When I swapped the chaos of London for Essex in 2021, I had no idea I was about to stumble upon two of the UK’s most breathtaking coastal gems – Suffolk and Norfolk.
How did I spend my whole life missing out on this?
From golden beaches stretching for miles to charming seaside towns brimming with character, this region is a paradise for anyone craving fresh sea air, stunning views, and top-tier seafood. Think succulent crab straight from the dock, fish so fresh it practically jumps off the plate, and oysters that would make any foodie weak at the knees.
But it’s not just the landscape and the food that make this place special – it’s the people. The locals here are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet, always ready to share a hidden gem or point you to the best fish restaurant in town.
Whether wandering the historic streets of Southwold, soaking up the beauty of the Norfolk Broads, or tucking into fish and chips with the waves crashing at Aldeburgh Beach, I can confidently say – this is coastal Britain at its absolute best.
Recently, the Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards 2025 were announced, hailed as the Oscars of East England and I went along to celebrate all that Suffolk and Norfolk have to offer as a local.
Here’s my insider guide to the top winners and must-visit spots.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Hippersons Boatyard
For a one-of-a-kind waterside escape, Hippersons Boatyard in Beccles lets guests swap hotel rooms for floating houseboats and glamping pods on the river. This award-winning retreat offers three charming houseboats (Swallows, Amazons, and Coot Club) and two quirky floating pods (Secret Water and Wild Cat Island) with each stay including a private rowing boat.
Do you prefer dry land? The Secret Garden retreat features a private deck, fire pit, and Swedish wood-fired hot tub—perfect for stargazing. Run by Simon, Mary, and their son Nate, Hippersons offers guided canoe tours, boat rentals, and adventure packages with kayaking, paddleboarding, and self-drive boats. Wild Cat Island even requires crossing a wobbly floating ramp for a true adventure.
Mary told Suffolk Sound’s Rob Dunger: “We’re right on the Norfolk-Suffolk border, so depending on who you ask, we could be in either county!” For a truly unforgettable stay on the water, this hidden gem in Suffolk (or Norfolk, depending on who you are!) is the perfect getaway with a difference.
Unsung Hero Award: Fran Hartshorne at The White Horse, Brancaster
Already a multi-award-winning retreat, The White Horse, Brancaster has claimed another top accolade – this time for its Executive Head Chef Fran Hartshorne, who has shaped its renowned kitchen for two decades. Judges praised her commitment to sustainability, local sourcing, and mentorship, calling her a role model for Norfolk’s food scene.
“I feel like the luckiest chef on the Norfolk coast – cooking incredible ingredients with a view of the tidal marsh,” she said.
Fran’s philosophy? Respect the landscape and let its flavours shine. Working with local fishermen, farmers, and foragers, she transforms Brancaster’s mussels, oysters, wild game, and sea herbs into dishes that celebrate Norfolk’s natural larder.
Set on the North Norfolk coast, The White Horse offers panoramic marsh views, where guests can enjoy fresh seafood, modern pub classics, and legendary Brancaster mussels. For a longer stay, its elegant coastal-inspired rooms – including marshside hideaways with private terraces – make the perfect seaside retreat.
Visitor Attraction of the Year: Holkham
For a stunning slice of history, visit Holkham Hall, a grand Norfolk estate that just added another award under its belt. Judges praised it as “a world-class visitor attraction blending history, nature, and modern amenities.”
Still home to the Earl of Leicester, visitors can explore its lavish state rooms, priceless art, and breathtaking Palladian-style architecture. Beyond its gilded interiors, the 25,000-acre estate offers rolling parkland, shimmering lakes, and roaming deer – perfect for biking, boating, or strolling for all ages. Plus, Holkham Beach, a Hollywood film favourite, is just steps away.
Suffolk Sound’s Chloe Rivers spoke with members of the team from Holkham, who said: “It’s amazing to win, we know how good the other finalists are, we feel like we’re floating on Cloud Nine.”
Experience of the Year: Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park is celebrating yet another major win. The attraction, known for its unforgettable up-close animal encounters, wowed judges with its spectacular polar bear experience – securing its place as one of the region’s top destinations for wildlife lovers.
Park Manager Stevie Sheppard said: “We offer experiences to connect people with animals, and winning for the polar bear experience makes it even more special.”
I spoke with Jimmy after the awards. He said: “It feels amazing – the whole team is buzzing! This ceremony showcases the incredible places to visit in East Anglia.
“We have Europe’s largest polar bear reserve, likely the biggest gathering of female polar bears worldwide. With vast meadows, ponds, and Arctic animals, we highlight the tundra’s story and the impact of climate change. We’ve got a lot of exciting things for 2025, we’ve got some very, very exciting new animals coming too…. It’s a whole new chapter for us.
“We’re opening applications for a fully funded PhD with Anglia Ruskin University, Jimmy’s Farm, and Nature Safe. The research will explore freezing butterfly eggs for long-term conservation, allowing habitat restoration by repopulating areas with fertile eggs.”
New Tourism Business of the Year: The Miller’s Shed
For a countryside escape where rustic charm meets laid-back luxury, The Millers Shed is the perfect retreat. Tucked away in Barsham, near Beccles, this transformed farm shed is now an award-winning hideaway.
Owners Sam and Mark Keenan restored the once-derelict shed, reviving an overgrown pond and planting a wildflower meadow for the ultimate rural experience. The standout feature? An outdoor bathtub under festoon lights, offering pure relaxation.
Sam recalled: “The shed was in such bad shape, we thought it would collapse! We either had to save it or tear it down. We reused as much as we could – the original tin roof is now panelling around the outdoor bathtub, the bath itself is Victorian and was found on Gumtree, and the kitchen is made from pallets we found in the shed.
“The kitchen doors are crafted from reclaimed metal sheeting, and the concrete worktop was cast using broken wine bottles – which we drank and collected from friends. It’s a real hotchpotch – we avoided buying new wherever possible, and when we did, we sourced locally.”
Now, The Millers Shed is fully booked and a must-visit getaway, offering stunning Norfolk countryside views, the perfect spot to watch the sunset – or even take a dip in that one-of-a-kind outdoor bath. The Millers Shed proves that sometimes the most extraordinary places begin as the most unexpected projects.
The event marked the first major celebration since Visit East of England achieved accreditation as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership by VisitEngland. Hosted by TV presenter David Whiteley, the evening highlighted the dedication and innovation driving the local tourism sector, with Visit East of England’s Executive Director, Pete Waters, commending the exceptional talent across both counties.
