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East of England Voyage Tips and guide

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    The East of England is the most easterly region of England and indeed of the whole United Kingdom. It lies broadly to the north of London, the Thames estuary and South East England, to the south of the Wash (the square-shaped indentation on England's east coast) and to the east of the East Midlands. The most easterly parts of this region are known as "East Anglia", which at its strictest definition only includes Norfolk and Suffolk but often includes all or part of Cambridgeshire and at its loosest definition covers the entire East of England.

    Counties

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    The East of England is a largely flat region consisting of the following counties.

    East of England regions - Color-coded map — switch to interactive map
    East of England regions - Color-coded map
      Bedfordshire
    Home of charming Woburn and multicultural Luton.
      Cambridgeshire
    Most visitors come to see Cambridge's university, but cathedral city Ely in the Fens shouldn't be overlooked.
      Essex
    A county of contrasts with a rust-belt south and bucolic north. Hosts the world's longest pleasure pier in Southend-on-Sea and Britain's oldest recorded town, Colchester.
      Hertfordshire
    St Albans, a satellite of London since Roman times.
      Norfolk
    Historic Norwich and lively Great Yarmouth provide access to pastoral lands with scenic windmills in the Broads.
      Suffolk
    Has 21st century Gothic revivalist architecture in Bury St Edmunds and Britain's most easterly point in Lowestoft.

    Cities and towns

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    Here are nine cities and towns of greatest interest to travellers:

    Other destinations

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    Understand

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    The East of England is historically a rural region of small capitals, market towns and picturesque villages. The character of the flattish landscape has been heavily influenced by the people that live on it – most notably with the draining of the Fens transforming marshland into fertile farmland, and the ancient excavations that resulted in the waterways of the Norfolk Broads.

    Proximity to London and good farming have long made the region relatively prosperous, and much of the southern area of the region is now home for commuters to the capital city. The effect of this London overspill has been the rapid growth of suburban housing in the region's towns and the construction of purpose-built "New Towns" such as Letchworth, Welwyn Garden City, and Stevenage.

    Talk

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    The East of England is an English-speaking region, and travellers should have little difficulty in understanding locals, who generally speak in an accent similar to that of London and most of South Eastern England. The exception to this is East Anglia, where a strong local dialect persists.

    Get in

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    By plane

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    The East is home to several international airports, including two of the country's busiest.

    The busiest of these is London Stansted Airport ('STN' IATA) in Essex, with flights from places throughout UK, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The airport has excellent rail, bus and road links with destinations throughout the region, including Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ely, Norwich and Peterborough.

    Also among the busiest is London Luton Airport (LTN IATA) in Bedfordshire. Flights arrive into Luton from several Mediterranean holiday destinations, plus cities throughout the UK, and central and eastern Europe. Trains and buses link the terminal with destinations throughout Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, with road connections to towns and cities further afield.

    A small number of European flights arrive into London Southend Airport (SEN IATA), which is also in Essex. It has road, rail and bus services into several Essex destinations including Southend, Rayleigh and Brentwood.

    In Norfolk, Norwich Airport (NWI IATA) has a small number of arrivals from the elsewhere in the UK and Europe. Buses link the airport with Norwich city centre and the North Norfolk coast.

    Further afield, London Heathrow Airport (LHR IATA) is the UK's largest airport with international arrivals from places throughout the UK, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. By car, the M25 motorway links Heathrow Airport with Watford (around 21 mi (34 km)), St Albans (around 26 mi (42 km)) and Brentwood (around 56 mi (90 km)). By train, the Elizabeth line links the airport with Farringdon (for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire), London Liverpool Street (for Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk) and Brentwood in Essex.

    South of London, London Gatwick Airport (LGW IATA) has a large number of arrivals from cities throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Direct trains link Gatwick Airport with destinations throughout Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, including Cambridge, Luton, Peterborough, St Albans and Stevenage.

    In East London, several flights arrive into London City Airport (LCY IATA) from UK and European cities. Use the DLR to Stratford and change for trains into Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, including Chelmsford, Colchester and Norwich.

    By sea

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    The East of England is a coastal region, with a major port at Harwich in Essex. Sailings by Stena Line arrive into Harwich International Port from Hook of Holland, near Rotterdam in Netherlands Netherlands.

    Trains link Harwich International with destinations throughout Essex, including Chelmsford and Colchester. The A120 road links the port with Colchester, with onward connections towards Brentwood, Chelmsford and Ipswich.

    A small number of cruises arrive into Tilbury, which also lies in Essex. The nearest railway station around 1 mi (1.6 km) away is Tilbury Town, with trains to Southend. The A1089 and A13 roads link the ferry terminal with destinations throughout the region.

    By train

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    See also: Rail travel in Great Britain

    Close to London, the East of England has an extensive network of commuter railway lines. Regular trains run between the capital and destinations throughout the region, including some of its smaller towns and villages. Long-distance trains also call at some of the East's busiest stations. These include:

    Most rail services in the East are part of the National Rail National Rail network throughout Great Britain. A ticket is usually required before you travel, which you can buy online using rail operators' websites, at station ticket offices when they are open or at station ticket machines.

    Eurail and Interrail passes are accepted on most routes. Check with the operator before you travel.

    Guest bookings may be required for Caledonian Sleeper overnight services from Edinburgh and Glasgow into Watford Junction.

    Journeys from the South West and Wales may require a change in London.

    Some lines are part of the Transport for London network, including:

    •  CEN  Central line into Epping Forest in Essex, with stops at Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois and Epping. It is part of the London Underground network with trains direct from West London, Central London including Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, The City including St Paul's and Liverpool Street, and Stratford.
    •  MET  Metropolitan line into Hertfordshire, with stops at Moor Park, Croxley, Watford, Rickmansworth and Chorleywood. It is part of the London Underground network with trains direct from The City including Liverpool Street and Moorgate, King's Cross St Pancras, Baker Street and Wembley.
    •  ELI  Elizabeth line into Brentwood and Shenfield in Essex. The Elizabeth line has direct trains from Heathrow Airport, West London, Central London including Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, The City including Liverpool Street, and Stratford.
    •  LIO  Lioness line into Carpenders Park, Bushey, Watford High Street and Watford Junction, all in Hertfordshire. It is part of the London Overground network with trains direct from Euston and Wembley.
    •  WEA  Weaver line into Theobalds Grove and Cheshunt in Hertfordshire. It is part of the London Overground network with trains direct from London Liverpool Street and Hackney Downs.

    By bus

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    Several long-distance coach operators run services in the East, including Airport Bus Express, Flixbus, Green Line, and National Express.

    By car

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    The East of England has an extensive motorway and trunk route network. Major roads include:

    The Dartford Crossing between Kent and Essex - part of the London Orbital - is a toll route. The Dart Charge applies between 6am and 10pm and motorists face a fine if they fail to pay by midnight the day after they cross. For Dart Charge information, visit the gov.uk website.

    Get around

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    By train

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    The East of England is a predominantly rural region. It is not always possible to get to your destination by train, but most major towns and cities have a stop. Some journeys may require a change, including in London, Cambridge, Ely, Ipswich, Norwich or Peterborough.

    Most lines are part of part of the National Rail National Rail network. Scenic routes include:

    • Bittern Line - Norwich - Salhouse - Hoveton and Wroxham - Worstead - North Walsham - Gunton - Roughton Road (Cromer) - Cromer - West Runton - Sheringham. Leaving Norfolk's cathedral city with its Victorian shopping arcade and medieval castle, Bittern Line trains pass through bucolic scenes in North Norfolk before arriving into the seaside resort towns Cromer - with its sandy beach and 151 metre-long pier - and Sheringham. Bittern are resident in Norfolk all year round, and you can spot these heron in the county's wetlands looking for fish to eat.
    • Wherry Lines - Norwich - Brundall Gardens - Brundall (- Lingwood - Acle - Great Yarmouth) - Buckenham - Cantley - Reedham (- Haddiscoe - Somerleyton - Oulton Broad North - Lowestoft) - Berney Arms - Great Yarmouth. Wherry Line trains cut through the flat, watery Broads, passing nature-rich marshes, thick reedbeds and boats on gentle rivers. It is named after the wherry sailing boats which used to carry cargo and passengers through the Broads, which is now a National Park. For an adventure, Berney Arms station has no road connections, but it is on the Weavers' Way footpath. It is 0.4 mi (0.64 km) walk from Berney Arms Mill and 3 mi (4.8 km) walk from the nearest main road in Halvergate village. Check train times on the National Rail website before you attempt this walk.
    • Sunshine Coast Line - Colchester - Colchester Town - Hythe - Wivenhoe - Alresford - Great Bentley - Weeley - Thorpe-le-Soken (- Clacton) - Kirby Cross - Frinton-on-Sea - Walton-on-the-Naze. The Sunshine Coast Line passes the wide River Colne estuary at Wivenhoe before arriving at at the seaside.
    • Gainsborough Line - Marks Tey - Chappel and Wakes Colne - Bures - Sudbury. Rising above green countryside along the Victorian Chappel Viaduct before arriving in the market town of Sudbury, several riverside footpaths into the Stour and Colne valleys join up with the Gainsborough Line.

    A mix of express, metro-style and branch line routes cross the East. It is easier to cross the region north-south than it is east-west. Check train times on the National Rail website to plan your route. Main routes include:

    Anglia day ranger travel card

    By bus

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    Rural bus services operate in most parts of the region, but they can be infrequent. They are usually operated by different companies, under different brands. You can plan your journey using the national Traveline website. Some councils operate their own journey planning websites:

    Most large towns and cities have comprehensive bus networks. This includes Park and Ride services in Bedford, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich in Norwich. You can park your car on the edge of the town or city and catch buses into city centres for shopping and sightseeing.

    Luton and Stansted airports are served by a mix of local buses and long-distance coaches. Norwich and Southend airports lie only on local bus routes.

    Longer distance operators use a mix of buses and coaches. Some journeys with National Express may require a booking in advance. Routes across the region include:

    By car

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    Some places in the county are only accessible by road, particularly at night when public transport options are limited.

    Roads vary in width and quality. An extensive motorway and major road network links the largest towns and cities in the East of England. Smaller 'A' and 'B' roads link some of the smaller towns, while a network of single-track routes criss-cross the countryside. These single-track routes require drivers to pull over into passing places or lay-bys to allow others to pass. There are very few toll roads in the East of England.

    As is the case throughout the UK, driving etiquette expectations and most road laws are set out in the Highway Code.

    Cities, towns and some larger villages feature petrol stations, including at supermarkets. The network of petrol stations is sparse in some rural areas of Norfolk and Suffolk.

    City centre parking can become busy, particularly in Cambridge and Norwich. Drivers can combine their car journeys with a bus ride in some town and city centres. Park and Ride services operate in Bedford, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich in Norwich.

    Major routes across the region include:

    There are several scenic drives throughout the region.

    The from Ipswich to Lowestoft winds through picturesque Suffolk villages before sweeping views open up across the River Blyth estuary and its flat banks out to the North Sea. The route starts leaves Junction 58 northbound to the east of Ipswich. Conifers planted on heathland break up industrial estates and retail parks around the town's Kesgrave and Martlesham suburbs. The route bypasses Woodbridge, nestled on the bank of the River Deben, and Saxmundham. Look out for the Yoxman in Yoxford, which has towered 26 ft (7.9 metres) over Suffolk's flat landscape since 2021. The A12 bridges the River Blyth at Blythburgh, before the river opens up into a tidal lake, then meanders to the North Sea - part of Southwold Harbour. Holy Trinity Blythburgh is a large riparian church, and was one of the richest in Suffolk in 1087. Henry IV granted the licence to build the current church in 1412. Before ending at the in Lowestoft town centre, the route passes Africa Alive zoo and the Kessingland seaside resort.

    The from King's Lynn to Great Yarmouth follows the Norfolk Coast and bypasses the Broads National Park. Starting in the west, the route passes King's Lynn, an ancient sea trading port at the mouth of the River Ouse. It retains two former Hanseatic League warehouses which date back to the 15th Century, part of a trading network across the North and Baltic seas. It leaves the town northbound, to the west of Castle Rising, a well preserved keep which dates back to 1138. Trees line the route past Sandringham, including its royal estate and palace, which has been the customary Christmas meeting place for the monarch and their family since 1988. At Heacham, Norfolk Lavender gardens are open to the public. Hunstanton or "Sunny Hunny" has a pleasure beach and seaside promenade. The A149 bends to the east, into the Norfolk Coast National Landscape through Holme-next-the-Sea, Thornham, Titchwell with the RSPB Titchwell Marsh nature reserve, Brancaster with its wide, sandy beaches, Brancaster Staithe and Burnham Deepdale. It continues through Burnham Overy Staithe with its winding network of sailing channels, then Holkham past its thick pinewoods, vast beach and 18th-Century Neo-Palladian Hall. At Wells, the route bypasses the town and its quay before narrowing at Stiffkey, pronounced "Stoo-kee". Stop off at Blakeney for boats out to Blakeney Point, Britain's largest grey seal colony, or at Cley to stock up on picnic goodies. Pebbles cover the beaches between Cley and the Sheringham, along the coast through Salthouse and Weybourne. Sheringham and Cromer beyond are popular seaside resorts sloping down to the sea. South of Cromer, the A149 continues inland through North Walsham and Stalham, before finding the coast again at Caister-on-Sea. The is a more direct route between King's Lynn and Cromer. The is a more direct route between King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth.

    By boat

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    There are plenty of opportunities to travel across the East of England by boat, particularly in the summer.

    The Grand Union Canal is a gentle navigation through South West Hertfordshire, between London and The Midlands. Enabled by the Grand Junction Canal Act 1793, this artificial waterway enters Hertfordshire to the north near Tring. The canal lies in the valley between Haddington Hill and Pitstone Hill, with views across surrounding flat landscapes scored with industrial revolution-era railways and roads. Heading south, Berkhamsted is a cute market town where boutiques and coffee shops line historic streets. Several pubs lie along the canal towpath with views across the water - including The Crystal Palace, The Boat, The Rising Sun and The Old Mill. The Three Horseshoes pub just west of Hemel Hempstead also has seating along the water's edge. Boaters skirt along Hemel Hempstead's southern edge, through Apsley, and into Nash Mills, Kings Langley and then Watford, roughly following the course of the River Gade. Cassiobury Park on the edge of Watford was once part of the Cassiobury House estate, and is now a large municipal park and nature reserve. It passes Rickmansworth along the town's southern edge, past lakes in the Colne Valley. The canal continues south past Denham in Buckinghamshire and Ealing in London, before arriving at the River Thames at Brentford. Waterways, towpaths and moorings are managed by the Canal and River Trust - part of the wider UK canal network.

    The River Lee Navigation cuts through the industrial Lee Valley between London and Hertford. Between Waltham Town Lock and Feildes Weir Lock (Hoddesdon), the Lee Navigation roughly follows the Hertfordshire and Essex border. Boaters leave Greater London north of Enfield Lock, between Waltham Abbey and Waltham Cross. The Royal Gunpowder Mills began producing explosives in the 1660s, converted during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, and ceased after the Second World War. This centuries-old factory to the river's east is open to the public. Heading north, the canal passes Cheshunt and Broxbourne before arriving at RSPB Rye Meads, a nature reserve and network of pools home to kingfishers, common tern, tufted ducks and snipe. It meets the River Stort near the nature reserve, which peels off to the east. The Lee Navigation continues west into Ware, an old malting town which used to specialise in brown malt for brewing porter beer. Riverside pubs include Saracens Head and the Waterside Inn. The navigation ends in Hertford town centre, at Folly Bridge. Waterways, towpaths and moorings are managed by the Canal and River Trust - part of the wider UK canal network.

    The River Stort leaves the Lee Navigation to the east near Hoddesdon, before passing Harlow New Town to its north. Rare southern marsh orchid (purple flowers) and marsh valerian (red-white rosettes) line the navigation at Sawbridgeworth, including at the Essex Wildlife Trust Sawbridgeworth Marsh Nature Reserve. It ends in Bishop's Stortford town centre. Waterways, towpaths and moorings are managed by the Canal and River Trust - part of the wider UK canal network.

    Passengers can cross Harwich Harbour by boat between Shotley, Harwich Ha'penny Pier, and Felixstowe. Since 1912, the Harwich Harbour Ferry has carried passengers across the water between Suffolk and Essex, and operates during the late-spring, summer and early-autumn months.

    Most rivers in the Norfolk Broads are navigable including the:

    • River Yare - Norwich to Breydon Water (Great Yarmouth)
    • River Bure - Coltishall to Great Yarmouth via Wroxham and Acle
    • River Chet - Loddon to the River Yare near Reedham
    • River Waveney - Geldeston to Breydon Water (Great Yarmouth) via Beccles and Oulton Broad (Lowestoft)

    Waterways meander through the flat Broads National Park in Norfolk and Suffolk, meeting lakes, dense reedbeds and thick sedge. Spot wherry cargo boats on the rivers - old sail and oar cargo boats now popular with tourists - on the windy waterways, or pleasurecraft which moor in riparian destinations like Wroxham and Horning.

    See

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    With a 500-mile stretch of coastline, historic cities and hundreds of rural villages, there is plenty to see throughout the East.

    Do

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    Eat

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    Delis, restaurants, pubs, markets and supermarkets sell and serve food from the region. A large proportion of England's sugar beet, potato, wheat and barley crop come from the East, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Pork and poultry are also widely farmed in the region. The Lee Valley is London's "salad bowl", on the Essex and Hertfordshire border south of Harlow, where growers produce large quantities of salad in glasshouses.

    Many destinations are home to independent bakeries, butchers and delicatessens - for day-to-day supplies, picnic hampers, gifts and special occasions. Popular stops include Burton's Butchers in Saffron Walden, Fitzbillies in Cambridge, Friday Street Farm near Aldeburgh, Humble Pie in Burnham Market, Picnic Fayre in Cley next the Sea and Walsingham Farm Shop. There are a great many more throughout the East.

    Almost all market towns and rural villages are home to independent pubs, restaurants and bistros. The Michelin Guide usually features a selection of places to eat from the East. You can also check local guides for recommendations. Some of the foodiest places include Aldeburgh and Southwold on the Suffolk coast, Berkhamsted, St Albans and Tring in Hertfordshire, Dunmow in Essex, and villages dotted along the North Norfolk coast. Be sure to book your table in advance if you're going for dinner or Sunday lunch (roast).

    Seafood is a local speciality. Catches from the North Sea include cod, haddock and mackerel, which you can buy from fishmongers, markets and delis throughout the region. One of the best known is Cley Smokehouse in Norfolk

    Further east along the coast, Cromer lends its name to the Cromer crab, which is widely sold at seaside restaurants, stalls and shacks.

    Oysters are native to the region, with shellfish served up along the Essex coast, particularly in quayside villages and towns like West Mersea. Find the freshest Oysters between September and April, during months with the letter "r" in their name. One of the most popular spots inland is the Oyster Shack and Seafood Bar in High Beach, Epping Forest, about 2 mi (3.2 km) from Loughton London Underground station.

    Jellied eels - along with pie and mash - are Thames Estuary classics. There are several pie and mash shops which serve eels in southern Essex and parts of nearby East London, such as Robin's in Basildon and Southend and F. Cooke in Chelmsford.

    Most towns have at least one fish and chip shop. Popular dishes include cod, haddock or scampi, which are battered, served with chips, topped with salt and vinegar, and wrapped in paper. Some of the most famous fish and chip shops are French's on the quayside at Wells-next-the-Sea, No1 in Cromer, The Little Fish and Chip Shop in Southwold, The Golden Galleon in Aldeburgh, M&A Fish Bar in Clacton and Bella John’s in Southend.

    Drink

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    Stay safe

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    The East of England is a prosperous and predominantly rural region presenting relatively few hazards to the traveller, but a little common sense can go a long way. See the England page for more general safety tips in England

    Drivers should be careful on the region's roads, which often have deceptively sharp corners and are flanked by deep, unfenced drainage ditches.

    Go next

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    This region travel guide to East of England is an outline and may need more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. If there are Cities and Other destinations listed, they may not all be at usable status or there may not be a valid regional structure and a "Get in" section describing all of the typical ways to get here. Please plunge forward and help it grow!

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