About the East of England

History:

The East of England region is based around the ancient kingdom of East Anglia, which was originally made up of the North Folk (Norfolk) and the South folk (Suffolk). These are now joined by Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

The area is within easy reach of London and is still an important gateway to Britain from Europe – with international airports at Stansted and Luton and the ferry port of Harwich – as it has been since Roman times.

Between them, the six counties offer sea and landscapes as well as a wealth of history to explore. Highlights include: Audley House and Gardens in Essex where as well as a succession of Earls and Kings, Charles II once lived. Also in Essex, Tilbury Fort which stands proudly on the banks of the River Thames is not only the finest surviving example of 17th century military engineering in England, but is also close to the spot where Elizabeth I made her famous ‘Eve of Armada’ address.

Framlingham Castle in Suffolk has been put to many uses, but it was hear that Mary Tudor waited to hear whether she or Lady Jane Grey had been declared Queen after the death of Edward VI. Nearby, Henry II constructed the imposing Orford Castle as a coastal defence in the twelfth century.

Grime’s Graves in Norfolk was the first major industrial site in Europe and home to over 300 flint pits and shafts which were first used over 4,000 years ago in Neolithic times.

Towns and Cities:

Cambridge

Perhaps one of the most renowned cities in the UK, if not the world, a visit to the East of England would not be complete without a trip to the university city of Cambridge. As well as a host of places to shop, eat and drink, there are many colleges to explore and well as the chance to hire a punt and explore Cambridge by water!

Norwich

Situated close to the Norfolk Broads, Norwich is known as East Anglia’s capital and is the most complete medieval city in Britain. As well as its 900 year old Norman Cathedral and Castle towering over the medieval market, there is also plenty to see in terms of shopping, dining and entertainment.

In addition, there are an array of towns in the region which are definitely worth a visit. These include; Ely, with its landmark of a Cathedral, the market town of Saffron Walden, Holt and Lavenham.

Countryside:

A wealth of heritage sites ranging from abbeys and priories through to windmills and castles can be found throughout the East of England situated amongst a similarly varied collection of countryside. Whether seeking the countryside which inspired Constable, the Fens of Cambridgeshire, the Norfolk Broads or the Thetford Forest, the East of England has something to offer everyone.

Whilst in this part of the UK, there is miles of great coast line to explore scattered with picturesque seaside towns and villages such as Blakeney.

Most villages throughout the region offer somewhere to eat and drink with many also offering accommodation.

Museums and Galleries:

There are a wide variety of museums and galleries throughout the East of England, including: The Fitzwilliam Museum and Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge, The Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon, The Farmland Museum at Denny Abbey, The Imperial War Museum at Duxford, The Royal Air Force Air Defence Museum at Neatishead and The National Horseracing Museum at Newmarket.