Eastern England

Eastern England is characterised by its massive skies, flat landscapes, and gentle coastline, making it one of the most relaxing regions for a family holiday. Known for having a drier climate than the west of the UK, it is an excellent destination for outdoor activities that don't require mountain gear. The lack of steep hills makes the region particularly suitable for cycling holidays with younger children.

The crown jewel for many families is the Norfolk Broads, a network of lock-free rivers and lakes. Renting a cruiser for a week or a day boat for an afternoon is a rite of passage here. Children can take the helm under supervision, while parents enjoy the passing scenery of reed beds and drainage mills. For a wilder animal encounter, boat trips from Blakeney Point allow families to see one of England's largest seal colonies in their natural habitat.

The coastline is varied and accessible. Holkham Beach offers miles of golden sand backed by pine woods, providing ample space for kite flying and sandcastle building without the crowds found in the south. Further down the coast, towns like Southwold and Cromer offer quintessential British seaside charm, complete with colourful beach huts, fish and chip shops, and piers where families can participate in the local tradition of catching crabs with bacon bait (and releasing them afterwards).

Inland, the university city of Cambridge offers a mix of history and fun. Families can try their hand at punting on the River Cam—a flat-bottomed boat experience that usually involves a few comical collisions for beginners—or explore the magnificent university colleges. For active kids, Thetford Forest provides high ropes courses and off-road cycling trails. BeWILDerwood in Norfolk is a unique outdoor adventure park based on children’s books, featuring treehouses, zip wires, and boat rides without the plastic and neon of typical theme parks.

History is accessible at Colchester Castle in Essex, built on the foundations of a Roman temple, offering interactive exhibits where kids can build arches and try on togas. Accommodation options range from converted windmills and glamping yurts to traditional holiday parks along the coast. While the pace of life is slower here, the combination of navigable waterways, expansive beaches, and child-focused attractions creates a full itinerary.