Stevenage and Hitchin residents are being urged to rediscover our towns' attractions as part of English Tourism Week.

The initiative, which takes place until March 25, aims to encourage residents to appreciate the cultural and historical treasures in their backyard.

Bus operator Stagecoach East is facilitating the move by offering value group tickets.

Residents have the opportunity to explore well-known and fascinating places in Stevenage and Hitchin.

These attractions can be accessed by bus services, with travel fares covered by the government’s £2 single fare cap.

Six notable places have been highlighted for visits, including The British Schools Museum which offers children's crafts in the historical Monitorial Schoolroom.

This stop provides a range of children-friendly activities from bunny-spoons, paper-fold chicks and paper cup bunnies to Easter wreaths that also serve as bonnets.

Another place to visit is the Stevenage Museum, home to the works of renowned artist Bill Mitchell.

The museum showcases the influence of Mitchell’s art on Stevenage and presents a unique chance to appreciate the creativity of local young artists, who drew inspiration from his work.

The North Hertfordshire Museum is also on the list, where art enthusiasts can revel in a major exhibition of paintings and drawings by three members of the famous Camden Town Group who worked in Letchworth before World War I.

Here, visitors can see loaned artworks from museums across the country, including ones from Tate, the Government Art Collection, and the National Museum of Wales.

Other venues include Bury Mead and Millie Spinny Park, a beautiful expanse to explore, and Bancroft Recreation Ground and Splash Park, known for its flower beds, shrubs, and specimen trees.

Lastly, the Gordon Craig Theatre, a 501-seat venue that offers a variety of shows, from musicals and live music to comedy and plays, including one of the longest running pantomimes in the country.

Darren Roe, managing director of Stagecoach East, said: "We are so fortunate to be home to so many genuinely outstanding pieces of natural and cultural heritage in Stevenage and Hitchin and, as the days get longer and warmer, now is a great opportunity to get out and explore it all."