Sandy beaches, Britain’s ‘BEST market’ and the friendliest locals: East Anglia residents give their verdict on region being named in Lonely Planet’s top 10 in the WORLD – and reveal why it’s a must-visit destination

Sandy beaches, the ‘best’ market and friendly locals are just some of the reasons why East Anglia was named in the top ten places to visit in the world, residents have claimed.

The travel experts at Lonely Planet have unveiled a wanderlust-inducing list of the 30 best places to visit in 2025, as part of a newly released Best In Travel 2025 book, which crowns the top ten countries, regions and cities to visit next year.

This list included world-famous cities such as Toulouse, Pittsburgh and Osaka, as well as regions like Bavaria in Germany and South Carolina’s Low Country and Coastal Georgia.

But within its list of the top 10 regions to visit globally, in eighth place to be precise, ranked East Anglia – which includes the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Upon hearing the news, MailOnline travelled to the region to speak to residents of Norwich and Bury St Edmunds to find out why they think the area is a must-visit destination.

Residents in East Anglia have claimed their markets (one in Norwich pictured) are the best in Britain 

Catherine Beech, 64, said she ‘loved’ Norwich because it was a ‘great place’

East Anglia was voted the eighth best region to visit in the world by travel experts at Lonely Planet (pictured: the town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk) 

Daisy Windsor, 58, is a stall holder from Great Barton, outside Bury St Edmunds, said she ‘wasn’t surprised’ that the ‘lovely’ region had been picked by Lonely Planet.

The rankings have been curated by ‘Lonely Planet experts, contributors from around the world and publishing partners’, with the guide adding that the destinations have been chosen ‘for their topicality, unique experiences, wow factor and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity’.

Stephen Musk, 63, a retired scientist from Norwich, agreed with the travel expert’s decision.

He said: ‘I was born and bred in Norfolk and went to university in Cambridge for eight years and spent 18 months in London and came zooming back here. I’ve never wanted to live anywhere else.

‘It’s true [the Lonely Planet ranking for East Anglia], oh yes. I like it and I feel happy and secure here.

‘Everything is within walking distance [in Norwich] and you have choice. There’s a lot of artsy things in the centre. I find the people very friendly.’

Catherine Beech, 64, said she ‘loved’ Norwich because it was a ‘great place’.

‘I have been all over the UK and have eventually come home. I went to school here. I went away to be a nurse in Newcastle and I lived in Bath for five years and in Birmingham for 13 years and I came back here in 2011,’ she said.

‘Norwich is a beautiful city and East Anglia is a nice region. We have the coast. Suffolk is prettier than Norfolk. Underneath where we are [in Norwich] is a Medieval city.

‘I’ve been to Australia, Thailand and the Caribbean and lived through a hurricane but I love it here. They have lovely residents and the best market.’

Lisa Lloyd, 82, has lived in East Anglia for 40 years and enjoyed being so close to the countryside.

MailOnline spoke to residents in Norwich (pictured) find out why they think East Anglia is a must-visit destination

Paul Wiley, 60, owns a fruit and veg stall in Norwich market and said East Anglia was a ‘good place to visit’

General view of the centre of Norwich with the market and castle

Stephen Musk, 63, a retired scientist from Norwich, agreed with the travel expert’s decision

The retired teacher said: ‘I have lived in East Anglia for 40 years. East Anglia is cut off from everywhere else, which I like. The countryside is still the countryside. You are close to nature.

‘The first thing I hear in the morning is the geese flying over. Then we have Norwich to come to every now and then when we want to be in the city.’

Martyn Gibbins, 70, is a retired painter and decorator and has lived in Scratby outside Great Yarmouth for the last year.

‘We’re literally five minutes’ walk to the cliff then that goes down to a sandy beach,’ he said.

‘This is the first time I have been in Norwich and I love it. This area here reminds me of Truro centre. It’s most lovely. The people are so friendly and laid-back. There are a lot of independent shops.’

Karen Elvin, 65, used to own a fish and chip shop with her husband Cavan, 69, in Norwich.

She said: ‘There’s plenty to do and lots to see. You’ve got the coastal areas and I find the people nice and friendly.’

Paul Wiley, 60, owns a fruit and veg stall in Norwich market and said East Anglia was a ‘good place to visit’.

‘It’s such a diverse area and an historical area. Obviously you have the cathedral, the castle and a lot of lovely businesses and residents and a bit further afield you have wonderful beaches,’ he said.

 ‘I’ve worked all over the UK and Europe. I have always said I’ve found places I like as much as Norwich but never found a place I like better.’

But not everyone was impressed. Psychology student Mercy Aina, 18, felt her home city of London was a better place to live.

She said: ‘I have only been here for a few weeks as it’s my first year. I prefer living in London. I’m from northwest London.

‘I’ve always lived in London so I’m more used to being there than here, but everyone is very friendly and Norwich is very clean. I’ll probably go exploring but it’s not better than London.’

Martyn Gibbins, 70, is a retired painter and decorator and has lived in Scratby outside Great Yarmouth for the last year

A sign welcoming people to Norwich on the outskirts of the city 

Lisa Lloyd, 82, has lived in East Anglia for 40 years and enjoyed being so close to the countryside

Psychology student Mercy Aina, 18, felt her home city of London was a better place to live

Karen Elvin (left), 65, used to own a fish and chip shop with her husband Cavan (right), 69, in Norwich

 In Bury St Edmunds, retired database manager Mike Hammond, 73, described East Anglia as a ‘secret corner’ of England. 

He said of the Lonely Planet ranking: ‘I don’t think it’s entirely correct. I’m a Suffolk lad. But I think East Anglia still retains some of its natural charm. It’s not been completely scarred by modern change.

‘East Anglia is a secret corner. London is infiltrated with Essex but East Anglia is Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire I think.

‘Look up. It’s fantastic how all the buildings [in Bury St Edmunds] have survived. They have kept their façade, even the Weatherspoon’s building.’

Brian Purrett, 77, added: ‘Having been up to East Anglia continuously for the past month, I love it.

‘My mother-in-law used to live in Wells-next-the-Sea [in Norfolk] and it’s a beautiful little place.

‘Obviously I like sunshine and warmth but there’s nothing better than walking along sand dunes when it’s wild and windy with the sea crashing in.

‘It has a calming influence. It’s good for the body and good for the soul.

‘Bury St Edmunds is lovely because it’s a market town and there are a lot of independent shops and there’s that history attached to it.’

Daisy Windsor, 58, is a stall holder from Great Barton, outside Bury St Edmunds, said she ‘wasn’t surprised’ that the ‘lovely’ region had been picked by Lonely Planet.

East Anglia was part of a wanderlust-inducing list of the 30 best places to visit in 2025, made by travel experts at Lovely Planet 

Brian Purrett, 77, said he has been continuously coming to the region in the last month because he ‘loves it so much’ 

A busy day at the Bury St Edmunds market 

Mike Hammond, 73, described East Anglia as a ‘secret corner’ of England.

Her job sees her makes craft goods out of flowers she picks and presses and sells them in Bury market.

Daisy said of the Lonely Planet ranking for East Anglia: ‘It doesn’t surprise me because it’s lovely. I’m surprised that more people don’t realise how lovely it is.

‘You have big skies and it’s wonderful. We have something special here. It’s quiet and there’s something quite lovely about it. I’ve never lived anywhere else.

‘I used to live in a van and go to Spain in the winter in my van and I thought about living there but I would miss living here. 

Mel White, 31, was with her friend Heather Tovee, 33, shopping in Bury St Edmunds.

Mel, a vet, said: ‘I love Bury St Edmunds. It’s very vibrant. There’s a lot of shops and we’re here nearly every week. It’s very clean and nice and it has the market.’

Heather, who works in marketing, said: ‘I have been here since May.

‘I used to go on holiday in Wells-next-the-Sea, on the beach. We moved up here from Hampshire and got a bigger place here and we love it.

‘I have a dog and all the shops have a little paw on them and you can take your dog into most of the shops. It’s dog friendly.’ 

Romilly Gray, 21, works on her father’s food van in Bury market

People walk and shop on flag-adorned St John’s Street in Bury Saint Edmunds

Mel White, 31, was with her friend Heather Tovee, 33, shopping in Bury St Edmunds. Both said they ‘loved the area’ 

‘There are a lot of places to eat. I didn’t used to like shopping but I love this town. I’m excited to go Christmas shopping here.’

Romilly Gray, 21, works on her father’s food van in Bury market.

She said: ‘I grew up here. I live in a village outside Bury. I just think Bury St Edmunds is a good town because you’ve got good shops and the market.

‘I think it’s good for the tourists because of the Abbey gardens which always looks nice with the flowers.

‘They always have things for kids here in the summer. They have bouncy castles and it’s just right really.’