10 Days in East Anglia Self-Guided Tour

Day 1: Arrival & Historic Landmarks in Cambridge

• Pick up the Car Hire and Travel to Cambridge
• Wimpole Estate – Tickets Included
• Imperial War Museum Duxford (Self and Private Guided Tours available)
• Check-in at your Cambridge Accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 75 miles (120 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

Day 1: Detailed Tour Description

Your journey through East Anglia begins as you pick up your rental car and drive to Cambridge, a historic city famed for its prestigious university, elegant architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Before reaching the city, your first stop is Wimpole Estate, a stunning 17th-century country house surrounded by rolling parkland and formal gardens. Step inside to explore the beautifully preserved interiors, featuring grand halls, antique furniture, and fascinating historical exhibits. The estate’s working farm and landscaped grounds provide a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll before continuing your journey.

Next, head to the Imperial War Museum Duxford, one of the world’s most significant aviation museums. With an extensive collection of historic aircraft, military vehicles, and interactive displays, it’s a must-visit for history and aviation enthusiasts. Walk through hangars filled with Spitfires, Concorde, and Cold War jets, and if timing allows, you may even witness live aircraft take-offs and landings. Private guided tours are available for those wanting a deeper insight into the museum’s impressive exhibits.

Arriving in Cambridge, check into your accommodation and settle in for the evening. Stroll along the River Cam, explore the historic streets, or enjoy dinner at one of the city’s excellent restaurants before your full-day exploration tomorrow.

Day 2: Exploring the Best of Cambridge

• Spend the Day in Cambridge
• Anglesey Abbey – Tickets Included
• Cambridge – Alumni-Led Walking & Punting Tour
• Fitzwilliam Museum – Tickets Included
• Overnight – Cambridge

Total Distance: Minimal driving, local exploration

Day 2: Detailed Tour Description

Start your day with a visit to Anglesey Abbey, a Jacobean-style country house set within 114 acres of stunning gardens and parkland. Wander through the opulent interiors filled with an impressive collection of fine art and furniture, then step outside to enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds, including a picturesque winter garden and a working watermill.

Returning to Cambridge, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant academic atmosphere with an Alumni-Led Walking & Punting Tour. Led by knowledgeable university graduates, this tour provides fascinating insights into Cambridge’s history, traditions, and famous alumni. Stroll past the grand college buildings, admire the Gothic architecture of King’s College Chapel, and learn about student life at one of the world’s top universities. Then, relax as you glide along the River Cam on a traditional punt, floating past iconic landmarks like the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs.

Later in the day, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, home to an outstanding collection of art and antiquities. Admire works by great masters such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso, explore ancient Egyptian artifacts, and delve into a world of decorative arts and historical manuscripts. The museum’s grand architecture and extensive collections make it a cultural highlight of Cambridge.

Spend the evening at your leisure, whether dining at a local restaurant, enjoying a riverside walk, or experiencing the city’s charming pub culture.

Optional Private Tour: Private Rowing Class 

After your sightseeing, take to the River Cam for a private rowing lesson. Learn the techniques of elite rowers and experience the river from a new perspective.

Day 3: Cambridge to King’s Lynn – Cathedrals & Stately Homes

• Check Out Of Your Accommodation
• Travel to Kings Lynn
• Ely Cathedral – Tickets Included
• Houghton Hall – Tickets Included
• Check-in at your Kings Lynn Accommodation
• Overnight – King’s Lynn

Total Distance: Approximately 50 miles (80 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 3: Detailed Tour Description

After checking out of your accommodation, set off for the historic market town of King’s Lynn, but not before exploring two of East Anglia’s architectural masterpieces.

Your first stop is the magnificent Ely Cathedral, known as the “Ship of the Fens” due to its towering silhouette over the surrounding landscape. This breathtaking medieval cathedral boasts an awe-inspiring Octagon Tower, intricate stained glass windows, and ornate carvings. Climb to the top for panoramic views over the Cambridgeshire countryside, and take time to admire the craftsmanship of its intricate wooden ceilings and detailed stonework.

Continue your journey to Houghton Hall, one of England’s finest Palladian mansions. Built in the 18th century for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, the estate showcases exquisite interiors, grand state rooms, and an extensive collection of art and sculptures. The beautifully landscaped gardens, deer park, and contemporary art installations provide a perfect blend of history and nature.

Arriving in King’s Lynn, check into your accommodation and unwind after a day of exploration. Stroll through the town’s historic streets, lined with well-preserved medieval buildings, and discover its maritime heritage before enjoying a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Royal Estates & Coastal Nature in North Norfolk

• Check Out Of Your Accommodation
• Travel to North Norfolk
• Sandringham House – Tickets Included
• Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve
• Check-in at your Accommodation
• Overnight – North Norfolk

Total Distance: Approximately 40 miles (64 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour

Day 4: Detailed Tour Description

Leaving King’s Lynn behind, set off for North Norfolk, an area known for its unspoiled coastline, grand estates, and diverse wildlife. Your first stop is the Sandringham Estate, the beloved country retreat of the British Royal Family. With entry tickets included, you’ll have the chance to explore the opulent state rooms of Sandringham House, where generations of royals have spent their winters. Stroll through the ornate gardens, visit the museum showcasing royal vehicles and memorabilia, and wander the vast woodland estate, home to scenic walking trails.

From regal luxury, transition into a wild coastal adventure at Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve. Accessible by boat from Brancaster Staithe (tide permitting), this secluded island sanctuary offers pristine sand dunes, salt marshes, and rich birdlife, including oystercatchers, terns, and avocets. It’s the perfect place for a nature walk, with stunning sea views and a true sense of tranquility away from the crowds.

After a day of history and nature, check in at your North Norfolk accommodation, where you can relax and prepare for another day of exploration in this breathtaking region.

Day 5: Stately Homes & Stunning Coastal Scenery

• Spend the Day in North Norfolk
• Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate – Tickets Included
• Holkham Beach
• Overnight – North Norfolk

Total Distance: Approximately 35 miles (56 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 5: Detailed Tour Description

Spend the day discovering North Norfolk’s grand estates and scenic coastline. Visit Felbrigg Hall, Gardens, and Estate, one of England’s most complete 17th-century country houses. With entry tickets included, explore its beautifully preserved interiors, filled with fine furniture, artworks, and centuries-old books. Outside, the ornamental gardens and surrounding woodlands make for a peaceful morning walk.

Continue to Holkham Beach, one of the UK’s most spectacular coastal landscapes. Known for its expansive golden sands, rolling dunes, and pine woodlands, this beach provides breathtaking sea views and a perfect setting for a stroll. As part of the Holkham Estate, the area is a haven for birdwatchers, with rare species often spotted along the shoreline and salt marshes.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you explore nearby Wells-next-the-Sea, indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or relax and take in the tranquil atmosphere of North Norfolk, your evening is set against the backdrop of this picturesque region.

Optional Private Tour: Sunset Seal Safari on the North Norfolk Coast

Join a local marine conservationist for a private boat tour along the Norfolk coast at sunset. You’ll visit Blakeney Point, where you’ll see hundreds of grey seals lounging on the sandbanks, and enjoy a glass of prosecco on board while learning about the region’s unique marine ecosystem.

Day 6: Historic Norwich & Seaside Charm in Great Yarmouth

• Spend the Day in Norwich & Great Yarmouth
• Norwich Castle – Tickets Included
• Great Yarmouth – Explore at your leisure
• Overnight – Norwich

Total Distance: Approximately 45 miles (72 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 20 minutes

Day 6: Detailed Tour Description

Today’s journey takes you to Norwich, one of England’s most historic cities. Begin at Norwich Castle, an imposing medieval fortress that once served as a royal palace and later as a prison. With entry tickets included, delve into the castle’s museum and art gallery, where exhibits cover archaeology, natural history, and fine art. Don’t miss the chance to climb the castle’s viewing platform, offering panoramic views over Norwich’s skyline and medieval streets.

After exploring Norwich, take a scenic drive to Great Yarmouth, a classic British seaside town with a lively mix of beachfront attractions, historic sites, and traditional amusements. Stroll along the Golden Mile, where you’ll find fish and chips shops, arcades, and classic seaside entertainment. History lovers can visit the Elizabethan House Museum to see what life was like in the 16th century or the Time and Tide Museum, which explores the town’s rich maritime heritage and fishing industry.

As the day winds down, return to Norwich, where you’ll spend the night, soaking in the city’s charming atmosphere, bustling riverside restaurants, and cobblestone streets lined with medieval buildings.

Day 7: Medieval Castles & Tranquil Waterways

• Check Out Of Your Accommodation
• Travel to Suffolk Coast
• Framlingham Castle – Tickets Included
• Broads National Park – Explore at your leisure
• Check-in at your Accommodation

Total Distance: Approximately 65 miles (105 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 45 minutes

Day 7: Detailed Tour Description

Leaving Norwich behind, today’s drive takes you toward the Suffolk Coast, where medieval history meets breathtaking natural beauty. Your first stop is Framlingham Castle, a stunning 12th-century fortress that offers a rich glimpse into England’s turbulent past. Entry tickets are included, and you can wander along the 13-towered curtain wall, climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and explore exhibitions that tell the story of its noble families, sieges, and political intrigues. Framlingham is best known as the place where Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England in 1553, making it a must-visit for history lovers.

Next, continue to The Broads National Park, a unique network of rivers, lakes, and wetlands that offer some of the most picturesque scenery in East Anglia. As one of the UK’s most important areas for wildlife conservation, the Broads are home to rare bird species, lush reed beds, and charming riverside villages. You can rent a small boat, take a guided river cruise, or enjoy a peaceful walk along one of the many nature trails that wind through this stunning landscape.

As the day draws to a close, drive to your accommodation in Suffolk, where you can settle in and prepare for a day of coastal exploration. Enjoy the peaceful charm of this countryside retreat, perhaps dining at a local pub serving fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes.

Day 8: Exploring the Suffolk Coastline & Seaside Villages

• Spend a day at the Suffolk Coast
• Suffolk Coastal Path Aldeburgh – Self-Exploration
• Overnight – Suffolk

Total Distance: Approximately 30 miles (48 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour

Day 8: Detailed Tour Description

Today is all about embracing the natural beauty and relaxed charm of the Suffolk coast. Start your morning with a scenic drive to Aldeburgh, a quintessential English seaside town known for its pebble beaches, colorful fishing boats, and rich artistic heritage. The Suffolk Coastal Path offers spectacular sea views, winding through dunes, marshlands, and hidden coves. You can follow a self-guided route, taking in highlights like Thorpeness Meare, a man-made boating lake inspired by J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan, and The Scallop, a striking sculpture on the beach dedicated to composer Benjamin Britten.

Stroll through Aldeburgh’s charming High Street, lined with independent boutiques, cozy tea rooms, and art galleries. Don’t miss the chance to try the famous fish and chips from Aldeburgh Fish & Chip Shop, regularly ranked among the best in the UK. If you’re interested in history, visit the Moot Hall, a half-timbered Tudor building that tells the story of Aldeburgh’s maritime and fishing past.

Further down the coast, you can explore the marshes and heathlands of RSPB Minsmere, a haven for birdwatchers and one of the UK’s most important nature reserves. Whether you opt for a gentle walk along the trails or simply soak in the unspoiled coastal scenery, Suffolk’s coastline offers a refreshing escape from city life.

After a full day of seaside discovery, return to your accommodation in Suffolk, where you can relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

Day 9: Anglo-Saxon Treasures & England’s Best-Preserved Medieval Village

• Check Out Of Your Accommodation
• Travel to West Suffolk
• Sutton Hoo – Tickets Included
• Lavenham – Self Exploration
• Overnight – West Suffolk

Total Distance: Approximately 50 miles (80 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 9: Detailed Tour Description

After breakfast, it’s time to head inland toward West Suffolk, a region rich in archaeological wonders and beautifully preserved medieval villages. The day’s first stop is Sutton Hoo, one of the most important Anglo-Saxon burial sites in Europe. With entry tickets included, you’ll have the chance to explore the legendary royal burial mounds, where an early 7th-century Anglo-Saxon king was laid to rest along with a treasure-filled ship burial. The visitor center and museum house artifacts from the excavation, including intricately crafted weaponry, jewelry, and ceremonial objects that provide insight into early medieval England’s elite society.

Continue your journey to Lavenham, widely regarded as England’s best-preserved medieval village. With its charming timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, and centuries-old coaching inns, Lavenham feels like stepping back in time to the days of Tudor prosperity. As a former wool trade capital, the town’s wealth is evident in its grand buildings, including the impressive St Peter and St Paul’s Church, which dominates the skyline.

Spend the afternoon wandering through the historic streets, stopping at tea rooms, antique shops, and artisanal boutiques. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, you might recognize De Vere House, a 15th-century house used as Harry Potter’s birthplace in the films. For a deeper dive into the town’s history, visit the Guildhall of Corpus Christi, which tells the story of Lavenham’s rise and fall as a medieval wool-trading powerhouse.

After a leisurely day of exploration, settle into your accommodation in West Suffolk, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting. Perhaps treat yourself to dinner at a historic country inn, sampling locally sourced dishes that celebrate the best of Suffolk’s food scene.

Optional Private Tour: Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access to the Sutton Hoo Dig Site

A senior archaeologist from the British Museum will guide you through the active excavation site at Sutton Hoo, giving you exclusive insights into newly discovered burial mounds and Anglo-Saxon artifacts. You’ll even get to handle replica treasures and learn how modern technology is reshaping our understanding of Anglo-Saxon history.

Day 10: Stately Homes & Return to London

• Check Out Of Your Accommodation
• Travel back to London
• Melford Hall – Tickets Included
• Drop off Car Hire

Total Distance: Approximately 75 miles (120 km)

Total Drive Time: Around 2 hours

Day 10: Detailed Tour Description

On your final day, take a scenic drive through the Suffolk countryside before returning to London. Before returning your car, make a stop at Melford Hall, a stunning Tudor mansion with a rich history and beautifully landscaped gardens. Entry tickets are included, and you can step inside this 16th-century estate, once owned by the powerful de Vere family and later home to Beatrix Potter’s relatives. Admire the impressive Elizabethan architecture, elegant interiors, and collections of artwork and furniture, while learning about the fascinating connections between the hall and England’s literary and aristocratic history.

After a leisurely exploration of the house and grounds, continue your journey back to London, where you will drop off your rental car, marking the end of your self-drive adventure through East Anglia.