Why Norfolk and Suffolk?

Norfolk and Suffolk are some of the safest places to live in the UK, with low crime rates making it a community to be proud of. Housing prices are frequently cited as a reason to move here, as you get an incredible amount for your money compared with other major UK cities.

The beautiful countryside and coastline is quickly and easily accessible from anywhere in Norfolk and Suffolk. Norfolk county is home to the world-famous Norfolk Broads, a National Park with more than 125 miles of man-made, lock-free waterways set in beautiful countryside, and home to picturesque towns and villages.  Suffolk is a county filled with natural beauty, bordered by 50 miles of glorious coastline and topped with breathtaking skies. It's full of charming villages and medieval towns and is the home of Constable Country.

For family members who love (or need) to travel, you’re ideally located. Trains run to and from London every 30 minutes from both Ipswich and Norwich, and there are direct rail services from Manchester, Nottingham and Cambridge. Both counties are well connected to major road networks and Norwich has an international airport.

Norwich has something for everyone. It has retained a strong local identity and, with that, a sense of community. Locals say hello to each other, baristas remember our coffee orders and you’ll be among the first to know about interesting local projects.  

This strong sense of community, along with excellent shopping, eating out, affordable house prices and excellent schooling is why Norwich has been ranked by the Guardian as the UK’s best city to work in.

Norwich is England’s first UNESCO city of literature and we are extremely proud of our literary history. You’ll find plenty of libraries and cosy bookstores.  

The spire of our world-famous cathedral is among the tallest in the country at 315ft, second only to Salisbury. We are also home to an impressive six theatres, including one of only two puppet theatres in the country.

Norwich is also within easy reach of the Norfolk coast, with its sandy beaches and beautiful surrounds. There's nearly 90 miles of coasline to explore and you’ll soon learn why it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Norwich used to have a pub for every day of the year and some of these sites still retain their original old charm, joined by craft beer haunts, wine bars and riverside hangouts. The city always seems to be welcoming a new addition to its list of great places to eat out, from national chains to a host of independent restaurants offering authentic dishes from all over the world.

Norwich is home to the largest open-air market in the country, located at the foot of Norwich City Hall. Under its distinctive striped covers, you can find fantastic food, drink and goods from all over the world. You can also shop among the the cobbled Lanes for boutique purchases and find out exactly why Norwich was the winner of the High Street of the Year award for its mix of large shopping malls and department stores, and its 300-plus independent businesses.

Ipswich is steeped in history, yet full of life. There's a chance to stroll along its historic Waterfront and streets, and plenty of entertainment – a vibrant mix of heritage, the arts, theatre, cinema, clubs and bars.

Ipswich has one of the only modern Grade 1 listed building in the country, the Norman Foster designed Willis building.

According to The London Economic, affordable house prices and hourly commutes to London have earned Suffolk’s county town a slot in their top ten property destinations.

Ipswich council leader David Ellesmere said the town’s cultural offer sets it apart from the rest.

“Ipswich is becoming recognised as a very attractive place to live nationally,” he said.

 “We have got very good transport links, especially to London, and house prices are a lot cheaper in the area.

“In Ipswich we have got a fantastic cultural offer far better than what towns and cities bigger than us are offering.

“The town centre is improving, we have a great array of restaurants and shops and of course our fantastic Waterfront, which is also being improved with construction work beginning on the wine rack.

He added: “Things are only going to get better for Ipswich.”

 “Ipswich is more affordable and therefore has more to offer to first time buyers, there is a distinct price difference between a town like Ipswich and Colchester,” he said.

One of Norfolk’s most famous stretches of beaches, Gt Yarmouth attracts around six million tourists each year! Situated at the mouth of the River Yare, this old port town is home to beautiful golden sandy beaches and neighbouring towns and villages with scenic views and homely charm.

Great Yarmouth is one of the most important historic ports on the East Coast of England, between the North Sea and The Broads featuring many interesting museums, a model village, the Sea Life Centre, a range of mini golf attractions and one of the biggest draws to Yarmouth is the fabulous Yarmouth pleasure beach with the largest and most popular rollercoster built in 1932, perfect for families and a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enables you to find your inner child.

Full to the brim of history and with a vibrant town centre, King’s Lynn is the ideal destination to enjoy the superb mix of history, shopping and entertainment on offer!

A small, historic market town, King's Lynn is the perfect place to live and work, with fantastic train links and short drives to fantastic beaches.

Once of the biggest draws in this little town is the Corn Exchange which sees many comedians, dancers and productions.

Here's what our staff say about King's Lynn . . .

“In West Norfolk there is the ability to travel, there are good train links and bus links. We are only a few miles from a city, beach or a forest. Housing is cheaper, the schools are abundant and the college of West Norfolk is great – There are a lot of opportunities.”

 

“People are always pleasantly surprised when they come here. There are lovely parts of West Norfolk. The coast is on your doorstep.”

 

 

Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk is a unique and dazzling historic gem. An important market town with a richly fascinating heritage, the striking combination of medieval architecture, elegant Georgian squares and glorious Cathedral and Abbey gardens provide a distinctive visual charm.

With prestigious shopping, an award-winning market, plus variety of attractions and places to stay, Bury St Edmunds is under two hours from London and convenient for Cambridge.