Discover Cambridgeshire: starry skies, walking trails and history

Two designated Dark Sky areas in the Great Fen offer clear, uninterrupted views of the Milky Way when light pollution is low. If you want to experience the night sky, check the reserve’s latest guidance for nighttime access. In Cambridgeshire, flat terrain and numerous waterways make exploring the landscape on foot an appealing option.

Trails, landscapes and water sports

The Great Fen has an extensive network of footpaths and adventure trails, including walks for a range of abilities. Notable destinations along the trails include circular routes near Ramsey Heights, access to the lowest point in Britain and the historic Holme Fen Posts. Trail availability may change because of conservation work and weather conditions; check the reserve’s latest guidance.

At Wandlebury Country Park, eight miles of footpaths wind through wildflower meadows, woodland, orchards and Iron Age ditches. For water sports, the A1 Lakes at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve have a clear distinction: water skiing takes place at A1 South, while windsurfing and water skiing are available at A1 North.

Cathedral history and monastic life

The history of Ely Cathedral dates back to 673, when St Etheldreda had an abbey church built; the present building dates from 1083. The two dates mark different stages: the beginnings of the abbey church and the origins of the present building.

Denny Abbey is unique in England for its successive use by three monastic orders: first Benedictine monks, then the Knights Templar and finally Franciscan nuns, known as the Poor Clares. The nearby Farmland Museum at Denny Abbey, by contrast, focuses on agricultural and craft life in the Fens. Its collection includes farm machinery, a Fenman’s hut, blacksmith and wheelwright workshops, and a recreation of a village shop. Family-friendly interactive activities also explore medieval bricks and arches.

Aviation, a manor house and parkland

IWM Duxford is located at Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield. On display are historic aircraft, artefacts and personal accounts. The American Air Museum houses the world’s largest publicly displayed collection of military aircraft outside the United States; the collection and its display may change as exhibitions rotate.

A guided tour of the site explains the airfield’s aviation history and its important role from the First World War to the present day. It also provides access to areas that are not normally open to the public, including Nissen huts, historic concrete shelters and fortified air-raid shelters. Check the tour’s availability and booking conditions in advance if you want to see these areas.

A 17th-century manor house with Georgian interiors is the centrepiece of Wimpole Estate. Its parkland includes an ancient, cultivated landscape rich in wildlife and plant life, a Gothic Revival folly, a multi-use trail and numerous walking routes. Wimpole’s Home Farm is the National Trust’s only working farm of its kind and serves as a model for sustainable agriculture. Rare breeds kept there include Shire horses, pigs, sheep, cattle and goats; the breeds and visitor displays may change over time.

The Old Rectory Café at Wimpole serves light lunches, homemade cakes and daily specials made with produce from the kitchen garden. The terrace overlooks the gardens. The menu may change seasonally.

Getting there

IWM Duxford is accessible by public transport. The nearest railway stations are Whittlesford Parkway, Royston and Cambridge. There are taxi ranks at Royston and Cambridge stations; bus 7A runs from Whittlesford Parkway from Monday to Saturday. Check timetables and connections before travelling.

The wide cycle path along the Guided Busway connects St Ives with the north of Cambridge, and Cambridge Rail Station with Trumpington Park and Ride and Addenbrooke’s Hospital. The path is paved along its entire length and can be used by pedestrians and cyclists. Horse riding is also permitted between St Ives and Milton Road in Cambridge. Follow current signs and local access guidance.

To explore beyond individual towns, the Ouse Valley Way links St Neots, Huntingdon, the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, St Ives and Earith across the wider region.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Yaxley, Wisbech, Swaffham Bulbeck, Stow Cum Quy, Sawtry, Melbourn, Water Newton, Duxford, Cambridge, Buckden, Boxworth, Cambourne, Horseheath, Stretham, Stilton, Brinkley, Little Wilbraham, Chesterton, Girton, St Ives, St Neots, Willingham, March, Six Mile Bottom, Fen Drayton, Ramsey, Chatteris, Brampton, Stapleford, Linton, Little Stukeley, Papworth Everard, Littleport, Isleham, Soham, Kimbolton, Milton, Croydon, Elton, Longstanton, Old Hurst, Pidley, Holme, Hardwick, Arrington, Whittlesey, Gamlingay, Manea, Comberton, Bar Hill, Hinxton, Fulbourn, Ely, Eaton Socon, Huntingdon

Back to the regional travel guide: East of England.