With the university town of Cambridge at its heart, Cambridgeshire is a historic county in England’s East Anglia region. It was the site of one of the United Kingdom’s earliest-known permanent Neolithic settlements and was inhabited by Anglo-Saxons from the 5th century.
Things to do in Cambridgeshire
Whether you want to visit a world-famous university or the largest air museum in Europe, Cambridgeshire offers all of this and more.
Explore the University of Cambridge. Established in 1209, the University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Admire the ornately decorated Gothic chapel of King’s College and discover Trinity College’s links to Henry VIII before delving into the worlds of archaeology and polar exploration at the tertiary institution’s museums.
Visit Peterborough. Centred around a magnificent cathedral, Peterborough is an industrial hub and the “Gateway to the Fens” - a sprawling expanse of farmland. See the replica Victorian operating theatre at the Peterborough Museum and explore the Bronze Age village of Flag Fen, then ride the heritage railway through the picturesque Nene Valley.
Experience the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Duxford played an important role in making the 1968 film “The Battle of Britain” and now houses the impressive aircraft collection of the Imperial War Museum. You can get up close to both British and American aircraft in the immense hangars while learning about those who flew them, then watch one of the regular aerial demonstrations that take place in the skies above.
Discover the cathedral city of Ely. Previously perched atop an island in the middle of watery fenland, Ely is named after the eels that once played an important role in its economy. It’s famed for its Romanesque and Gothic-style cathedral that dates back to the 11th century, as well as the half-timbered residence where Oliver Cromwell lived.
Getting around Cambridgeshire
Cambridgeshire is around 1.5 hours’ drive from London Heathrow Airport and regular trains connect from central London to the Cambridge railway station. Buses are the main means of getting around Cambridgeshire while having your own vehicle gives you greater freedom to explore.