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Our Area

ECCH has its headquarters in Lowestoft on what is known as the Sunshine Coast of East Anglia. We are lucky to have miles of sandy beaches on our doorstep and the beautiful Broads National Park just a stone’s throw away. It’s a short journey to the city of Norwich with its vibrant mix of shops and restaurants, and, of course, there are a host of historic places to visit - from grand stately homes to museums about the maritime history of our area.

Here are just a few of the places worth exploring in our area:

Norwich, with its bustling streets steeped in medieval charm, is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The city centre boasts a superb range of independent and high street shops, cosy pubs, award-winning restaurants and lively bars and nightlife. Norwich has a flourishing arts, music and cultural scene, set against the backdrop of the stunning Norman Cathedral and Castle

Great Yarmouth is a seaside resort and is Norfolk’s flagship beach town. The seafront ‘Golden Mile’ is packed with amusements, attractions, adventure golf, pubs and restaurants including two historic piers. At night the seafront is beautifully lit up with stunning light decorations all the way from Britannia Pier to the Pleasure Beach.  The town is home to three historical museums. The Tolhouse Museum houses one of the oldest prisons in the country!

Gorleston-on-Sea, known locally as Gorleston is a small seaside town that boasts wide sandy beaches with ramp access, plus model yacht pond and children's splashpad. Cafes, amusements, pubs and restaurants are all located close by with free car parking. It is also home to the Pavilion Theatre, an original Edwardian building with a seating capacity of 300.

Lowestoft is famous for being the most easterly town in the country and is the first place where you can see the sunrise in the UK (Ness Point). There's plenty to see and do; with two piers, a wildlife park (Africa Alive), an award-winning theme park (Pleasurewood Hills), museums and a theatre (Marina Theatre) which is home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Lowestoft is also one of the leading areas in the UK for renewable energy. Historically, Lowestoft was a thriving port at the centre of the fishing industry with 400 million herring landed every season at the height of the industry.

Oulton Broad is located 2 miles west of Lowestoft and is well-known as the southern gateway to the Broads National Park. It is a busy tourist and sporting centre with many beautiful sights to take in. It is also a thriving centre for water sports, including powerboat racing, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding. It is the perfect location to slow your pace and meander by cycle, foot or boat while admiring the scenery and wildlife.

Beccles is a charming market town with beautiful winding streets nestled by the River Waveney. Around every corner you’ll find independent shops, restaurants and cafes or walks that take you through the Waveney Valley. Explore the river on a canoe, kayak, paddle board or dayboat, or take a swim in the outdoor swimming pool that is perfect for those sunny summer days.

Burgh Castle Roman Fort is located on the east bank of the River Waveney, close to Gorleston. The late 3rd century 'Saxon Shore' fort at Burgh Castle was built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences. Three of its imposing stone walls survive, almost to their original height, making this one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Britain. There are lots of different walks to explore, including a boardwalk with stunning panoramic riverside views.

Somerleyton is a village and former civil parish that is located close to the Norfolk–Suffolk border and is closely associated with Somerleyton Hall, owned and lived in by Hugh Crossley, 4th Baron Somerleyton. It is renowned as one of the finest Victorian Stately homes in the country. The landscaped gardens are considered to be one of the finest in East Anglia with over 12 acres to explore, including the famous 1864 yew hedge maze. Somerleyton Cycles is located in the heart of the village where you can hire a bicycle for the day to explore the stunning countryside, coastline or Broads at your own pace. 

Martham is a charming Norfolk village within the Broads National Park, located nine miles to the north of Great Yarmouth and four miles from the east coast at Winterton. The village has an array of amenities including shops, pubs, play and leisure facilities. Martham Broad is a 60-hectare national nature reserve and is managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Bungay is located 5 miles west of Beccles and is a beautiful historic market town with roots that can be traced back to Roman times. Bungay Castle is an ideal location for an outdoor lunch with a pleasant, grassed area that commands fine views across the Waveney Valley.

Southwold is a charming seaside town on the Suffolk Heritage Coast. It’s almost an island with just one road in and out, that is approached through neighbouring Reydon. There’s plenty to explore from the eccentric Under the Pier Show, working lighthouse and Adnams Brewery, as well as the town’s array of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. There is also the opportunity to venture across the River Blyth by foot ferry to Walberswick.

Halesworth and the Blyth Valley. The Blyth Valley runs 17 miles inland from the coast at Southwold to Laxfield via Halesworth and is a superb destination for walking, cycling & wildlife-watching, as well as being known for its welcoming pubs and local produce. The attractive market town of Halesworth acts as the hub of the area with fantastic facilities that include a lively arts centre, a Millennium Green, a museum, an art gallery and an array of independent shops including traditional butchers, delicatessens and coffee shops.

Norfolk and Suffolk Coast Paths

Explore the Norfolk and Suffolk Coasts on foot with the following beach walks:

Great Yarmouth to Winterton via Caister and Hemsby – 9 miles

Lowestoft to Southwold via Kessingland and Pakefield – 12 miles

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