Cities and Towns - Cambridgeshire

Cambridge www.visitcambridge.org
Famous University city - noted for its ancient colleges (the first founded in 1284) and historic churches. They make up one of the finest collections of bulidings in Europe. The crowning glory is King's College Chapel, with its outstanding fan-vaulted ceiling. Enjoy a walking tour of the city, or take a river trip through the lush greenery and gardens of the 'Backs' aboard a punt. Explore parks, bookshops and museums.

Ely www.eastcambs.gov.uk
One of England's most beautiful small cities, dominated by its spectacular cathedral. Ely was once an island surrounded by marshes. Narrow streets are lined with historic buildings, such as the former home of Oliver Cromwell, now a visitor centre. Sweeping parkland leads to the attractive riverside area with its marina and antique shops.

Huntingdon www.huntsdc.gov.uk
Historic market town, the birthplace (1599) of Oliver Cromwell. The town grew up around an important crossing of the River Great Ouse, then from the 16-18th C. prospered as a coaching stop on the Great North Road. The old stone river bridge is one of England´s finest medieval bridges. Close by is the Hinchingbrooke Country Park and the National Hunt Racecourse.

March www.fenland.gov.uk
Busy market town, which originally prospered as a minor port, trading and religious centre. The 'West End' riverside area has been likened to a Thames-style village in miniature, with its old cottages and attractive gardens. St. Wendreda's Church is noted for its magnificent double hammerbeam angel roof.

Peterborough www.visitpeterborough.com
Originally founded around a Saxon abbey, Peterborough has developed into a modern city - that tastefully combines the old with the new. The centre is dominated by the magnificent Norman Cathedral (noted for its west front), and the large indoor 'Queensgate' Shopping Centre. To the west is the Ferry Meadows Country Park (part of the larger Nene Park), with its lakes, woodlands, meadows and steam train rides.

St. Ives www.huntsdc.gov.uk
Attractive, riverside market town. The Chapel of St. Leger is one of only four surviving medieval bridge chapels in the country - set midstream on the 15th C. stone bridge. Explore 'The Lanes' - a maze of little alleyways which lead to the Market Hill, where a statue of Oliver Cromwell (who lived in St. Ives for five years) stands.

St. Neots www.huntsdc.gov.uk
Set beside the River Great Ouse, this is the county's largest town. It grew up around a priory founded in 974AD, and takes its name from the Cornish saint whose remains were interred here. The large market square is overlooked by the 15th C. church - the 'Cathedral of Huntingdonshire'. Riverside Park offers boat trips and band concerts.

Wisbech www.fenland.gov.uk
Prosperous market town, which grew up around its port, trading from medieval times. After the Fen drainage, it became a busy agricultural centre, evident today in some of the finest Georgian street architecture in Britain (such as North Brink, The Crescent and Museum Square). The town remains at the heart of a fruit and flower growing area.