Cambridgeshire may lack the impressive coastlines of Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, but this county still has much to offer with its cultural heritage and stunning countryside. A natural highlight of any trip to the county is the world famous city of Cambridge. Located in the heart of the county, Cambridge is filled with culture and magnificent architecture drawing in visitors from across the globe.
From its origins as a settlement on a Roman river crossing with an Anglo Saxon market, the history of Cambridge incorporates so much more than the iconic university, but it is certainly the 31 historic colleges that have helped to put the city on the international map. To get the most of all that Cambridge has to offer, take a tour of the city in the most traditional way, on your bike, exploring the stunning architecture and incredible atmosphere.
Once you are tired of the saddle, absorb the beautiful scenery around Cambridge on a punt tour down the River Cam, travelling past the momentous King’s College and the picturesque village of Granchester.
The surrounding area of Cambridgeshire also offers a wonderful range of things to see and do. In the north east of the county lies Wisbech, the Capital of the Fens, which is a great place to escape for the weekend. Wisbech is renowned for its elegant Georgian architecture so take a stroll along the Brinks or round the Crescent to see some of the finest Georgian houses in Cambridgeshire.
South of Wisbech is the city of Ely, which is a charming countryside city with a bustling atmosphere within the tranquility of the Fens. Its historic city centre is home to the magnificent Cathedral, known as the Ship of the Fens, which also contains a Stained Glass Museum. You will also find Ely is home to local art and national exhibitions at the Babylon Gallery, while there is the chance to visit Oliver Cromwell’s house, which he inherited in 1636 and is the only remaining house used by Cromwell with the exception of Hampton Court Palace in London.
The town of Huntingdon, in the west of the county, has much to offer the visitor as it has a stunning high street that sells a variety of national brands alongside coffee shops and pubs to have a relaxing lunch in. For the more archeological visitor, you can explore Castle Hill, which was once the site of Huntingdon Castle, built in 1068. It is now a public open space and is the site of the Castle Hills Beacon.
Eight miles south west of Cambridge is Wimpole Hall and Home Farm, which boasts impressive grounds and a working farm. While further south of the county, The Imperial War Museum Duxford is Europe’s premier aviation museum offering visitors an array of the finest historic aircraft in seven acres of exhibition space. Every summer the skies come alive with dramatic air displays that are not to be missed.
