Summer Treats

Beach Life

Come and discover some of the best beaches in
Britain - many of them hold Blue Flag and 
Quality Coast Awards Enjoy seven fantastic
seaside destinations - West Norfolk Coast,
North Norfolk Coast, Great Yarmouth,
The Sunrise Coast, Suffolk Coast, Essex
Sunshine Coast and Southend

- Have a sandcastle building competition.
- Take a dip (or paddle) in the sea.
- Relax on a lazy summer afternoon in a deckchair.
- Walk along the pier with an ice cream.
- Ride the latest white knuckle rides at the fun fair.
- Enjoy some of the country's best fish and chips.

There are also miles of unspoilt beaches - great for
seaside games, bracing walks, picnics and stone
skimming on the sea. Peer into rock pools to watch
their inhabitants, play hide and seek in the dunes,
go crabbing, or search for fossils and amber.

Click here for our Seaside section.

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Schools Out... for Summer!

Looking for a way to keep the children happy during the school holidays?
Then check out our great selection of events and activities - go on a
mini-beast hunt, take your favourite friend to a Teddy Bears Picnic, learn
the skills of the circus or get crafty with painting and model making

Click here for our Schools Out... for Summer! guide.

Click here for our Family Fun section.

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Sounds of Summer

Look out for our spectacular outdoor summer concerts. Enjoy great
music - from classical to folk, pop to rock - performed by local, national and
internationally known artists.

Click here for our Sounds of Summer guide.

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A Breath of Fresh Air

Put on your shoes and explore England's Easy 
Walking From a gentle stroll to a long distance
walk, our extensive network of footpaths and tracks
criss-cross the region's beautiful countryside.

With 250 miles (402 kilometres) of coastline, and a
superb selection of inland waters - the East of
England offers some of the best areas for
watersports in the country. Relax on a chauffeured
punt in Cambridge; enjoy the inspirational
landscapes of artist John Constable by rowing boat;
or explore the reed-fringed waterways of The Broads
aboard a self-drive craft.

Jump on your bicycle and explore England's Cycling
Country. Whether you regularly cycle and take your
bicycle on holiday, or simply like the idea of spending
a few hours exploring on two wheels - the region is
perfect for all ages and abilities. 

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Picnic Pleasures

The East of England offers lots of places to eat 'al-fresco'. Why not pack your
hamper with some local food and drink goodies?

1. Grafham Water (nr. St. Neots) - Britain's third largest man-made reservoir. Enjoy
a picnic on its shores whilst watching the sailing boats.
2. Sea Palling Beach - winner of the regional Picnic Awards in 2007, this lovely
beach (with dunes) has plenty of golden sand to lay out your feast. 
3. Aldenham Country Park (nr. Elstree) - have a picnic with Winnie the Pooh in the
re-creation of the 100 Aker Wood. Make sure you pack some honey.
4. Marston Vale Millennium Country Park, Marston Moretaine (nr. Bedford) - work
up an appetite with a walk around the wetland reserve.

5. Milton Country Park, Cambridge - winner of the regional Picnic Awards in 2009.
Let the children loose on the play area, before tucking into your treats.
6. Dunwich Beach - a former city lost to the sea, you may not need your hamper
here as they serve delicious fish and chips right on the beach.
7. River Lee Country Park (Broxbourne/Waltham Abbey area) - have a picnic, then
take a stroll amongst the colourful dragonflies. 
8. Bridge End Garden, Saffron Walden - winner of the regional Picnic Awards in
2010. Lay out your goodies amongst the flowers in this restored Victorian garden.

9. Dunstable Downs - watch the gliders soaring overhead as you enjoy your feast
amongst the chalklife flora and fauna. Don't forget your kite.
10. Holkham Beach (nr. Wells-next-the-Sea) - winner of the regional Picnic Awards
in 2008. Play seaside games and tuck in on this renowned beach.
11. Hatfield Forest (nr. Bishop's Stortford) - relax with a picnic under the shade of
the ancient coppiced and pollarded trees.
12. Needham Lake, Needham Market - save some of your bread to feed the friendly
ducks on the waters of this man-made lake.

Click here for our full listing of country parks in the region.

The National Trust are holding their Big Picnic Week from Monday 21 to
Sunday 27 June. Blickling Hall (nr. Aylsham); Felbrigg Hall (nr. Cromer); Ickworth
House at Horringer (nr. Bury St. Edmunds); and Sheringham Park will all be open
until 2200 - allowing you to enjoy a lovely walk on a summer's evening. 

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A Question of Sport

Enjoy the style and glamour of The Newmarket July Festival - at the home of
horseracing. This annual event is held amongst the magnificent beech trees,
thatched buildings and flowers of the July Racecourse. Enjoy three days
(Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 July) of classic horseracing, combined with the
charm and character of an English garden party. Dig out your best hat and
pack a luxury picnic, complete with some champagne.

The Lawn Tennis Club in Frinton-on-Sea (founded 1899) was once regarded
as the major venue in the UK tennis calendar after Wimbledon - and still
attracts the world's leading players. Enjoy strawberries and cream at the
International Veterans Tournament (Monday 5 to Saturday 10 July).

Howzat! The county of Essex plays in the Cricket County Championship
Division One. They hold two annual festivals: Southend (Wednesday 4 to 
Sunday 8 August) and Colchester (Wednesday 18 to Sunday 22 August).
Take part in the extreme sports and activities this summer at Lifestyles in
Hunstanton (Friday 9 to Sunday 11 July). Try your hand at kite surfing,
skateboarding, wind-surfing and BMX.

The East of England offers lots of places to eat 'al-fresco'. Why not pack your hamper with some local food and drink goodies?