The best places to stay in the East of England

Coastal, Rural, Destinations

Posted by Kate Atkin on 6th March 2024

A woman walking through the Norfolk countryside on a sunny day with a windmill ahead

Home to some of the UK’s most beautiful regions, the East of England is a glorious patchwork of verdant countryside and sparkling coast, woven together with waterways, fens, nature reserves and heritage sites.

Our guide to the best places to stay in the East of England encompasses the four counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Lincolnshire. Whether you’re looking for a traditional seaside holiday, a peaceful break in a chocolate-box village or a fun-filled staycation in a lively city, read on to find the perfect setting for your next getaway.

Or if you’d like to jump straight into our collection of holiday cottages in the East of England, then click the button below.

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A seal at Blakeney Point, a windmill on the Norfolk Broads, and an aerial view of Norwich

Norfolk: best place for getting out on the water

Among the sweeping beaches, windmill-framed waterways, and bustling market towns and villages of Norfolk, you’ll find some of the best places to stay on the east coast of England. Our holiday cottages in Norfolk can be found near beauty spots rich in wildlife, in traditional family-friendly seaside resorts, and in the magnificent city of Norwich – a place steeped in fascinating history.

Or if you fancy a relaxing day on the water, then read our guide to the best places to stay in the Norfolk Broads. Boasting more than 125 miles of navigable lock-free waterways, the Norfolk Broads National Park is a rich tapestry of landscape, water and wildlife. It is Britain’s largest protected wetland and is peppered with picture-postcard destinations where you’ll find our Norfolk Broads cottages.

Highlights:

The best places to stay in Norfolk


Colourful timbered houses in Lavenham, Flatford Mill, and beach huts in Southwold,

Suffolk: best place for a peaceful, romantic break

A county brimming with natural beauty, Suffolk is renowned for its golden coastline, meandering rivers and colourful meadows. From Constable Country to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is unlike anywhere else in the UK and one of the best places to stay in East Anglia.

Stay in one of our holiday cottages in Suffolk and discover historic wool towns seemingly untouched by time such as Clare and Lavenham, or sample the freshest seafood in charming coastal towns like Lowestoft, Aldeburgh and Southwold. History abounds with a vast selection of castles, museums and heritage sites to explore, and wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted with a bounty of nature reserves to wander.

Highlights:

The best places to stay in Suffolk


Deckchairs on a beach, an aerial view of an Essex village, and the pier at Clacton-on-Sea

Essex: best place for family-friendly fun

Beginning on the urban fringes of London and blending into rural Suffolk countryside, Essex is a county of contrasts. It is packed with everything from seaside charm and countryside delights to vibrant towns filled with exciting attractions. If you’re looking for family-friendly places to stay in the East of England, then our holiday cottages in Essex are sure to be a big hit.

At over 350 miles long, Essex boasts one of the longest coastlines in England. It is dotted with a mixture of remote coves brimming with sea life and Blue Flag beaches overflowing with amusements. Towns like Southend-on-Sea and Clacton-on-Sea offer traditional English pursuits such as donkey rides and sitting on the seafront eating fish and chips. While inland, you can tread in the footsteps of John Constable and admire the rolling landscapes that inspired this iconic painter and former resident some 200 years ago.

Highlights:

The best places to stay in Essex


A country road in Lincolnshire, an aerial view of Lincoln, and Mablethorpe Beach

Lincolnshire: best place for outdoor enthusiasts

Home to picturesque market towns, serene nature reserves and unspoilt coastline, Lincolnshire is a fantastic choice for a holiday in the East of England. Laced with walking and cycling trails which wind through the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the vast coastal marshes of the Lincolnshire Fens, this captivating county is a treat for those who relish being in the great outdoors.

From our holiday cottages in Lincolnshire, you can experience the striking cathedral city of Lincoln, with its cobbled streets lined with a multitude of top-class restaurants and attractions. Or if you’d prefer a day at the seaside, you can spend sunny days on the shores of Skegness, Mablethorpe and Cleethorpes.

Highlights:

The best places to stay in Lincolnshire


Discover your perfect holiday in the East of England

With so many beautiful places to stay in the East of England, now is the perfect time to book a relaxing getaway. From romantic cottages for couples to fun-filled houses for the whole family, our self-catering accommodation in the East of England is sure to create a wonderful setting for a memorable break.

Our East of England cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.