East Of England

Directly to the north of London, you will find a region which has preserved much of its unspoilt character, rural landscape, architecture and tradition; all of which are presented in the great choice of numerous museums and galleries to be found here.

Norfolk is a great destination at any time of year. Miles of unspoilt coastline, internationally important nature reserves, hundreds of picturesque villages, historic market towns, the beautiful Broads, and Norwich - a heritage and cultural gem, are just some of the delights on offer.

Explore historic King's Lynn, pop in to Great Yarmouth with its world famous Golden Mile, and exceptional maritime heritage, Hunstanton, the only west facing resort on the East Coast, Well's-next-the-Sea, Sheringham and Cromer with its wonderful pier.

These and the numerous other towns dotted around Norfolk have a host of museums and attractions which reflect the changing face and ages of the county. Cromer Museum is one such example, set in a row of late 19th Century Victorian fisherman's cottages, with displays which include geology, archaeology, old Cromer Gallery, Cromer lifeboatmen, the growth of tourism and Poppyland, and a Cromer At War presentation.

From the wetland Broads in the north to the beautiful historic Wool Towns in the south; the shimmering greenery of the west to the stunning Suffolk Coast in the east, Suffolk offers some incredible sights. Whether your interest is in fine arts or farming; sailors' knots or Saxon burials; tramways or timber-framed buildings; aircraft or archaeology; regimental history or horse racing, there's something for everyone.

Essex is a county of contrasts and offers so much for groups to see and do, with the county's historic sites, the arts, literature, and museums all offering a fascinating insight to the region's rich culture.

Steeped in history and infused with unique historical and architectural treasures, there are over 45 museums and galleries throughout Essex to choose from, stretching from the Thames Estuary to Constable Country, Harlow to Walton-on-the-Naze. Essex is renowned for its links with artists such as John Constable, Sir Alfred Munnings and Edward who captured the essence of the county's uniqueness and beauty: Constable working his rustic idylls beneath those vast East Anglian skies, Munnings capturing his much loved equestrian world and Bawden creating copper engravings of the swirling countryside.

Bedfordshire may be one of England's smallest counties, but its county town of Bedford is renowned as having one of the finest riverside settings in the country and the county has a whole has a lot to offer; and all just a 35 minute train journey from central London.

There are numerous great museum attractions and galleries to visit. For example, the Panacea Museum is where you can find out about the history and influences of The Panacea Society, a unique religious group that once existed in Bedford.

The Higgins Bedford is a fine local museum and art gallery with a long history, now set within the boundary of Bedford Castle, close to the River Great Ouse.