The East of England counties of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Essex, and Bedfordshire have plenty to offer anyone looking for a weekend break, any time of the year. Here are some suggestions on where to go, what to see, and where to stay if planning to travel in March or April to enjoy a spring weekend break. Highlights include the North Norfolk Coast and the Essex Book Festival. See also Where to Holiday in North Norfolk, East England.
Weekend Breaks in March
Where to Go
March is the month when literature lovers should head to Essex and mix sightseeing with attending events at the Essex Book Festival.
Where to Stay
Although events are happening all over the county, somewhere like Colchester or Chelmsford would make good places to say. Lots of the major writers make appearances here and Pentlands Park is a Victorian house hotel in Great Baddow on the edge of Chelmsford.
What to See
This is a big festival which takes place for most of the month and all over the county, attracting well-known names as well as featuring the work of local writers. In 2009 authors such as Melvyn Bragg, Joan Bakewell, Roy Hattersley, Helen Dunmore, Kate Atkinson, Simon Brett and Irma Kurtz all appeared, and there are many more events such as storytelling sessions, themed discussions, book-signing sessions and workshops.
What to Do
In Chelmsford in mid-March there is usually also a Craft Fair featuring work from the Guild of Essex Craftsmen. This Guild was formed in 1984 and represents about 170 skilled artisans who work in 70 or so different crafts. These include such skills as blacksmithing, ceramics, jewellery-making, knitting, glass painting, dolls clothes, stained glass making, photography, pottery, wood carving and everything from bee-keeping to corsetry. Several fairs are held throughout the year, and they are a marvellous opportunity to buy some top-quality local work.
Weekend Breaks in April
Where to Go
One place in the East of England that really stands out during April is the north Norfolk coast. It's a beautifully atmospheric and distinctive landscape at any time of year, with its beaches and sand dunes and views out across the vast expanse of the North Sea. It's also a coastline that is not too swamped by visitors, with plenty of opportunity to escape what crowds there are. For this reason it's also a haven for wildlife, and in particular birds.
Where to Stay
Wells-Next-the-Sea is convenient for the coastal wildlife refuges and has a lovely beach for families as well as good pubs and restaurants. The Crown is a 16th-century coaching inn with 12 rooms and overlooks the village green. Or stay at the North Norfolk Hotel that is Really a Posh B&B.
What to See
The coast is a magnet for bird-watchers, and naturally there are numerous sea birds and waders to see, dashing about on the sand, digging for food. In April, though, it is the peak of the migration season, bringing more birds – and more bird-watchers – here than usual. Even for visitors who know nothing much about birds but just like to see them, it's a good time to come. April is also the month when the Queen's home at Sandringham opens for visitors: leave any visit till later in the month when the gates of Sandringham should be open, and it may not yet be too busy.
What to Do
There are sometimes organised birding walks and excursions, where visitors can expand their knowledge, and most of the 'twitchers' are friendly folk who are keen to explain what's what. There are also seal colonies off the north Norfolk coast, and April is the start of the seal-watching season. It runs through till October, and there are regular boat excursions out to see the seals, which are another reason this coast is so special.
Mike Gerrard - Mike is an award-winning travel writer who has worked for National Geographic, the London Times, and many other clients. ...
