Huntingdon
Imagine an evening of Shakespeare performed in the historic galleried courtyard of The George or Oliver Cromwell’s birthplace. A refreshing local pint in a town recommended by Samuel Pepys for the excellence of its ale. Or tales of highwaymen and ghostly travellers. This place just couldn’t be more English if it tried. Neighbours Godmanchester, St Ives and The Hemingfords are all part of the package, linked by the mellow meanders of the River Great Ouse and excellent opportunities for messing about in boats or feeding the ducks. Huntingdon Nine hundred years of English history is a unique feeling at The Manor, Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited house. Make time for waterside musings at the English eccentricity of a Chinese Bridge, or the Old River Bridge of 1332 built from both sides by two different authorities, meeting in the middle. Just enjoy!
Top Tip
Take an alternative view of Huntingdon – from the Old Bailey at Castle Hills, or on a boat trip on the River Great Ouse.
Shopping time
There’s a good selection of independent shops to browse here, interesting finds and little galleries, plus regular farmers’ markets and a market place busy with stalls twice a week. You’ll quickly get a taste for great Fenland produce and local brew from Elgoods at Wisbech.
Book a table and make a start at The Cock (Hemingford Grey), voted Cambridgeshire’s Dining Pub of the Year 2006/07 by the Good Pub Guide.
Things to do
Love him or loathe him, Cromwell steals the show around here. Though a 19th Century house now adorns his birthplace, there’s a fascinating museum of memorabilia at his Old Grammar School.
Follow the trail to his Falcon Inn headquarters, or head for St Ives to secure the photo opportunity by his statue. Only two out of Huntingdon’s sixteen medieval churches survived the Civil War, but they’re well worth a visit.
Whisk the kids off to the Lord Protector’s family seat at Hinchingbrooke Country Park for wild fun. 180 acres of woodland, meadows, rivers, lakes and ponds plus great family activities organised by the local rangers - perfect for a day out in the fresh air!