King’s College Chapel is a masterpiece of English craftsmanship and the most recognisable building in Cambridge

BEAUTIFUL TIMBER-framed villages, traditional market towns, gently rolling countryside and unspoilt coastline - this is England as you always thought it should be - right on London's doorstep.

Based around the ancient kingdom of East Anglia, the East of England covers the six counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk - a region where tradition is a way of life, eccentric customs are commonplace and people take the time to offer the warmest of welcomes.

Visit the famous University city of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges, magnificent King's College Chapel and punting on the river. The medieval city of Norwich is dominated by a superb cathedral and 12th C. castle - plus a vibrant mix of arts, shopping and restaurants. Also don't miss, Colchester - Britain's oldest recorded town, or St. Albans, with its cathedral and the rich treasures of Verulamium, the third city of Roman Britain. Look out for year-round cultural treats, from spectacular festivals to carnivals, theatres, music attractions and fine galleries.

The Suffolk, English village of Lavenham is noted for its fine half-timbered, medieval buildings

The Broads are Britain's largest nationally protected wetland, whilst stretching out from The Wash - The Fens are noted for their dramatic skies and sweeping vistas. To the west of the region, the rolling Dunstable Downs offer chalk life flora and fauna. All offer fantastic wildlife-spotting - and alongside other key nature reserves - the region is one of the UK's best places for bird-watching.

Cruising on the Norfolk broads

The coastline comprises unspoilt sandy beaches, tiny fishing villages, crumbling cliffs, estuaries, shingle spits and Britain's best mudflats and saltmarshes. Here smugglers inns nestle close to the waters where Lord Nelson learnt to sail. Enjoy the fun-packed family resorts of Great Yarmouth and Southend, alongside idyllic coastal towns such as Southwold and Cromer.

Discover the spectacular colours and delicate fragrances of some of Britain's finest gardens, and magnificent treasure houses such as Woburn Abbey, Hatfield House, Blickling Hall and Royal Sandringham - alongside ancient castles, steam trains, intriguing museums and a rich aviation and maritime heritage.

Must see and do

• Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridgeshire

• Kings College Chapel, Cambridge

• Norfolk Lavender Ltd, Heacham

• Blickling Hall, Blickling

• Sutton Hoo Burial Site, Woodbridge

• Audley End House and Gardens, Saffron Walden

• Colchester Zoo, Colchester

• Woburn Abbey, Woburn

• Hatfield House, Hatfield

• RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve, nr. Saxmundham