Final answer:
The Norfolk region northeast of London is known for the Northern Lowlands, a flat, marshy fenland area, contrasting with the rugged terrain of England's Western Highlands and the Pennines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The region of Norfolk, located northeast of London, is famous for its distinctive physical landscape. This landscape is characterized by flat, marshy fenland known as the Northern Lowlands. The area is home to a significant landmark, Ely Cathedral, colloquially known as "the ship of the Fens", due to its prominence rising from the flat terrain. The Northern Lowlands offer different opportunities compared to the Western Highlands, which include short rugged mountains and have traditionally supported grazing livestock or farming in valleys and meadows.
In the broader context of England's geography, the Northern Lowlands form a contrast with the Pennines mountain chain running through northern England, which historically fueled the Industrial Revolution with its coal, ores, and waterpower. Moreover, the physical environments of different regions, such as Southern England's urban centers like London, significantly differ from Norfolk's landscape. The diverse physical environment of Norfolk and its attractions, like Ely Cathedral, underscore the broader theme of tourism's role in postindustrial economic activity shifting focus from manual labor to sectors like service and information.