Key towns in Cambridgeshire

Cambridge

To the south of the county sits the world renowned university city of Cambridge. Home to Cambridge University. This is a charming old city with some beautiful architecture. The University injects culture, hosting regular free events and Anglia Ruskin University, the former art school, also attracts young people to the city, making it a lively place to be. For a piece of rural idyll in the heart of the city, locals recommend the River Cam for walking and, in the summer months, punting and swimming.

Cambridge sits at the heart of the Silicon Fen, base to a huge number of high-tech businesses, meaning that employment is plentiful in Cambridge. But for those who work in the Capital, it is still possible to be at London Kings Cross in under 45 minutes.

Ely

Ely is a small but prosperous city, located in the Silicon Fen and with great connections to nearby cities, including London. The 11th century castle provides a striking backdrop to the attractive town. Since medieval times, Ely has existed as a market town and its twice weekly market is still going strong today, complementing the good choice of independent and interesting shops. The ever popular Topping & Co book shop also hosts regular interesting literary events and reading groups.

Huntingdon

The historic market town of Huntingdon has a number of fine independent shops and cafés as well as a choice of supermarkets which serve the popular surrounding villages. It has good connections to Cambridge, Peterborough and London but is itself enclosed by glorious open countryside. It is known as the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, which is commemorated by a museum in the town, and for its racecourse.

Peterborough

Peterborough is a town steeped in history, with a spectacular Norman cathedral, evidence of Roman settlement and some beautiful architectural landmarks. In recent years, it has undergone massive regeneration and a 1920s arcade has been incorporated into a modern shopping mall to create a useful retail centre.

It is a stop on the high speed London to Edinburgh railway line meaning services to the capital are relatively regular and quick. The River Nene passes through the centre, traditionally one of the reasons that the city prospered as an industrial centre and now a place to enjoy fresh air and peace in the heart of a bustling city.

St Neots

Located in open countryside near the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire borders and on the River Great Ouse is St Neots. It is a thriving commuter and market town, with an attractive centre punctuated by beautiful and well-enjoyed parks. It is named after St Neot, who is connected with the history of the town and as such has been frequented by pilgrims, which has allowed the town to flourish.

Wisbech

The historic town of Wisbech has been studiously avoiding modernisation for years and is all the better for it. An enchanting town with an excellent community spirit and thriving local businesses, its twice weekly market stocks all sorts of weird and wonderful local produce. The River Nene runs through its centre, leading to the inland port, lined with attractive buildings

It has hung on to the independent Luxe Cinema and the local brewery, which serves up mouth-watering traditional real ales, among other successful independent businesses. The Peckover House National Trust property in the town is a great attraction, well appreciated by locals.