Cities and Towns
The East of England is based around the ancient kingdom of East Anglia, which was originally made up of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Bedfordshire
The ancient county town of Bedford dates back to before Saxon times. Take a stroll along The Embankment, one of the country's finest river settings - then follow in the footsteps of preacher/author John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress), and World War II bandleader Glenn Miller. Head south now to Ampthill, a Georgian market town with picturesque narrow streets. The nearby park was once home to a 15th C. castle where Henry VIII stayed, and his first wife Katherine of Aragon was held during their divorce proceedings. Luton is a thriving place with a long history, once noted for its straw plait and hat making industries. Great shopping, green open spaces and entertainment (such as the annual carnival) are some of the key attractions. Adjoining Dunstable sits at the junction of the 4,000 year old Icknield Way and ‘Roman' Watling Street. Pay a visit to the Augustinian priory founded in 1131. West now to Leighton Buzzard, set beside the Grand Union Canal. Famous for its sand, the town has a medieval market cross and charming mews. End your tour at Woburn, acknowledged as one of Britain's most beautifully preserved Georgian towns. This is a great place for antiques, with 18/19th C. houses and period shop-fronts lining the High Street.
Towns
Cambridgeshire
Explore the famous university city of Cambridge, with its historic colleges and churches (King's College Chapel), specialist museums, bookshops and punting on the river. One of England's most beautiful small cities - Ely is dominated by its spectacular cathedral. Once an island surrounded by marshes, take time to explore the narrow streets lined with historic buildings, such as the former home of Oliver Cromwell. Head west now to St. Ives, a riverside market town with one of only four surviving bridge chapels in the country. Neighbouring Huntingdon was the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell in 1599 - and you can visit his museum in the former school he attended. Stroll across the 14th C. bridge to Godmanchester, once an important Roman settlement with elegant 17/18th C. houses and a Chinese Bridge. St. Neots is the largest town in the county - growing up around its priory founded in 974AD. Enjoy a walk in the Riverside Park. Heading into The
Fens - March originally prospered as a minor port, trading and religious centre. Today it is famous for St. Wendreda's Church with its outstanding hammerbeam angel roof. Wisbech sits at the heart of a fruit and flower growing area. The town features some of the finest Georgian street architecture in Britain, such as the North Brink, The Crescent and Museum Square. End your tour of the county at modern Peterborough - a vibrant city proud of its rich history and heritage. Peel back the layers to find idyllic green open spaces, the superb 12th C. cathedral and one of the UK's top shopping destinations.
Essex
Bold, energetic and contrasting - Britain's oldest recorded town is Colchester. Discover Roman remains, Europe's largest Norman castle keep, shopping and vibrant arts (such as the new inspirational ‘firstsite'). To the north, the adjoining riverside towns of Manningtree and Mistley, were the haunt of the 17th C. Witchfinder General. Bustling Braintree was once famed for its textile industries - firstly wool, then 19th C. silk-weaving. Whilst Coggeshall and Halstead have both replaced cloth with antique and country-style shops to explore. Chelmsford (the county town) was founded in 1199, and is home to an imposing cathedral, great shopping, the Essex County Cricket Ground and 18th C. Hylands House. Follow the river to Maldon, an ancient hilltop town and sailing centre famed for its sea salt and majestic Thames Sailing Barges. More maritime heritage at Burnham-on-Crouch, one of England's leading yachting centres; Brightlingsea, the only cinque port outside Kent and Sussex; and Harwich with its rich seafaring history, such as the Redoubt Fort. Pay your respects to King Harold at Waltham Abbey - he is reputedly buried at this historic town. Head north now - the ‘New Town' of Harlow has impressive sculptures set in parkland; whilst Thaxted is noted for its 15th C. Guildhall and fine church. End your tour at Saffron Walden, an ancient town with pargetted houses, an unusual turf maze and the largest parish church in Essex.
Explore the famous university city of Cambridge, with its historic colleges and churches, specialist museums, bookshops and punting on the river
Hertfordshire
Start at Royston, which grew up around a cross erected in around 1066. Discover award-winning gardens and a man made cave with medieval carvings. Head west to Baldock, a former coaching stop which has retained its old-world charm with 16-18th C. buildings. Adjoining Letchworth Garden City is the world's first garden city, founded in 1903 - and combining the health of the country with the comfort of the town. Whilst Hitchin is an ancient market town, which prospered from the medieval wool trade, retaining its narrow streets and fine buildings. Head south now to Bishop's Stortford, another charming old settlement - birthplace of Cecil Rhodes who found his fortune in the South Africa diamond mines. Hertford is the historic county town, a great place to explore on foot with its 15th C. castle gatehouse set in attractive gardens. There are also several antique shops to browse in. Neighbouring Ware was once a major centre for brewing. Explore old coaching inns, an unusual grotto and riverside gazebos. St. Albans is a fascinating place with its Georgian houses, antique shops and bustling market. The magnificent cathedral would be reason enough for your visit - but there is also the rich treasures of Verulamium, the third city of Roman Britain. End your tour under the gaze of the unspoilt Chilterns, firstly at Berkhamsted, with its elegant High Street and romantic 11th C. castle ruins - then Tring, a market town set on the Grand Union Canal, with fine parkland and a zoological museum.
Norfolk
Not only does the city of Norwich boast some of the finest medieval architecture in Britain and a host of cultural treasures, it has a cathedral to rival the best in Europe and a splendid Norman castle keep - plus a vibrant mix of theatres, shopping, pubs and restaurants. For a maritime treat, head to King's Lynn - an ancient port with two magnificent market places, two medieval guildhalls and a 17th C. Custom House. Traditional town's to visit include Swaffham with its handsome Georgian buildings and butter cross; or Aylsham, once an important cloth-making centre, with fine 18th C. buildings. Set on the unspoilt North Norfolk Coast, Burnham Market has become known as ‘Chelsea-on-Sea', with its attractive green, antique, book and speciality shops. Just down the road is Wells-next-the-Sea, still a busy port for local whelk and shrimp boats - and featuring narrow streets and traditional flint buildings. For antiques and designer ware try Holt, one of Norfolk's most attractive small towns. Whilst Wymondham has more listed buildings than any other similar-sized settlement in the county, such as the beautiful abbey with its twin towers. More history at Thetford, once the ancient capital of East Anglia, with a legacy of historic sights - Iron Age earthworks, a Norman castle mound and 12th C. priory remains. At Diss, take a stroll around the mere, then explore the maze of streets clustered around St. Mary's Church. End your tour at the adjoining centres of Hoveton and Wroxham, the capital of The Broads - take a boat trip, then shop in 'Roys' - the world's largest village store.
Suffolk
Ipswich is one of England's oldest continuously settled Anglo-Saxon towns. Discover twelve medieval churches, 16th C. Christchurch Mansion and the redeveloped waterfront with its marinas. Head north to Woodbridge, an attractive riverside settlement famous for its tide mill. At nearby Orford, climb the 12th C. castle keep for views over the mysterious shingle spit of Orford Ness. The fine country town of Framlingham is also home to another superb castle. Continue north to Aldeburgh, a charming seaside town, where the fishermen pull their boats onto the shingle beach and sell their catch. Pretty Southwold is full of character - wander around the nine open greens surrounded by period houses and enjoy a pint of real ale from the town's brewery. Heading inland are the towns of Beccles - a Broads boating centre with red-brick Georgian houses; and Bungay noted for its fine Norman castle and butter cross. Head west now to Bury St. Edmunds, an ancient market town with 12th C. abbey ruins, award-winning gardens, and the cathedral with its new gothic-style tower. Continue west to Newmarket, the horseracing capital of the world. Enjoy a day at the races, take an equine tour and visit the horseracing museum. End your tour of the county amongst the famous Suffolk Wool Towns - try Lavenham (Britain's best preserved medieval town), Long Melford (famed today for antiques) and Sudbury (birthplace of artist Thomas Gainsborough).
