Around the Region

The East of England is based around the ancient kingdom of East Anglia, which was originally made up of Norfolk and Suffolk. These are now joined by Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire to form the bump on England's eastern side. The area is directly to the north of London, and has preserved much of its unspoilt character, rural landscape, architecture and traditions.

The countryside is predominately a low lying and open area, containing a diversity of gentle landscapes - from flat fens (which support intensive arable farming) to chalk downland, heathland, man-made waterways, forest and ancient woodland. The highest point is Hastoe (nr. Tring) in Hertfordshire at 245m (803 feet). The lowest point is Holme Fen (nr. Peterborough) in Cambridgeshire which is 2.7m (9 feet) below sea level. We have one National Park - The Broads of Norfolk and Suffolk; plus four 'Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty'. These are the Norfolk and Suffolk Coasts; the Dedham Vale; and The Chilterns. 

The coastline covers 250 miles (402 kilometres), from The Wash (England's largest tidal estuary) to the wide expanse of the River Thames. Unspoilt beaches, crumbling cliffs, estuaries, shingle spits and Britain's best mudflats and saltmarshes. There are also seven key seaside destinations offering family fun and entertainment.

The region is home to Britain's oldest recorded town - Colchester, alongside the historic cities of Cambridge, Norwich and St. Albans. Traditional market towns and picturesque villages abound - home to outstanding examples of architecture - flint, thatch, timber-framed and weather-boarded buildings.