Published on: Thursday, 28 June 2018
Last updated: Thursday, 28 June 2018
With research revealing that 93% of Britons are going on at least one staycation break every year*, people are constantly on the lookout for new places across the UK to explore for a low cost break. With the Greater Anglia network reaching all the way from Southend on Sea to the Norfolk coast and everywhere in between, the rail network is in a unique position to suggest some of the best holiday hotspots and activities across East Anglia this summer.
As well as the great activities on offer, another perk of a staycation is the low cost travel. Holidaymakers can easily travel across East Anglia by train and when travelling in a group, passengers can take advantage of GroupSave, where groups of three to nine adults travelling together receive 1/3 OFF all fares. Also, when booking rail tickets on the Greater Anglia website they guarantee the cheapest fare or they’ll refund the difference.
To celebrate the Great British summer holiday, Greater Anglia has selected some of their top holiday hotspots and activities below.
Cromer Surf School
A common misconception about staycations is that you do not get to experience the exciting activities you can abroad, but this is not true. Why travel thousands of miles to the Gold Coast or Zuma Beach in Malibu when you can try your hand at surfing here in the UK? Glide Surf School, situated on the picturesque Cromer beach, offers surf lessons to novices and experienced surfers alike. Making it even more attractive, travel from London to Cromer costs just £10 when booking online in advance.
Closest station: Cromer
Surf tickets start from: £29.50 for adults and £24.50 for those under 16
Festival Ahoy!
As featured in the BBC series “Poldark”, one of the largest wooden tall ships in the world is giving visitors the chance to climb aboard at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival. Visitors can learn how to become a master boat builder with maritime craft activities, and take off in the Red Arrows simulator, all before clapping along to modernised shanty songs traditionally sung by sailors. With a vast number of demonstrations, stands and bands, the festival is a nautical extravaganza any holidaymaker would not want to miss. Travel for just £10 to Great Yarmouth when booking rail tickets in advance.
Closest station: Great Yarmouth
Tickets start from: Free entry, however some activities entail a small cost per person
Punting down the Cam
Glide past famous Colleges, exquisite bridges and charming British countryside, whilst discovering Cambridge’s unique history from the comfort of a cushion filled punt, on Rutherford’s Punting Tour. Your expert guide will answer any questions you have, enabling you to truly explore Cambridge in all its glory. There isn’t a more relaxing way to see the city. Visit Cambridge from London from just £7 when booking rail tickets in advance.
Closest station: Cambridge
Tickets start from: £14 for adults and £6 for those aged 4-16
Spot Jamie Oliver at Southend on Sea
It is well know that “Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast” is filmed seasonally in a café on Southend Pier, but if Jamie and Jimmy are not on site during your visit, you can still get a taste of his cooking by visiting ‘Olivers On The Beach’, a restaurant along the seafront owned by the famous chef’s family. Southend’s grade II listed pier is said to be the longest pleasure pier in the world, stretching 1.34 miles into the Thames Estuary - the perfect way to work up an appetite! Tease your palate by travelling from London to Southend from £5 when booking in advance.
Closest station: Southend on Sea
Experience history in action
Travel back 900 years to Mountfitchet Castle and Norman Village. Explore the towers, learn about traditional battering rams and be transported back to 1066 as they fire their full-sized medieval catapult. Visitors can feast like royalty in the tea room on site, or have a picnic in the picturesque surrounds, which is also home to a range of rescued animals that roam the grounds of the castle.
Closest station: Stansted Mountfitchet
Tickets start from: £11 for adults and £9 for children aged 3-13