5 days in the East of England
Introduction
A trip to the East of England should include a little bit of everything. Its two biggest cities are a total contrast – quirky Norwich thinks outside the box, whilst elegant Cambridge has the traditions of its historic university at its heart. Charming Colchester blends the old and new, with medieval architecture providing a backdrop to vibrant festivals and events. Nature lovers should hire a boat to explore The Broads, Britain’s largest wetland, or seek out the best beaches along the Suffolk and Norfolk coastlines.
Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in the East of England:
Day 1 - Norwich
Day 1 – Norwich
Visit this Norfolk gem and you’ll find a city proud of its individuality. One of the best things to do in Norwich is shopping; in the independent cobbled ‘Lanes’, colourful market and iconic Jarrolds department store. Soak up some culture in its galleries and music venues, or uncover local history in Norwich’s Castle and Cathedral. It’s not short on foodie favourites either, from international street food to cosy pubs and Grosvenor Fish Bar, a local legend.
Things to do in Norwich
Getting to Norwich
Norwich Airport has direct connections with several European countries. The Canary Konect bus departs from the airport to the city centre every hour.
Norwich is roughly 115 miles (185km) from London. Direct trains from London Liverpool Street to Norwich with Greater Anglia take around two hours.
While you're here...
Day 2 – The Broads
Day 2 – The Broads
A series of waterways criss-crossing through Norfolk and Suffolk, The Broads is Britain’s biggest wetland. The best way to explore it is, of course, on the water – whether that’s by paddleboard, canoe or narrowboat is up to you. Some visitors spend days exploring the region by houseboat, but if you’re short on time, you can captain your own boat for a day, stopping at whichever towns, villages and riverside pubs you pass on your voyage.
Things to do in The Broads
Getting to The Broads from Norwich
There are many access points for The Broads all over Norfolk and Suffolk, so getting there depends on where you want to start your adventure. Visit the Broads has a handy journey planner to help you to work it out.
While you're here...
Day 3 - Colchester
Day 3 – Colchester
Despite being Britain’s first city, today’s Colchester is vibrant and modern. It’s full of creative spaces, with galleries, theatres and even a music venue inside a former church – an example of how Colchester seamlessly blends the old and new. Alongside Roman ruins, Norman and Tudor architecture, you’ll find cosmopolitan cocktail bars and international restaurants. The green spaces and incredible landscapes that surround the city are the cherry on top.
Things to do in Colchester
Getting to Colchester from The Broads
To reach Colchester from The Broads, transfer in travel hub Norwich. Trains from Norwich to Colchester take around an hour, and run regularly every day.
While you're here...
Day 4 - Cambridge
Day 4 – Cambridge
Home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Cambridge is steeped in tradition. Explore the impressive college buildings on a guided tour, or travel between them on a punting trip, a style of boating that’s synonymous with the city. See world-renowned artwork in the Fitzwilliam Museum, cross the Mathematical Bridge and climb the tower of Great St Mary’s Church for panoramic views of the city.
Things to do in Cambridge
Getting to Cambridge from Colchester
Travelling by train from Colchester to Cambridge takes around two hours and 15 minutes and requires a transfer, usually in Ipswich or London Liverpool Street. Alternatively, a coach from Colchester to Cambridge with National Express takes around two and a half hours, with a transfer at Stansted Airport.
While you're here...
Day 5 - more of the East of England
Day 5 – more of the East of England
Outside of its cities and National Park, what else is there to explore in the East of England? Think beautiful coastlines, picturesque towns and foodie hotspots, for starters. Visit impressive stately homes, ride a vintage wooden rollercoaster at a seaside theme park, or head to a tiny city with an epic cathedral. It’s not hard to see why Lonely Planet have named this one of the top regions in the world to travel to in 2025.
