Time to press pause on the daily grind and take a moment to appreciate the incredible place we live. From sumptuous city stays to rural retreats, discover East Anglia’s finest destinations!
City Break Central
Graduate Hotel
Smack bang in the middle of the city, yet just a short walk from the grassy meadows of Coe Fen, the Graduate hotel offers the best of both worlds for your staycation in Cambridge. Once you’ve ticked off sightseeing, take a refreshing dip in the pool or kick back in a deckchair by the river. For dinner, you’ll be treated to a range of seasonal plates in the hotel’s open-grill restaurant, before retiring to your room, where the interiors reflect the academic heritage of your surroundings.
For something a little different, book an overnight stay for the final Sunday of Music in the Parks on
25 September. There will be live music in the hotel gardens from 3pm to 5pm from the City of Cambridge Brass Band. Book the VIP Music package, and you’ll be guaranteed some of the best seats in the house, and treated to an afternoon tea picnic for two in the garden – complete with prosecco.
Visit graduatehotels.com for more information.
Hotel du Vin
Tucked away among the Grade II buildings of Trumpington Street – home to the Fitzwilliam Museum and iconic Fitzbillies cafe – Hotel du Vin has been converted from old university buildings, while retaining its original character and architectural features. Soak up the atmosphere with morning coffee or afternoon tea, and enjoy a dinner in
the bistro with tasty dishes inspired by French and British cuisines.
Gonville Hotel
Situated in an optimum location between the train station and Parker’s Piece, the Gonville Hotel is a tranquil spot to return to after a day of sightseeing! In the Atrium Bar, you’ll find an array of locally produced gins waiting to be savoured, while enjoying some live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings. The Terrace Restaurant offers exceptional seasonal dishes, made with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a host of special experiences, from a soothing treatment in Gresham House, to a tour of Cambridge in the Gonville Bentley. gonvillehotel.co.uk
Clayton Hotel
Family-friendly and just a stone’s throw from the Botanic Garden, Clayton Hotel is another popular destination for a minibreak in Cambridge. Elegant, spacious rooms decorated in Cambridge Blue tones provide a calm haven for the duration of your stay, with the popular Tamburlaine Restaurant and Bar just downstairs to keep you fed and watered. Less than a minute from the train station, you’re also well placed for day trips to the coast and surrounding areas! Head to bookings.claytonhotelcambridge.com to check out special offers, such as the Botanic Garden Discovery package.
University Arms
Freshly redesigned by architect John Simpson and interior designer Martin Brudnizki in 2018, University Arms has been touted as one of the most stylish hotels in the city. Boasting classic Edwardian interiors, elegant leather furnishings, tiered chandeliers and playful pops of colour, it’s a cosy, yet vibrant hub for your holiday in Cambridge. For deep relaxation, book yourself in for some pampering at the hotel’s luxurious aromatherapy treatment rooms. You can even opt for the spa and afternoon tea package, which treats you to a soothing 60-minute treatment, followed by afternoon tea at Parker’s Tavern – featuring a selection of sweet and savoury delights created by much-lauded chef Tristan Welch.
Extraordinary Rentals
Living Architecture
Founded by Alain de Botton in 2006, Living Architecture gives you the opportunity to stay in unique properties around the UK, designed by some of the most relevant architects and artists working today. On the Suffolk coast, Dune House (above) is not to be missed. Perched right on the beach, close to Thorpeness and Aldeburgh, it boasts panoramic views and stunning timber-clad interiors with Scandi influences. living-architecture.co.uk
The Regent
If you want the flexibility of a rented space with the comforts of a hotel, make sure to check out The Regent – a beautifully designed aparthotel in the city centre. Choose between a classic hotel-style room or opt for a studio apartment, featuring a sleek kitchenette complete with microwave oven, fridge, coffee machine, kettle and toaster – all you could need for prepping a nutritious meal. “The Regent has been designed to deliver an unforgettable experience,” says managing director Declan Fitzhenry. “Even with its modern aparthotel features, we celebrate the character and history of the building. Overlooking Parker’s Piece, it makes for the perfect location.
Norfolk Hideaways
Holiday in the restored ruins of a romantic Gothic chapel surrounded by idyllic, rolling countryside at Thursford Castle (above). Sensitively converted into a lovely example of modern architectural design, the property sits in a private landscaped garden and is built around the statuesque remains of a former chapel. Inside, the interiors are warm and inviting, with a wood-burning stove and generous kitchen. norfolkhideaways.co.uk
The Windmill Suffolk
Retreat to the skies for a relaxing getaway in the countryside at The Windmill Suffolk. Just two miles from the historic town of Lavenham, the windmill was originally built in 1891, recently converted into a contemporary rural hideaway. Wake up with your head in the clouds – and go to sleep with the sunset above – at this quite remarkable and unique holiday rental. thewindmillsuffolk.co
The Warren House
For a dose of local heritage, The Warren House in Kimbolton provides a picturesque location for your next staycation. This 17th-century building sits in the grounds of Kimbolton Castle, and was once the dwelling of a warrener who managed rabbits on the estate. Warm and sunny inside, it’s a quaint and cosy nook from which to explore the Cambridgeshire countryside – four-legged friends are also welcome! landmarktrust.org.uk
Country Escape
Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa
Situated in picturesque Suffolk, Bedford Lodge occupies a tranquil spot just a short drive from Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Ely and Cambridge. Its modern rooms boast charm and character, while the deluxe, award-winning spa is the jewel in the hotel’s crown. Take a dip in the rooftop hot tub and relax in the sauna, before indulging in a massage or bespoke facial! When dinner starts to call, the Squires Restaurant will answer with a selection of sumptuous seasonal dishes.
Cambridge Country Club
Offering state-of-the-art facilities – including a stylish wellness centre, gym and spa – Cambridge Country Club is the ultimate destination for a day of relaxation, just outside the city. Its sleek interiors offer guaranteed glamour – and, if golf is your thing, you’ll be able to while away the hours at the club’s stunning 18-hole course.
Stoke by Nayland Resort
A short stop from Colchester, where you can find attractions such as Colchester Castle, St Botolph’s Priory and Firstsite – a contemporary art gallery in the centre of town – Stoke by Nayland may just be the portal to your next staycation destination. Opt for an elegant room in the hotel, or go all out with your very own eco-friendly lodge. Unwind with a round of golf or take a dip in the pool. When it comes to food and drink, there’s plenty to choose from, with multiple restaurants and a selection of bars to match every mood.
Eco Glamping
Fen End Farm
A small organic farm just outside of Cambridge, you are welcome to pitch your own tent among its leafy orchards or choose from a yurt, teepee or ‘Wren’ bell tent for a little more space to stretch out at night. Stargazing and campfires are greatly encouraged!
Guilden Gate Glamping
Looking to create an integrated, sustainable smallholding, this camping destination puts the planet’s health at its core – while ensuring maximum relaxation with an outdoor hot tub, hammocks and even a camper van to chill out in!
The Nest
Find this getaway in Southorpe, Stamford. Kitted out with a wood-burning stove and nest-like, king-size cabin bed, these sunny, spacious lodges provide a cosy base for your alfresco adventures. Also enjoy on-site massages, open-air film nights and an outdoor hot tub.
Horsley Hale Farm
Experience glamping at its most luxurious in one of Horsley Hale Farm’s safari lodges, complete with fitted bathrooms and kitchens. Spend your days soaking up the surrounding meadows, take out a pedalo or go for a wild swim!
Local Attractions
Southlake Aqua Park
Take on a colossal floating obstacle course at Southlake Aqua Park in St Neots. Challenge friends and family as you tackle buoyant boulders and watery hazards along the way – see who makes the first splash! southlakeaquapark.com
Adventure Island
For a blast of adrenaline, head to Adventure Island in Southend – you’ll find exhilarating roller coasters and heart-racing rides, alongside gentler attractions for the little ones. Plus, discover an arcade, soft play centre and the UK’s first ever ‘Zooquarium’! adventureisland.co.uk
Wicksteed Park
Founded in 1921, this Grade II
listed park and garden is a charming destination for a family day out. From Wicksteed Park Railway to the world’s oldest water chute – plus crazy golf, lake boats and even a farmyard – there’s plenty to do! wicksteedpark.org
Bewilderwood Norfolk
Venture into the wilderness and uncover a hidden world of tree houses, storytelling, marsh walks and more. This family-orientated adventure park offers hours of fun, with mazes and tunnels to explore, slippery slopes to soar down and endless woodland to discover. norfolk.bewilderwood.co.uk
