The Cambridgeshire Travel Guide highlights a range of interesting attractions and places of interest for visitors and provides useful tourist information. The county is located in East Anglia and is renowned as the home for the world famous university in its most famous city Cambridge. The university has given the city a worldwide appeal with visitors coming here from around the world. Cambridgeshire essentially has two main landscapes these are the rolling chalk hills to the south and the Fens to the north that are known for being flat. Prior to being drained, the Fens were marshlands that were under water for most of the time.
Overview and Attractions
The county itself has more to offer than just Cambridge, many visitors see Cambridge but miss out on other attractions around the county. The charming cathedral city of Ely is well worth a look, it is a small, quiet city a short distance outside of Cambridge, and it has some beautiful historical buildings, some of which date back to medieval times. Ely is famous for its wonderful cathedral as its centre peace. There is also a waterside area where visitors can take a boat trip or go for a relaxing riverside walk or visit the lovely cafes on the front.
Ely Cathedral dates back to 1081, it is located a short drive from Cambridge city, and began life as a monastery in AD 673. The cathedral is brimming with history and delightful architecture. There are three services held here daily and are open to all. Those wanting to know more can go on one of the guided tours available around the year. The cathedral also has meeting and seminar rooms and a banqueting area that can be hired out.
St. Ives was formally known as Huntington and has been inhabited since the Stone Age. There area is the midst of conservations areas that are rich in flora, making it a lovely place to visit. There are picturesque scenes here of thatched buildings to Georgian ones and many listed buildings. The history is well preserved for all to see.
Oliver Cromwell's House is located in the in the Cambridgeshire heartland, it has witnessed many changes over the years, formerly it has been an inn called The Cromwell Arms and has also served as the vicarage for St. Mary's church. Visitors to this house will be able to recreate the life and times of Oliver Cromwell, the English military and political leader. The haunted bedroom tells the story of Oliver Cromwell's death.
The town of St. Neot’s once known among ‘the sister towns of Huntingdonshire’. St. Neot’s and St Ives (formerly Huntingdon) are linked by the Great Ouse, St. Neot’s has a market place that is several hundred years old and has some impressive buildings. There are still weekly markets held here and visitors wanting to experience the laid back atmosphere may wish to attend the markets. The town has a church St. Mary the Virgin, The town can be enjoyed on the banks of the river, where visitors are treated to some wonderful views.
Peterborough Cathedral is another attraction worth seeing, the 13th century western front is deemed as being among the most impressive feats of medieval architecture in Britain. The three story nave benefits from a timber ceiling, it still retains much of the original painted decoration. This historic cathedral is certainly an impressive sight and is steeped in history, it is arguably among the most beautiful cathedrals in the UK.
The famous city of Cambridge is high on visitors must see lists when visiting Cambridgeshire. Visitors have the chance to wonder on the cobblestone streets when exploring Cambridge. Most of the city can be best explored by foot, the compact nature of the city making this possible. With its long and distinguished history visitors are treated to many sights and attractions in Cambridge, Fitzwilliam Museum is home to some of the greatest art works and treasures in the UK with notable collections from Turner and Rembrandt along with notable others. There are a range of collections with antiques from around the world including Roman, Greek and Egyptian.
Art lovers can visit the art gallery Primavera, located opposite King's College. Located in the centre of Cambridge there are wonderful views of the College from here. The gallery and shop, bring together a refined exploration into some of the finest art and crafts in the UK. Primavera contains a number of highly acclaimed selections of antiques, ceramics, glass, furniture, metals and textiles among others. The gallery provides a great showcase for British artistic talent to be shown to a wide audience.
Wimpole Hall is a National Trust property that was a one time the home of Rudyard Kipling's daughter. It is located a few miles outside Cambridge, the house provides visitors with an impressive sight, the 17th century mansion is set in parks and gardens. Over the years some illustrious names in English architecture have been associated with the house these include James Gibbs and Sir John Soane. In the gardens visitors will find a mix of formal Victorian parterres, arboretum and Dutch Gardens.
Wimpole Home Farm is located beside the house was a model farm that became established in 1794. Currently it operates as a centre for breeds centre and as a home to heavy horses. The farm also features a Victorian Dairy, a thatched Great Barn and a children's play area. For visitors who are energetic or wish to do something some walking in the countryside there is the 13 mile long Wimpole Way, which leads from Cambridge to Wimpole Hall. The walk takes you through rolling countryside, historic villages and areas of ancient woodland.
Visitors on a trip to Cambridge can visit one of the colleges that make up Cambridge University, the world renowned university that the city is most famous for. There are over 30 colleges that fall under the umbrella of Cambridge University each is an independent entity in its own right with its own distinct style and history. Visitors can take a tour of Trinity College founded back in 1546. Inside visitors will enter via the Great Gate above which is a statue of the founder of the college King Henry VIII. The Great Court is the largest court in any of the various colleges at Cambridge and Oxford, there is also the Clock Tower and the Fountain for visitors to see and more during the tour.
Cambridgeshire offers diners a range of cuisines, for those seeking a modern British cuisine, visitors may wish to consider Edwinns Restaurant where diners can enjoy the laid back relaxed atmosphere and whilst enjoying their meal, there are a range of carefully and freshly prepared dishes on offer to try along with a good range of wines. There is also live music to enjoy whilst dining, the restaurant is modern and stylish.
Visitors looking for bars can try Nusha is a cocktail and dance bar. There is a lively atmosphere here and the with the bartenders cocktail trained you can watch their skill in creating a number of exotic cocktails. The bar prides itself on its service, the menu is extensive and you can enjoy a number of cocktails. There are DJ's every night playing a wide range of music. Address: Nusha Bar, Unit G6, Cambridge Leisure Park, Cambridge, CB1 7DY, Tel: +44 (0) 1223 247777.
The Fez Club located in Cambridge is a popular place for clubbers to go to dance the night away. Located in Sydney Street in Cambridge, the popular club has a number of themed nights on different days where visitors you can experience different music and atmospheres that go with it.
Cambridgeshire provides visitors with both the historic and contemporary attractions. The famous city of Cambridge is likely to dominate visitor’s plans but it should be noted that apart from the city of Cambridge and its many attractions, the county of Cambridgeshire has much to offer visitors. It is well worth exploring Cambridgeshire outside of Cambridge if time permits, it is a charming county full of character.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
