Cambridgeshire is a county in the east midlands part of England surrounded by the counties of Rutland, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and Lincolnshire. Cambridgeshire may not possess any beaches however there is a diverse range of other local attractions which make this an outstanding place to take a vacation. In the article below I explain why people should think about a trip to this most picturesque region of the British Isles.
Cambridgeshire has prestigious stately homes, exciting waterways, outstanding cathedrals, breathtaking countryside, busy little market towns and the fascinating city of Cambridge. Cambridge is a highly popular visitor attraction which is highly suitable for a vacation, or weekend city break, at any time of the year.
Attractions in the photogenic university town include The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, The Round Church, The Folk Museum, The Orchard Tea Garden and Denny Abbey, however the majority of visitors spend a few days in Cambridge to look at the sights belonging to some of the thirty one university colleges such as Cambridge University Botanic Garden and King’s College & King’s College Chapel. It can take a great many hours to take in all of the university colleges but the best buildings to wander around are those belonging to Corpus Christi, Magdalene College, St John’s College and Trinity College.
The Fens
The Cambridgeshire Fens are a generally marshy region almost at sea-level. There have been many attempts at draining the land some dating as far back as Roman Times. It wasn’t until the beginning of the Seventeenth Century that sustained efforts were made. Sadly these attempts were a failure and it wasn’t until the 18th Century that they successfully drained the land and the land was used for agriculture.
These days the fascinating landscape of fresh and salt water marshes provide a superb environment for wildlife and leisure. Cambridgeshire has some of the least congested waterways in the UK, perfect for vacations on a narrow boat.
If you want to learn more about the interesting Fenlands then you will discover that the towns of March, Wisbech, Chatteris and Whittlesey each have a great museum.
The Historic Market Towns
Across the area are situated beautiful small market towns, which, a long time ago were islands. March grew up as a port during Tudor Times and has a rich history. Other petite island communities included Littleport, Whittlesey, Chatteris and Ramsey. These towns have quaint architecture a few centuries such as Whittlesey’s Seventeenth Century Butter Cross. Many pleasant hours can be passed looking at the many independent businesses, stalls and shops.
Other Attractions In Cambridgeshire
The list of local visitor attractions is endless. Heritage railways include the Wisbech and March Bramley Line and the Nene Valley Railway and there are a few fascinating buildings worth seeing including Down Field Windmill, Houghton Mill, Lode Watermill and Great Gransden Post Mill.
The county features a small selection of religious buildings of historical importance such as the abbeys of Ramsey, Anglesey, Spinney and Denny, Ely Cathedral and Peterborough Cathedral plus Duxford Chapel and the Old Vicarage at Grantchester. The list of castles, historic houses and stately homes is simply so huge that it could not be shown here, it is the same with the listings of museums & art galleries.
If you are currently planning a vacation in Cambridgeshire and are booking hotels in Cambridge please take a look at our comprehensive bed and breakfast accommodation in Cambridge