East Coast, England Attractions
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Counties: Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and LincolnshireThe east and southeast coasts of England extend from the Thames estuary, by way of the Wash, to the south side of the River Humber, and have along their length many well-known and popular seaside resorts as well as a number of important ports. The topographical pattern of this long stretch of coast is very varied - sometimes bounded by easily eroded cliffs, elsewhere fringed by sandy beaches, often by fertile fenland reclaimed from the sea. Many hundreds of miles of embankments and dikes protect this land, much of it lying only just above sea level. This part of the English coast is sinking all the time: over the last 2,000 years it has become lower by something in the order of 39-42ft/12-13m. In spite of the length of the coast there are only a few harbors deep enough to take tankers and other large vessels.
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Brigg, England
Brigg is a fine little market town that hosts a variety of annual events. The centre of town has 150 specialist shops and is popular with shoppers and tourists.
Gainsthorpe Medieval Village
Gainsthorpe Medieval Village is a medieval ruin near Brig. The hidden village comprises earthworks of peasant houses, gardens and streets.
Wells-Next-the-Sea, England
Wells-Next-the-Sea (pop. 2,400) is a nice little port town with its long sweeping beach, gentle harbour, Georgian houses, and specialty shops on Staithe Street. Wells-Next-the-Sea provides sightseeing, birdwatching, and countryside walking opportunities.
Black Notley, England
Black Notley is located just south of Braintree. There are several footpaths for visitors to explore the surrounding countryside.
John Ray Cottage
This was the birth place of the botanist John Ray.
John Ray Garden
A memorial garden with a formal maze is to be found in Black Notley.
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Together, these two trails are 93 miles / 150 kilometers long. Peddars Way begins at the Suffolk border, along the north west Norfolk ridge, passing through woods and farmland before reaching the coast at Holme-next-the-Sea. The trail is continued by the Norfolk Coast Path, following marches, beaches, cliffs and numerous villages in North Norfolk, and finally ending in Cromer.
Amesbury, England
Amesbury is located 8mi/13km north of Salisbury on the Avon River. Stonehenge is located 1.5mi/2.4km west of the town. The Benedictine Abbey in Amesbury was founded after the town in 979, on the site of a monastery. It is still used as a church today.
Stonehenge
Woodhenge
Neolithic site dating to 2300 BC. This English Heritage property consists of six concentric rings of timber posts, the entrance of which points to the rising sun on Midsummer Day.
Netheravon Dovecote
Netheravon Dovecote is a brick dovecote from the 18th C with over 700 nesting boxes.
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Beccles, England
Beccles (pop. 8,903) is located on the Waveney 100mi/161km northeast of London. The town is a popular boating centre with an octagonal Town Hall, local museum, a 16th century bell tower and Roos Hall.
Uggeshall Equestrian Centre
The center is located in the town of Beccles on the Suffolk coast and has 220 acres of private and BHS horse trails. All rides are scheduled off road, along grass tracks and nearby beaches.Tuition is available for riders of all abilities in riding, show jumping dressage and gymkhana.Holidays for unaccompanied children, ages 10 - 16, as well as for adults and families can be arranged.
Sudbury, England
Sudbury (pop. 9,883) is on the Stour 52mi/84km northeast of London. Boat tours on the River Stour can be enjoyed during the summer months or visitors to Sudbury may want to walk along the Railway Walk or cycle on the Cycle South Suffolk Route.
Guildhall, Lavenham
Lavenham is a medieval village noted for the 15th century church and half-timbered cottages. The town is a popular day-trip destination.The Guildhall in Lavenham, Sudbury is an timber-framed building dating from the early 16th C. Exhibits chronicle local history, industry, farming and railroad development.The Guildhall is a National Trust property.
Lavenham Priory
Lavenham Priory is a half-timbered house dating from the 13th century. This former Benedectine Priory was enlarged to be the home of a cloth merchant. Currently it serves as a bed and breakfast.
Melford Hall
Melford Hall is a National Trust property located near Sudbury. The house was built in the 16th C and retains its original panelled banqueting hall. Other features include a small garden as well as a Regency library and collections of 16th C furniture and porcelain.
Gainsborough's House
This is the house of artist Thomas Gainsborough. It is filled with his paintings and drawings. It also features impressive furniture and an attractive garden.
Long Melford - Kentwell Hall
At Kentwell Hall dramatic re-creations of Tudor life take place on specific days of the year.
Hadleigh, England
Hadleigh (pop. 5,900) in Suffolk was once a noted center for wool. The town has some impressive historic buildings and a variety of specialty shops. The Guildhall in Hadleigh has a lovely walled garden. The Deanery Tower is from the 15th century while St Mary's Church is from the 13th century.
Suffolk Coast Path
This 50-mile / 80-kilometer path begins at Felixstowe and follows the Heritage Coast, past marshes, beaches, nature reserves and small towns, before finishing at Lowestoft on the edge of the Broads.
Framlingham - Castle
Framlingham is located northeast of the edge of the Suffolk Coast. Framlingham Castle is an English Heritage property that was built during Edward I's reign. Queen Mary took refuge here during the attempt to have Lady Jane Grey placed on the throne as a replacement. The castle's battlements look across to the College, a Suffolk memorial to Prince Albert.
Saxtead Green Post Mill
Saxtead Green Post Mill is an English Heritage property located near Framlingham. The Suffolk post mill is still in working order and visitors can climb the wooden stairs to the various floors.
Thornton Abbey, Thornton Curtis, England
Thornton Abbey in Thornton Curtis is an English Heritage property. The site includes the ruins of an Augustinian priory from the 12th century, with a magnificent brick gatehouse standing three stories high.
Weavers Way Walking Trail
This 56-mile / 90-kilometer trail links the Norfolk Coast Path at Cromer with Great Yarmouth, passing through the Norfolk Broads as well as through a number of towns and villages, including Felbrigg, Blickling, Aylsham, and Stalham.
Essex Way
This 81-mile / 130-kilometer trail begins at Epping, passes through farmland to the Constable country of Dedham Vale and ends at the port of Harwich.
Humberside International Airport
Humberside International Airport offers a children's play area, restaurants and bars as well as a flying school.
Melksham, England
Melksham (pop. 9,600) is an agricultural town on the River Avon, near Chippenham. The area surrounding Melksham has a number of lovely villages and Melksham Forest.
Great Chalfield Manor
Great Chalfield Manor is a 15th C moated manor house. It was restored in the 20th C by the Fuller family who live at, and manage the property.
Saxon Shore Way Walking Trail
This 143mi/230km trail follows the Kent Coast from Gravesend, through four Roman forts, and onto Rye in Sussex.
Tilbury, England
Tilbury is a port on the Thames downstream from London. The town is noted for a 16th century fort and its deepwater fort.
Fort
Tilbury Fort is an English Heritage property in Tilbury. It was built by Henry VIII in 1539 and it was here that Elizabeth I made her famous speech in anticipation on the Armada in 1588. She said 'I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and a king of England too.' The present structure was built for Charles II between 1670 and 1683.
