Touring East Anglia
 

We will be spending eight days in East Anglia in early November--probably four days in Norwich and another four days in Suffolk in a small market town, such as Bury St. Edmunds, Lavenham, Woodbridge, etc. We would appreciate any information about hotels, markets, sights, in those areas.

Please, don't post a trip report or do anything else to let the secret out. <BR><BR>Don't tell anyone about Long Melford, Hadleigh, the King's Head (aka the Low House) in Laxfield, or the White Horse in Kersey. Please.

I spent a week in East Anglia this past June and had a great time. I spent 3 nights in Norwich at the Wedgwood House, 1 night in Ely at a B&B on the Green and 2 nights in Cambridge. It was my first adventure out of London. I loved discovering the fact that there is more to England than London (duh!) and that it was much more affordable.<BR><BR>In Norwich I recommend the castle, the cathedral, the church across from the new library and Plantation Garden. The market in the town square is one of England's oldest and longest continuously running. I'm not much of a shopper but it was still fun to wander through. I had dinner at the Beeches Hotel next to Plantation Garden and enjoyed it. Up the road from the Wedgwood House was the Eagle which was an excellent little pub and restaurant, pub atmosphere with more gourmet food.<BR><BR>Took the Bittern Line rail to Cromer for a day trip. Cromer is a delightful old Victorian resort town. Had fish 'n chips at Mary Janes, a drink in the hotel Paris with a view of the ocean and walked out on the pier and along the sea. Thunderstorms were just off shore and the views were spectacular. <BR><BR>Ely is nice for a day. Browsed some antique shops along the river, toured the Ely Cathedral which is magnificent, and had dinner at the Old Firehouse restaurant which was very good. Had lunch in the Almonry with a view of the cathedral. Took a roll of black and white film in Ely that came out beautifully.<BR><BR>Cambridge was nice too. I knew I would be there when the colleges were closed for exams, but I still managed to see and do a lot. I liked the hop-on/hop-off bus tour for no other reason than I didn't have a car and it took me out to the American cemetery. I'd read that if the day was clear you could just make out Ely Cathedral on the horizon and I could, 17 miles away. The round church, the university botanical gardens, punting on the Cams, dinner at Browns and the Fitzwilliams museum were all interesting.<BR><BR>I think you'll find the whole area interesting. Especially since you get to see places that not as tourists ever go to.

Cycled thru the area years ago. Liked the route from Ely (see cathedral) to Newmarket across the fens. Newmarket is the center of the racehorse industry. Very interesting.<BR><BR>In Cambridge, see what special events are going on at the University. I took a tour on 'Bell Ringing' - sounds stupid but was fascinating. I also spent a morning at the brass rubbing center which was interesting.

John, David, & Steve:<BR>Thanks so much for your help. I promise I will not post a trip report, but will keep all the information on file for our future use.<BR><BR>Thanks again.

ttt

Castle Rising - The castle is unique and you will probably have it to yourself and dont miss the Post Office/Grocery Store/Tea shop - yes they are all in the same place - run by one friendly,busy woman.

ttt