Cities and Towns

A-Z Listing

On this page is a selection of Cities and Towns in
the region. Click here for our full A-Z listing 

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Bedfordshire

The historic county town of Bedford dates back to
before Saxon times. Take a stroll along The
Embankment, one of the country's finest river
settings - then follow in the footsteps of preacher and
author John Bunyan (The Pilgrim's Progress). Head
south now to Ampthill, a Georgian market town with
picturesque narrow streets. The nearby park was
once a favourite hunting spot for Henry VIII.

Luton is a thriving town, once noted for its
hat-making industries. Great shopping, landscaped
parks and entertainment (such as Britain's biggest
one day carnival) are some of the key attractions.
Adjoining Dunstable sits at the junction of the
4,000 year old Icknield Way and ‘Roman' Watling
Street. Pay a visit to the Augustinian priory founded
in 1131. West now to Leighton Buzzard, situated
on the Grand Union Canal. Famous for its sand, the town has a medieval market
cross and charming mews. End your tour at Woburn, a great place for antiques and
collectables, with its 18/19th C. houses and period shop-fronts.

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Cambridgeshire

Explore the famous University city of Cambridge, with its ancient colleges and
churches (King's College Chapel), museums, bookshops and punting on the river.
One of England's most beautiful small cities - Ely is dominated by its spectacular
cathedral. Once an island surrounded by marshes, take time to explore the narrow
streets lined with historic buildings, such as the former home of Oliver Cromwell.
Head west now to St. Ives, a riverside market town with one of only four surviving
bridge chapels in the country. Neighbouring Huntingdon was the birthplace of 
Cromwell in 1599 - and you can visit his museum in the former school he attended.
Stroll across the 14th C. bridge to Godmanchester, once an important Roman
settlement with elegant 17/18th C. houses and a Chinese Bridge.

St. Neots is the county's largest town - growing up around its priory founded in
974AD. Enjoy a walk in the Riverside Park. Heading into The Fens - March
prospered as a trading centre for local produce. Today it is famous for
St. Wendreda's Church with its magnificent hammerbeam angel roof. Wisbech
sits at the heart of a fruit and flower growing area - and features some of Britain's
finest Georgian street architecture, such as The Brinks. End your tour at
Peterborough - a vibrant modern city with a rich and ancient heritage. Green
open spaces, the superb cathedral and one of the UK's top shopping destinations.

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Essex

Bold, energetic and contrasting - Britain's oldest
recorded town is Colchester Discover Roman
remains, Europe's biggest Norman castle keep,
shopping and vibrant culture (such as the firstsite
arts complex opening spring 2009). To the north,
the adjoining riverside towns of Manningtree and
Mistley were the haunt of the 17th C. Witchfinder
General. Bustling Braintree was once famed for
its textiles - firstly wool, then 18th C. silk-weaving.
Whilst Coggeshall and Halstead have both
replaced cloth with specialist shops to explore.

Chelmsford (the county town) was granted its market
charter in 1199, and is home to England's second
smallest cathedral, great shopping, the Essex
County Cricket Ground and 18th C. Hylands House.
Follow the river to Maldon, an ancient hilltop town,
port and sailing centre famed for its sea salt and
majestic Thames Sailing Barges. More maritime
heritage at Burnham-on-Crouch, one of England's
leading yachting centres; Brightlingsea, the only
Cinque Port outside Kent and Sussex; and Harwich
with its sea-faring history, such as the Redoubt Fort.

Pay your respects to King Harold at Waltham Abbey - he is reputedly buried at this
historic town. Head north now - the New Town of Harlow has an extensive
collection of sculptures; whilst Thaxted is noted for its 15th C. Guildhall
and magnificent church. End your tour at Saffron Walden, an ancient town with
pargetted buildings, an unusual turf maze and the largest parish church in Essex.

Click here for information on seaside towns in Essex - Clacton-on-Sea,
Frinton-on-Sea, Walton-on-the-Naze and Southend-on-Sea

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Hertfordshire

Start at Royston, which grew up around a cross erected in around 1066. Discover
award-winning gardens and a man made cave with medieval carvings. Head west
to Baldock, a former coaching stop which has retained its old-world charm with
16-18th C. buildings. Adjoining Letchworth Garden City is the world's first garden
city, founded in 1903 - and combining the health of the country with the comfort of
the town. Whilst Hitchin is an ancient market town, which prospered from the
medieval wool trade, retaining its narrow streets and fine buildings.

Head south now to Bishop's Stortford, another charming old
settlement - birthplace of Cecil Rhodes who found his fortune in the South Africa
diamond mines. Hertford is the historic county town, a great place to explore
on foot with its 15th C. castle gatehouse set in attractive gardens. There are also
several antique shops to browse in. Neighbouring Ware was once a major centre
for brewing. Explore old coaching inns, an unusual grotto and riverside gazebos.

The region is home to Britain's oldest recorded town - Colchester, alongside the historic cities of Cambridge, Norwich, Peterborough 
and St. Albans