I live in the UK region named the top place to visit next year – here are the best hidden gems, pubs and safari glamping

I DITCHED London to move to Norwich years ago – and can see why the region was named one of the must see destinations.

East Anglia has been voted one of Lonely Planet’s top 2025 destinations.

I’m hoping this official stamp of approval will prompt more of my city
slicker pals to (finally!) make the journey up the M11 to see me and experience the magic of Norfolk.

I get it – prior to moving to Norwich accidentally during lockdown, I was never leaving London, having lived there with my husband and dogs for 15 years.

Despite being my husband’s hometown, we only ever visited fleetingly, making pretentious city folk jokes about coming to the end of the line and nothing working on Sundays.

But four years, 1500sqft, and one wild dog later and here I am, having moved to Norfolk and raving about how amazing it is.

Later today I’ll be headed to Fritton Lake for a sauna on the lake and a bracing wild swim before pitching up in front of one of the log fires for a couple of hours’ work.

Then after ditching my Dryrobe (an important part of Norfolk life – Dryrobes and dogs) I’ll head to Norwich to meet some friends, maybe taking in a HHIP class (the very new and trendy Hot High Intensity Pilates class with James Jackson at Yantra Studio that I don’t think even London has yet).

I’ll probably swing by the quirky Book Hive independent book store to find (another) title to add to my TBR pile, and definitely ending up for food at Yarm, a buzzing food hall featuring lots of humans and an exciting mix of food from around the world, including Thai, African, Mexican and Korean.

Because that’s the thing about Norfolk, once you know where to look, you can create your perfect blend of yin and yang, peace and pace, town and country, Dryrobes and dancing shoes.

Moving here during lockdown means that I’m still getting to grips with the best bits of the county, and I love seeking out the cool new stuff as well as the gems I missed on previous visits (Norfolk Uncovered is my go-to for ideas off the beaten track).

And here are some of my favourite spots to date (and being less than two hours from London on the train, there is no excuse….)

Where to eat and drink in Norfolk

• Local bakery Bread Source is a Norfolk institution, with THE BEST sourdough and locations throughout Norwich (the Cathedral Cafe location is really special)
• The Grosvenor Fish Bar is the city’s trendiest chippy (gluten-free available!)
• Eric’s Fish and Chips is a staple for glampers and beach-lovers in North Norfolk
• Head to Meadowsweet in Holt for a special occasion (advance booking 100% needed and you can book one of the bedrooms upstairs for a super special occasion)
• Take your mates and your pup to The Brisley Bell in Dereham for an all-day Sunday roast
• And The Cricketers on the Green in Aldborough is a critics fave for food and atmosphere, also dog-friendly and they host all kinds of fun events
• Back in the city you’re spoiled for choice for dinner; from the tasting menu at Benedicts (owner and TV chef Richard Bainbridge is a local foodie superstar), to handmade pasta at Benoli, an intimate tasting experience at The (teeny) Corkscrew, and cocktails and trendy turkish food at Haggle.
• Also in Norwich we love the cheese room at Jarrolds department store (because… a room full of cheese), brunch at Cafe 33 (two locations, no bookings but worth the queue) and The Ivy Brasserie for a glamorous lunch.
• Cake-lovers need to track down Matilda Rose Bakes (available at various establishments around Norfolk), and cruffins from the the microbakery at Hempnall are a total Saturday morning treat (the only day it’s open!)
• For fun vibes head to Yarm in the Royal Arcade for two-floors of street food, craft beers, self-service wine and the best in mixology or Junkyard Market for more street food and drink and live music events.
• And a Norwich night always seems to end with a nightcap at Gonzo’s Tea Room.

Norfolk’s best nature and wellbeing activities

• In Norfolk you literally can’t get any further east, meaning we are the BEST place to see the sunrise in the country – the First Light Festival celebrates the summer solstice every year with a free festival on Lowestoft Beach
• Paddle board on the canals and broads (hire your board at The Red Lion in the city or The Rising Sun on the broads – the city waterways get busy but you can find peaceful spots further out)
• Take part in a powerful full moon sauna experience with the Sauna Box crew at Sea Palling beach
• Spend the day getting your om on at the Norwich Yoga Festival (August 2025) try yoga on the beach (May-Sept) with Norwich Yoga Central or steamy hot yoga classes in the city at the glossy new Yantra studio
• Take a well-being class at the serene The Space in Burston
• Spend the day hiking the pine forests and epic beach at Holkham
• Take a more sedate stroll through the East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
• Check out the brilliant Feel Good Norfolk directory for full listings of Norfolk well-being bods you can visit during your stay

Where to shop in Norfolk

• Visit Upper St Giles Street for stylish pottering (delis, coffee, plants, interiors)
• The Lanes in Norwich is full of independent fashion and beauty boutiques
• Jarrolds is a sumptuous department store experience (with restaurants on each floor for pit stops)
• Aylsham auctions is the place for antique hunters (check the website for auction dates and find a friend with a van)
• And Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street features 60 homeware shops and stalls under one roof (check the FB page for the latest drops)
• Eat, shop AND chill at The Painted Barn in Barnham Broom; interiors inspo with a side of brunch and brilliant fitness classes

Where to stay in Norfolk

• Fritton Lake (immerse yourself in nature in one of the woodland cabins on a beautiful lake…. with all the comforts of a members club within walking distance)
• Blackwood Norfolk (a chic woodland retreat in North Norfolk)
• Nor-Folk Stays (a stylish water cabin in the heart of the Broads National Park)
• The Gunton Arms (a gastropub + bedrooms in a jaw-dropping setting with the odd celeb spot)
• Get your glamping on in one of the safari lodges at Wild Luxury in North Norfolk