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The East of England is characterised by wide expanses of open countryside and sweeping views under huge skies. Here also is a remote and beautiful coastline, studded with unspoilt fishing villages, ancient historical sites and internationally renowned nature reserves.
Bedfordshire
One of the Trust’s most unusual properties in this part of England is Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, where different species have been planted in the form of a nave and transepts. There are many excellent walks to be had on nearby Dunstable Downs, which command outstanding views over the Vale of Aylesbury and along the Chiltern Ridge.
Cambridgeshire
Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is a haven for rare wildlife and virtually the last remnant of the extensive fenland that once covered much of eastern England, with 18 footpath routes. The imposing Houghton Mill near Huntingdon with its riverside meadow makes an ideal spot from which to explore the wider countryside along the River Great Ouse.
Essex
There are good birdwatching opportunities on the Essex coast, especially on the reserve of Northey Island in the Blackwater estuary (access by advance permit only from the Warden, Northey Cottage, Northey Island, Maldon, tel: 01621 853142). Copt Hall Marshes, near Little Wigborough, is another noted site, particularly for overwintering birds, and can be viewed from a waymarked circular route.
Ancient landscapes include Danbury and Lingwood Commons, a survival of the medieval manors of St Clere and Herons and a former area of common grazing, and Blake’s Wood, an area of hornbeam and chestnut coppice, renowned in spring for its display of bluebells.
Hatfield Forest near Bishop’s Stortford is an outstanding ancient woodland and rare surviving example of a medieval royal hunting forest, offering excellent walking. All these areas are designated SSSIs and are rich in wildlife.
The Trust is also fortunate in owning a motte-and-bailey castle in Essex. Rayleigh Mount was recorded in the Domesday Book and provides excellent recreational space in the heart of Rayleigh town.
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Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire offers superb opportunities for outdoor recreation in beautiful and varied landscapes. The Ashridge Estate has many miles of footpaths giving superb views over the Chilterns and providing access over the area’s magnificent woodland, commons, farmland and chalk downland, all of which are home to many species of interesting birds and plants.
Norfolk
The North Norfolk coast is one of the most scenic areas of Britain, and is particularly important for its birdlife. At Morston Marshes and Stiffkey Marshes a range of seabirds can be seen, as well as seals at Blakeney Point.
Brancaster is noted for its coastal flora and the site of the Roman fort of Branodonum. There are several National Trust-owned properties in the Sheringham area, including the highest point in Norfolk at West Runton, beautiful landscape and woodland at Sheringham Park and woods and heathland at Beeston Regis Heath. Spectacular views can be had from Incleborough Hill.
On the edge of Norfolk’s famous Broads is Horsey Mere, where the Trust owns over 800ha (1,900 acres) of marshland, marrams and farmland, as well as Horsey Windpump. In the past much of East Anglia was subject to regular flooding and drainage mills such as this were essential to maintain water levels.
Darrow Wood, near Harleston in Norfolk is the second motte-and-bailey castle owned by the Trust in the East of England. The other is Rayleigh Mount in Essex.
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Suffolk
The remote character of the east coast led to the construction of the fascinating military research buildings at Orford Ness. The Ness, recently designated as a National Nature Reserve, is also an important site for breeding and overwintering birds.
There are many interesting natural habitats in this area, including Dunwich Heath, a surviving fragment of the sandy heaths locally known as the Sandlings, and Minsmere Beach, adjacent to the famous bird reserve.
Further south, there are pleasant walks and fine views at Kyson Hill near Woodbridge, and at Pin Mill on the River Orwell, where a wealth of sailing boats is usually present.
At Sutton Hoo you can get close to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in this country’s history, and enjoy walks over rare lowland heath on the estuary of the River Deben.
The picturesque qualities of the Essex / Suffolk border became famous through the work of John Constable, and at Bridge Cottage at Flatford there is an exhibition of his work and a range of other facilities. Fine walks lead into the beautiful Dedham Vale.
Highlights for visitors with disabilities
Wicken Fen, Sutton Hoo, Sheringham Park and Hatfield Forest all have accessible pathways. Ickworth has a special scented walk.
Highlights for families
All National Trust restaurants in the East of England region have special play areas for children. There are children’s playgrounds at Blickling, Ickworth, Sutton Hoo and Wimpole. Wimpole Home Farm is a must for families with young children.
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