Guide to Cambridgeshire for Cottage Breaks

Cambridgeshire waterside

Thinking of discovering Cambridgeshire on a cottage break?  Cambridgeshire is a beautiful and fascinating place to take a self-catering break, and is undoubtedly known for the city of Cambridge with its stunning architecture and intriguing history, as well as its unspoilt countryside with the Fens and its watery wonderlands.
 

 

What Does Cambridgeshire Offer for Cottage Breaks?

From beautiful cities and towns, to unspoilt countryside, canals and lakes, discover what Cambridgeshire offers for self-catering breaks with our guide.

Whether you want to enjoy punting across the glistening waters of the river Cam, want to take a walking tour around Cambridge University, or wander around historical Ely with its magnificent cathedral, there’s an endless list of activities and places to discover on a cottage break in Cambridgeshire.   Whether you opt to rent a log cabin, a rural retreat, a barn conversion, a farm cottage or a town house, from which to discover the best of Cambridgeshire, this is an amazing place to holiday.

 

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Cambridgeshire’s Best Attractions Include:
 

 

What do Cambridgeshire’s Historical cities and Charming Towns have to offer? Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

If you are in search of historical appeal, rich histories and picturesque appeal, then you will discover that Cambridgeshire’s towns and cities have much to offer visitors.  Whether you opt to book accommodation in the countryside or prefer to stay in a town or city, read our guide to Cambridgeshire’s best cities and towns for self-catering breaks.  From Cambridge with its rich array of university buildings to Ely with its grand cathedral, and St Ives with its waterside setting, Cambrigeshire's towns and cities are well worth visiting.

 

Discover Countryside Galore in Cambridgeshire 

Venture through sublime natural surroundings in Cambridgeshire, from nature reserves to beautiful gardens and the Fens

If you are a nature lover, discover nature reserves, wildlife, gardens and the Cambridgeshire fens, where you can discover glorious examples of England’s natural beauty. Many places are even associated with local folklore and legends; you might want to look out for the mythical Fen Tigers.
    
 

Immerse Yourself in Nature at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve 

Dating back to the last Ice Age, Wicken Fen is the National Trust’s oldest nature reserve, famed in England for its stunning scenery and for being home to over 2000 acres of glorious natural land. Explore on foot and see for yourself the diverse examples of wildlife, home to over 9,000 species, including the famous Konik ponies! If walking isn’t quite your thing, then explore on a bike, or even on a wonderful boat trip down the fen! There are plenty of trails to enjoy for all levels of adventurers.

The Fen is said to be haunted by ghosts; the quaint village of Wicken is said to have been home to the wicked fen witch, a legend dating back to the Dark Ages. You might spot her trawling across the pathways of the fen, hidden in fog…

 

The FensCambridgeshire fens

If you love nature, don’t miss the Fens on a cottage break in Cambridgeshire.  The Fens are a stunning example of natural scenery, stretching over 400,000 hectares, including much of Cambridgeshire and are home to beautiful wildlife and habitats, living undisturbed in this unique destination, all of which is available for you to explore through lovely walks and tranquil boating trips.
 
Chill out out under inspirational skies, providing stunning sunsets and unbeatable sunrises. The Cambridgeshire Fens are an unmissable place to discover! 

 

Wander Around Beautiful Grounds at Anglesey Abbey

Situated in the charming village of Lode, Anglesey Abbey is a majestic National Trust Jacobean-style house. The country house is built on 98 acres of gardens and lovely landscaped grounds, and even has a working mill. The gardens are beautiful and well-worth exploring.  You can stop to smell the roses and wander through the pretty dahlia garden. There’s a woodland play area as well, kitted out with a treehouse, balance beams, a den-building, ideal for keeping the kids entertained, as well as facilities for birdwatching and bug-hunting. It’s a fantastic day out, and you can finish the day with a visit to the working watermill or Redwoods Restaurant.
 

 

Enjoy Fun by the waterside on holiday in Cambridgeshire Ely waterside, Cambridgeshire

 

Grafham Water

If you’re one for outdoor adventures, then Grafham water should certainly be on your list! Close to Huntingdon you can find England’s third largest reservoir, surrounded by 1500 acres of stunning countryside. It’s also a wonderful space for nature lovers as it’s home to ancient woodlands and reed beds, forming an ecosystem for an array of different species, and making it a Site of Special Scientific Interest for over 30 years.
 
You can take a stroll around the reservoir with your family or embark upon a tranquil bike ride complete with flawless scenery. You can even try your hand at some fishing! 

The Fenland Waterways

Some of Cambridgeshire’s most picturesque locations lie along waterways such as the River Great Ouse, the River Cam, the River Lark, the River Nene and a fenland canal network.  Some describe this area, as akin to the Norfolk Broads, where you can take boat trips galore to explore and discover this area from the water.

 

Whether you choose to immerse yourself in Cambridgeshire’s culture, enjoy a great range of outdoor activities or relax in the countryside, we hope you have the best of times, when discovering this county on a self-catering break.

Page last reviewed on 12 October 2023
by Yvonne Dean

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