Never visited the beautiful east coast of England? With vast sandy beaches the east coast, from Lincolnshire all the way south to Essex via Norfolk and Suffolk, is the perfect place for a staycation. You’ll find breath-taking nature reserves, stylish coastal towns, museums, stately homes, market towns, ancient churches and a rich history.
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East Lincolnshire
Begin along the northeast coast of Lincolnshire, which is wonderful for wildlife watching. Grey seals haul out at Donna Nook Nature Reserve with pups born in November and December. The area is also special for birds, with starlings roosting in large numbers.
Alternatively, spend time in the attractive market town of Louth, capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds and crane your neck to admire St James’ which has the highest spire of any medieval church in Britain.
Walking this coast is a joy too! A new stretch of the England Coast Path links 16 miles of spectacular coast between Skegness and Mablethorpe. The skies are really special here and at Anderby Creek (halfway between these two towns) you’ll find the Cloud Bar, where the coast has been designated the world’s first official cloud spotting area.
Continue on to Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve where the sheer scale of the wildlife will amaze you at any time of year. In summer skylarks sing in full song above the purple haze of the saltmarshes. There are walkways, cycleways and fully accessible paths around the reserve.
Norfolk Coast
The wild unspoilt coastline of North Norfolk, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the focus for the day.
First, visit the sumptuous country mansion of Holkham Hall with its magnificent Deer Park, exhibition and nature reserve. Explore the tranquil waterfront of King’s Lynn or the Sandringham estate, the country retreat of Queen Elizabeth II. Parts of the castle and grounds are open to visit.
After lunch in Wells-next-the Sea, take a boat trip from Morston to see the largest seal colony in England at Blakeney Point or view wildlife from the comfort of the fabulous visitor centre at Cley Marshes. North Norfolk has stunning beaches so take a windswept wander along the sands at Sea Palling or Sheringham. If the sun is shining, round off the day at Cromer Pier, where the setting sun floods the west-facing Wash, burnishing it a rich gold you’ll never forget.
The Broads National Park and The Suffolk Coast
Start the day by exploring the inland waterways of the Norfolk Broads National Park - Britain’s largest protected wetland and a wildlife haven. Walk along waterside footpaths but tread quietly as the vast wetlands and network of lakes and rivers offer every chance of spotting a kingfisher or a statuesque heron snatching an unwary fish.
A brilliant way to explore the Broads is by boat and a number of operators offer a variety of options from day boats and canoes to passenger cruisers. Spend some time in the pretty coastal town of Southwold with its cheerful, coloured beach huts. Overnight at Aldeburgh but before you get there, take in some music, art or shops at the cultural centre of Snape Maltings just upriver from the town.
Aldeburgh and Essex Coastal Towns
View the 4m-high steel structure, Scallop on the Beach in Aldeburgh, where pastel-coloured holiday villas line the promenade of the town that inspired much of the music of Benjamin Britten.
Stop off at Woodbridge in Suffolk to discover the astonishing Anglo-Saxon riches that were uncovered at nearby Sutton Hoo. Don’t miss Flatford Mill, set on a delightful kink of the River Stour on the Suffolk-Essex border, which inspired the paintings of Constable.
The Essex coast is an incredible 350 miles long with natural and man-made attractions to keep you busy. Linger in Walton on the Naze visiting the nature reserve, going fossil hunting or visiting the unusual art gallery located in the Naze Tower.
At Harwich explore the Redoubt Fortress and some of the sites connected to the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims sailing to America on the Mayflower. End your day by stepping back in time along Old Leigh’s exquisite high street or enjoy a sundowner cocktail at Thorpe Bay.
The Essex Coast
The Essex coast is an incredible 350 miles long with natural and man-made attractions to keep you busy.
Linger in Walton on the Naze visiting the nature reserve, going fossil hunting or visiting the unusual art gallery located in the Naze Tower.
At Harwich explore the Redoubt Fortress and some of the sites connected to the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims sailing to America on the Mayflower.
Stay at The Pier hotel in Harwich: take a seal watching trip from Ha’Penny Pier (Harwich): Walk in beautiful coast-hugging woodlands at Wrabness and see Grayson Perry’s quirky House for Essex. Wander along Manningtree high street (10 mins drive away) explore independent shops and have lunch at Luca Enoteca or experience a cookery skills course at Mistley Kitchen
End your day by stepping back in time along Old Leigh’s exquisite high street or enjoy a sundowner cocktail at Thorpe Bay.
By Train
Regular train service in less than 2 hours from central London to key East Coast hubs including Hull, Lincoln, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Southend. Hull and Lincoln also enjoy good connections with Midlands cities as well as Manchester. Journey times and fares from www.nationalrail.co.uk.
By Coach
Hull, Lincoln, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Southend are all served by several coaches a day from central London. Connections can also made via the Midlands.
Car Hire
Available from Norwich International airport and regionally. Collections from train stations can be arranged.
