A county in eastern England, well known for its Fens and its University city, Cambridgeshire has plenty of attractions for anyone planning to visit the county. The Fens which were once unusable and inhospitable, have long since been drained and now provide large areas of productive arable land that produces vast quantities of vegetables and fruit. A good first choice of places to visit would be Cambridge itself, the beautiful University city with large numbers of historic buildings, its Peterhouse College was founded in 1284, attractions in the city are many and varied, but you could choose from the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Cambridge Museum of Technology, and Cambridge University Botanical Garden. From Cambridge you could head for Ely, where one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England resides, dating from the early 11th century this stunning cathedral is a must visit place in Cambridgeshire, while in Ely you could also take a look at the Bishop’s Palace and the King’s School. From Ely, you could next head for Wisbech, famous centre of the spring bulb industry, this charming riverside town has some fine Georgian architecture, which makes it well worth a visit. In Wisbech head for Peckover House, a National Trust run property, built in 1722, it has superb interiors and a beautiful Victorian walled garden. From Wisbech you could head west to the city of Peterborough, standing on the River Nene. This city which is the centre of England’s brickmaking industry has a long history and another beautiful cathedral, this one built in the 12th century, and the burial place of Catherine of Aragon. Peterborough Cathedral boasts a magnificent west façade in Early English Gothic style. From Peterborough you could go next to Huntingdon (to the south of Peterborough), a charming town on the River Great Ouse, here you could take a look at the Cromwell Museum, ensconced in a former school in which the former Lord Protector of England was educated. Oliver Cromwell was actually born in Huntingdon and there are many references to him in the town, other places to visit include Hinchingbrooke House, originally an 11th century nunnery which later became home of the Cromwell family, and Huntingdon Racecourse where you can watch some excellent horse racing. From Huntingdon an obvious next stop would be St Neots, named after a Cornish monk (St Neot), this pretty town on the River Great Ouse has some delightful old coaching inns and a cathedral like church dating back to the 12th century. This concludes our brief tour around Cambridgeshire, I shall be back soon to write about other places in the county.
November 3, 2010
October 28, 2010
Amersham Buckinghamshire
A civil parish and small market town located in the county of Buckinghamshire, England, United Kingdom, Amersham has a population of 17,700 and is divided into 2 areas, Amersham on the Hill and Old Amersham. The main residential areas are in the area of Amersham on the Hill, while the older buildings and inns are located in the charming old town, which is mostly unspoilt and very attractive. The St Mary’s parish church dates from the 13th century, and the Market Hall (in the High Street Old Amersham), dates from 1682. In the time of the Saxons the settlement was already established and known as Egmondesham, in the Domesday Book, it was recorded as Elmodesham, when it was held by Geoffrey de Mandeville. The old town of Amersham lies in the valley of the River Misbourne. Present day Amersham is a popular commuter town, with excellent road and rail links with Central London, being on both the main line and underground systems (Metropolitan Line). Old Amersham attracts many visitors, with the old town being a delightful place to visit. When the weather is fine, a walk along the River Misbourne, or a stroll along some of the many public footpaths, is a pleasant way to spend an hour of two. Other nearby places to visit include Great Missenden, Chesham, Gerrards Cross, Beaconsfield and Wendover.
October 27, 2010
Lincolnshire Attractions
The 2nd largest county in England, Lincolnshire is perhaps also one of the least well known and least visited, though it has an attractive city in Lincoln, and there is plenty to see and do in the county, so today we will feature just 5 of its major attractions.
Belton House – Grantham, Lincolnshire: 17th century country house, built for Sir John Brownlow. Apart from the house, which is magnificent, the estate has beautiful gardens and extensive parkland.
Tattershall Castle – Tattershall, Lincolnshire: Medieval brick built castle built by Ralph Cromwell.
Woolsthorpe Manor – Nr Grantham, Lincolnshire: 17th century manor house, and former home of scientist Sir Isaac Newton.
Grantham House – Grantham, Lincolnshire: Handsome townhouse in the Castlegate area of Grantham.
Gunby Hall – Gunby, Lincolnshire: 18th century, red brick house with Victorian walled garden, beautiful when the weather is fine.
If you would visit just one town in the county, then you would probably pick Lincoln, the county town, here you can visit the stunning Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln Castle, or any number of other interesting places.
There also plenty of sports and entertainment facilities in the county, one of the best known is Market Rasen racecourse which holds National Hunt meetings throughout the year.
October 26, 2010
Boston Lincolnshire
Formerly a significant port for the county of Lincolnshire, Boston gave its name to the famous city in Massachusetts, as it was the starting point for a group of pilgrims following in the wake of the Pilgrim Fathers on the Mayflower. The town’s renowned church of St Botolph was built by the town’s rich merchants during the 14th and 15th centuries, and is one of the landmarks of Lincolnshire, earning itself the nickname the “Boston Stump”. Also worth a look in Boston are the St Mary’s Guildhall, Fydell House (18th century), and the five sailed mill, Maud Foster Windmill, named in honour of a wealthy local landowner from Elizabethan times.
Sleaford Lincolnshire
A market town located in the county of Lincolnshire, Sleaford owes much of its prosperity to its excellent rail and road communications. Well known for its cathedral like St Denys church, which is well worth a visit if you are in the town, Sleaford is also close to a couple of National Trust properties, Tattershall Castle and Belton House. If the weather is kind, you could play a round of golf at the delightful Sleaford Golf Club, located in Willoughby Road. Sleaford is located to the north-east of Grantham.
Grantham Lincolnshire
Once acting as a staging point between London and Lincoln, the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire is an ancient and historical town, perhaps best known for its St Wulfrum’s church, with its 281 foot spire. One of its best known buildings is the Angel Inn, dating from the 14th century, and said to be the place where Richard III signed the Duke of Buckingham’s death warrant in 1483. Grantham Museum is worth a visit, and contains some interesting exhibits relating to Sir Isaac Newton who was born nearby and attended Grantham’s King’s Grammar School. When the weather is nice, you could take a walk along the charming Grantham Canal, which opened in 1797.