6 Unmissable Attractions You Need to Visit in Cambridgeshire

6 Unmissable Attractions You Need to Visit in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is a county blessed with history and cultural riches, perhaps more so than anywhere else in England. The history of Ely goes back to Bronze Age, and since then it has been home to such towering historical figures as Oliver Cromwell, William the Conqueror, and Daniel Defoe, according to the experts at Historic UK.

Beyond the ancient boundaries of Ely, though lies the rest of the county, a place that has been the stage for countless historical dramas and pivotal events. All of this rich history means that Ely and the county in which it sits boasts a number of unmissable historical and cultural attractions that lure tourists from all over the world. Whether you’re a long-time local or just here on a flying visit, here are the top six unmissable Cambridgeshire attractions you need to visit.

1. Oliver Cromwell’s House

There is no better place to get some perspective on the centrality of Cambridgeshire in English history than the former home of Oliver Cromwell, the man who signed Charles I’s death warrant, and established a short-lived dictatorship before his death in 1658. An intensely controversial figure, Cromwell nevertheless came third in a BBC poll of the Greatest Britons Who Ever Lived in 2002, behind Churchill and Brunel. Although born in nearby Huntingdon, Cromwell spent much of his adult life prior to the Civil War at his austere mansion in Ely, which is now open to the public.

2. Trinity College

While the city of Cambridge has a wealth of colleges that are open to the public and well worth a visit, none offers a more heart-stopping vision of beauty than Trinity College. The elegant Great Court is the largest enclosed court of its type in the world, at the centre of which lies the original Tudor Gateway that countless philosophers, scientists, and inventors have passed beneath. Inside you’ll also find works of art from a number of distinguished and celebrated painters such as Joshua Reynolds, donated to the college by wealthy alumni. The learned atmosphere is as palpable today as it was when the college was first opened by Henry VIII in 1546.

3. Nene Valley Railway

For a quintessential experience of the countryside, look no further than the vintage Nene Valley Railway, a seven-mile-long rail network that travels between Peterborough and Yarwell Junction. Passengers can embark at the Victorian-era open-air platforms, where they will find a lovingly-restored steam locomotive waiting to take them on an idyllic journey through the surrounding countryside. The journey itself isn’t used for efficiency, with a round-trip taking a very 19th century time of around an hour to complete. For extra authenticity, make sure to bring a Victorian packed lunch of ox-tongue sandwiches – which you can read about over at The Glutton Life blog – and a bottle of Crabbie’s Ginger Ale, which was, in fact, first created all the way back in 1801.

4. The Fitzwilliam Museum

Of all of Cambridge’s museums, the Fitzwilliam Museum offers the most comprehensive, albeit eccentric, tour through history. There are countless exhibitions and oddities on display that are worth a look, but the highlight of the Fitzwilliam collection is undoubtedly the extensive range of artefacts from Ancient Egypt. The mystery and glamour of Ancient Egypt continue to enthral, something that is evidenced by its motifs popping up in many forms of modern entertainment. From Cleopatra of the 1960s through to the more recent The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser, the mystery behind ancient Egyptian lore captured the imagination of directors and spectators alike. In games, too, the theme is rife. For instance, the console game Assassin’s Creed: Origins by Ubisoft, set in an open-world recreation of Ancient Cairo, sold over 100,000 copies in the UK upon its release. There are also Egypt-themed online games. Betway Casino offers a Cleopatra slot, which features emblems typically associated with ancient Egypt, such as scarab beetle jewels, golden pyramids, and a few appearances from the Pharaoh herself have proven. It is this fascination that continues to keep the Egyptian collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum filled with visitors.

5. Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire has an abundance of charming chocolate-box villages that make for an ideal day trip. If you only have the time to visit one, then make sure you choose the village of Huntingdon. The elegant and creaking inns that line the cobblestoned streets of Huntingdon have hosted important travellers for several centuries. If you’re planning on staying for the night, the elegantly appointed Old Bridge Hotel will not disappoint. Here you’ll be able to unwind in cosy rooms with original 18th-century features, as well as dine on old-school country classics such as pheasant and rabbit at the sumptuous hotel dining hall.

6. The Eagle

Once you have had your fill of history and culture, quench your thirst and eat your fill at the Eagle pub in Cambridge. This cosy establishment is famously the place where Watson and Crick claimed to have “discovered the secret of life”, coming up with the DNA double helix theory over a few pints of ale. Head into the pub’s back room to explore the ‘RAF bar’, which is covered from floor to ceiling with graffiti from air fighters who passed through the city during World War II. The pub best personifies the potential of Cambridgeshire to constantly surprise its visitors.

These are the Cambridgeshire attractions that simply cannot be missed. If you’re lucky enough to have already seen them all, then head to our Directory to find out more exciting attractions in the area.