld, it’s a wonderful, mystical place. Parents are encouraged to play alongside their children, which makes for a fabulous and brilliantly exciting time for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Gorleston-on-Sea Beach (2.300 reviews)
- Nice beach
Beaches

A stunning bay with a huge, wide curving, sandy beach with ramp access plus model yacht pond and children's splashpad. With adjoining shops, cafes, amusements and amenity area, everything you need is close by. See more..