Cambridgeshire Vacations, England, UK

Cambridgeshire's most popular visitor attraction is the county town of Cambridge, or more specifically, the university which bears the town's name. Cambridge University has suffered comparison over the years from being the relative newcomer to elder sister Oxford. The term "relative" is worth noting, as Cambridge University dates back to the early 13th century. Some stories tell that the university was begun by masters and students fleeing one of the periodic outbreaks of "town vs gown" tension which plagued Oxford from time to time. Whatever its origins, it did not take Cambridge long to evolve its own unique history and architectural heritage. Perhaps nowhere in Britain is so much architectural beauty and historic beauty packed into so small a space.

The Cambridge University buildings are superb, from the stately elegance of Trinity College to King's College Chapel, whose fan-vaulted ceiling presents arguably the finest example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. The chapel was begun in 1446, though it was not completed until 101 years later. Daily services featuring the world-famous Choir are a treat not to be missed.

Trinity College was founded by Henry VIII in 1546, though many buildings are earlier. The impressive brick gateway (1535) is a perfect example of Tudor style. The library of the college was built by Sir Christopher Wren.

To gain a true appreciation of Cambridge University, don't miss a walk along The Backs, where the lawns of six of the oldest colleges sweep down to the River Cam, overshadowed by willows and dotted by punts (flat-bottomed boats propelled by a long pole). Boats can be rented inexpensively if you'd like to try your hand at punting, but be warned, it's not as easy as it looks, and the efforts of neophytes provide light entertainment for spectators on the banks of the river!

There is more to Cambridgeshire than the University; the county is a study in two distinct landscapes. To the south are rolling chalk hills, but in the north are the Fens, flat, often dreary country unbroken save for straight lines of dykes and roads. Before they were drained in the 17th century the Fens were marshland, under water much of the time, dotted with small clumps of higher ground where isolated settlements sprouted. One of these settlements was Ely, named for the eels which swam in the shallow waters (in fact, the eels were once used as currency!).

The pride of Ely is its superb Norman cathedral, which rises above the flat countryside like a beacon. The cathedral was begun in 1083 on the foundations of an earlier Saxon church. In the early 14th century the Norman tower collapsed, and it is then that Alan of Walsingham steps into the limelight of history. He designed a central tower that seems to float unsupported above the crossing of Ely Cathedral like a cloud.

Source: britainexpress.com

Things To Do and See in Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Attraction type: Historic site; Architectural building; Religious site

Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Museum houses vast collections of antiquities from ancient Egypt,

Greece and Rome, including exhibits of English and European pottery and

glass, furniture, clocks, Chinese jades, and ceramics from Japan and Korea.
Attraction type: Art museum

Great St Mary's Church (Church of England),

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Overlooking the market place, this architectural marvel was built in 1478 with

much of its construction and décor in the Tudor-style; Henry VII himself

donated more than one hundred oak trees to build its roof.
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

St. John's College, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Founded in 1511 from the estate of Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of

King Henry VII, this Cambridge college features a gatehouse whose

exterior is beautifully carved and painted.
Attraction type: Educational site; Historic site

Oliver Cromwell's House (Ely Tourist Information Centre),

Ely, Cambridgeshire
Attraction type: Historic home; Tourist/visitor center; Antique shop

You may also be interested in...

- Traveler Reviews of Cambridgeshire

- Top 10 Tourist Attractions in England - Photo Gallery & Map

- Unbiased Hotel Reviews, Photos and Travel Advice

TRAVEL & TOURISM INFO | by Trip Advisor

Tours & Activities in Cambridgeshire

Traveler Reviews

Hotels & Hotel Deals

Vacation Packages - Hotel + Air Deals

Quick Search (hotel prices & availability)