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Spring Guide 2026

  • Mar 11
  • 8 min read

Spring is a wonderful time to explore East Anglia. Gardens are bursting into colour, coastal paths are bustling and towns come alive with markets, festivals and outdoor events.


From family Easter adventures to food festivals, cycling routes and cultural highlights, here are some of our favourite things to do this spring across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire - many just a short drive from our pubs and hotels.




Norfolk


Fairs


Spring Market at Holkham

3rd - 5th April

Set within the grounds of Holkham Hall, this seasonal market brings together local producers, street food and artisan makers. It’s an easy drive out from The Globe, Wells-next-the-Sea, and a great place to browse Norfolk produce while enjoying the estate’s parkland.


Norfolk Artisan Fair

18th - 19th April

Held at Fakenham Racecourse, this open-air fair showcases handmade crafts, homeware and food from local producers. Expect everything from ceramics and jewellery to baked goods and street food.


Festivals


Sheringham Viking Festival

11th April

Just along the coast from The Feathers, Sheringham celebrates its Viking heritage with battle reenactments, parades and the dramatic burning of a Viking longship. The town fills with music, food stalls and historical displays for a lively coastal day out.


Norfolk National Raceday

4th May

We're proud to be joining forces with Fakenham Racecourse for one of the county’s biggest sporting and social events, Norfolk National Raceday - bringing together thrilling jump racing, live entertainment and a celebration of local food and drink. Families are welcome, with free entry for under 18s when accompanied by an adult, and well-behaved dogs are also welcome.


Norfolk & Norwich Festival

8th - 24th May

One of the UK’s largest arts festivals, Norfolk & Norwich Festival transforms Norwich each May with theatre, music, circus, dance and outdoor performances. Events take place across the city and county, including exhibitions and installations along the North Norfolk coast. Head to Blickling Estate for Karun Thakar’s renowned global textile collection all the way to Scottish Ensemble performing at Norwich Theatre Royal.


Wilderness


Wild Food Foraging Walk

May (selected dates)

Near The Ancient Mariner Inn (opening this spring) explore woodland, waterways and meadow habitats in Hunstanton Park while learning how to safely identify edible wild plants. The guided walk also shares tips on seasonal foraging and sustainable harvesting.


BeWILDerwood Adventures

Late March - April

A favourite for families visiting North Norfolk. Expect storytelling, craft sessions and Easter themed activities alongside the park’s famous treehouses, slides and woodland play trails.


Easter


Blickling Estate Easter Trail

21st March - 13th April

The gardens and parkland at Blickling come alive in spring with daffodils and blossom. Families can follow a nature-inspired Easter trail through the estate before collecting a chocolate reward. Plus, they host a weekly organised dog walk.


Easter Egg-stravaganza at Pensthorpe

28th March - 6th April

With nature themed surprises and colourful decorations, Pensthorpe is Norfolk's first Easter Garden. Plus, disover their new play area, head to a flamingo talk or try your hand at pond dipping.



Suffolk


Planes, trains and... horses and wheels


The Suffolk Spring Classic

19th April

Starting at the Rowley Mile Racecourse in Newmarket, this cycling event winds through scenic countryside across Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. With three route lengths to choose from, it’s suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.


Steam & Easter Celebrations

5th April - 6th April

The Mid Suffolk Light Railway hosts its annual Easter steam gala with vintage trains, historic engines and family activities. It’s a nostalgic day out for train enthusiasts and families alike, plus the USAAF 34th Bomb Group’s Museum will be open, just down the road, throughout the weekend too.


Champagne Brunch

1st - 3rd May

To celebrate The Guineas, join The Packhorse Inn, Moulton, for a Champagne Brunch in partnership with Champagne Billecart Salmon. Take a seat for brunch specials alongside the Champagne house' iconic Brut Réserve and Brut Rosé.


Children's Activities


Kids & Canvas

February - April

Hosted at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds, these guided painting sessions introduce children to art in a relaxed and creative setting. Each participant is guided step-by-step through their own painting to take home, including a jellyfish, a snail, and even a donkey!


Easter Adventure Quest at Framlingham Castle

5th - 27th April

Families can explore the castle walls while solving clues and puzzles in this Easter-themed adventure. Traditional games and chocolate rewards make it a popular spring outing. Plus, it's just a half hour drive to the coast, so why not make a day of it and head onto The Ship for a spot of lunch and beach walk.


Beccles Food & Drink Festival

23rd May

This lively town festival celebrates local producers with artisan stalls, street food, live music and family entertainment. It’s a brilliant showcase of Suffolk’s food scene with some well-known stalls, including Fen Farm Dairy (aka Baron Bigod!) and Wild Knight Distillery, in attendance.


Get outside


Ickworth Estate Spring Trail

21st March - 12th April

Head out on a gentle spring walk through parkland and gardens, with activity stations along the way for younger visitors. Expect daffodils, wildlife and wide views across the Suffolk countryside, a short drive from The Weeping Willow in Barrow.


Suffolk Show

27th - 28th May

One of the county’s biggest annual events, celebrating farming, food and rural life at Trinity Park near Ipswich. The Suffolk Show includes livestock displays, cookery demonstrations and craft stalls. And kids under 15 go free, so it's a great day out for all the family.


Helmingham Hall Adventure Playground

Opening late spring/summer 2026

Guildenacre is a brand-new adventure playground with slides and elevated walkways, tunnels and rope ladders opening soon. It’s set within the historic Helmingham estate near Stowmarket, which reopens for the season on 3rd May, so whether you're taking a walk around the gardens or heading to the playground, be sure to add it to your list on a sunny day.


Constable 250


This year we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the great landscape artist John Constable. Born in East Bergholt, he spent much of his life painting landscapes in and around Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. To honor his legacy, we will be hosting upcoming events and there's lots happening in the region.


Sip & Paint

The Anchor, Tuesday 16th June

Join Funky Easel as you create your own Constable-inspired painting of a little pink cottage amongst the fields. No experience needed - just pick a brush and grab a drink from the bar!


Guided Walk and Lunch

The Red Lion, Sunday 14th June

Led by expert, Katie, from Gainsborough's House, head on a 4-mile guided walk through Constable Country, exploring the landscapes, villages, and viewpoints that inspired John Constable’s most iconic paintings. Top off the walk with lunch back at the pub!


Constable Country Stay

April - September

Our Constable Country Stay invites you to relax and reconnect with the beauty of the Suffolk countryside at one of our pubs near Flatford. Enjoy a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast stay at The Crown, The Red Lion or The Black Lion, along with our Constable-inspired walking route that brings art and nature together and a gift, chosen especially for the anniversary.



Essex


Flowers


Thriplow Daffodil Weekend

21st - 22nd March

Just outside Cambridge and close to Saffron Walden, the village of Thriplow celebrates spring with thousands of blooming daffodils, craft stalls, morris dancing and music in March. Enjoy a spot of lunch at The Eight Bells before this traditional village festival.


National Flower Show at Hylands House

15th - 17th May

Garden lovers can explore show gardens, floral displays and outdoor installations across the Hylands Estate in Chelmsford. Expect plant stalls, garden inspiration and expert talks, as well as outdoor furniture and gardening accessories to buy on the day. This year's theme? The Wild West!


Layer Marney Garden Tour

22nd April

The Tudor tower's head gardener will take you on a private walking tour of the garden before discussing techniques, plans and ideas. It's a great opportunity for those wanting to develop their gardening knowledge or learn more about Layer Marney's history.


Traditional sports


Maldon Mud Race

26th April

One of Essex’s most unusual traditions with over 300 entrants each year. Competitors run across the muddy River Blackwater estuary in fancy dress to raise money for charity in the world famous Maldon Mud Race. Even if you don't want to enter it youself, it's always great fun to watch!


Medieval Jousting at Hedingham Castle

5th & 6th April

Step back in time with dramatic jousting displays set against the backdrop of a Norman keep. As well as two jousting displays, visitors can also try archery, watch birds of prey and explore the castle grounds.


Weekly Quiz Night

Every Tuesday

Gather your friends and family for friendly competition, good food, and great company at The Eight Bells, Saffron Walden, weekly quiz night. The quiz starts at 7.30pm and there's no need to reserve a table - just pull up a chair in the bar.


Murder Mystery Supper

Thursday 2nd April

Mr Darcy is hosting a birthday party, and things haven't quite gone to plan... Help uncover the culprit in this Regency Mystery Supper with a three-course dinner in the company of your favourite characters from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. To find out more and book your space at The Cricketers, Clavering, click here.


There will also be Murder Mystery Suppers elsewhere across the region.



Cambridgeshire


The Arts


The Choral Pilgrimage

8th May

Sit down to an early dinner at The Carpenters Arms, Great Wilbraham, before a special choral performance at Trinity College Chapel in Cambridge featuring sacred works by world-renowned ensemble The Sixteen. The performance includes music from the Spanish Renaissance to works by Scottish composer, James MacMillan.


Cambridge Literary Festival

22nd - 26th April

This respected festival brings together authors, thinkers and performers across venues in Cambridge. From Mary Berry's, My Gardening Life, talk to breakfast with political editors, make it a highlight of your cultural calendar.


Out in Nature


Easter Punt & Hunt on the River Cam

5th - 21st April

A family friendly twist on the classic Cambridge punt. Guests follow clues and puzzles while floating along the historic college backs before continuing the hunt through the city.


Cambridge Nature Festival

Late May - June

A celebration of wildlife across the city and surrounding countryside, the Cambridge Nature Festival returns for its fourth year, inviting you to partake in guided walks, crafts, pond-dipping and conservation events.


History


Cambridge Natural History Conversazione

10th - 11th April

Held at the David Attenborough Building, this is the 107th annual exhibition bringing together scientists, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts for talks and discussions about the natural world.


Ely Eel Weekend

Early May Bank Holiday Weekend

I bet you never knew about this quirky celebration of Ely’s historic eel trade? Featuring a parade, market stalls and the famous toy eel-throwing competition, this annual festival is rooted in history and now celebrates local food, drinks and craft.



Bluebell Season across East Anglia

Mid April - late May


Spring brings carpets of bluebells to ancient woodlands across the region, and peaceful woodland walks are one of the most magical ways to experience spring, so we've rounded up some of our top sightings.


Cambridgeshire: Brampton Wood




Stopping by after your day out? Reserve a table and we’ll have something seasonal waiting for you. Our spring menus are coming soon, so take a look at your favourite pub's Food & Drink's page to find out when the menu lands and get a sneak peek!


Easter is also just around the corner. Settle in for the first long weekend of the year with a long lunch, unhurried suppers and the main event - the Sunday roast. Reservations are open!


If you’re planning a spring break, our pubs and hotels make a great base for exploring the region - whether you’re walking the Norfolk coast, browsing markets in Suffolk or discovering historic towns like Cambridge and Saffron Walden. To take a look at our bedrooms and check availability for the season, click here.


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