Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

The Dig (released on 29 January) is a new film by Netflix, exploring the story of the excavation of the Great Ship Burial at Sutton Hoo in 1939. The film is based on a novel, written by John Preston. Many of the events and characters depicted in both the film and the book are inspired by real events and real people. Here we share the incredible true story.

One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time, took place at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. With the release of The Dig, starring Ralph Fiennes and Carey Mulligan, we asked our team of archaeologists to dig the dirt on some of their favourite archaeological stories and ongoing detective work.

Fancy exploring Hatfield Forest? Book your visit then download one of our walking trails or head off on your own adventure. Don't forget to bring your camera to snap those wonderful tree silhouettes in the winter sunlight. Then why not refuel with a tasty treat from the cafe?

Witness a winter sunrise on a crisp and frosty morning at Dunstable Downs, take a gentle stroll through Whipsnade Tree Cathedral or race along the multi-user track on a balance bike. After that, pick up a warming hot drink from the serving hatch at the Visitor Centre.

As the temperature drops, the frosty branches sparkle and create a beautiful scene against a pale winter sky at Ashridge. If you’re lucky, you might see some winter birds roosting in the trees. At this time of year, our parking is reduced due to the ground conditions, so we recommend visiting during the week when we're less busy.

Dunstable Downs is the highest point in Bedfordshire, making it a great spot to come fly a kite. Then there's Hatfield Forest in Essex and Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire, both of which are ideal for families looking for a woodland adventure, building dens.

If you're after a short stroll or a long ramble, here are some walks you might like to try in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Whether you enjoy woodland walks, historic village trails or wide open spaces where you can enjoy the view, we'd recommend pulling on those walking boots and trying this series of walks that bring new interest with the changing seasons.

2020 was the 125th anniversary of the National Trust and although our birthday year didn't turn out quite like how we planned, we took the opportunity to look back at where it all began. Here are some of the key moments in our history of caring for special places, in the East of England.

Listen to our podcast series, which tells the stories of how our places have played a part in shaping the social history of the country. In the first of the series Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough visits Northey Island to learn more about the battle between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in 991 has left its mark on this fascinating coastline.

Each week we're sharing one of our popular recipes with you, that you can try at home. If you're a vegan or taking part in veganuary, then you might like this week's vegan chocolate fudge cake.