East Anglia offers visitors a range of local attractions in the region offering visitors a choice of interesting and charming places to discover. The county includes a choice of attractions including museums, galleries, historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. East Anglia’s location in the East of England means the scenic English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close to the towns and cities with a range of things to see and do in the county.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to the East Anglia region, these include:

Ely Cathedral dates back to the 11th century, located a short drive from Cambridge city, and began life as a monastery in AD 673. The cathedral is full of history and is known for its fine architecture. There are three services held here daily and are open to all. Those wanting to know more can go on one of the guided tours available around the year. The cathedral also has meeting and seminar rooms and a banqueting area that can be hired out.

Oliver Cromwell’s House is located in the in the East Anglia heartland, it has witnessed a number of changes over the years, formerly it has been an inn called The Cromwell Arms and has also served as the vicarage for St. Mary’s church. Visitors to the house will be able to recreate the life and times of Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader. Whilst the haunted bedroom tells the story of Oliver Cromwell’s death.

Peterborough Cathedral is in the heart of the historic city of Peterborough, England. There has been a place of worship and prayer on the site for 1350 years, the present building approaching its 900th anniversary. With superb Gothic West Front and beautiful hand-painted wooden nave ceiling. Peterborough Cathedral is also the resting place of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

The Cathedral was also once the resting place of Mary Queen of Scots until her body was moved to Westminster Abbey in 1612. Today it continues to be the focus for a vibrant community. It is the principle church for the Church of England diocese of Peterborough, which serves Northamptonshire, Rutland and the Soke of Peterborough. The origins of the cathedral can be traced back to King Peada of the Middle Angles who founded the first monastery on the site in 655AD.

The monastic settlement was almost entirely destroyed by the Vikings in 870 and rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey between 960 and 970. The Abbey church then survived Hereward the Wake’s attack on the Abbey in 1069, and remained intact until an accidental fire destroyed the second Abbey here in 1116. It was rebuilt in its present form between 1118 and 1238. It became the Cathedral of the new Diocese of Peterborough in 1541 and it is now known as the Cathedral Church of St Peter, St Paul and St Andrew.

Fitzwilliam Museum Fondly known as “the Fitz”, this grand neoclassical building houses Cambridge University’s principal museum. Its collection, originally bequeathed by a Cambridge alum and nobleman in the early 19th century, has since grown to include some 500,000 artworks and antiquities; ranging from mummies to paintings by Titian, Matisse, and Rubens.

Primavera is situated opposite King’s College (with a spectacular view of the College from our window) in the heart of the University and cultural City of Cambridge in England. The gallery and shop, located over three floors, bring together a refined and well-researched exploration into some of the finest art and crafts in Britain today.

Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property that was a one time the home of Rudyard Kipling’s daughter. Located a few miles outside the city of Cambridge, the historic house is an impressive sight, with scenic gardens and parks. Over the years some illustrious names in English architecture have been associated with the house these include James Gibbs and Sir John Soane. Visitors will find a mix of formal Victorian parterres, Dutch Gardens and arboretum in the gardens.

Wimpole Home Farm is located beside the historic house, it was a model farm that became established in 1794. Currently it operates as a centre for breeds centre and as a home to heavy horses. The farm also features a Victorian Dairy, a thatched Great Barn and a children’s play area. For energetic visitors or those that wish to participate in some scenic countryside walking, there is the 13 mile long Wimpole Way, which leads from Cambridge to Wimpole Hall. The walk takes you through rolling countryside, historic villages and areas of ancient woodland.

Elton Hall is a baronial hall in Elton, Cambridgeshire. Home to the Proby family for over 400 years, the Hall is a fascinating Grade I listed building packed with treasures, fine art, porcelain and furniture. The Victorian gardens have been skilfully restored in recent years and contain a knot garden, a herbaceous garden with fountain, fine hedges and a Gothic orangery built to celebrate the Millennium. Summer opening season runs from the late May Bank Holiday until the end of August on selected afternoons. Private tours from May to September by arrangement. Full details are published on the website.

Imperial War Museum Buford is located close to the village of Buford in East Anglia, 10 miles from Cambridge. The museum is home to approx 200 aircraft, vehicles and naval vassals. Set on the grounds of a former World War I and World War II airfield, the museum includes a range of interactive exhibitions that bring history to life. Famous collections include Land Warfare with some of the best known tanks, military vehicles and artillery on show.

The 1940 Operation Room shows how the RAF’s fighter aircraft were directed in to combat during the Battle of Britain. The Battle of Britain exhibition recounts the people and the aircraft that defended Britain during the Blitz and the Battle of Britain during World War II. The American Air Museum includes the largest collection of US military aircraft in Europe including aircraft from World War II and the cold war era. The museum hosts a number of air shows each year that include a number of exciting flying displays with events and activities to enjoy for the whole family.

The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is located at the University of Cambridge. Opened back in 1884 and over the years the museum has showcased the University’s collection of archaeological artefacts from around the world and local antiquities. The museum includes a range of changing exhibitions that include both a local and international theme.

Featured Attractions in Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the most famous university towns in the world. It’s full of history, ancient architecture and earnest students pedaling their way down cobbled lanes lined with traditional English pubs and grand university buildings. From its core of ancient colleges, the idyllic Cambridge ‘Backs’ (college gardens) leads down from the medieval colleges to the River Cam where university rowers zigzag between drifting punts.
Home to 87 Nobel Prize winners, Cambridge alumni includes the likes of Lord Byron and Sir Isaac Newton. Many of Cambridge University’s 31 colleges date back to the 13th and 14th centuries, and are free to wander. The most famous visit is King’s College, and try to make time for King’s College Chapel too, as it’s a perfect example of late Gothic architecture. As you stroll, imagine the countless poets, prime ministers, scientists and writers who have studied here.
A city full of museums, galleries, medieval churches and festivals celebrating the likes of Shakespeare and midsummer, Cambridge really is the quintessential university town.

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King's College

King’s College

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI, King’s College is one of the most prestigious and perhaps the best-known of the Cambridge colleges. Notable alumni include writer Zadie Smith and mathematician Alan Turing; however, it’s the grounds and buildings which are of most interest to visitors. Here, explore landscaped gardens, stroll along the River Cam, and admire the 15th-century Gothic King’s College Chapel.

King's College Chapel

King’s College Chapel

Hailed as the most impressive work of medieval architecture and Gothic design in Britain, Kings College Chapel now ranks as the most-visited attraction in Cambridge. The church is famous for its Gothic facade and elaborate stained glass windows, and for the fact that the foundation stone was laid by Henry VI himself in the 15th century.

University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Made up of six schools, 31 constituent colleges, and more than 100 academic departments, the historic university boasts an impressive alumni, which includes Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Lord Byron.

Queens' College

Queens’ College

Dating back to the 15th century, Queens’ College is among Cambridge University’s oldest colleges. The photogenic, river-straddling campus encompasses medieval courtyards; the President’s Lodge, a Tudor-style half-timbered building; and Mathematical Bridge, a wooden arch footbridge constructed entirely from straight timber beams.

Trinity College

Trinity College

Founded by Henry VIII in 1546, Trinity College is the largest Cambridge University college and the alma mater of many British Prime Ministers, Royal Family members, and Nobel Prize winners. Here, visitors can explore the 17th-century Great Court, Trinity College Clock, and Wren Library among other buildings, as well as attend public lectures and rent punts for use along the River Cam.

Mathematical Bridge

Mathematical Bridge

Spanning the River Cam, this wooden footbridge is often attributed to Isaac Newton, who—as the story goes—designed it in such a way that no bolts were needed to keep it in place. In reality, the bridge was built more than 20 years after Newton’s death, and is held together by bolts, though it is still recognized as an engineering marvel.

Bridge of Sighs

Bridge of Sighs

Built in 1831, this bridge spans the River Cam, linking the New Court of St. John’s College with the older Third Court. While Cambridge’s covered bridge bears only a passing resemblance to its Venetian namesake, the Grade I-listed structure—with its neo-Gothic arches and tracery windows—is architecturally significant in its own right.

River Cam

River Cam

The River Cam cuts through the heart of Cambridge and is one of the city’s most important natural attractions. While visitors can stroll along its banks, floating down the River Cam in a traditional flat-bottomed punt is one of the most quintessential Cambridge experiences and a convenient way to see some of Cambridge University’s most prestigious and otherwise inaccessible college buildings.

Fitzwilliam Museum

Fitzwilliam Museum

Fondly known as “the Fitz”, this grand neoclassical building houses Cambridge University’s principal museum. Its collection, originally bequeathed by a Cambridge alum and nobleman in the early 19th century, has since grown to include some 500,000 artworks and antiquities; ranging from mummies to paintings by Titian, Matisse, and Rubens.

SEA LIFE® Great Yarmouth

From humble sea stars to giant sea turtles and mighty sharks, the marine world of SEA LIFE® Great Yarmouth will introduce you to many beautiful and fascinating creatures of the deep. Enjoy close-up views of marine life in environments that re-create their natural habitats and daily staff presentations that offer more in-depth information about the aquarium’s animals.

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SEA LIFE® Hunstanton

SEA LIFE® Hunstanton

A state-of-the-art marine aquarium, SEA LIFE® Hunstanton takes visitors on an undersea odyssey filled with close encounters with a wide variety of sea creatures. The staff at the center, known as Rainforest Rangers, are happy to show off their jungle creatures and creepy crawlies to visitors.

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Harwich International Port

Harwich International Port

Located in Essex on the edge of the North Sea, Harwich International Port is about 85 miles (137 kilometers) northeast of London. Opened in 1883, Harwich International is a main port of call for Stena Line ferry services to the Netherlands and is used for commercial shipping. It’s also one of the East Coast’s five major Haven Ports.

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Skegness Aquarium

Skegness Aquarium

Get up close to sharks, scorpions, and more at Skegness Aquarium, where pirate-themed exhibits, hands-on activities, and underwater experiences offer family-friendly fun and immersive insight into coastal biodiversity. Plus, the aquarium’s prime spot on the Skegness seafront makes it easy to visit several top attractions in one day.

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Old MacDonald's Farm

Old MacDonald’s Farm

With a wide range of animals, amusements, and activities designed to entertain families, Old MacDonald’s Farm can be a fun-filled day out whatever the weather. Meet more than 30 different species of animals including meerkats and wallabies, jump on amusing rides, and enjoy the soft play areas at this folksy park that’s scaled for young kids.

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Fossils Galore

Fossils Galore

Dino-loving kids and adults alike will appreciate the robust collection of fossils, bones, and crystals housed at Fossils Galore, a museum and workshop situated just 30 minutes outside of Peterborough. Highlights include a Woolly Rhinoceros skull and an Iguanadon dinosaur, as well as regular talks about fossil hunting, the chance to watch behind-the-scenes bone cleanings, and interactive exhibits.

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