East of England

Spring has well and truly sprung and those prepared to clamber out of bed early will witness one of nature’s greatest phenomenons, the dawn chorus.

As spring fades and summer arrives, the floral displays continue to create a mixture of colour and scent that will put your senses into overdrive. Here are our recommendations for gardens to visit during May and June.

There are some lovely places to gather with friends and family to enjoy a picnic. Our favourite spots include Wimpole's Folly and the riverside setting of Flatford.

From the beautiful North Norfolk Coast with its abundance of wildlife to the magnificent houses and gardens of Blickling, Felbrigg and Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk's popularity is well deserved. And don't miss the chance to wander around Sheringham Park or begin your exploration of the Norfolk Broads.

Not far from Cambridge you'll find Anglesey Abbey, where the gardens boast colour throughout the year. Head a little further afield and you'll discover Wimpole with its impressive mansion and Home Farm, the distinctive fenland landscape of Wicken Fen and one of the last working mills on the River Ouse.

The question about Suffolk, is where will you visit first? From a landscape made famous by John Constable to the royal burial ground at Sutton Hoo. Enjoy a walk along the iconic Suffolk coastline, around picturesque wool towns, such as Lavenham and Long Melford and don't miss the chance to discover Ickworth.

There's more to Essex than first meets the eye. Tucked away you'll find lots of hidden gems, from Bourne Mill in Colchester to Paycocke's in Coggeshall. Blake's Wood, Danbury Common and Copt Hall are all great for walks, then there's Hatfield Forest, an ancient royal hunting forest.

We don't only look after stunning places for you to visit for the day, we also look after some hidden gems, perfect for your next holiday, romantic break or group getaway!

Walking is the best way to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Explore the diverse landscape of the East of England this season with our selection of great walks by county.

We asked award-winning photographer from Suffolk, Justin Minns, for his top tips on how to go about capturing the beauty of our landscapes. Find out what he had to say and give it a go yourself.