Places of interest in Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral

Cambridge is most famous for its historic university. However, Cambridge is far older than the university.

The original settlement was north of the river, on Castle Hill. There is evidence for pre-Roman activity in the area, but the Romans built the first town. It was a convenient crossing point of the river Cam, on the edge of the marshy fen land. The town was a port, since it was the head of the navigation of what was then known as the River Granta. The area by Magdalene Bridge is still known as Quayside, although now it only has punts

In 1614, Cambridge needed a new water supply. Thomas Hobson built a causeway bringing water from springs at Nine Wells near Shelford outside Cambridge into the city centre. The channels still run along Trumpington Street, although the conduit head has been moved from the market place to the corner of Lensfield Road. Thomas Hobson hired out horses, but hirers had to take the horse closest to the door. This led to the expression "Hobson's Choice" meaning "No choice"!

Many tourists visit Cambridge each year to see the historic university, its buildings and the beautiful Backs. King's College Chapel is the most famous building in Cambridge. Outside, the best views of the chapel are from Kings Parade and Queen's Road, and from its entrance via Senate House Passage or Trinity Lane.

The picture to the left shows Cambridge Market , which is open 6 days a week and sells food, clothes, and other goods, with souvenirs in summer. On Sunday, there are craft stalls and a Farmers' Market.

Cambridge University is made up of different colleges. The colleges' buildings are usually arranged around courts. It is possible to walk round some of these and visit chapels and halls. Some colleges charge an entrance fee.

Peterborough

Peterborough combines a 3,000 year heritage with all the comforts and convenience of a dynamic regional centre that fulfils every wish of business and leisure visitors alike

A magnificent Norman Cathedral sits serenely amid peaceful precincts just a few metres from the city's exciting shopping and leisure facilities.

Visitors can enjoy a vast range of outdoor leisure activities amid picturesque countryside - including 2,000 acres of riverside parkland. There are plenty of attractions and events to thrill all ages and interests, such as Flag Fen Bronze Age Centre, Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery, historic houses, wildlife parks and Sacrewell Farm and Country Centre

At night, Peterborough reveals a more vibrant character with theatres, cinemas, sports venues, pubs, clubs and restaurants competing for your attention.

Listed in the top 10% of retail destinations in the country, with the award winning Queensgate Shopping Centre, seasonal Continental Markets, comprehensive range of independent retailers and permanent indoor market, Peterborough is an ideal destination for that retail therapy experience.

Peterborough makes an excellent base form which to explore the area's beautiful surroundings and many picturesque towns and villages, some of which - such as Stamford, Wisbech and Oundle - have featured as period locations for film and television productions.

And when Peterborough's attractions exhaust your energies, you will find plenty more awaiting you further a-field, including historic Cambridge and the adjacent counties of Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Norfolk and Surrey.

Or if you're an avid football follower then why not visit the local football team, known as "The Posh".

Huntingdon, The Birth Place of Oliver Cromwell

Huntingdon is an important bridge head where the A1, the Great North Road, crosses the River Great Ouse near to Hitchingbrook House once home to both the Cromwell's and the Montagu's, The Earls of Sandwich, where in 1660 Samuel Pepys was secretary to Edward Montagu, so Huntingdon was no stranger to politics when John Major   became the youngest Prime Minster this century