Cambridge, Ely & Nene Valley Railway

Itinerary

Description

The delights of Cambridgeshire await on this lovely five-day break, where we combine vibrant cities with idyllic countryside and picture-perfect towns. There is so much to discover in beautiful Cambridge, full of historic buildings along the winding, punter-clad River Cam, while the pint-sized metropolis of Ely boasts a magnificent cathedral, waterside walks and more. We also enjoy time in the charming stone town of Stamford, the first designated conservation area in the country, and journey on the picturesque Nene Valley Railway. With its nostalgic feel and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder that the heritage line has appeared so many times on screen, including a starring role in two James Bond films!

Coach Itinerary

Ely & Cambridge (half day)

For our first day out we begin with a trip to Ely, where we have time at leisure to explore England’s second smallest city. The historic cathedral is not to be missed, home to the country’s only museum dedicated to stained glass, while Ely Museum in the city’s old gaol is a fascinating place to discover more about the past. With its range of eateries, peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, the waterside area is a lovely spot to relax here, or you can also visit the remarkably well-preserved 17^th-century home of Oliver Cromwell.

Our next stop is atmospheric Cambridge. This university city is full of beautiful architecture, leafy green meadows and majestic college buildings, including the famous King’s College Chapel on the banks of the River Cam. Why not enjoy a spot of punting on the river or visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, which contains a vast collection paintings, armour, ceramics, furniture, textiles, sculptures and manuscripts.

Nene Valley Railway & Stamford (full day)

We head to Wansford where we board our train for a journey on the Nene Valley Railway to Peterborough, meandering through a serene landscape of water meadows, arable farmland and a country park. The railway has featured in many films and TV series including the James Bond films Octopussy and Goldeneye!

Next we spend some time in Stamford, one of the finest stone towns in the country, with over 600 beautiful listed buildings, five medieval churches and a range of boutique shops. The Town Trail is a wonderful way to soak up the atmospheric streets, charming passageways and market squares before enjoying a well-earned treat in one of the cosy cafés.

Optional Excursion

Cambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) – £13pp (full day)

On our optional excursion we discover three of Cambridgeshire’s hidden gems. First we visit St Ives with its lovely riverside setting, olde-worlde charm, delightful streets and ancient buildings, including a Jacobean manor house. There’s plenty of historic architecture to explore in Huntingdon too, the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, from an 18^th-century Town Hall to the old Falcon Inn, used as Cromwell’s headquarters during the Civil War. You can find out more at the museum here or take the chance to enjoy one of the cosy pubs. Our last stop is St Neots, with origins dating back to Saxon times. Henry I granted the town with a market charter in the 12^th-century and you can go bargain hunting during your visit today, browsing everything from artisan products to clothing.

Coach Bullets

• Return coach travel
• 4 nights at the Ibis Hotel, Stevenage with dinner & breakfast (Staying at the Mercure Hotel, Letchworth for tour date 05/06/23)
• Excursions to Ely, Cambridge & Stamford
• Heritage train journey on the Nene Valley Railway

Optional excursion to Cambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) (£13pp)

Search Bullets

• 4 nights at the Ibis Hotel, Stevenage with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Ely, Cambridge & Stamford
• Heritage train journey on the Nene Valley Railway

JG2

Hotels with a JG2 rating are a mixture of larger hotels and privately owned properties. Décor and furnishings may be simple but are well maintained. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Food may be buffet style in some of the larger hotels. Services may be limited
but efficient.

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Self drive Bullets

• 4 nights at the Ibis Hotel, Stevenage with dinner & breakfast ***FOR DATE 05.06.23 – stays at the Mercure Hotel, Letchworth***
• Excursions to Ely, Cambridge & Stamford
• Heritage train journey on the Nene Valley Railway

Optional excursion to Cambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) (£13pp)

Self drive itinerary

Ely & Cambridge (half day)

For our first day out we begin with a trip to Ely, where we have time at leisure to explore England’s second smallest city. The historic cathedral is not to be missed, home to the country’s only museum dedicated to stained glass, while Ely Museum in the city’s old gaol is a fascinating place to discover more about the past. With its range of eateries, peaceful atmosphere and picturesque views, the waterside area is a lovely spot to relax here, or you can also visit the remarkably well-preserved 17^th-century home of Oliver Cromwell.

Our next stop is atmospheric Cambridge. This fascinating university city is full of beautiful architecture, leafy green meadows and majestic college buildings, including the famous King’s College Chapel on the banks of the River Cam. Why not enjoy a spot of punting on the river or visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge, which contains a vast collection paintings, armour, ceramics, furniture, textiles, sculptures and manuscripts.

Nene Valley Railway & Stamford (full day)

We head to Wansford where we board our train for a picturesque journey on the Nene Valley Railway to Peterborough, meandering through a picturesque landscape of water meadows, arable farmland and a country park. The railway has featured in many films and TV series including the James Bond films Octopussy and Goldeneye!

Next we spend some time in Stamford, one of the finest stone towns in the country, with over 600 beautiful listed buildings, five medieval churches and a range of boutique shops. The Town Trail is a wonderful way to soak up the atmospheric streets, charming passageways and market squares before enjoying a well-earned treat in one of the cosy cafés.

Optional Excursion

Cambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) – £13pp (full day)

On our optional excursion we discover three of Cambridgeshire’s hidden gems. First we visit St Ives with its lovely riverside setting, olde-worlde charm, delightful streets and ancient buildings, including a Jacobean manor house. There’s plenty of historic architecture to explore in Huntingdon too, the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, from an 18^th-century Town Hall to the old Falcon Inn, used as Cromwell’s headquarters during the Civil War. You can find out more at the museum here or take the chance to enjoy one of the cosy pubs. Our last stop is St Neots, with origins dating back to Saxon times. Henry I granted the town with a market charter in the 12^th-century and you can go bargain hunting during your visit today, browsing everything from artisan products to clothing.

JG3

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, with a greater range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are a little more spacious and have additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, a bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or with waiter service.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotel (JG2 rating)

Located in the centre of Stevenage, this welcoming Ibis Hotel is the perfect base for our break. The hotel boasts a restaurant and comfortable en-suite bedrooms with TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Hotel (JG3 rating)

Set in a converted manor house, complete with original features, the Mercure Hotel, Letchworth is a peaceful and comfortable place to stay. The hotel boasts a restaurant, spa and en-suite bedrooms with TV, free Wi-Fi and tea and coffee-making facilities.