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was originally made up of Norfolk and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.

Directly to the north of London, the region
has preserved much of its unspoilt
character, rural landscape, architecture
and traditions.

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Facts and Figures

The region covers 7,380 square miles
(11,876 square kilometres), stretching
approximately 109 miles (175 kilometres)
from north to south; and 108 miles
(174 kilometres) from east to west.

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
six 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,
Peterborough and St. Albans. Traditional
market towns and picturesque
villages abound - home to fine examples
of architecture - timber-framed, flint,
thatch and weather-boarded buildings.