East of England

Where is the East of England?

Where is the East of England? The obvious answer would be the East side of the country. However, the official answer is more specific. One of the 9 official regions of the UK, the East of England comprises of the counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire. Notable cities and towns include Bedford, Peterborough, Norwich, Ipswich, Colchester and Cambridge. These large towns and cities account for a large part of the 6.235 million population. The East of England is unquestionably one of the drier regions of the United Kingdom with an average rainfall of just 450mm to 750mm. This is due mainly to weather fronts from the Atlantic losing moisture across the country before reaching the East. Without a doubt this makes the East an ideal place to holiday and enjoy the summer sun.

The Historic East

A fan of history? The East of England has so much to offer. In 1990 a mammoth skeleton was discovered in West Runton. This skeleton is the most complete in the world. Located between Cromer and Sheringham is Kelling Heath Holiday Park, an ideal site to discover the prehistoric coastline. Besides natural history, the East of England plays an important role in the military history of the country. A major force and resource for Parliament during the Civil War in the form of the Eastern Association. Leader of the Parliamentarians, Oliver Cromwell came from Huntingdon and resided in Ely for a large part of his life.

RAF Lakenheath

During the second world war and subsequent cold war Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex played host to many RAF Bases. Ideally placed as a gateway to Europe. From RAF Stanstead to RAF Bentwaters and RAF Lakenheath the East has been the ideal place for military to be placed ready for action. You will notice a large population of American citizens in the East, this is due to two of our largest bases hosting to this day members of the USAF. RAF Lakenheath is home to the 48^th Fighter Wing also know as the Liberty Wing. With viewing areas around the base perimeter, you can park up and view the F35’s take to the skies. The East of England has so much to offer and much of which are all within driving distance of the coast making it the perfect place to visit.

East Anglia Region

The East Anglia Region made famous in recent years by Jade Goody’s mispronunciation as “East Angular” is a geographical area within the East of England. There has been argument for many years of what makes up East Anglia. Legally it comprises of Suffolk, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire. These three counties cover the area which was ruled by the East Angles. Established in the 6^th Century, The Kingdom of East Anglia was the most powerful of all of England’s Kingdoms for a brief time.

It should be noted that much of East Anglia was marshland during this time until the drainage of the fens in the 17^th Century. By draining the fens much of the land was able to be turned to productive arable land. In the 1600’s, thousands of puritan families emigrated to New England in America. Still able to be traced today much of the culture of New England mimics that of East Anglia.

Huge Norfolk Skies

Boarded to the North and East by the North Sea, and the South by the Thames estuary East Anglia has always been a big draw for holiday makers due to the extensive and varied coastline. In contrast to other areas of the country, East Anglia is famously flat. The supposed flatness is noted in literature, including Noel Coward’ Private Lives – “Very flat, Norfolk”. Undoubtedly one of the best areas of the country to capture stunning images of huge skies is Norfolk and Suffolk, with very little to obscure the sky you can capture sunsets and sunrise without bother.

On the north-west corner East Anglia is boarded by a bay known as The Wash. Due to the shape of The Wash resorts like Hunstanton are the only West facing resorts on the East Coast. Meaning you are able to enjoy stunning sunsets over the sea without travelling across the country. Heacham Beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets over the vast sea.

The Wash

We have three fantastic parks located along the coast of the Wash. Lee’s Carvan Park offers accommodation along the seafront in Hunstanton. Manor Park is a five-minute walk from the front, offering full facilities and entertainment it is the ideal location for a family holiday. A short drive from Hunstanton you will find Heacham Beach Holiday Park, a traditional family orientated park located literally 2mins walk from the stunning North Beach. Head out in the early evening to settle on the prom and enjoy the sight of thousands of wading birds taking flight as the tide floods the beach.

East of England Dog Show 2022

‘All About Dogs’ is undoubtedly the biggest East of England Dog Show 2022. August Bank Holiday weekend sees the return of ‘All About Dogs’ to the Norfolk Showground in Norwich. Without a doubt one of the biggest dog themed events in the country. This Festival of Dogs has so much to offer you and your furry friends. Tickets for adults are £14.00 with doggos getting free entry. There is no excuse to book and enjoy a paw-fect day out. Camping is available on site for those who want to make a weekend of it. Pack the tent and experience a night under the stars with your dog at your side.

Activities, shows and much more.

From the moment you enter the show you will be amazed at all the activities, stalls and shows. Without a doubt the main draw is the arena at the centre. Here you will find performances and displays from working police dogs to ‘celebrity dogs’ that have featured on Britain’s Got Talent. Keep your eye out for any audience participation and stake your claim to fame. Around the edge of the arena, you will find all many of stalls selling thousands of doggy related merchandises.

Ranging from dog fashion to Dog Friendly Holidays and training courses you will be spoilt for choice. Importantly there are many doggy treat stalls selling all many of tasty treats. One stall your four-legged friend will be eager to visit is Barkers of Suffolk. Barkers is a truly artisan canine bakery, patisserie and chocolatier. They produce only the finest baked, decorated and chocolate dog treats. Time and detail is taken when preparing these treats.

Fun for Dogs

For a little bit of extra fun let your four-legged friend try their paw at one of the many ‘have-a-go’ activities. In addition to hurdles, you can let your furry friend try flyball, lure chasing or take a swim in the pool. Absolutely ‘All About Dogs’ is a fantastic day out for both you and your dog. Book today.

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East of England Showground Events

Without a doubt there are many East of England Showground Events this year. Dotted around the country are many regional ‘showgrounds’. Once reserved for just yearly agricultural shows, these open-air venues now play host to many different events from festivals to cinemas to light shows. The East of England has three main showgrounds. These are in Peterborough, Norwich and Ipswich. Probably the most famous of the three is The Norfolk Showground in Norwich. Based just off the A47 in Costessey, this 150-acre site is owned and run by the not-for-profit organisation, The Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

The Main Event

The main event in the showgrounds calendar must be the famous Royal Norfolk Show. Taking place on 29^th & 30^th June 2022 the show encompasses all things rural. With over 700 trade stands, over 3000 animals, a packed Grand Ring Programme, Norfolk’s biggest food and drink experience and hundreds of attractions there’s something for everyone. Undoubtedly the big draw is the Grand Ring. Here you can see working dogs, cattle, tractor displays, equine displays and much more.

Feeling peckish? Then head to the Adnams food and drink experience. Here you will find over 100 local producers. Importantly the show offers many educational areas. One of these is the Broads Village. Run by the Broads Authority the area reflects on the importance of the Broads to Norfolk. Centred on a landscaped lake, it aims to promote what the Broads has to offer everyone, not only tourists but boaters, families, landowners and children.

Wildskies and Butteflies

In addition to the Showgrounds, The East of England has many other fantastic venues to be entertained. Raynham Hall in Norfolk plays host to this years ‘Wild Skies and Butterflies’ Festival. The festival is celebrating all things 90’s with acts including Natalie Imbruglia, Cast, Toploader, Sleeper and The Levellers. Wild Skies is all about inclusivity and pride. The festival is a safe place where all people can come together to embrace and celebrate what they each bring to the world. To concrete this Wildskies are proud to announce that Drag Race alumni Bimini Bon Boulash will be headlining. Originally from Great Yarmouth they caused a storm on Ru Pauls Drag Race UK with their couture styling and ability to openly discuss the issue of gender.

Forestry Commission – Forest Live

After a stormy 2020 live music is making a huge comeback! June sees the return of Forest Live to High Lodge, Thetford Forest. High Lodge is a short drive from Ebenezer Chapel where can stay, enjoy the Norfolk Countryside by day and experience top class entertainment by night. This year sees Rag ‘n’ Bone man, Madness, Jess Glynne and Hastings based Keane. Keane has played High Lodge many times before, the unmissable tones of Tom belting out Bed-Shaped as you stand in surrounding by forest is a moment you will remember for a long time to come.