East Anglia is one of thirty locations Lonely Planet have revealed as the must-visit places around the world to see in 2025 – and the only one in the UK.
The global travel authority’s Best in Travel Hotlist of Trending Destinations is always an eagerly-anticipated moment for the industry, with East Anglia highlighted as one of ten of the world’s best regions to visit in the New Year, alongside ten cities and ten countries.
The destinations have been chosen for their topicality, unique experiences, ‘wow factor’ and on-going commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.
VISIT EAST ANGLIA BY TRAIN
For the 15th edition, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025, Lonely Planet experts, contributors from around the world, and publishing partners curated the 30 must-see global destinations across three categories: cities, countries and regions.
The publication gives a fresh take on popular destinations and unearths some lesser-known gems, with the destinations offering ‘amazing experiences all-year round’.
The book states, ‘The enigmatic UK region of East Anglia, comprising of the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire, has been celebrated for offering a true taste of old England, combined with beautiful nature reserves perfect for birding such as Minsmere and Cley Marshes, lively coastal beach towns and picturesque inland waterways’.
Lonely Planet Vice President Tom Hall said, ‘It’s exciting to feature East Anglia as one of Lonely Planet’s Top Regions to visit in 2025. Summed up as ‘a sampling platter of old England, without the usual tourist trinkets’, we flag up unexpectedly arty wool towns, the beaches and bird reserves of its varied coastline, and lively cities like Norwich and Cambridge.’
He added, ‘While for anyone who knows this area, myself included, the wonderful food scene, history and both mainstream and eccentric music scenes won’t be a surprise, inclusion in Best in Travel 2025 is recognition of East Anglia’s appeal to travellers globally.’
VisitBritain Chief Executive Patricia Yates said, ‘It is fantastic to see East Anglia take its place on the global stage as one of Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 top regions. And it’s no surprise with the area boasting an outstanding coastline, fabulous seaside towns, historic attractions, waterways and breath-taking countryside. This accolade will encourage domestic and international visitors to explore more of the region and discover the warm welcome that awaits them’.
Lonely Planet encourages travellers to seek out ways to ensure the most positive impact on the local community, for example by considering visiting outside of peak season.
Visit East of England Executive Director Pete Waters said, ‘This region is great to visit all year round, with superb built and natural environments, but there are also some unmissable events in Winter and Spring like the spectacular migrations of hundreds of thousands of geese and swans and the seal pupping season when this region has some of the largest colonies in the country’.
As well as birdwatching hotspots Minsmere and Cley Marshes, Lonely Planet have highlighted exploring the area between King’s Lynn and Cromer by bus and stopping for the beaches, fabulous seafood and handsome Holkham Hall, having a night out in Norwich, ‘Norfolk’s cultured capital’, to enjoy theatre, live music, art shows and creative dining, and visiting the exceptional museums and legendary colleges in Cambridge.
Also mentioned are festivals such as Latitude and Aldeburgh Music, Houghton Hall’s sculpture garden and the half-timbered houses of Wool Town Lavenham such as The Swan, Crooked House and Little Hall.
The news was released by the Mail Online website which has a daily audience of more than 11m visitors.
Why Lonely Planet chose East Anglia as one of their Best in Travel for 2025
Lonely Planet’s top 10 historic sights in East Anglia
Lonely Planet loves East Anglia’s coastline
VISIT EAST ANGLIA BY TRAIN
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 – complete list
Top 10 Best Regions
- South Carolina’s Low Country and Coastal Georgia, USA
- The Terai, Nepal
- Chiriqui, Panama
- Launceston & the Tamar Valley, Australia
- Valais, Switzerland
- Giresun & Ordu, Turkiye
- Bavaria, Germany
- East Anglia, England
- Jordan Trail
- Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge region, Oregon, USA
Top 10 Best Cities
- Toulouse, France
- Pondicherry, India
- Bansko, Bulgaria
- Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Genoa, Italy
- Pittsburgh, USA
- Osaka, Japan
- Curitiba, Brazil
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- Edmonton, Canada
Top 10 Best Countries
- Cameroon
- Lithuania
- Fiji
- Laos
- Kazakhstan
- Paraguay
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Vanuatu
- Slovakia
- Armenia
Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 hardback book features stunning photography, local advice and essential experiences for each of the destinations on this year’s list. It can be purchased from shop.lonelyplanet.com or where all good books are sold at £14.99. For more information on Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2025 visit: lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel.
