CAMBRIDGESHIRE
The city of Cambridge is a great place to start exploring this historic county, where there is much to see and do, writes Bryony Symes
1 Flying heroes
The vast hangars of Imperial War Museum Duxford are home to aeronautical treasures, from classics such as the Spitfire and Lancaster, to the B-52 bomber and Blackbird spy plane. To make the most of your visit, download a free trail before you go. Web iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
2 Roaring good times
Meet fascinating creatures at Hamerton Zoo Park, home to marsupials, big and small cats, domestic animals, reptiles, a host of birds and more. There’s also a land train, two play areas, picnic areas, a gift shop and a café – all you need for a family day out. Web www.hamertonzoopark.com
3 Ancient wonders
For a dose of culture, visit one of the many small museums on the University campus, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, where collections range from artifacts from Asia, Egypt and the Middle East to illuminated manuscripts, exquisite paintings and furniture. Entry is free and there are guided tours on Saturdays. Web www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
4 On the track
Take in gorgeous views of the countryside from historic carriages pulled by none other than Thomas the Tank Engine, or one of the other steam engines lovingly restored by the Nene Valley Railway. The railway acquired the little blue engine in 1973 and it still makes regular appearances here. The line runs from Wansford Station to Yarwell, Overton, Orton Mere and Peterborough. Web www.nvr.org.uk
5 Scholarly sights
Stroll around the city and admire the fantastic architecture and prominent histories of the inimitable colleges of the University of Cambridge. There are 31, most of them open to visitors, some for a small charge. The college chapels are also open at certain times. Of course, there are also nine university museums and collections that you can visit. Alternatively, you could simply take a punt down the river Cam to see some of the most beautiful college buildings from the water and head out to the picturesque meadows of The Backs. Web www.cam.ac.uk
6 Wetland wonders
See another side of the county in the flat and watery Fens, which have a fascinating past, including historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Saint Etheldreda. There are also vibrant market towns to explore, such as Chatteris and Wisbech, plus extensive river networks where you can see all sorts of wildlife. Web visitcambridgeshirefens.org
7 Days gone by
In the heart of the county is Ramsey Rural Museum, built on the site of a 10th-century Benedictine Abbey and populated by relics of an agricultural past. Artifacts include machinery and implements used in the area over the past 200 years, all housed in 17th-century farm buildings. Web ramseyruralmuseum.co.uk
8 More than a manor
Take in the opulence of Anglesey Abbey, surrounded by 114 acres of lush gardens, created by Lord Fairhaven. This labour of love makes for a great day out, with impressive art collections in the elegant Jacobean-style manor. There’s a working watermill, too. Web www.nationaltrust.org.uk
9 Feathered friends
The Raptor Foundation is home to more than 200 birds of prey, including owls, eagles, hawks and falcons. This centre for rescue and rehabilitation has plenty for visitors to see. Get to know the raptors by joining a hawk walk, a ‘meet the birds’ day, and much more. There’s also a fascinating reptile house, as well as meerkats, a playground, a pond where you can feed koi carp and goldfish, and a tea room offering light bites for yourselves. Web raptorfoundation.org.uk
10 Action adventure
Find a breath of fresh air at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, a vast area of grasslands, woodland and lakes in the heart of the county. There are plenty of play areas, miles of well-kept paths (and the odd muddy path, too), and peaceful woodlands to satisfy the young explorers in your family. Drop in at the visitor centre and café to find out about all of the wildlife that you could spot. There’s also a mountain bike course, and you can fish on the main lake. Web www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk