Top 7 Things To Do In Cambridgeshire
For many people, Cambridgeshire equals Cambridge, but there are plenty of things to do in this wonderful county outside of the university city.
The attractions here are nicely varied, with lots to offer for locals and visitors alike. History buffs can tour cathedrals and country houses while nature lovers get out to stretch their legs among the unique ecosystems of East Anglia’s fenlands. Not sure where to start? We’ve put together this list of seven of the best things to do in Cambridgeshire to inspire you.
And how about truly immersing yourself in these lovely landscapes with an overnight in the open air? The mild climate and gentle terrain of Cambridgeshire makes it a fine destination for a camping or glamping break, and the transport network means it’s easy to mix up rural and urban time if you wish. Click the link below to see Pitchup’s full range of campsites in the area.
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Cambridge
A university city with so much to offer
Any guide to the attractions of Cambridgeshire surely has to start with Cambridge. One of the United Kingdom’s – and indeed the world’s – oldest university cities, Cambridge is a historic city with so much to explore. You could easily spend a few days here and still not see everything.
The university buildings are scattered across the city rather than being in one campus area, so a good way to spend some time is simply to take a wander to find some of the most famous sights including King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs and the quadrangles of the various colleges (although it’s worth checking the college visiting times before setting off).
Going punting on the calm waters of the River Cam is a quintessentially English tradition and you can choose between steering yourself or letting an experienced punter take over. After this, a visit to one of Cambridge’s many pubs is a good way to wind down. The Eagle is one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, dating back to the 14th century.
Looking for more? Visit the peaceful Botanic Garden or the world-renowned Fitzwilliam Museum with large collections of art and artefacts from antiquity to the modern day. Finally, head to the edge of the city to pay your respects to the Americans who died during World War II at the Cambridge American Cemetery.
Ely
A huge cathedral and a historic trail
Ever fancied a trip to the Isle of Eels? Take a trip to Ely and that’s where you’ll end up. Ely isn’t an island any more – and it hasn’t been for a long time – but eels are still important to the city. The Eel Trail will take you through Ely’s medieval monastic quarter and down to the waterfront, and tell you all about why eels are so important here.
Ely Cathedral is the big attraction in this compact city – literally, as it’s enormous. It dates back to the 12th century and has a fantastic unique octagonal tower that can be seen for 10 miles when it’s lit up.
Peterborough Cathedral
A grand medieval cathedral
The 12th-century cathedral in Peterborough was one of the most important churches in medieval Europe and is the burial place of two queens. Take a tour of the former Benedictine monastery to see the resting place of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s first wife, hear how the building has been damaged and restored over the centuries, and see the medieval painted wood ceiling.
If you’ve got a head for heights, climb the tower to see the stained-glass windows from above and look out over views over the city.
The cathedral is usually open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and on Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. Guests are also welcome to join the congregation for a service; choral evensong is particularly atmospheric.
Wandlebury Country Park
A splendid natural and historical site
If you like your nature mixed in with a bit of history, head just out of Cambridge to Wandlebury Country Park. Covering 150 acres in the Gog Magog Hills (worth visiting for the name alone), the park has miles of walks through the woodlands and meadows.
While you’re here, see the Highland cattle grazing, go birdwatching and let the kids play in the den building area or on the wide fields. The remains of an Iron Age hill fort are visible here too and you can walk around the ditch, which is five metres deep in some places.
The park’s facilities include toilets, a picnic area, an off-lead dog run and pop-up cafés that are open at peak times.
Wicken Fen
Cambridgeshire’s unique fenland ecosystem
East Anglia is famous for its fenlands, and Cambridgeshire's Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve is one of the four surviving wild fens in the area; most of it is now managed by the National Trust.
Take a boat ride through the peaceful waterways or get on your bike and explore on two wheels. You’ll see the herds of Konik ponies and Highland cattle that help preserve the fen’s ecosystem, as well as many wetland birds and rare species of plants and dragonflies.
For those who want to take a walk, the Boardwalk and Woodland Walk in Sedge Fen are wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible and make an easy stroll through the high grasses and woods here. For longer walks, try one of the Adventurers’ Fen Trails, which delve further into the parkland.
Anglesey Abbey
17th-century house and gardens
A few miles outside Cambridge, the National Trust’s Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill is a great place for a day out. Start with a tour of the 17th-century Jacobean-style country house, where you can see the extensive art collection in the Library Wing and Tapestry Hall and imagine having a meal in the cathedral-like dining room.
Beyond that, in the 114-acre gardens, there are tree-lined avenues, a formal garden, a dahlia garden and lots of sculptures dotted around. Lord Fairhaven, the owner of the estate for part of the 20th century, made a garden for all seasons, so there’s something to see all year round. The Lode Mill, an 18th-century watermill, is well worth a look too.
Facilities here include a café and restaurant as well as a play area, a bookshop and a plant shop.
Imperial War Museum, Duxford
Europe’s largest air museum
Did you know that Cambridgeshire was a key location for the RAF during World Wars I and II? The IWM Duxford was built on the site of the airfield where Spitfires first flew, and the whole place is now one big museum.
The largest air museum in Europe, it has giant hangers, a huge collection of aircraft from the wars and lots of personal stories from the people who served here, particularly during the Battle of Britain.
There are often flying displays held at the museum during the summer months, and guests can also book in advance for special experiences such as the chance to sit in the cockpit of a Spitfire.
Visiting the area and fancy trying out several of these great Cambridgeshire days out? Turn it into a memorable break by booking an outdoor stay to make the most of the scenery and fresh air. You can keep costs down with a simple campsite or opt for something a bit fancier by booking a glamping break – there’s something here for all tastes.