Two designated Dark Sky areas in the Great Fen offer a clear, uninterrupted view of the Milky Way thanks to low levels of light pollution. Please check the reserve’s latest guidance for night-time access. This contrast alone shows how many different ways there are to discover Cambridgeshire: beneath the stars, along paths through the landscape or through its rich cultural history.
Fenland and outdoor trails
The Great Fen’s network of paths includes a variety of walking and adventure routes. These include circular routes near Ramsey Heights, access to the lowest point in Britain and the historic Holme Fen Posts. Routes may change due to conservation work and weather, so check the guidance before your visit. Wandlebury Country Park also offers plenty of space for walking: its 8 miles of footpaths pass through wildflower meadows, woodland and orchards, as well as along Iron Age ditches. The flat terrain and its many waterways define the wider landscape; Cambridgeshire therefore offers appealing walking routes.
At the A1 lakes in Paxton Pits Nature Reserve, watersports are available at designated lakes: water skiing takes place at A1 South, while windsurfing and water skiing are available at A1 North. If you prefer walking or cycling, the Guided Busway has a wide cycle path. It connects St Ives with north 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 on foot and by bicycle. Horse riding is also possible between St Ives and Milton Road in Cambridge. Please follow current signs and local guidance.
History in Ely, Duxford and Denny Abbey
The history of Ely Cathedral dates back to 673, when St Etheldreda had an abbey church built. The present building dates from 1083. This makes it easy to distinguish between the church’s early origins and the construction of the building that stands today.
IWM Duxford is located at Britain’s best-preserved Second World War airfield. The museum displays historic aircraft, artefacts and personal accounts. The American Air Museum houses the world’s largest collection of military aircraft on public display outside the United States; its presentation may change as exhibitions evolve. A guided tour of the site tells you more about aviation history and the airfield’s role from the First World War to the present day. The tour also includes access to areas not normally open to the public, including Nissen huts, historic concrete shelters and fortified air-raid shelters. Check tour availability and booking conditions in advance.
Denny Abbey offers a different perspective on the history of religious communities. Unique in England, the site was used in succession by three monastic orders: Benedictine monks, the Knights Templar and, finally, Franciscan nuns known as the Poor Clares. The Farmland Museum’s exhibits include machinery from the Fens, a Fenman’s cottage, blacksmith and wheelwright workshops, and a recreation of a village shop. Family-friendly activity stations also explore medieval bricks and arches.
Discover estates and farming
Wimpole Estate brings together architectural and landscape history. The mansion dates from the 17th century and has Georgian interiors. The parkland includes an ancient, cultivated landscape with diverse wildlife and plant life, a Gothic folly, a multi-use trail and numerous walking paths.
Home Farm at Wimpole is the National Trust’s only in-hand farm of its kind and serves as a model for sustainable farming. Rare breeds kept there include Shire horses, pigs, sheep, cows and goats; livestock numbers and visitor displays may change. For a break, The Old Rectory Café serves light lunches, homemade cakes and daily specials featuring produce from the kitchen garden. The terrace overlooks the gardens. The menu may change seasonally.
Getting to IWM Duxford
IWM Duxford is accessible by public transport. The nearest railway stations are Whittlesford Parkway, Royston and Cambridge. Taxi ranks are available at Royston and Cambridge stations; bus 7A runs from Whittlesford Parkway Monday to Saturday. Check current services and timetables before travelling so you can plan your journey to suit your visit.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Yaxley, Wisbech, Swaffham Bulbeck, Stow Cum Quy, Sawtry, Melbourn, Huntingdon, Hinxton, Fulbourn, Ely, Eaton Socon, Duxford, Cambridge, Buckden, Boxworth, Cambourne, Horseheath, Stretham, Water Newton, 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, Longstanton, Pidley, Old Hurst, Elton, Holme, Hardwick, Arrington, Whittlesey, Gamlingay, Manea, Comberton, Bar Hill.
View the main travel guide: East of England.
