SUMMER GUIDE 2025
- Jessica Simms-Baalham
- Jun 6
- 12 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Summer is just around the corner, and we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to what’s on across the region – all within easy reach of the pub, naturally. Whether you're lacing up for something sporty, exploring a hidden garden, picking strawberries in the sunshine, or dancing away at a masquerade ball, there’s something for everyone; from family-friendly festivals and literary days out to woodland walks and foodie get-togethers, make memories in the East of England.
NORFOLK
Norfolk is bursting with summer spirit. Whether you're cheering on superheroes, wandering through walled gardens, or catching live music in the streets, there’s no shortage of sunshine-filled days out to enjoy - even if you're having to bring the sunshine!
Festivals
Running for over 30 years, The Potty Festival in Sheringham is a celebration of all-things Morris dancing and folk music. The festival is taking place on 5th and 6th July this year and is set to see over 45 sides (dance groups) take to the streets.
If, like us, food is the main thing on your mind, head to Holkham on the last weekend of August for their yearly North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival. Meet in their walled garden to shop fresh produce, cakes, and much more, and enjoy live cookery theatre. Feeling hungry? Then head just a few minutes down the road for a bite to eat in The Globe's courtyard.
A weekend of live music, vintage dressing, dancing and classic vehicles; it doesn't get much better than this! Sheringham & Holt are at their most vibrant in September with their 1940's Weekend. Make the most of it by picking up a free 'ration book' and collecting stamps on visits to local attractions.
The Globe is proud to be sponsoring the Dog Agility at Wells Carnival again this year, so pack your pup, a lead and head to Wells-next-the-Sea. The carnival runs for a week from August 1st and includes over 100 events, culminating in a Carnival Day procession around the town featuring floats, fancy-dress, and pull-and push-along vehicles.
Summer Sports
Britain's biggest tennis tournament? No, it's not where you'd imagine - it's on Le Strange's doorstep in Hunstanton. Their Lawn Tennis Tournament runs from Sunday 17th to Saturday 23rd August and comprises of 38 grass courts. If you fancy yourself as the next Roger Federer there is still time to sign up, or you can pop down as a spectator.
Held each year when the tide is just right on Burnham Overy Staithe, Norfolk Superhero is a charity quadrathlon that has raised over £1 million for local causes to date. Heroes will swim, cycle, kayak and run before enjoying a Heroes Supper with family and friends - and we'll be hosting the bar again this year.
As part of Blakeney Sailing Regatta, the Greasy Pole dates back over one hundred years, challenging competitors to walk or run along a 30ft telegraph pole suspended over water, and try to reach the tip while they're still standing. Sounds funny? It's free to enter, but even funnier to watch!
Arts & Crafts
Houghton Hall has hosted some impressive and well-known artists over the years in their grand rooms and garden. This year is no exception, with Stephen Cox, Myth, being exhibited across the park until 28th September. It showcases large-form sculptures made from marble and stone, spanning over 40 years of Cox' work.
Norfolk Open Studios celebrates its 30th anniversary this year! With artists organised into geographical art trails and art types, you can curate your own artistic adventure to follow until Sunday 8th June. Or, if you're further inland, discover ceramics, printmaking and sculpture at the Breckland Open Studios between 12th - 20th July.
Make your way to the Sandringham Estate on Wednesday 23rd July for their 142nd Sandringham Flower Show. Don't miss the competition exhibits alongside craft stalls, arena events and contemporary plant displays. There is also a dedicated children's area for those with youngsters in tow.
Out in the fields
Set in nearly 100 acres, Norfolk Lavender is renowned worldwide and comes to life in the summer. Spend a morning visiting the distillery, learning about the distillation of lavender flowers to make oil, before crossing the bridge to the Meadow Gardens. The garden's are just a few miles from The Gin Trap, so why not make a day of it and stop by for lunch or an afternoon walk exploring their new walking map.
Not only does Heacham have an abundance of lavender on its doorstep, it also plays host to spectacular fields of poppies in early June. We would recommend taking it in at golden hour before watching the sunset over Hunstanton; Le Strange Arms' garden and Dune Bar have an envious view on clear nights!
SUFFOLK
From vibrant festivals and scenic boat rides to wild woodland adventures, Suffolk has something for every kind of wanderer. Whether you're dancing by the sea at sunrise, cheering on racers at Newmarket Nights, or paddling along the Waveney, it’s all happening just a stone’s throw from the pubs.
Festivals
Established to celebrate the first sunrise of midsummer in the most easterly town, the First Light Festival is the only free beachfront festival in the UK. Running on 21st - 22nd June, the festival hosts an array of entertainment; from their Planet Positive zone, showcasing second-hand retailers, to Horse Meat Disco, and a dawn yoga session to Moonlight Soundscapes in a local church.
They've got it all going on!
Latitude's line-up has, as ever, an array of household names. Sting, Fatboy Slim and Snow Patrol are among those headlining this summer's event held annually on the Henham Park. We love that you can dip in for a day of music, theatre, comedy and literature before escaping to a comfortable bed just ten minutes away at The Westleton Crown.
Want to put a flutter on the horses before an evening of tunes? Newmarket Nights is one of the few occasions in the calendar where you can enjoy an evening of racing before listening to some of pop's icons, including Tom Jones, Sugarbabes and Natasha Bedingfield.
This June we launch our new wine lists and to celebrate The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland, and The Packhorse Inn, near Newmarket, are hosting Wine Fairs and Feasting. Guests can try everything from everyday favourites to wines that take you for a walk on the wild side! Wine Fair tickets include sampling over 50 wines and summer drinks, the opportunity to talk to industry insiders and listen to live music. Plus, following each wine fair we will host a Feasting Supper with guest wine experts. To find out more and book tickets, click here.
Suffolk Sports
Perfect your swing at Bury St Edmunds Golf Club’s new driving range, open daily from noon until 9pm. Whether you're an avid golfer or just going for an evening knock with friends, non-members can get 50 balls for just £7.50 and you can track your scores with the state-of-the-art technology - just to add a little competition to the practice.
Parkrun has been going for over 20 years now, with over 1300 events taking place every Saturday morning in the UK. We'd recommend joining the community at Nowton Park - with a couple gentle hills, woodland, and fields, whether you’re walking, jogging, or racing, it’s a great way to start the day in a lovely space. Head down the road to The Weeping Willow for a refuelling breakfast afterwards.
The whole family can escape into nature at High Lodge, Thetford, where walking and cycling trails wind through ancient forest. Happy to hit the heights? Swing through the woods with Go Ape. Or, if you want to keep on the ground, try their Forest Segway.
As big believers in exploring East Anglia and the areas around our pubs on foot, we’re thrilled to sponsor this year’s East Anglia's Children's Hospices Pier to Pier walks. Suffolk’s is a 16-mile route from Lowestoft to Southwold on 6th September and there's still time to sign up here.
On the water
Take a boat trip to National Trust Orford Ness from Orford harbour and discover the iconic six-mile-long shingle spit where pioneering work on radar was done before the Second World War. Find out more about the history by taking part in a tour of the military buildings, see Orford in a new light by joining for Overnight Stargazing, or join a Walking And Painting The Landscape tour. From Orford harbour you can also take a boat trip to the RSPB nature reserve at Havergate Island.
Spend a morning at Beccles Lido before hopping on The Big Dog Ferry which takes you on a three-mile boat trip along the River Waveney. The tranquil route means that wildlife is abundant, with opportunities to spot marsh harriers, kingfishers and even otters! Rather do the captaining yourself? You can also take a trip down the River Waveney by canoe or kayak. "Calm water with little or no tidal movement makes for easy paddling that even complete novices can enjoy."
Museums and Tours
Head to the Suffolk coast to visit one of the finest Victorian stately homes in the country. Somerleyton comprises of 5000 acres of privately-owned parkland, with a twelve-acre garden and house to explore. The house is open on select dates throughout the summer, but the grounds, with walled garden, maze and arboretum, are open until Friday 31st October on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Is there anything more fitting than a Food Museum located in East Anglia, 'Britain's Breadbasket'? Deceptively hidden in the centre of Stowmarket, you could be fooled into thinking this is a quick pit-stop, but in fact the museum is spread between 17 buildings, set in 84 acres, with over 40,000 objects in their collection. "From wartime ration recipes to a full size steam-powered mill engine" there's so much to see for all the family.
If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at the National Stud or how a morning looks with one of the Group 1 winning champion trainers, then Discover Newmarket may have the ideal tour for any horse-lovers. They have been given unprecedented access to some of the best known studs, as well as Tattersalls and the British Racing School, for small tours and private excursions running throughout the year.
ESSEX
Essex' vibrant book talks, garden trails and historic houses, are just a few ways to spend the warmer months in this corner of East Anglia.
Festivals
Celebrate the art of storytelling at Essex Book Festival. Each year it hosts over 100 events in over 45 venues across the county making it one of the East of England’s top literary attractions. Running until the end of June, listen to talks by leading writers, such as Asia Mackay and Clare Pollard, and join conversations about the role AI has in the future of publishing.
Get ready for a feast of flavour at the Foodies Festival in Hylands Park, with celebrity chefs, street food, drinks tastings, and live music from Pixie Lott and The Wanted 2.0. Enjoy demonstrations from MasterChef champions, family-friendly cookery sessions, and a shopping village all in one weekend from Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd June. Set in the historic 574 acre public park, it's a great spot to visit throughout the summer, with lots of other events in their diary too.
Step back in time
Explore Paycocke’s House, an unspoilt Tudor merchant’s house in Coggeshall. With both wonderful woodwork inside and a peaceful, secret garden at the back, discover the stories of wealth, rebellion, and craftsmanship.
Epping Forest District Museum is hosting Calm and Courageous this summer, a powerful exhibition marking 80 years since the Second World War's end in Europe. Discover how the local Home Front contributed to the end of the war, through themes such as War Work and Defending the District.
It has recently been announced that BBC Radio 2 is bringing a host of live music to Hylands Park this summer, with star-studded performances and festival vibes from Friday 5th September for three days. Enjoy a weekend packed with big-name acts, such as headliners Bryan Adams and Def Leppard!
Gardens
Bridge End Garden is a hidden gem, offering an escape in the heart of Saffron Walden. Just a short stroll from The Eight Bells past their car park, with a hedge maze and sympathetically restored features, it’s ideal for quiet summer walks or family exploration.
Discover the magic of sustainable gardening at Beth Chatto Gardens, where five unique garden areas thrive in under their natural conditions. It’s a testament to planting the right plant in the right place and offers visitors the chance to explore seven and a half acres of garden alongside Andrew Chatto's extensive research into the origins of garden plants. It's a twenty-five minute drive from The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland, so stop by for a sundowner on their terrace or discover the new lodges for a night away.
RHS Garden Hyde Hall is a horticultural haven set in the rolling Essex countryside, with over 365 acres of traditional and contemporary gardens. Expect vibrant borders, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views. Plus, children will love the summer garden trail; inspired by the classic book Guess How Much I Love You, join Little Nutbrown Hare exploring nature through colour, texture, and play.
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
Cambridgeshire comes alive in the summer with a blend of traditional activities and unexpected adventures. There's plenty to do; whether you're winding down or diving in.
Water Babies
Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, just half an hour from The Carpenters Arms, Paus is the ultimate place to spend a long afternoon doing nothing at all. Soak in one of their ten wood-fired hot tubs or dry-barrel saunas, and if you're feeling braver hop in an icy plunge pool. Open from Thursday - Sunday, they also offer weekly classes.
Now, punting may seem like old news, but watching a firework display from the comfort of your own chauffeured punt has got us excited for the May Ball; named as the world’s seventh best party by Time Magazine, this experience allows you to take part in University of Cambridge' historic celebrations.
Open all week (bar Tuesdays) in the school holidays, Cambridge Aqua Park is certainly a little less sophisticated than punting, but arguably more adventurous! Try your best at staying on the giant inflatable obstacle course or dive and slide into the water.
Country Parks & Gardens
Wandlebury Country Park offers woodland walks, Iron Age history, and year-round family activities in a countryside setting just twenty minutes from The Eight Bells. Throughout summer you can also join them for special events like Calm Under Canopy for mindful meditation under the trees, or a Summer Tree ID walk on 25th June to learn about native species.
Besides a tranquil river setting, Island Hall in Godmanchester is opening its garden on 16th August for an evening of Jazz with the Savoy Jazz Band. Explore the three-acre garden and discover the Chinese bridge, all whilst listening to live music. This summer fundraiser is just a mile from The Old Bridge, so why not make a night of it with dinner at the hotel or a night away?
In collaboration with the National Garden Scheme, step behind the gates of King's College, Cambridge, for a rare glimpse into two of its most beautiful private gardens. The Fellows’ Garden features Victorian design, rare trees, and a kitchen garden, while the Provost’s Garden offers an Arts and Craft design and a newly established wildflower meadow. Pre-booking is available, or you can pay on the day.
Discover a hidden gem of conservation at Kingfishers Bridge, a 250-acre wetland supporting rare and endangered fenland wildlife. Wander through diverse habitats and enjoy wildlife spotting in this remarkable, re-wilded landscape. Be sure to set yourself up for a day of exploration with breakfast at The Three Blackbirds on your way.
Come Outside
Celebrate Father’s Day with an enchanting Ely on Screen walking tour, exploring film and TV locations around the historic city. Perfect for fans of period dramas and local history, the tour blends pop culture and heritage in a relaxed outdoor setting. It starts at 1.15pm, so why not treat Dad to a spot of lunch at The Packhorse Inn afterwards? If, like us, you enjoy spotting a familiar location on TV or film, we've also compiled some of the most recognisable filming locations in the region, here.
Ely has everything going on this summer - set in the grounds of Ely Cathedral, the Home & Garden Show is running from Friday 11th - Saturday 12th July. Discover homeware, garden inspiration, artisan products, and expert advice – all in one iconic location.
Summer means strawberries at Bury Lane Farm near Royston, where pick-your-own season starts mid-June (weather and ripeness permitting). Bring the family and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own strawberries straight from the fields.
Get dressed to impress for The Old Bridge Summer Ball, an unforgettable black-tie party - and this year it's going masquerade. With canapés and cocktails on arrival, a four-course dinner, live music, a magician, and casino tables, it’s a glamorous night of dancing and indulgence.
ACROSS CHESTNUT
Beer & Cider Festivals
Join us in our pub gardens this summer for Beer and Cider Festivals. Try our favourite local and regional brews, listen to live music and dig into barbecue and street food.
Pick up one of our pre-paid stamp cards from our online shop in advance or buy on the day.
£10 for 2 pints (4 half pints) or go all in with 5 pints (10 half pints) for £20.
The Ship, Dunwich 1st - 3rd August
The Cricketers, Clavering 2nd - 3rd August
The Weeping Willow, Barrow 8th - 10th August
The Crown, Stoke-by-Nayland 15th - 17th August
Le Strange Arms, Old Hunstanton 6th - 7th September (stamp cards for Le Strange Arms festivals available on the day)
Outdoor Theatre
This summer, The Pantaloons will be back bringing their signature blend of humour and energy to twenty-two performances in our pub and Big House gardens; enjoy the timeless wit of Sense and Sensibility, the brooding intensity of Hamlet, the enchanting whimsy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and the swashbuckling fun of Robin Hood.
Reserve a table a for dinner before or after the play, or head to our outdoor bars for drinks and snacks while you enjoy the performance!
Summer Walks That End at The Pub
We’ve rounded up some of our favourite country and coastal walks around the East of England - each with a pub at the heart of it - so lace up your boots and grab the dog lead to celebrate the season. From views out to sea along the Norfolk Coast Path, to meandering through Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, click here to find a route for you.
To find out more about our pubs with rooms and book your summer staycation - or if you just fancy a bite to eat in the garden - take a look at the collection here. We also take outdoor dining table bookings now too, so no fear of not finding a seat!
Comments