Book excerpt: England's views are remarkable for their beauty and variety. In this illustrated, first-of-its-kind guide, bestselling author Simon Jenkins picks the very best views from South and East England, including Arundel, the Chilterns (Coombe Hill and Turville Down), the white cliffs of Dover, North Downs' Devil's Kneading Trough, Oxford (The High and Radcliffe Square), Stowe, Windsor Great Park, Cambridge's The Backs, Holkham, Lavenham and Sheringham, and more - and explains the fascinating stories behind them. Jenkins' entertaining and erudite entries provide the rich historical, geographical, botanical and architectural background to South and East England's breathtaking sights both iconic and undiscovered. Filled with roman roads, cliff-tops, follies, mountains, ancient castles, rolling forests and heart-stopping moments, you'll soon wonder how you chose walks, mini-breaks or spontaneous diversions without it.