East England car itinerary

Distance:
166½ miles (267.5km)
Airport:
Luton/Stansted/East Midlands

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

Magnificent architecture, open skies, rolling countryside and bags of history - come and see for yourself why the East of England has inspired artists for centuries.

Day 1: Cambridge – Ely

Cambridge - Ely: 17½ miles (28.3 km)
Totals for Day: 17½ miles (28.3 km)

Cambridge

Begin your tour at the elegant university city of Cambridge and feel yourself slipping back to a gentler era. Wander narrow medieval streets browsing the bookshops and galleries, or take a gentle punt cruise and admire some of the most magnificent architecture in the world.

Must see & do:

Fitzwilliam Museum | Anglesey Abbey Gardens and Lode Mill | King’s College Chapel | Wimpole Hall | Cambridge American Cemetery

Ely

From Cambridge journey north to Ely. The first thing you’ll see as you approach this charming riverside town is its striking Norman cathedral towering above the low-lying land around it. Stop by at Oliver Cromwell’s house, and then head to the riverside to enjoy a boat trip.

Must see & do:

Ely Cathedral | Oliver Cromwell's House | The Stained Glass Museum | Isleham Priory Church | Wicken Fen | Sulgrave Manor

Day 2: Ely – Norwich – Southwold

Ely - Norwich: 60 miles (96.2 km)
Norwich - Southwold: 31½ miles (50.7 km)
Totals for Day: 91½ miles (146.9km)

Norwich

Crossing the border to Norfolk, you’ll find a wealth of stately homes and mansions. Drive on to Norwich, the county’s bustling capital. The city boasts more medieval churches than any other city in Western Europe, and reputedly, a pub for every day of the year.

Must see & do:

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery | Norwich Cathedral | The Mustard Shop | Mannington Gardens | Norwich Puppet Theatre

Southwold

Turning south now, you’ll find yourself driving along the spectacular Suffolk coastline. Keep going until you reach the historic fishing town of Southwold. Flanked by 2 rivers and the sea, Southwold is practically an island and has managed to retain much of its old-world charm.

Must see & do:

Southwold Museum | Amber Museum | Southwold Pier

Day 3: Southwold – Colchester

Southwold - Colchester: 57½ miles (92.3 km)
Totals for Day: 57½ miles (92.3 km)

Colchester

The end of your journey takes you to Colchester, the oldest recorded town in Britain, with history dating back to Roman times and an award-winning castle. The Dedham Vale is one of the most beautiful areas in England and has been a favourite with artists for centuries.

Must see & do:

Colchester Castle Museum | East Anglian Railway Museum | Tymperleys Clock Museum | Colchester Zoo | Carter’s Vineyard