East Anglia is a fantastic family-friendly destination where you can enjoy stunning beaches and charming English countryside without the usual tourist crowds. Norfolk and Suffolk offer endless adventures for kids, from exploring medieval castles and lively markets in Norwich to boating on the Broads. In short, East Anglia is a hidden gem perfect for memorable family holidays with picturesque villages, beautiful coastlines, and fun outdoor activities.
Table of Contents
Why Visit East Anglia with Children
East Anglia refers to the entire eastern part of England, including the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and part of Cambridgeshire. Sometimes, when people talk about the East of England, they also include Essex.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO ENGLAND
Stay connected in England with a giffgaff free SIM or an Airalo eSim for seamless data coverage throughout the UK. Additionally, rent a car in the United Kingdom to explore all the attractions of the British countryside, including the fantastic museums on my blog!
East Anglia is quite a large area; I recommend exploring it by car. While many places are well connected by trains and buses, the real charm lies in the traditional English countryside. Here, you can see rolling green meadows, cosy pubs tucked away along quiet back roads, and the famous Broads, a network of navigable canals unique to the region. Plus, everything is kid-friendly here.
If you’re ready to discover the English countryside, East Anglia is just a few hours’ drive from London and other major cities. The region offers plenty to amaze children and adults alike. We tried peaceful boat trips on the canals, visited award-winning beaches, impressive castles, stunning cathedrals, and even saw African animals at local wildlife parks.
East Anglia’s flat landscape also makes it perfect for walking and cycling, which is ideal for families who love outdoor adventures.
While Cambridgeshire and Cambridge are the most famous parts of the East of England, this article will focus on the best family-friendly destinations in Norfolk and Suffolk that I tried firsthand.
What to See in East Anglia: Norfolk and Suffolk
I’m pretty sure the first time you travel through East Anglia by car or train, you’ll be fascinated by its fields that widen as far as the eye can see. At that moment, you discover that England is not just London but includes vast and enchanting rural areas.
I fell in love with this area just like that, crossing it and wading through the immense English landscapes outside the window.
Continuing east, you reach Norwich, the bustling capital of Norwich, a green city that rises around the River Wensum. All around are magnificent postcard villages, whose buildings tell of the county’s development since the Middle Ages.
A unique feature of Norfolk is the Broads, an extensive network of marshes and waterways. While one of the greatest entertainments is exploring the canals by boat, the marsh ecosystems are also interesting from a naturalistic point of view as they are home to some of the most rare species of plants and birds in the UK. In the summer, you can also watch sailing regattas on the Broads.
Finally, on the Norfolk and Suffolk coast, you can experience an authentic British seaside holiday because tourism is almost exclusively internal. Here, you can visit old lighthouses still in operation, eat fish & chips at the waterfront kiosks and the signature Mr Whipple ice cream with Cadbury chocolate bar, and even watch an authentic circus show at the Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth.
Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Norfolk
If you visit Norfolk, you’ll fall in love with it. I left my heart there. From the charming city of Norwich to the idyllic countryside woven with rivers and canals, every corner feels like a scene straight out of a postcard.
Even if you’re not usually outdoorsy, the first glimpse of sunshine will have you dreaming of a family picnic in one of Norfolk’s many beautiful parks.
Norwich: History and Fun for All Ages
Norwich is the perfect place to start your East Anglia adventure. The city centre is completely pedestrianised, making it easy to explore on foot. The historic market buzzes with life, and right nearby, you’ll find a beautifully preserved Victorian shopping arcade filled with charming tea rooms, quirky bookstores, art galleries, and unique shops. Every time I visit with my son, we never miss grabbing classic fish & chips from a food stall at Norwich Market; it’s become a bit of a tradition.
Norwich is also packed with cultural gems. Norwich Cathedral is an absolute must-see, even if churches aren’t usually your thing. Step inside, and you’ll be amazed by its soaring height and the stunning cloisters, one of the largest in England. Kids will especially love the maze in the cloister garden, sparking curiosity and laughter.
For a dose of history, Norwich Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into Norman architecture. It also has a quirky museum collection, including the world’s largest teapot and the famous Army Biscuit. Those inedible, mummified biscuits from the English Army never fail to amuse visitors.
If you want to dive deeper into Norwich’s past, the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is a fantastic, family-friendly spot. My son loved exploring how life used to be in old houses and shops. At the same time, I enjoyed learning about the city’s rich commercial and fashion history.
And if your family shares our love for aviation, don’t miss the City of Norwich Aviation Museum. Housed in a former Royal Air Force station, once a US Army Air Force base, it’s where the real “Masters of the Air” planned their missions during WWII. It’s a fascinating visit for all ages, especially for little pilots-in-training!
Exploring the Norfolk Broads National Park
The Broads are a fascinating network of over 120 miles of navigable canals, surrounded by marshes and reed beds. Interestingly, these canals aren’t natural; they were created in the Middle Ages when local monasteries dug deep to extract peat for fuel. Over time, the sea flooded the excavated holes, turning the area into the unique wetland landscape we see today, perfect for family exploration.
A must-visit spot is the Museum of the Broads in Stalham. It tells the story of peat mining, shows the traditional boats used here, and shares the ongoing conservation efforts. Kids love learning about how this watery world was shaped and seeing the old boats up close.
Families will enjoy walking through the marshes and spotting herons, kingfishers, and other local birds. Sailing is another fantastic way to explore. You can rent boats for anything from a quick afternoon cruise to a whole week. Just bear in mind that tides affect the waterways, so sailing isn’t always possible in autumn and winter.
If you’d rather not steer, hop on a family-friendly cruise at Oulton Broads or catch the thrilling summer boat races. We loved watching colourful speedboats zip by while enjoying a classic English picnic on the shore, like the local families.
Best Family-Friendly Beach Resorts in Norfolk
Every town in East Anglia seems lifted from a postcard, with charming pubs, winding lanes, and houses with distinctive thatched roofs. Along the coast, you’ll find traditional British seaside resorts, complete with campsites and fun piers.
Some of the best beach resorts in Norfolk include Cromer, known for its traditional pier and fresh crab, and Wells-next-the-Sea, with its wide sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts. Families also love Hunstanton, a classic Victorian seaside town famous for its striped cliffs and family-friendly promenade.
With my son, we loved the calm, clean beaches of Norfolk, where you can build sandcastles, paddle in the sea, or just enjoy the salty breeze. But we also experienced a classic British seaside holiday in Great Yarmouth, a quirky and cheerful coastal town often described as a British version of Las Vegas.
There stands the Hippodrome Circus, the UK’s last remaining permanent circus building, where we were amazed by acrobats, clowns, and high-flying trapeze acts. Other attractions near the beach you can visit with your kids are the Merrivale Model Village and SEA Life Great Yarmouth.
Steam Trains, Tanks and Industrial History: Norfolk’s Best Family Adventures Inland
When you explore inland Norfolk, nothing thrills train-loving children more than a ride on a real steam train. The Bure Valley Steam Railway offers a magical journey through the scenic countryside between Aylsham and Wroxham, with vintage locomotives and charming stations.
Another fantastic heritage line is the Mid-Norfolk Railway, running between County School and Wymondham Abbey, perfect for soaking in rural landscapes at a gentle pace.
Norfolk’s heritage railways are a fun and relaxed way to explore the region. Riding a steam train is always a hit with kids and brings out the nostalgia in adults too!
But trains aren’t the only exciting vehicles here: at the Norfolk Tank Museum in Forncett St. Peter, you can climb inside real military tanks and even ride one. Just nearby, the Forncett Industrial Steam Museum brings the power of the Industrial Revolution to life with roaring steam engines and fascinating machinery.
Norfolk’s Best Adventure Parks for Families
If your children are looking for excitement and outdoor fun, Norfolk has some fantastic adventure parks perfect for a day out with the family.
BeWILDerwood is a magical woodland adventure park unlike anything else. Hidden in the heart of a forest, it feels like stepping into a real-life storybook. Kids can roam free among treehouses, zip lines, rope bridges, and giant wooden play structures.
It’s the kind of place where getting muddy is part of the adventure, so leave your best clothes at home and get ready to explore!
Another must-visit is ROARR! Dinosaur Adventure, a thrilling dinosaur-themed park outside Norwich. Packed with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, it’s a paradise for young explorers. There’s a dinosaur trail through the woods, a splash zone with water games, soft play areas, go-karts, and a petting zoo.
My son still talks about the fun we had there, especially racing with go-karts. ROARR! is the perfect mix of education and adrenaline, guaranteed to keep kids entertained for hours.
Discovering Suffolk with Kids: Top Destinations
Suffolk is one of the most charming counties in East Anglia. It’s a fantastic place to explore with children. The main town, Ipswich, is the county’s transport hub, where most trains and buses pass through.
But the real magic lies in the surrounding countryside. Here, you’ll find picturesque Tudor-style villages and historic houses. These pretty towns are a reminder of Suffolk’s medieval wealth, built on the booming wool trade.
Today, you can wander along cobbled lanes and admire the half-timbered buildings. There’s a timeless atmosphere that makes this area truly special.
If you’re planning a family road trip in East Anglia, don’t miss Bury St Edmunds and Southwold. Bury St Edmunds is perfect for a relaxed stroll, with its impressive abbey ruins and beautifully kept gardens. Southwold is a lovely seaside town, famous for its colourful beach huts, classic pier, and traditional charm.
Bury St Edmunds: A Town Full of Surprises
Bury St Edmunds is full of historic charm and a lovely place to explore with kids. The town is home to the impressive ruins of Bury Abbey, nestled within the beautifully kept Abbey Gardens. It’s a magical spot where children can run around while parents soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
A short walk away, you’ll find the Church of St Mary, one of the largest parish churches in England. Stepping inside feels like travelling back in time. The church is famous for housing the tomb of Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII and former Queen of France, a fascinating detail that sparks young imaginations.
If you’re more into beer than royal history (and let’s be honest, parents deserve some fun, too), Bury St Edmunds also has a thriving craft beer scene. The Greene King Brewery, in operation since 1799, offers guided tours of its historic brewhouse. You’ll learn all about brewing traditions and finish with a tasting of beer tapped straight from the barrel, a perfect grown-up treat.
Kids, however, will likely be more impressed by the Moyse’s Hall Museum. Set in a 12th-century building with a spooky basement vibe, it’s packed with curiosities. You can see a medallion containing a real lock of Mary Tudor’s hair and dive into the chilling tales of witch trials that shaped the town’s past. Creepy, yes – but absolutely fascinating.
Southwold: Traditional Seaside Fun on the Suffolk Coast
Southwold is one of the most charming seaside towns on the Suffolk coast, loved by families for its mix of classic British elegance and simple seaside fun. Compared to other coastal spots, it has a unique atmosphere, with cannons lined up on the cliffs, a 19th-century lighthouse, pretty stone cottages, and rows of colourful beach huts that make it feel like a storybook setting.
Kids will absolutely love exploring the Southwold Pier, which is packed with quirky Victorian-style arcade games and curious mechanical inventions. There’s even a wacky water clock with animated sculptures that spring to life on the hour. It’s something that never fails to make children (and grown-ups) giggle.
For lunch, you can enjoy fish and chips or cream tea at one of the cosy tea rooms overlooking the sea. It’s also fun to simply stroll along the promenade, spot seagulls, and enjoy the fresh sea air.
If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Latitude Festival nearby, a family-friendly event with music, theatre, and children’s activities in a relaxed, boho atmosphere. It’s very popular, so be sure to book tickets in advance.
And for the grown-ups, Southwold is home to Adnams Brewery, one of the most iconic breweries in East Anglia. While the kids play on the beach, you can enjoy a locally brewed pint and soak up the laid-back coastal vibes.
Framlingham Castle: A Fortress Kids Will Love
Built in the 12th century in Woodbridge by the influential Norman Bigod family, Framlingham Castle might no longer have its original grandeur intact. However, its well-preserved outer walls and unique features still make it a fascinating place to visit with children.
One of the highlights for families is definitely the wall walk, a circuit that connects thirteen sturdy stone towers. Walking along the battlements with your kids feels like stepping back in time, offering plenty of space to explore and incredible views over the surrounding Suffolk countryside.
Adding to the fun, the castle often hosts children’s activities, with actors bringing the ghosts of Tudor characters who once lived here to life. These entertaining performances really capture children’s imaginations and help bring history vividly to life.
Inside the castle, there’s also a small children’s museum designed especially for younger visitors. It’s packed with hands-on exhibits and interactive displays, so kids can learn about castle life in a playful, engaging way.
Beyond the walls, the castle grounds offer a lawn perfect for a family picnic. It’s a great spot to unwind after a bit of history and let the little ones run around safely, making Framlingham Castle a perfect blend of education, entertainment, and outdoor fun for the whole family.
Outdoor Activities in East Anglia: Best Walking and Cycling Trails
East Anglia is a fantastic destination for families who love the outdoors. With its vast open skies, gentle countryside, and unspoilt coastline, the region offers countless opportunities for adventure in nature. Whether you prefer beach days, forest walks, bike rides or boating on peaceful rivers, there’s something here for every age and interest.
Enjoying Beach Life in East Anglia with Kids
Norfolk and Suffolk have fantastic child-friendly beaches, perfect for sandcastle building, paddling in the sea, or simply running around in the salty breeze.
For an authentic seaside experience, you can rent a holiday home in a charming coastal village or book a beach hut right on the sand. Kids will love having their own little base by the sea. We camped on the coast of Suffolk during our summer trip in a campervan, and it was fantastic.
For something a bit different, the whole family can also try kitesurfing on the windy east coast or rent a small boat to explore the gentle waterways of the Broads.
Family-Friendly Walking and Hiking Trails in East Anglia
If your children enjoy more active adventures, the flat landscapes of East Anglia are ideal for walking and cycling. Plenty of scenic trails are safe, easy to follow, and suitable even for younger kids on bikes or scooters.
Many paths are traffic-free and surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and fun way to explore the countryside together.
A great place to start is Thetford Forest, the largest lowland pine forest in the UK, packed with family-friendly walking routes. We did some trekking there before ending up bathing in the river like the locals.
For older children who enjoy longer walks, a hiking path is a brilliant option. You don’t have to walk the whole trail; just pick a family-friendly stretch and enjoy the views, birdwatching, and maybe even a picnic with a sea view.
The 46-mile Peddars Way starts at Knettishall Heath in Suffolk. It follows an old Roman road before joining the Norfolk Coast Path, which winds through marshes, beaches and dramatic cliffs all the way to Hunstanton.
If you’re staying in Suffolk, the Suffolk Coast Path offers a stunning 60-mile route between Felixstowe and Lowestoft, passing through picturesque seaside villages like Southwold.
Why and Where to Rent a Car in Norfolk
When travelling with children in East Anglia, having a car makes all the difference. Many of the region’s charming small towns and beautiful countryside spots aren’t well connected by public transport, with infrequent buses and limited train routes.
This can make it tricky and time-consuming to get around, especially when juggling kids, strollers, and picnic supplies. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, from hidden beaches to quaint villages and countryside trails that are off the beaten path.
If you’re arriving from abroad, picking up a rental car at London or Norwich airports is easy. For convenience and good deals, websites like DiscoverCars and Rentalcars are a reliable option to book your family-friendly vehicle in advance. This way, you’ll be perfectly set up to enjoy hassle-free family adventures throughout East Anglia’s stunning landscapes.
Feel free to share your family adventure in East Anglia with kids in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your adventures with kids and any recommendations you have for other families planning their visit!
