Rising out of the wet fenlands between Cambridge and Newmarket, the small city of Ely feels more like a large town but its magnificent cathedral, which dominates the skyline of the flat East Anglian countryside, denotes a place of one-time historic importance. Oliver Cromwell lived in the town for eleven years, and his home can be visited with a trip to the town’s tourist information office, which is now housed within the ancient black and white walls. Today visitors on a cottage holiday will find plenty to fill a day in Ely, starting at the famous cathedral, known as the Ship of the Fens, with an unusual Octagonal tower which can be seen for miles around. Learn about the region’s history with a trip to the Ely Museum, housed in the old town jail, or visit the country’s only dedicated Stained Glass museum. Water, water, everywhere…Ely’s waterside area makes a very pleasant place to stroll away an afternoon; take a boat trip down river to enjoy the views from the water, then enjoy refreshments at one of the tea rooms. There are many excellent places to eat along the riverside; after lunch make time to see the Babylon Gallery’s mixture of local and national art, on display in the town’s old brewery warehouse. (more…)

Newmarket

Synonymous with horse racing, the East Anglian town of Newmarket in Suffolk barely needs any introduction, renowned the world over as the premier location for the Sport of Kings. Horse racing inevitably dominates life in the town, and anyone with more than just a passing interest will find Newmarket an enjoyable place to visit. A day at the races is, of course, the ultimate Newmarket experience, with not one but two famous courses to choose from, but everyone can gain an insight into the equine world with a visit to the town’s National Horse racing Museum, a tour round one of the working horse training yards or by making a visit to the stunning National Stud.
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The many historic towns and villages found to the south of Norwich, between the city and the county’s border with neighbouring Suffolk, are well worth visiting on a cottage holiday. Visit the Roman settlement at Caistor St. Edmund just south of Norwich, or discover beautiful Diss, a delightful market town offering sixteenth century timber-framed houses built around the six acres of Diss Mere Lake. The walking route of Boudica’s Way starts here, and ramblers can make the journey back to Norwich along this famous trail. Harleston holds a market every Wednesday, whilst the village of Hingham boasts a plethora of period buildings. (more…)

The Lowestoft, Southwold and North Suffolk area collectively calls itself the ‘Sunrise Coast’ and indeed this most easterly region of the British Isles enjoys one of the driest and mildest climates in the UK, with long days of sunshine and plenty of holiday attractions. Its combination of vast swathes of both resort and rural beaches, proximity to the Norfolk Broads, and lovely quiet, unspoilt inland countryside make the area a wise choice for a holiday cottage stay.
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Ipswich has a pleasant, compact centre, with a number of interesting historic buildings in the Ancient House, Ipswich Museum, Custom House and St. Lawrence Church, together with a newly regenerated modern waterfront area with an attractive range of shops and cafes. Visitors on a cottage holiday can take one of the blue badge guided walks to familiarise themselves with the town, or uncover its darker secrets on one of the designated Ghost Tours. Orwell river cruises offer the chance to experience the town and the pretty Suffolk coastline from the water.
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