Cambridgeshire - What to See and Do
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Exploring the Cambridgeshire CountrysideThe County's wildlife is protected by a number of important nature reserves at Castor Hanglands, Nene Washes, Fowlmere and Lattersey near Whittlesey. The Fens are a haven for water birds and the flooded washes between some of the water courses are now reserves.The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust have a reserve at Welney and The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds one on the Ouse Washes at Welches Dam. The Ouse Washes are of international importance, particularly in winter, when many thousands of birds congregate, including the rare Berwick Swans. For the keen angler the rivers Great Ouse and Nene provide first-class coarse fishing and day permits are generally available. Fishing in the Fens is of historical note with a substantial number of 'eel rents' mentioned in the Doomsday Book. Indeed, since the 19th century the area's fishing has attracted many visitors, particularly for bream and roach. Examples of the County's medieval landscape can be seen at Aversley Wood near Sawtry and Chettisham Meadows near Ely, with more formal parkland at Wimpole Park, Anglesey Abbey and Milton Park. The extensive network of public footpaths and bridleways offers over 3,000 miles to explore. They vary in length from half a mile to 25 miles to suit all ages; many of them are signed and have their own guide book. For the more adventurous visitor, several long distance routes pass through the county: The Three Shire's Bridleway, the Hereward Way, the Icknield Way and the Nene Way. BoatingCambridgeshire's uncrowded waterways along the old course of the River Nene, the River Great Ouse and miles of canals, rivers and drainage channels of the Fens, are perfect for a boating holiday. Boats can be hired at Littleport, Ely, March, Huntingdon, St Neots and Earith to explore the 100 or so miles of the Middle Level Navigations and rest at the many delightful waterside towns, villages and pubs. The improvements to the Nene-Ouse Navigation Link opens up the route from Bedford, Cambridge and Ely to the national waterway system via the Grand Union Canal.CyclingCambridgeshire, indeed the whole of East Anglia, is a haven for the cyclist. The countryside is mostly flat apart from the odd hill to add interest to the landscape. The B class and unclassified roads offer peaceful lanes reminiscent of a virtually traffic-free age and the leisurely pace of the cyclist means that none of the beauties of the landscape are missed.Wartime AirfieldsThis area was the scene of much airborne activity in World War II. Thirty English and American airfields were established at this time, although only Alconbury, Molesworth, Wittering and Wyton remain in use. Visitors from the United States who were stationed here during the war (and their relatives) will enjoy visits to 'old haunts' where they can reminisce.Sports, Leisure and EntertainmentCambridgeshire is well provided for in terms of leisure and sports facilities and pubs, with restaurants, discos and cinemas to be found in the more sizeable towns. Peterborough can also boast a ten-pin bowling alley, ice rink (and ice hockey team) and multiscreen cinema. For theatre Cambridge has the Corn Exchange and Arts Theatre, Wisbech the Angles Centre and Peterborough the Key Theatre. Just north of Peterborough at Tolethorpe Hall a summer Shakespearean season is performed outdoors (only the actors get wet if it rains and no performance is ever cancelled due to bad weather!).ShoppingCambridge and Peterborough, as cities, provide large modern shopping centres. In Cambridge the Lion Yard complex and Grafton Centre with department and chain stores contrast with the network of ancient streets housing specialist bookshops and shops selling fine art, antiques and china; and every day is market day (except Sunday). In Peterborough the new successfully blends with the old. The Queensgate and Rivergate centres are attractions in their own right and the old streets can be shopped, largely in pedestrianised comfort. Late night shopping is Thursday. Huntingdon, Ely, Wisbech, March, St Ives and St Neots all provide the atmosphere of the English market town, complete with family owned shops and the bustle of market day.Places to visitMore information and places to visit:
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