Ramsey combines a long history of its Abbey with access to the developing landscape of the Great Fen. This gives you different options for your stay: the history of the Abbey, walks with a historical or landscape focus, and the Fenland Light Railway. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ramsey, you can make your choice based on which of these aspects of the town interests you most.
Ramsey and the Abbey
The town of Ramsey grew up around Ramsey Abbey. Saint Oswald, Bishop of Worcester, founded the Abbey in 969. Extensive endowments made it one of the wealthiest religious houses in the Fens. The Abbey also quickly gained a reputation as a place of learning, which it retained until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Ramsey’s history can therefore be traced over several centuries: from its foundation and religious significance to its reputation as a place of learning. The Abbey provides a clear historical focus for exploring the town.
Church history and walks
Another perspective on this history is offered by the Church of St Thomas à Becket. The building was constructed in the late 12th century as a guesthouse or infirmary for Ramsey Abbey and converted into a church in the 13th century. It therefore served two different purposes in succession: first, a function connected with the Abbey, and later, a religious one. This transformation makes the building’s history a subject in its own right, alongside the Abbey’s foundation and reputation for learning. Visitors who appreciate historic buildings will find another facet of Ramsey’s history here.
Two trails offer different themes for walks. The Ramsey Countryside Trail is three miles long and combines heritage with Fenland scenery. The Historic Town Trail, in turn, offers a walk exploring the town’s historic heritage. These descriptions emphasize different things: the Countryside Trail focuses on landscape and heritage, while the Historic Town Trail focuses on Ramsey’s town history. You can choose whether to focus more on the Fenland scenery or the town’s historic heritage as you walk.
The Great Fen and other discoveries
Ramsey is also a gateway for visitors to the Great Fen, a developing landscape of 3,700 hectares surrounding two existing National Nature Reserves. Conditions and facilities may continue to change, so check the latest information before visiting. The Great Fen offers a landscape-focused experience alongside Ramsey’s Abbey history and is of interest to travellers who want to include a large-scale Fenland landscape in their plans as well as the town’s history.
The Fenland Light Railway offers a different experience: it regularly operates a miniature steam railway at Ramsey Mereside. The railway has a gift shop, café, toilet and parking. If you’re planning to include the railway in your stay, check the timetable in advance. The 1940’s Camp includes an original searchlight battery unit.
Discover more destinations: Huntingdon, Chesterton, Brampton, Whittlesey, Fen Drayton, Linton, Papworth Everard, St Ives
For the main travel overview: Cambridgeshire.
