Explore more in the East Of England

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Inspirational Ideas for East of England Breaks

From the Norfolk Broads and aromatic lavender fields to a famous jam factory and one of the world’s most acclaimed universities, the East of England is a feast for the senses.

The counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex are just waiting to be explored…

Go punting on the River Cam

Have a flutter at Chelmsford City Racecourse

Punting on the River Cam

Sit back and relax as you enjoy a chauffeured punt down the river. Or even have a go yourself – although it’s not as easy as it looks! Glide past the pleasant meadows at the back of Cambridge University’s historic colleges and the Bridge of Sighs.

Nearest hotel: Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, BW PremierCollection, Cambridge

Chelmsford City Racecourse

Only opened in 2015, Britain’s newest racecourse offers all-weather racing and is one of only three floodlit courses in the country. Check the form as you pick out your horses and cheer them on to victory.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Atlantic Hotel, Chelmsford

Walk the Norfolk Coast Path (or part of it)

Potter among the stunning Beth Chatto Gardens, Colchester

Norfolk Coast Path

Running from Hunstanton to Sea Palling, this scenic walk takes you past some of the most tranquil spots on the Norfolk coast. It’s over 45 miles long in total, but you can just walk a small stretch of it. It takes in views of the Wash, the seaside resort of Cromer and a number of nature reserves.

Nearest hotel: Old Hunstanton Le Strange Arms Hotel, BW Signature Collection, Hunstanton

Beth Chatto Gardens

If you’re green-fingered, you’ll love this breath-taking horticultural gem created by the 10-time Chelsea gold medal-winner and gardening writer. Highlights include the dry Gravel Garden and lush Water Garden – the designs will inspire you whatever time of year you visit.

Nearest hotel: Best Western The Rose & Crown, Colchester 

Breathe in the fragrant aroma at Norfolk Lavender, Heacham

Enjoy tea and scones at Tiptree Jam Factory, Essex

Norfolk Lavender

Lavender is known to relieve tension. At this garden and oil distillery you can walk among the calming fields of purple that stretch as far as the eye can see, with the delicate fragrance of lavender wafting through the air around you. There’s also tearooms, gift shops and an animal garden.

Nearest hotel: Old Hunstanton Le Strange Arms Hotel, BW Signature Collection, Hunstanton

Tiptree Jam

The famous jam-maker has a tearoom at its factory where you can treat yourself to strawberry conserve  with homemade scones and fresh cream, served with a tea of your choice. In the warmer months, you can also spend an afternoon touring the strawberry fields and pick your own fruit.

Nearest hotel: Marks Tey Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western, Colchester

Go otter spotting on the Norfolk Broads

Say hello to a Suffolk Punch Horse

Otter Spotting

Guided boat trips give you the best chance to catch sight of the elusive river dwellers, but there’s no guarantee you’ll see one as they’re very shy. Just enjoy the scenery instead.

Nearest hotel: George Hotel, BW Signature Collection by Best Western, Norwich

Suffolk Punch Horse

Meet the resident stallions, mares and foals of the Suffolk Punch Trust at Sink Farm in Hollesley. Take  the opportunity to interact with one of the rarest breeds in the world, which helped to shape the rural landscape.

Nearest hotel: Best Western Brook Hotel, Felixstowe

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