TV presenter David Whiteley will be the host for the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards, which take place at Norwich Castle on Thursday 6th March.
The awards are being led by Visit East of England, who operate the new Suffolk and Norfolk Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), and celebrate the best attractions, entrepreneurs and destinations across our region.
Here, David shares his insights on why he loves this area as a holiday haven.
Who do you live with?
I live with my wife, BBC TV Presenter, Amelia Reynolds, and our two daughters, Annabel and Cleo, oh and Paddington, our Australian Labradoodle!
Where in the region do you live?
We live in South Norfolk.
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Rochford near Southend and I grew up in Leigh-on-sea. I moved to Norfolk in 2001 when I first took up a reporting role in television, having worked in radio and a bit of TV since 1995.
What makes this a great region for a holiday?
What’s not to love? There is literally everything here. The big selling point for me is the big, open skies. East Anglia has the best skies, also perfect for sunrises and sunsets.
After all, Lowestoft is where the sun comes up first over the country – they host First Light Festival every year (pictured). We have stunning beaches as well as beautiful countryside.
What we lack in hills we make up in almost deserted beaches! In fact, if you know where to go, even on the hottest days in the summer you can find your own piece of paradise on a Norfolk or Suffolk beach. And I’m not missing out the Broads plus a plethora of decent pubs and restaurants.
What would a perfect day in East Anglia look like to you?
OK, well it’s no secret I LOVE surfing. This time last year I was surfing point breaks in Costa Rica with my mates. But I learned to surf in the North Sea over twenty years ago, so it would have to start with a surf in Cromer at sunrise.
Two or three hours and then a coffee or three at North Sea Coffee, a fabulous spot, overlooking the waves. Then a wander to East Coast Surf in the town to catch up with my pals.
Most of the day would then be about food and dog walks. Our dog loves the shingle at Salthouse.
Dinner would either be at the Low House in Laxfield or the Crown in Southwold, the place where I popped the question to Amelia.
What do you most love about Suffolk?
As much as parts of Suffolk can be crowded at times, there are still so many tranquil spots, even in peak times of the year.
I’m a little partial to Bury St. Edmunds (pictured), the architecture always gets me.
The retreats like Kesgrave Hall always hit the spot.
The various villages are still something out of a bygone era and beaches like Covehithe and Dunwich are very special to me.
And what about Norfolk?
I love both counties equally. My wife was raised in Suffolk and our children were born in Norfolk. It’s where I live and work, but I still manage to discover things I never knew about the county.
Norwich is most certainly a fine city and I must doff my cap to the young people who’ve taken over The Steam Packet pub next to ITV Anglia, a great place for a pint after work.
Once a year Amelia and I have a night at Congham Hall, near Kings Lynn, great for recharging the batteries.
What do you miss when you’re away from the region for any length of time?
The big skies and my family if they’re not with me!
How would you describe East Anglia to someone who had never visited and was considering coming for a holiday?
It just has everything, apart from hills! And be prepared for gastronomic delights beyond compare.
What do you think the East of England does uniquely well, when it comes to tourism?
We are really good at flying the flag for our uniqueness. The Broads, the coast, the country and the way it’s all so close. We are also proud of our history too.
Why do you feel the Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards are so important to the respective counties?
It reinforces just how much hard work goes into our tourism industry. And that’s why it’s so important to champion what goes into it all.
Any message for all the businesses and entrepreneurs who are finalists in this year’s awards?
Congratulations for making it this far! And the very best of luck.
The Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards take place on 6th March. For remaining tickets, go to https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing/77144
