If you're thinking of applying to one of the unis across Eastern England, we've got 15 reasons why that's a great idea!
Updated: 16 Mar 2025
Eastern England is made up of six counties: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. It’s known for picturesque countryside and beautiful beaches, while also being within easy reach of London. The University of Cambridge is the region’s most well known and respected institution, but there are eight other unis each with their own unique character. From landscapes to history to celebs, we’ve put together our top 15 reasons to study in Eastern England.
Museums in Cambridge alone have the largest number of collections outside London, and there are loads you can visit for free. The Fitzwilliam is packed full of classical art, the Sedgwick Museum has exhibits donated by Charles Darwin and in the Centre for Computing History you’ll discover everything you ever wanted to know about the evolution of technology.
The region is full of picturesque little villages. Your heart will melt as you explore quaint pubs, idyllic stone cottages and scenic country walks. Our top places to visit include Lavenham and Cavendish in Suffolk, and Stevington in Bedfordshire for a walk to the pretty Stevington Windmill.
The climate here is perfect for farming all sorts of things, including strawberries, hops and potatoes, and the region is the most productive crop producer in the UK. You could make 2.5 million pints of beer each year from the barley grown here, and over 5,750 loaves of bread from all the wheat.
The famous University of Cambridge is ranked first in the Complete University Guide’s 2025 league tables. The institution has an international reputation for academic achievement and original research. Other unis ranked highly in 2025 include the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex.
There are some amazing historic buildings in Eastern England, providing plenty of inspiration if you’re thinking of studying history. Cambridge is home to one of England’s oldest universities, as well as the tower of St Bene't's which was built in 1050. Norwich has 15th century buildings, gatehouses and churches to explore, and Otley Hall in Suffolk is a fascinating example of mediaeval architecture.
Maybe the most famous theoretical physicist of our times, Stephen Hawkings came to Cambridge as a PhD student and was involved at the uni right up until his death in 2017. An inspiration to millions, he was known for his scientific discoveries, books, TV and lectures. Eddie Redmayne played him in the film The Theory of Everything, much of which was shot in the city at St John’s College. If you’re studying physics, what more motivation do you need?
If you’re a nature lover you won’t be short of places to explore in Eastern England. You’ll find miles of coastal walks, beaches and forests to escape to, plus woodland cycling routes and national parks like The Broads and Orford Ness Reserve.
Transport links from anywhere in the region to the country’s capital city are quick, easy and accessible. This gives you loads of opportunities while you’re studying, including placements and industry links. Or treat yourself to a weekend away in the big smoke – you deserve it.
Way back in 1666, King Charles II launched what is widely accepted as the first modern horse race. Unsurprisingly, the race mad monarch won first place. He declared the same race should happen every year in the town of Newmarket. And it does! The annual Town Plate takes place at Newmarket Racecourse, the famous home of world-class races.
East England was settled by Anglo-Saxons around 450 AD, earlier than the rest of the UK, so it’s full of fascinating history. Sutton Hoo is an awe-inspiring burial site, made even more famous in the movie The Dig. In more recent times, the coastal towns of Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft were often targets for attacks in World War II.
A strong contender for everyone’s favourite nursery rhyme, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star was written by poet Jane Taylor in the Suffolk village of Lavenham. The bedtime poem is now over 215 years old! It actually has five stanzas, although the first is the one we all know off by heart.
Not a fan of hills? You’re in luck! This region is the flattest area of England, with Cambridgeshire the flattest county. It’s also the most low lying, with much of it just above sea level. So it’s great for cycling without needing to use your calf muscles too much, or just walking around without breaking a sweat.
International pop star Ed Sheeran was born and bred in Eastern England. He hails from Framlington, a small market town in Suffolk. His 2017 hit 'Castle on the Hill' is his love song for the county, and the video for the song was filmed here too. It’s inspired by real life Framlingham Castle, so if you’re a big Ed fan why not visit the site and watch the sunset just like in the song.
Sandringham estate in Norfolk is one of the royal residences of King Charles, and has been a private retreat for royals since the 1860s. You can visit the estate to walk the grounds and pretend you’re part of the world’s most famous family. Wills and Kate also live in the county in nearby Anmer Hall.
Essex has given us loads of celebs, and it’s not just the ones from The Only Way is Essex. Dermot O’Leary was raised in Colchester, Stacey Solomon comes from Dagenham and Ross Kemp was born in Barking. Plus some of the biggest names in comedy are from here, like Lee Evans, Russel Kane and Alan Davies.
Studying in Eastern England means the perfect mix of city living, picturesque countryside and fascinating history. Six of the region’s universities have a place in the Complete University Guide’s top 100 rankings for 2025, with the elite University of Cambridge in first place.