Venturing out of the city and into the East of England, there are hidden gems just waiting to be discovered within hours by train.
Suffolk
Southwold Pier and Beach
Find the best of the British seaside: brightly coloured beach huts, traditional pubs, sandy coastline, a proud lighthouse and the pier complete with an arcade. Southwold is a jewel on the Suffolk coast.
North Parade, Southwold, IP18 6BN. T: 0150-272 2105. www.southwoldpier.co.uk
Latitude Festival
One of the UK’s best festivals is back, off ering music, dance, comedy, poetry, literature, family activities and more from 22-25 July. Set in the beautiful grounds at Henham Park.
Henham Park, NR34 8AQ. T: 0207-009 3001. www.latitudefestival.com
Newmarket Horse Racing
Under three hours outside of London, this racecourse is considered the headquarters of British horse racing. Enjoy a thrilling afternoon at the races on 17, 24 or 31 July. Don’t miss the evening entertainment with live performances by Tom Jones (23 July) and Olly Murs (30 July).
Cambridge Rd, Newmarket, CB8 0TF. T: 0163-867 5300. www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/newmarket
Adnams Brewery
Adnams’ famous Suffolk beer has been brewed in Southwold for more than 150 years and all around the town you will experience the influences of the brewery. Look out for their fascinating tours.
Market Place, Southwold, IP18 6EG. T: 0150-272 7225. www.adnams.co.uk
Ufford Park Hotel, Golf and Spa
Set in 120 acres of stunning historic parkland and surrounded by beautifully peaceful countryside, Uff ord Park Woodbridge Hotel is one of Suff olk’s best-kept secrets. Visit for the day for a spot of lunch, a walk around the two-mile trail, a game on the award-winning golf course or relax in the Thermal Spa and mud chambers.
Yarmouth Rd, Woodbridge, IP12 1QW. T: 0139-438 3555. www.uffordpark.co.uk
Cambridgeshire
Scudamores Punting
Take a relaxing Cambridge river tour in a traditional punting boat and make your way under the Magdalene Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. Pass by the world-famous King’s College Chapel or admire the Wren Library all from a peaceful seat on the River Cam.
Quayside Punting Station, Magdalene St, CB5 8AB. T: 0122-335 9750. www.scudamores.com
Cambridge Bike Tours
Cover the city and get off the beaten track on an antique British bike. Your guide takes you around the city’s sights or out into the surrounding countryside at a leisurely pace. Meeting point: Parker’s Piece, CB1 1NA.
T: 07598 925243. www.cambridgebiketours.co.uk
Ely Cathedral
Admired by historians and architects all over the world, Ely Cathedral is the only UK building to be listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and dates back more than 1,300 years. Ely, CB7 4DL. T: 0135-366 7735. www.elycathedral.org
Oliver Cromwell’s House
Political and military leader Oliver Cromwell was a prominent figure in 17th century England. At his family home, experience a wide range of costumed guided tours.
29 St Mary’s St, Ely, CB7 4HF. T: 0135-366 2062. www.olivercromwellshouse.co.uk
Flag Fen Archaeology Park
Wander through a Bronze Age village, sit in reconstructed roundhouses and stand where the people of Fen once stood more than 3,000 years ago by the ritual causeway.
The Droveway, Northey Rd, Peterborough, PE6 7QJ. T: 0173-386 4468. www.visitpeterborough.com
Ramsey Rural Museum
Housed in renovated 17th century farm buildings, the museum is full of treasures including machinery, tools and vehicles spanning more than 200 years of rural British life.
Wood Lane, Ramsey, PE26 2XD. T: 0148-781 5715. www.ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk
Essex
Adventure Island
Hop on the merry-go-round, ride the swinging ship or win an arcade game at Adventure Island. Entry is free into the park with pricing and wristbands by activity.
Sunken Garden Western Esplanade, Southend on Sea, SS1 1EE. T: 0170-244 3400.www.adventureisland.co.uk
Sealwatching Harwich
Travel the Walton backwaters and into the Hamford Water Nature Reserve to fi nd seals relaxing on mudbanks. The colony is now over 250 seals strong.
Pier, 1 The Quay Hapny, Harwich, CO12 3HH. T: 0172-866 6329. www.sealwatching.co.uk
Hares About Town
Follow the trail around Southend as huge hare sculptures, each designed by diff erent artists, are scattered throughout the town creating a free family-friendly walk to explore.
Southend on Sea, Southend, SS1 1EE. T: 0170-221 5620. www.visitessex.com
Colchester Zoo
Explore the zoo from aardvarks to wallabies. Take on the role of keeper for the day and get up close with the animals, or book an Elephant or Giraffe Feeding Experience.
Maldon Rd, Heckfordbridge, Colchester, CO3 0SL. T: 0120-633 1292. www.colchester-zoo.com
Norfolk
Bressingham Steam & Gardens
A magnificent museum of steam, with over fi ve miles of narrow-gauge steam lines and four journeys to choose from, featuring narrow gauge, traction engines and a Victorian steam roundabout. View the gardens and the renowned Dad’s Army exhibition and look out for a changing diary of events.
Low Rd, Diss, IP22 2AA. T: 0137-968 6900. www.bressingham.co.uk
Broads National Park
From a cosy campsite to a luxurious hotel, there’s an experience for everyone at the Broads National Park. Take a boat ride or go canoeing and kayaking down the waterways. If you’d prefer to keep your feet fi rmly on the ground, go biking or bird watching through the park.
www.visitthebroads.co.uk
Norwich Cathedral
With buildings and history stretching back 930 years, visit Norwich Cathedral for a glimpse of life in medieval Britain.
65 The Close, Norwich, NR1 4DH.
T: 0160-321 8300. www.cathedral.org.uk
Sandringham Estate
Visit the much-loved country estate of Her Majesty The Queen. Take a stroll or cycle through the 243 hectares of Sandringham Royal Park. Sandringham, Norfolk, PE35 6EN. T: 0148-554 4112. www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
BeWILDerwood
Inspired by the fantastical books of Tom Blofeld, BeWILDerwood transports you to another world. Go on an adventure over the Broken Bridge, down the Slippery Slopes or across the Wobbly Wires, meeting magical characters along the way. BeWILDerwood Norfolk, Horning Rd,
Hoveton, NR12 8JW. T: 0169-263 3033.
www.norfolk.bewilderwood.co.uk
