Skip the boring service stations and head instead straight to one of our Muddy picks of the best places to stop. Plan your route round the main roads through Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire – the A12, M11, A11, A120, A10 and more – with our top tips for where to stop on your way to East Anglia.

We have included places to stop for food, kid friendly stops for the littles to stretch their legs, dog walks, pubs and cafés for lunch and dinner and fun to break up the journey. As ever, if we’ve missed off your favourite, let us know in the comments.

ESSEX

A12

Toast, Witham, off the A12; 2 mins

You need a break from driving. That means coffee. But why settle for a churned out beverage by an overseas chain when there’s a local store a stone’s throw from the A12? Check out Witham-based TOAST, who also have branches in Braintree, Chelmsford, Colchester and Sudbury. Their hot drinks and milkshakes are delicious; their sandwiches and toasties mouth-watering. Their bread comes daily from a family-run local bakery, and nearby farmers supply their sausages and bacon. They also have a neighbouring patisserie chef who makes their bakes and cakes. Even their recycling is local, with their coffee grounds used as fertiliser for an artisan flower grower in Sudbury. We likey.

Thorndon Country Park, off the A12, 8 mins

Thornton Country Park Brentwood Gruffalo Trail

Need a stop off when you’re near to junction 28 of the A12/M25? Besides just being four mins down the road from Brentwood High Street and the prospect of bumping into TOWIE regulars (if that’s your thing), there’s also a great country park to explore. Thorndon has long been a favourite for us Essex-goers to stretch our legs, thanks to its 500 acres of woodland and open parkland. It’s a fab place for a picnic if you don’t want crumbs in the car, and also a great space for fur babies to play. Then there’s the little ones, who’ll delight at the thought of wandering through the on-site Gruffalo trail.

M11

Team Sport Go Karting Harlow, off the M11, 10 mins

What could be better than relaxing after driving? More driving, of course! Jokes aside, go karting’s different, and a lot more fun than sitting in traffic. Head to the Harlow site and you’ll find 500m of track, with space for 16 go karts to race each other at a single time. Spread across two levels, the petrol go karts are capable of reaching speeds of 40mph, and it doesn’t matter if you’re somebody arriving for the first time, a youngster (ages eight and above) or seasoned pro. There’s even an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, light bites, pizzas and desserts, as well as hot and cold drinks. Ready, set, race!

Mountfitchet Castle, off the M11, 9 mins

Kids hate being in cars for long journeys. Fact. So, why not entice them with a stop off alongside the promise they get to experience life a thousand years ago? Mountfitchet Castle enables you to travel back in time to 1066 Norman England. Roam through the Norman Village hidden behind the castle walls, wander in and out of the many houses, and experience an ancient bygone lifestyle. There’s also lots of rescue chickens, goats, deer and other animals to see. There’s even a great tearoom for refreshments, and a gift shop when you need to bribe them back into the car.

A120

Markshall Arboretum & Gardens, off the A120, 5 mins

Set in peaceful countryside between Braintree and Colchester (both great places for a spot of shopping, see below), Markshall Arboretum & Gardens is great for a family-friendly stop off. A 2,350-acre estate that dates back more than 1,000 years, it’s got a 200-acre arboretum, walled garden and natural play areas, all of which are open to the public. Check what’s on before you pay a visit, as there’s lots of seasonal events to enjoy. We’re talking farmers’ markets, family trails and theatre productions. You’ll also want to grab a bite to eat in The Orchard Kitchen Café, which serves delicious breakfast stacks, homemade soups, sandwiches and cakes.

Braintree Village, off the A120, 2 mins

Braintree Village outlet shopping centre

You can’t visit Essex without heading to this outlet shopping centre! Home to 75 premium brands, and discounts of up to 60% off the RRP, Braintree Village has shops that cater to everyone. We’re talking Adidas to Armani, Kate Spade to Kurt Geiger, and Ralph Lauren to Radley. Once you’ve shopped till you drop (and you will here, trust us), you can eat at one of the many restaurants and food caterers situated throughout. My youngest pipes up every single time we walk past the Churros van that he’s starving and in desperate need of sugary, chocolate-dipped goodness. I always cave, just so I can devour some, too.

The Barn Garden Centre & Café, off the A120, 4 mins

The Barn garden Centre & Café Colchester

For others, stretching their legs after being cramped in the car means a little potter. And potter you will when you venture into Stanway-based The Barn. This is more than just a great garden centre; it also has homeware, toys and games, womenswear and more to browse through (and by browse we of course mean buy). There’s a super-stylish café to also take advantage of, with booking advised due to its popularity. They’ve a moreish afternoon tea if you time things right, priced at £18.95 (or £22.95 with Prosecco for the non-designated driver).

NORFOLK

A11

Elveden Courtyard, Elveden Estate, off the A11; 2 mins

The A11 used to run directly past this gem on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, but now loops around it – however the tiny diversion to Elveden Courtyard is an absolute must. Located in the heart of the Elveden Estate – former home of the Maharajah Duleep Singh and the current abode of the Guinness family – the former stable block houses a pretty courtyard with a collection of shops including a farm shop, home and garden treasure trove and a lovely restaurant. One of the largest in the region, the farm shop is well known for its butchery with a strong emphasis on locally-sourced game and venison.

Brandon Country Park, Thetford Forest off the A11; 6 mins

Photo: Bob Jones

Brandon Country Park is an ideal place to stretch your legs and walk the dog, with 30 acres of diverse parkland to explore including forest, open heathland, an exotic arboretum, a mausoleum and walled garden – and, yes, there’s a children’s play area. All this for just a £2 parking fee (£3 for over two hours). Feeling peckish? Enjoy homemade cake or a light lunch at the Copper Beech Tearoom onsite. Park open daily from dawn to dusk; cafe 10am to 4.30pm.

High Lodge play areas, Thetford off the A11, junction B1107; 10 mins

norfolkplayparks

A great release after being cooped-up in the car, there’s miles of walking and nature trails, bike hire and pockets of playtime fun dotted throughout the pine forest. Hunt out the sand area, treehouse, zip wire, giant swings, maypole, den building, Superworm trail and Gruffalo spotting. This is all fantastically free, after you have paid for parking, but brace yourself for pester-power from older kids, as there’s some seriously tempting paid-for activities: trampolines, archery, rock climbing, Segways, the Go Ape high-ropes course, and frisbee-style disc golf. There’s plenty of space for picnics as well as an onsite café.

Lime Kiln Kitchen, off the A11, junction A1075; 2 mins

This café, tucked in Thetford Garden Centre, is a total hidden gem. Whatever time of day you swing by, you’re guaranteed a tasty meal, from breakfast, brunch and lunch (including Sunday roasts) through to afternoon tea. The pancakes stacks alone are worth the visit. Eat in the surprisingly stylish restaurant, with oversized comfy leather sofas, greenery and dog-friendly corner, or on the terrace overlooking the Kilverstone Estate parklands. Need a moment of peace? The kids will be easily distracted by feeding the koi in the pond.

Banham Zoological Gardens, off the A11; 11 mins

Animal lovers on board? Your little monkeys can let off steam for an hour or two here (it’s signposted off the A11). You can see big cats, giraffes, red kangaroos, meerkats and more at our Muddy Awards 2024 Family Attraction winner. Sit down with your picnic and watch sea lions being fed and awesome falconry displays, among the many daily activities. If that’s not enough for them, they can run, climb and crawl their way round the woodland play park.

Church Farm Shop, off the A11, at Thickthorn roundabout; 4 mins

Just before you hit Norwich, take a speedy detour to this popular farmshop based in an old grain store on a working farm in the village of Hethersett, which scooped the gong for the Muddy Awards 2024 Best Farmshop. Run by a mother and son, this welcoming shop stocks fruit and veg and many other locally produced supplies (Brick Pizza and a bottle of Winbirri wine would make a great quick supper after your journey). It’s impossible to leave without a barista coffee and a Church Farm homemade bake – and there’s heated seating pods outside if you don’t want cookie-pie crumbs in the car.

A134

Oxburgh Estate, off the A134; 4 mins

Heading to the North Norfolk coast? Zigzag via this magical moated medieval NT manor house in the Brecklands. Home to the Bedingfeld family for more than 500 years (they still live within private apartments today), it’s small enough to feel you can do it justice in a couple of hours. Kids will enjoy the den building area in the woods and seeking out the secret doorways and the priest hole in the house (don’t be tempted to leave them there while you pop next door to the delightful Bedingfeld Arms!)

A140

The Milk Shed, Brome, 1 min off A140

Good news for any cheese addicts onboard, the Fen Farm Dairy team – behind the wonderfully gooey Baron Bigod brie – has opened The Milk Shed along the A140, at the Roy Humphreys Industrial Estate in Brome. As well as oodles of cheese, there’ll also be salads, pastries, crumpets, frozen pizzas and even poke bowls, all to grab on the go.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE & SUFFOLK

M11/ A11

Burwash Manor, Barton, 3 mins off the M11

Image: Burwash Manor on Twitter

Bored of the motorway? Get a slice of the East Anglian countryside in just 3 minutes if you choose Burwash Manor in Barton for a break. Burwash is a collection of indie businesses all set around a cute country courtyard and, with free parking, toilets, an amazing farm shop and a gorgeous café, it’s the perfect pitstop. Head to Flock Café for really good coffee and homemade lunches and cakes, fill your boot for a self-catering stay at the Burwash Larder farm shop and then put off getting back in the car by going for a peruse of the clothing, gifts, interiors and flower shops. There’s even a day spa, The Retreats, if you have time to fit in a sneaky treatment and, for the non-drivers, Wee Vinoteca is a brand new wine bar and shop (sister to the successful brand in Hitchin).

The Carpenters Arms, Great Wilbraham, 4 mins off the A11

inside the glass eatery at the carpenters arms

In the mood for some top quality pub grub rather than a miserable old sandwich from the services? The Carpenters Arms is a heavenly pub just off the A11 in lovely Great Wilbraham. It was completely refurbished and redone in 2022 by the brilliant Chestnut Group so you can expect delectable dishes in the most stylish setting if you choose to stop off here. The glass eatery is a wonderfully light and calming place to dine and dogs are treated like royalty here with their own special menu. There are even stunning rooms to stay in if you choose this as your East Anglian base.

La Hogue Farm Shop and Café, Chippenham, 2 mins off the A11

Heading to Norfolk or North Suffolk on your hols? Then you’ll want to pop in to La Hogue on your way through. This lovely family-run farm shop is just two minutes off the A11, and as well as an award-winning farm shop full of local and fish, home-cooked food there’s a smart new café that serves home cooked English breakfasts, lovely light lunches and cakes and scones. It’s an ideal family stop too with a spacious play area for kids to burn off some energy before the next leg of the journey. If you’re heading to a holiday home, you’ll want to load up on their homemade meals that you can just bung in the oven after a day on an East Anglia beach or at one of the many local attractions.

High Lodge, Brandon, 10 mins from the A11

Image credit: David Jenner

Fill your lungs with fresh Suffolk air and stretch your legs at the amazing High Lodge in Thetford Forest near Brandon. It’s part of Forestry England and there’s so much to do, that you’ll want to allow at least a couple of hours to recharge here. Kids will be in their element with amazing adventure playgrounds, mini golf and cool themed Gruffalo trails. There’s also Go Ape, trampolining, and activity booklets to keep them happy and plenty of space for picnics or a cafe if you haven’t packed ahead. Make this a pitstop and you’ll want to come back for a full day on your East Anglia holiday!

A10

Bury Lane Farm Shop, Melbourn, 1 minute off the A10, 5 mins off the A505

If you’ve got kids in tow and you’re searching for a stop on the Herts/ Cambs border then Bury Lane Farm Shop is the place. As well as a really well-stocked farm shop, and excellent restaurant, there’s a huge soft play barn with its own café that will keep kids entertained for hours. In summer there’s also a huge outdoor play area called The Beach with diggers, trampolines, go karts and an ice cream stand. Brilliant fun for all the family, plus the chance to do your holiday food shopping.

Hot Numbers Roastery, Shepreth, 1 min off the A10

Just further down the road from Bury Lane is a more adult and relaxed offering in the form of Hot Numbers Roastery. This is the place to head if you’re feeling the need for some top quality caffeine to fuel you for the remainder of your drive. As well as incredible coffee roasted on site, this cool, industrial style café does brilliant brunches and delicious sourdough pizzas. You can buy coffee and freshly baked bread while you’re there too.

Ben’s Yard, Stuntney, near Ely, 1 min off the A142, 5 mins from A10

Opening in June 2023 (so perfect for summer pitstops for anyone travelling to West Norfolk), Ben’s Yard is an exciting new retail village that will be home to lots of lovely local and British businesses including Freda & Bert, Love Lane by Abi, Something About Rose, Spoke & Motor, and Thatch & Roses. Ben’s Yard Café, serving modern British and international classics using local products in a cool botanical setting, will be an ideal stop for a bite to eat when you’re ready for a break. There will also be a farm shop, a playground and marked trails through woodland, fenland and wildflower meadows.

A1 and A14

Nene Park Trust, Peterborough, 5 mins off the A1

Heading into East Anglian from the north? Long journey stop-offs don’t get much more idyllic than Nene Park, a huge area of outside space to the west of Peterborough made up of six different areas of meadow, parkland, lakes and woodland – Ferry Meadows, Orton Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach, Thorpe Meadows and The Rural Estate – all linked by the River Nene. There’s so much to do here you’ll want to make plenty of time for this stop-off or incorporate it into your wider holiday plans. From watersports and boat rides, cycling and walking, to play areas and train rides it’s one of the area’s top family attractions. Dogs are welcome too and there’s even an agility course for them to work off some of that pent up energy. To really make the most of it you can camp overnight.

Grafham Water, Huntingdon, 3 mins off the A1, and 6 mins off the A14

If the cries of “are we nearly there yet?”and “I’m bored” are driving you mad, then you’ll want to schedule in a stop where little ones can stretch their legs and burn off the boredom. Grafham Water, near Huntingdon, is England’s third largest reservoir and 1500 acres of countryside to explore. If you’ve got your bike rack loaded up for your East Anglian holiday you can cycle the many tracks. Book ahead to make the most of the Aqua Park, watersports and live action game, Rumble Live, which are all on site too. There are also two good cafés in the grounds if you need to refuel for the remainder of the drive.

The Garden Café at Roots & Shoots, Needham Market, 5 mins from A14

Cute family run garden centres are always a good shout for a stop off on a long journey and Roots & Shoots with its charming café is ideal for a bite to eat, leg stretch and shopping. It’s particularly lovely in spring and summer with a large courtyard garden to sit in to enjoy your homemade cakes, and light meals. You can even book in for a full three-tiered afternoon tea if you’re feeling posh.

Suffolk Food Hall, Wherstead, 3 mins from A14

A newly opened restaurant with views over the River Orwell, plus a food hall to make your mouth water is what you’ll find if you turn off the A14 at junction 56 on your way to your Suffolk staycation. You can stock up on the finest local produce from the butchery, fishmonger’s, bakery, wine & beer merchant, greengrocer and chocolatier here too and pick up a few things you didn’t need but love in the Home & Garden section. There’s also a lovely walk along the River Orwell if you want some fresh air before continuing on your way.

A12

Friday Street Farm, near Aldeburgh, 2 mins from A12

Friday Street farm shop, butchery, and deli is a family run business just off the A12 that’s been going since 1976. Inside you’ll find local free range eggs, milk, freshly baked bread and cakes, local meat and fish from the famous nearby smoke houses and locally sourced cheeses, preserves, and pastas. The Kitchen is a great place to stop if you’re feeling peckish as you’re travelling along the A12. Dishes include things like a full English featuring Suffolk bacon and sausages, homemade pies, sandwiches and salads as well as tempting sweet treats.

Two Magpies Darsham, 1 min from A12

You can’t go through Suffolk along the A12 without stocking up on baked goods from the much-loved Two Magpies Bakery. The HQ branch with a café is right on the A12 so you don’t have to rack up any extra miles to get your hands on freshly baked breads, sausage rolls, cakes and pastries. The cafe is dog and kid friendly so the whole gang can get involved too.

Want more from East Anglia? Check out our local county sites for the inside line on what’s happening in Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

Top places to stop on your way to East Anglia

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