2012 Cambridgeshire & Norfolk Signpost

Annual Publication - The Ultimate County Guidewww.countysignpost.co.uk

Historic Houses | Attractions | Museums & Arts Towns & Districts | Open Air

Issue 3 - 2012

Cambridgeshire &Norfolk

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Who will you meet in Cambridge today?

CAMBRIDGE MUSEUMS & COLLECTIONSwww.cam.ac.uk/museums/

EVENTS AT NORWICH

CATHEDRAL 2012

Easter Sunday 8 April – Sung Eucharist 10.30am; special Sunday lunch in Refectory (prebook01603 218321)

Saturday 21 April – Norfolk Concerts recital in the Hostry, 7.30pm, £15

Saturday 12 May - Norfolk Concerts recital in the Hostry, 7.30pm, £15

Wednesday 16 May - Pre-concert supper in the Cathedral’s Refectory restaurant. Information /booking 01603 218321 – The Sixteen concert, 7.30pm. Tickets from Norwich Theatre Royal, 01603630000.

Friday 1 to Monday 4 June - 60 Years of Norfolk Festival of Flowers, £7.50 per adult Ticket Enquiries / coach bookings 01953 604879.

Saturday 2 June - Jacqui Dankworth concert, 7.30pm, Tickets £25, £20 from Cathedral Shop 01603218450 or Prelude Records 01603 628319.

Saturday 9 June - Norfolk Concerts recital in the Hostry, 7.30pm, £15

Tuesday 26 to Thursday 28 June - How like an Angel, Norfolk & Norwich Festival event.Tickets/enquiries 01603 630000

Wednesday 11 to Saturday 14 July – Shakespeare Festival 2012. The Taming of the Shrew and TheTempest. 7.00pm in the Cloister. Box offices Cathedral Shop 01603 218450 or Theatre Royal 01603630000. www.gbtheatrecompany.com

Friday 20 July - Chamber Orchestra of Anglia concert. 7.30pm.

Tuesdays 7 and 28 August – Free family events inspired by the Olympic Games, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Friday 26 October to Sunday 4 November - Hostry Festival 2012. Full details available in Spring 2012

See our website www.cathedral.org.ukfor further information.

SomerleytonEstate

Visit the Hall, Gardens and Estate

At The Hall

*12 acres of landscaped gardens*1864 Yew hedge maze*Fully guided Hall tours*Gift shop & tearooms

Tel. 0871 222 4244www.somerleyton.co.uknr Lowestoft NR32 5QQ

At Fritton Lake

*Lakeside Nature walks*Adventure playground*Fishing and pony rides*Rowing on the lake

CONTENTS

Signpost - page 1

Published by: County Signpost Ltd

Editor: Adam Davison

Historic Buildings

Attractions

Museums & Arts

The Open Air

Welcome to the 2012 edition of Cambridgeshire& Norfolk County Signpost Tourist Guide, yourindispensable guide to the best touristattractions and days out the county has to offer.

We hope that you find our guide, a pleasure toread, both interesting and informative, and thatyou will take it away with you, to use again andagain.

We offer a taster of the visitor attractions andevents within the County, for both locals andthose who wish to visit from afar.

To be featured in our next edition -please email the editor.

County Signpost LtdCounty Signpost Ltd01743 87409801743 874098

[email protected]@countysignpost.co.uk

For a free download please visitour new map-driven,

online magazine website www.countysignpost.co.uk

Please mentionCambridgeshire &Norfolk Signpostwhen visiting any ofthe attractions.

All material in this magazine is, as far as we are aware,correct at the time of printing. County Signpost Ltd doesnot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracieswhich slipped through. Copyright County Signpost Ltd2012. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

Go to your phone’s app storeto download our new, free County Signpost app !

Anglesey Abbey

Lord Fairhaven wanted to inspire and surpriseguests to his first home and, some 70 years later,the estate still has the same effect on visitors.

Behind its Jacobean-style exterior, AngleseyAbbey is a vision of the golden age of Englishcountry house living.

The Dining Room is the heart of AngleseyAbbey. Originally the monastic 'calefactorium' or'warming room', it was the only space in thepriory to have a fireplace. It was here that themonks relaxed between religious duties. LordFairhaven turned this wonderful space into hisDining Room.

There is something to admire all year round inthe gardens of the Abbey, with bloominghyacinths in spring, beautiful herbaceous

borders and wildlife in summer, exotic dahlias inautumn and a winter garden showing dramaticcontrasts of texture and colour.

Anglesey’s Lode Mill dates from the 18thcentury, but early records, including the 1068Doomsday Book describe a building on the site.The mill was restored to working condition in1982 by the Cambridgeshire Wind and WatermillSociety.

Today you can step inside and see how thepower of water is harnessed to grind tens oftons of flour every year, and pick up your ownfreshly ground flour and oatmeal by the bag.

Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode MillQuy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJTelephone 01223 810080 Email [email protected]/angleseyabbey

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© NTPL/Robert Morris, For a tast e o f 1930s coun try hous eli v in g, Angl es ey Abbey n ear Cambridg e i s hard t o bea t

NATIONAL TRUST

Wimpole Estate

Step in to times past in the magnificent 18th-century house at the heart of Wimpole Estate.

The mansion is set amongst parkland, completewith an eerie Gothic tower, Chinese bridge andserpentine lakes, created by the greatestlandscapers of their day - Bridgeman, Brownand Repton.

Bought in 1938 by Elsie Bambridge, the hall’slast owner, it was devoid of any furniture orpaintings. What you see today at Wimpole is aculmination of development of the earlierowners and the collection assembled by CaptainGeorge and Elsie Bambridge.

Stroll around the colourful parterre garden andwander through the pleasure grounds, filled withmajestic trees and daffodils. The grounds extend

out to the walled garden, abundant with fruit,vegetables and herbaceous borders.

Wandering around our park, you’ll see our rarelivestock grazing amongst regal trees.

At Wimpole you can gain a fascinating insightinto all aspects of running a large, active estate.Talk to our farmers about the challenges beingfaced as we convert the farm towards a self-sufficient, organic future, or the more green-fingered can get some handy tips from ourgardeners.

Wimpole Hall & Home FarmArrington, Royston, Cambs SG8 0BWTelephone 01223 206000 Email [email protected]/wimpole

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© NT/Fisheye Images, Relaxing in the park a t Wimpol e Es ta te

Wicken Fen

At Wicken Fen you’ll discover an ancient fenlandwith an abundance of amazing wildlife.

There are more than 800 species, including aspectacular array of plants, birds anddragonflies. Look out for our wild deer strollingaround the land, our famous herds of Konikponies or have a go at bird watching from one ofour many bird hides throughout the reserve.

Wicken Fen, which celebrated its 110thanniversary in 2009, has always played animportant role in the social and economic life ofthe area, providing materials for thatching localhouses, bedding and feed for animals, as well asfish and fowl for food, and peat for food.

Enjoy the peace of wandering through lushgroves, whilst the raised boardwalk allows easyaccess to a lost landscape of flowering meadows,sedge and reed beds, where you can encounterrarities such as hen harriers, water voles andbitterns.

The Wicken Fen Vision is an ambitiouslandscape-scale project, at the forefront ofmodern nature conversation. It will open up newlands and routes to explore, as well as safeguardthe rare wetland species of the Fen, and offsethabitats lost on the coast. As part of the Vision,you can now cycle eight miles along the LodesWay from Wicken Fen to Anglesey Abbey.

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Wicken Fen © NTPL/Paul Harris, Thei coni c windpump at Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen National Nature ReserveLode Lane, Wicken, Cambs CB7 5XPTelephone 01353 720274 Email [email protected]/wickenfen

Peckover House & Garden

Peckover House is a secret gem, an oasis hiddenaway in an urban environment. A classicGeorgian merchant's townhouse, it was lived inby the Peckover family for 150 years.

The Peckovers were staunch Quakers, whichmeant they had a very simple lifestyle; yet at thesame time they ran a successful private bank.Both facets of their life can be seen as youwander through the house and gardens.

The simple elegance of the exterior belies theelaborate interior decoration of the house, awealth of plaster and wood in the tradition ofthe very best 18th-century craftsmen.

Peckover is a hands-on house, with dressing upclothes for children of all ages, a working pianoand three floors that give an insight into thefascinating lives of both the family and servants.

The Victorian gardens themselves are two acresof sensory delight, complete with orangery,summerhouses, croquet lawn and rose gardenwith more than 60 species of rose.

There are engaging displays about the Peckoverfamily throughout the house, as well as a relaxingtea-room, shop and second hand bookshop.

Peckover House & GardenNorth Brink, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire PE13 1JRTelephone 01945 583463 Email [email protected]/peckover

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Peckover Reed Barn © NT/Fisheye Images, Relax wi th fr i ends and fami ly a t P eckove r' s Re ed Barn tea - ro om

Houghton Mill

Almost demolished in the 16th century,Houghton Mill is the only working watermill onthe great Ouse.

The five-storey building was saved by localvillagers and restored to working order to carrythe tradition of milling on this site, whichcontinues to this day. Corn is ground by a pair ofmillstones powered by the north waterwheel,which was re-instated in 1999.

The hands-on exhibits, including traditionalhand querns (stone devices for grinding flour)and models that show how the mill uses thepower of the River Great Ouse, provide afascinating learning experience for young andold.

Set in an idyllic location, on an island on theRiver Great Ouse, Houghton Mill has inspiredartists and photographers for generations. Comeand experience the sound and atmosphere of atraditional working mill, have a go at makingflour or lose yourself in the tranquillity of theriverside setting.

The tea room offers delicious treats to refreshyou after your visit.

Houghton, nr Huntingdon, Cambs PE28 2AZTelephone 01480 301494 Email [email protected]

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Houghton Mill copyright NTPL/Robert Morris

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Blickling Estate

At the heart of this 5,000 acre estate is themagnificent Blickling Hall. Inside, you canfollow four centuries of history: from TudorEngland and the Anne Boleyn connection to theoutbreak of the second world war.

You can enjoy a real Edwardian ‘upstairs,downstairs’ experience at Blickling. Upstairs, youcan imagine yourself as a guest at one of LordLothian’s parties in the 1930s and, downstairs,you listen to the actual stories of the people whokept Blickling going, including Lord Lothian’scook, Mrs Wadlow.

Outside, there is always something new to see asthe gardens change with the seasons. Thousandsof daffodils, tulips and hyacinths create aspectacular display in the spring and the parterre

and herbaceous borders are sizzling with colourin the summer. Walk through the park and besurrounded by the rich reds, oranges and brownsof autumn and, in the winter, enjoy the winterflowering shrubs in the new Orangery Garden.

For some great seasonal, local food, stop off atthe restaurant or café and relax awhile.Bookworms will enjoy browsing the second-hand bookshop and there’s a plant centre for thegreen-fingered. The only decision that’s left iswhere to go next – Felbrigg Hall andSheringham Park are only half an hour away!

Blickling, Norwich, Norfolk NR11 6NFEnquiries 01263 738030 or [email protected]/blickling

© NTPL/Rod Edwards, Exper i ence l if e ups ta i r s and downst ai r s at Bli ckling Hall

Oxburgh Hall

No one forgets their first sight of Oxburgh Hall, a romantic moated manor house, built by theBedingfeld family in the 15th Century,

The Gatehouse is completely unchanged andrises eighty feet above the atmospheric moat.On the first floor is the King's Room whereHenry VII stayed on a visit in 1487 and nearbyis a room displaying the Marian Hangings.These are panels of needlework embroidered byMary, Queen of Scots during her captivity atSheffield Castle, and brought to Oxburgh as partof a bride's dowry in the 18th century. From theroof, you can enjoy panoramic views of thesurrounding gardens and the intricate Frenchparterre.

Gain an insight to the family’s Catholic history,complete with a secret priest’s hole which youcan crawl inside and a private chapel built withreclaimed Tudor materials.

Relax after exploring the hall in our Old Kitchentea-room, or pick up something to take away inthe well-stocked gift shop, including localNorfolk products. There are also plant sales forthe green-fingered in the family and a second-hand bookshop.

Oxburgh Hall, Oxborough, King’s Lynn PE33 9PSEnquiries 01366 328258 or [email protected] www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburghhall

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© NT/Fisheye Images, The moat a t Oxburgh Hall

Sheringham Park

For a real sense of space, peace and tranquillity,Sheringham Park is hard to beat. There are lotsof waymarked walks and spots to stop and takein the beautiful coast and countryside of northNorfolk.

Set within 50 acres of the estate, this wild gardenof mature woodland contains one of England'smost extensive collections of rhododendrons,azaleas, magnolias and camellias. May and June isthe best time to see the rhodies. If you climb tothe top of the viewing towers, you can look outover the colourful canopy and out to sea – itreally is breathtaking. You may also spot apassing steam train – the Poppy Line can becaught from Weybourne which is a pleasant 40-minute walk away.

Stop off at the visitor centre and you’ll find the‘Red Book’ that landscape designer HumphryRepton used to showcase his designs forSheringham Park in 1812. Full of beautifulillustrations, Repton’s Red Books wereconsidered the ‘coffee table’ books of the day.

Relax after your walk with a drink in thecourtyard and visit the shop for a souvenir ofSheringham Park. Felbrigg Hall and SheringhamPark are only ten minutes apart so you can seeboth in one day!

Wood Farm Visitor Centre, Upper Sheringham NR26 8TLEnquiries 01263 820550 or [email protected]/sheringham

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© NTPL/David Levenson, Don' t miss the magni f ic ent di splay o f rhododendron sa t Sher ingham Park

For over 900 years this Norman building hasdominated the Norwich skyline bearing witnessto the glory of God. It has been voted Norfolk’sfavourite building. The work of today'sCathedral community remains grounded in theprinciples of its Benedictine founders - worship,learning and hospitality.

Hostry Visitor & EducationCentre

Visitors to the Cathedral enter through amedieval archway which now forms part of theHostry Visitor & Education Centre, a stunningnew development, designed by HopkinsArchitects and constructed on the foundationsof the Benedictine monastic buildings. Openedby HM The Queen in 2010, it offers conference,choral and education facilities, as well as a rollingprogramme of art exhibitions where visitors canspend time before entering the Cathedral itself.

Just another museum?

The Cathedral’s architecture is justly famous, itshistory fascinating and its collection of art andobjects outstanding. The Cathedral certainlydeserves its five star rating as a tourist attraction.

But this is no museum, it is a living centre forworship, welcome and learning.

Located within 44 tranquil acres by the RiverWensum, the 900 year old Cathedral welcomesvisitors on a daily basis and provides them witha an extraordinary variety of things to do andsee.

A living place

Throughout the year Norwich Cathedral playshost to a variety of events including concerts,plays, lectures, family activity days, exhibitions,and more.

You can take a guided tour and learn how theCathedral survived riot, war, plague and fire;there’s a Japanese garden and a herb garden, andyou can walk through the largest monasticcloister in England.

The Cathedral spire is the second highest in thecountry and is home to a resident pair ofPeregrine Falcons. Their nesting ledge can beviewed via a webcam set up by the Hawk andOwl Trust who are also setting up a watch pointin the Cathedral Close where visitors can viewthe birds through telescopes.

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NORWICH CATHEDRAL

The musicians of Norwich Cathedral uphold atradition of choral worship that stretches backalmost unbroken to 1096. The music teamincludes the Master of Music, Organist, twentyboy choristers, twenty-four girl choristers, sixchoral scholars and six lay clerks.

Visitors to the Cathedral may sometimes seemini monks wandering through the Cloisterwalkways. Each year the Cathedral welcomesover 6,000 school pupils and students, offeringactivities which support all key stages of theNational Curriculum.

Refectory Restaurant & CoffeeShop

The Cathedral’s monastic predecessors made it apriority to welcome all guests. In the 21stcentury this tradition has been extended to meetthe needs of people in the new millennium.

The Refectory, sister building to the Hostry andalso designed by Hopkins Architects, has wonmany design awards. Cleverlyaccommodated within the footprint andremaining walls of the original monasticRefectory, the Restaurant and Coffee Shopprovides light, spacious surroundings inwhich to enjoy tea and coffee, a freshlycooked hot lunch or a sandwich. All food is

prepared on the premises by the Refectory’stalented team of chefs, using local and seasonalproduce.

“The Refectory and Hostry at Norwich are twoof the most exciting and ambitious constructionprojects at an English cathedral in recent years.Their detailing is utterly contemporary, yet theyrise within ancient walls. Each takes the historicfunction of a ruined medieval building andrecasts it for the twenty-first century.” EnglishHeritage.

For detailed information about events, openingtimes and weekly services visit NorwichCathedral’s website –www.cathedral.org.uk

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The Place to be in 2012

A new type of holiday has even been founded asa result of looking for novel things to do at ourown front door. Regional days out, weekendsaway or ‘Staycations’ as they are known are nowa top priority for those looking for low costactivities and exciting days out.

So, suppose you were told of a top 10 UKlandmark residing in beautiful surroundings inthe heart of a bustling and cosmopolitan citycentre, with plenty on offer for all to enjoyincluding culture, heritage, music and thearts…would your immediate thoughts be ofLondon, Manchester…Liverpool perhaps?

Well no, think again…

You may not be aware but in the heart of thebeautiful and vibrant region of Cambridgeshirelies an ‘undiscovered gem’ in the awe inspiringshape of Peterborough’s one and onlybreathtaking Norman Cathedral - voted the sixth

favourite landmark in the whole of the UK, evencoming out ahead of London Tower Bridge!

PETERBOROUGH CATHEDRAL

The West Front

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With close to 100,000 visitors each and everyyear, Peterborough Cathedral provides awonderful haven of tranquillity and beauty amidthe cosmopolitan array of shops and restaurantsthat line the streets today and has something tooffer everyone at this beautiful sacred space.

As well as still operating as a thriving ChristianChurch, today the Cathedral offers a wide arrayof activity including an interactive exhibition,fascinating historic and Cathedral tower tours,an exciting array of arts and crafts based eventsnot to mention a popular new coffee shop andfirst class education, hospitality andconferencing facilities.

Special Event

REFLECTION: Looking beneath thesurface - 19th May - 24th June 2012A major arts event. This many-facetedcollaboration will offer visitors a personal questas they walk around the Cathedral byconsidering how reflection, in all its differentmeanings, affects them.

www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk

As well as the wonder of the building and thevibrant events programme available, theCathedral also holds enormous appeal for thosewith an interest in nature and the outdoors. Withstunning grounds and beautifully greenPrecincts, the Cathedral is blessed with anabundance of breath-taking open spaces, notleast the captivating Deanery Gardens, which arenow open for public viewing approximately 3times a year.

For those more interested in the architecture andthe exquisite stone masonry why not take aCathedral tower tour to see the stonework firsthand as well as enjoying the panoramic views ofPeterborough from on high. Alternatively, ourCathedral tours of the building and/or thePrecincts will divulge fascinating facts aboutCathedral history, myths and legends associatedwith the Cathedral’s colourful past.

Education

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Open 364 days a year (closed on Boxing Day)for visiting from around 9am until around5.30pm weekdays and 9.00am to 5.00pm Sat and12pm until 3.15pm on Sundays, there is nocharge for admission to Peterborough Cathedralbut donations are invited as the Cathedral hascharitable status and receives no funding fromthe state to raise the £1.3 million required eachyear to maintain its operation. With excellentrailway links and easy access to this beautifulattraction in the heart of the up and coming, city

of Peterborough – the Cathedral is one not to bemissed as a top 10 Landmark in the UK* (asvoted by Fujifilm users in a 2007 poll).

For more information on what PeterboroughCathedral can offer or any of the many eventsheld throughout the year please visit :

www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk or call theCathedral Visitors Telephone on 01733 355300.

Heritage Days

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The house was recreated andmade famous as the house ofGreen Knowe by Lucy Bostonin her series of children'sbooks, now regarded asclassics. Her son Peter'sillustrations depict many ofthe things in the house and

garden. The attic contains toys used by thefictional children of the past; thus visitors getthe feeling of 'walking into the books'.

She wrote about family belongings in the houseand her son Peter Boston illustrated the books,drawing many of these as well as the house andgarden.

In the winter, as well as writing, Lucy Bostonmade many exquisite patchworks, most of whichare on display. Rarely can such an importantcollection be seen in the house in which theexhibits were made.

This moated house is surrounded by four acresof garden renowned for its collection of over200 old roses and a collection of irisescontaining many famous Dykes medal winners,most of them dating from the 1950s. There arehidden corners in the garden so visitors find

themselves coming to unexpected parts whichare unanticipated from the first impressiongained by looking down into it from the publicfootpath along the towpath beside the riverGreat Ouse. With its large herbaceous bordersof mainly scented plants the garden gives thefeeling of being a cottage garden full offavourite plants in a rather formal setting oflawns with topiary coronation shapes and chesspieces in their black and white planted squares.

The GardenThe garden is open daily from 11am to 5pm(dusk in winter). No appointment is needed.

The HouseThe House is open throughout the year butstrictly by appointment.

Telephone 01480 463134www.greenknowe.co.uk

THE MANOR

County Signpost

Ely Cathedral, 'the ship of the fens', dates backto 673 when a monastery was founded on thesite of the existing building. As one of Europe’sfinest Norman Cathedrals, it is the only UKbuilding to be listed as one of The Wonders ofthe Mediaeval World. It is a building steeped inhistory and has shaped the lives of Kings &Saints across the ages.

The Cathedral is surrounded by beautifulmedieval buildings and parkland which can beadmired by visitors from the roof of theOctagon Tower or West Tower where thepanoramic view of the Cambridgeshire fensspreads for miles. Visitors who climb theOctagon Tower can – halfway up - walk roundthe huge timber structure and lean through the

painted panels to look at the ground floor,marvelling at this feat of engineering. One ofthe reasons it is known as ‘one of the Top 20must see buildings in the UK’.

There is plenty to see and do in thismagnificent building including tower tours,brass rubbing, shopping and taking afternoontea. Visitors can garnish so much informationfrom the free ground floor tour given by one ofmany experienced guides.

ELY CATHEDRAL

Signpost - page 16Aled Jones, who is a Music Patron at Ely, at the top of the

West Tower overlooking the Octagon Tower.


The Cathedral is well known as a venue for manyconcerts, literary events and exhibitions and hastwice been nominated as Best Film Location forthe East of England, for Elizabeth: The GoldenAge (2007) and more recently The King’s Speech(2010).

For further information on visiting ElyCathedral this year, including tours, guides,services and the numerous events taking placethis year for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations,The Olympics, Harvest Festival and Christmas,visit the Ely Cathedral website.www.elycathedral.org or call 01353 667735

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Filming The King's Speech at Ely Cathedral in 2010

With two major attractions and the Duke’s Headgastro pub Somerleyton Estate has everythingyou need for a great day out – or stay a littlelonger in one of the Fritton Lake woodlandlodges where you are well placed to explore theNorfolk Broads. All sorts of adventures can beorganised for you, from hot air ballooning toriver and sea trips or just enjoy life in the slowlane around the estate and picturesque village.

History of Somerleyton Hall

The grounds of Somerleyton Hall have beenhome to high status buildings since the post

conquest Norman era. In 1240 the existingmanorial Hall was rebuilt by Sir Peter Fitzosbertas a magnificent country house on the site of theoriginal medieval Hall.

Four centuries later the house was furtherenlarged and restyled by John Wentworth andtransformed into an archetypal East AnglianTudor-Jacobean mansion.

The Hall’s final and most drastic alteration tookplace in 1843 under new ownership of a wealthyVictorian entrepreneur Samuel Morton Peto

SOMERLEYTON ESTATE

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Aerial view of the maze, with withSomerleyton Hall in the background

who hired John Thomas, Prince Albert’sfavourite architect, to carry out extensiverebuilding.

Carved Caen stone was used to dress theexterior red brick of the original house,sumptuous materials utilised to embellish theinteriors, paintings commissioned for the houseand the parkland was completely transformedand redesigned.

This flurry of activities came to an abrupt endwhen the money ran out and Samuel MortonPeto went bankrupt. The house was sold to SirFrancis Crossley, the son of a Yorkshire-basedcarpet manufacturer who purchased theSomerleyton estate in 1863. Since mid-19thcentury the estate has remained in the hands of

the Crossley family who are continuing to playan active role in the conservation of the houseand grounds and enjoy living in this magnificentmansion.

Somerleyton Hall & GardensExplore the 12 acres of beautifully landscapedgardens, get lost for a while in the famous 1846yew hedge maze, one of the finest in England.Take a guided tour of the Hall then enjoy thehome made delights of the WintergardenTearooms.

Fritton LakeNearby on the estate is Fritton Lake. The jewelin the estate crown, with lakeside walks, ninehole golf course, fishing, horse-riding, rowingand guided boat trips. The children will enjoy itsViking fort, children’s adventure playground,boating lake, pony rides and wellie trail.

Keep the children amused

For children there is no shortage of things toexplore at Fritton Lake including an adventureplayground, a maze and gardens, a Viking fort,pony rides, cycle trail and wellie walks.

Relax and unwindThe less energetic will find abundant spaces tounwind, relax and chill. There is also a charminglocal village and The Duke’s Head pub in Slug’sLane rated for its food, beer and friendly atmosphere.

OPEN: 5th April – 12th July - Tuesdays,Thursdays & Bank Holiday Mondays17th July - 9th Sept -Tuesdays, Wednesdays,Thursdays, Sundays 11th Sept – 27th Sept – Tuesdays & ThursdaysGARDENS ONLY OPEN: Sundays in Mayand June

Telephone 01502 734901 www.somerleyton.co.uk

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The Dining Room

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NENE VALLEY

RAILWAY

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Steam and slam-doors!Today's NVR is the preserved heritage railwaywhich operates along 7.5 miles along the formerPeterborough to Northampton line whichclosed under the Dr Beeching regime in 1966.Wansford station, next to the A1, is the mainheadquarters and sports the loco depot (visitorsmay walk round), excellent refreshment roomand shop.

This is the railway where countless televisionprogrammes have been filmed as well as beingthe setting for two James Bond epics –Octopussy starring Roger Moors and GoldenEye starring Piers Brosnan! The rock groupQueen filmed their video ‘Breakthrough’ on theNVR.

The Railway is the home to the original‘Thomas’, the children’s favourite engine – it wasnamed in 1972 by the Rev Awdry who wrote thebooks about the little blue engine which becameso popular with youngsters. Thomas is in steamat all the Bank Holidays and for special events.

The Railway is open every weekend,Wednesdays, plus more weekdays in the summerseason. There are in addition some superb galas– Steam, Diesel, Wartime Weekend, VintageVehicles – something for everyone. The Railwayoften gives demonstrations of its Travelling PostOffice showing how mail was collected anddropped off at speed – quite a spectacle! In addition, the NVR is famed for its Santa Specials– the first heritage railway to run such populartrains.

Telephone 01780 784444 www.nvr.org.uk

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The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trustwas established in 1995 with the aim of buyingand restoring the then-disused line between theNorfolk market towns of Dereham andWymondham. We currently own 28km (17.5miles) of track and trackbed through centralNorfolk's most attractive countryside, making usone of the largest preserved railways in the UKtoday.

The line is operational between Dereham andWymondham, and the Trust owns the disusednorthern section from Dereham as far as CountySchool. The line is intact (although derelict) asfar as North Elmham, and a further mile oftrack will need to be re-laid in order to reachCounty School. The long-term aim is to reach asfar as Fakenham.

In addition to the passenger services toWymondham, they also run fairly regularcommercial freight trains, as well as theoccasional railtour. These result in a wide varietyof locomotives visiting Dereham from the mainline from time to time, in addition to the fleet ofheritage diesel locos.

Many people are surprised to learn that therailway is entirely volunteer-run. The volunteersget up to a wide variety of tasks, includingdriving the trains, maintaining the track andlineside, getting greasy inside engines, and manyother interesting jobs besides.

The rate of progress in restoring and upgradingthe railway has been very rapid over the last fewyears. Current projects are aimed at improvingthe railway's infrastructure, including track andsignalling. In particular, they are working onbuilding the first signal box, which will controlthe yard at Dereham; and they are busy restoringthe line north of Dereham to operationalcondition. They have restored Dereham Stationto its former glory, and installed run-roundloops at Dereham and Wymondham. Futureplans include the building of a passing loop atThuxton, and the provision of further signalboxes.

Telephone 01362 690633www.mnr.org.uk

MID NORFOLK

RAILWAY

9466 at Hardingham


LINTON ZOOCAMBRIDGESHIRE'S WILDLIFE BREEDING CENTRE

Spring is without a doubt the zoo keepers’favourite time of year. The zoo gardens arelooking stunning with beds of colourful springflowers, including hundreds of vivid hyacinthsthat will soon be coming up to their best. Thegiant tree ferns are beginning to throw up theirnew fronds and everywhere is becoming greenagain.

If you want a little more than just a zoo visit youcan book in advance a “keeper experience” foradults and children. Introduced last year werethe “Keeper’s Little Helper” designed especiallyfor 5 to 8 year olds and the “Big Cat and LargeMammal Experience” for age 18+, both haveproven very popular. All of these special keeperdays make awesome birthday presents or simplytreat someone special to an experience of alifetime.

Times of activities are displayed on the officialwebsite: www.lintonzoo.com click on news.Check the website for more information ortelephone: 01223 891308.

Tracy meets the Amur tigers in the BigCat & Large Mammal Experience

Adult keeper experiences meeting the Brazilian tapirs Signpost - page 23

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SHEPRETH WILDLIFE PARK

There are so many different animals to meet youwon't know where to start! Marvel at the sheer‘roar' power of the tigers in the Big Cat Houseor spy upon the mischievous primates onMonkey Island. Getting up, close and personalwith the residents of the park is what it's allabout. The park provides lots of uniqueexperiences from hand feeding the Ring-tailedlemurs to playing with meerkats in MeerkatManor. And for those under 18, the educationteam are on hand to amaze young minds withtheir ‘Bug Parties' where children can get a‘hands-on bug experience' in their very ownhome, or if you're the next Attenborough andenjoy exploring all things wild, then 'JuniorConservationist' is just for you! For those whoare a little more adventurous why not try atbeing a real-life Animal ‘Keeper for a Day' withthe unique opportunity to shadow anexperienced member of the animal team.

No visit to the Park is complete without visitingthe Nocturnal House. Get to know the bats intheir darkened cave where they free range,swooping just inches from your head! For those

afraid of what inhabits the dark, why not trysomething a little friendlier - what about hand-feeding the ponies, sheep, deer, wallaby andducks or even the fish in the lake! Youngchildren just love Bunny Land, while the olderchildren and adults can enjoy one of the manytalks and events scheduled throughout the day.

Visitors can also explore the alien world of fish,reptiles and invertebrates in ‘Waterworld & BugCity', better still why not conquer yourarachnophobia at one of the hands-onexperiences in this wondrous and exotic indoorattraction.

In between your animal encounters you shouldvisit the gift shop, and if you build up a ‘lion's'appetite take a trip to Ringo's Play Barn, whereyou will find a cafeteria to sit and relax whileyour little ones can let off steam in the indooradventure play area, or if the sun is shining,watch outside as they play on the pirate ship orbe ‘king of the castle' on this mighty buildingcomplete with tube slide, noughts & crosses andclimbing frame.

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Amba showing teeth Minstrel the Black andWhite Ruffed Lemur

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Shepreth Wildlife Park continues to grow fromstrength to strength every year. A far cry fromwhen it first opened its doors in 1979, to a younginjured jackdaw in its days as a private wildanimal sanctuary.

Since 1984, the park has been open to the publicto help maintain its good work. Many of theother exotic animals you see today have arrivedfrom other animal collections which closeddown, were unwanted pets or are part of the

European Breeding Programmes to conservespecies in the wild.

One trip to this wildlife haven just simply isn'tenough, and this is where the Shepreth WildlifePark 'Family Discount' card is on hand. For just£10, anybody named on the card can explore thepark at a significantly reduced price again andagain throughout the year!

www.sheprethwildlifepark.co.uk

Darma and Tico the Short-clawed otters Rubro the White-lipped Tamarin

Amba’s winter coat

Museum of ClassicalArchaeology

Often referred to as the ‘Ark’, the museum is oneof Cambridge’s hidden gems. It houses one ofthe largest collections of plaster casts of Greekand Roman statues in the world. Originallygathered in the late 19th century, it remains amarvellous way to experience these masterpiecesof ancient art. There is a regular programme offamily holiday activities, and a schools andcolleges programme including talks, tours,teaching and storytelling.

Sidgwick Avenue01223 335153www.classics.cam.ac.uk/museumOpen Monday–Friday 10–5Saturday 10–1 (term-time only)Schools and groups must book in advanceFREE! entry to all the University Museums

Kettle’s Yard

Kettle's Yard is the beautiful former home ofJim Ede, once a curator at the Tate Gallery. Ithouses a collection of 20th century artincluding works by Henry Moore, BarbaraHepworth, Alfred Wallis, Ben and WinifredNicholson, Christopher Wood and HenriGaudier-Breszka. Next door is a gallery thatpresents contemporary and modern artexhibitions. There is a wide programme ofevents including concerts, talks andworkshops.

Castle Street01223 748100www.kettlesyard.co.ukGallery: Open Tuesday–Sunday and BankHoliday Mondays 1-5pmHouse: Open Tuesday–Sunday 2-4pm (extendedopening in the summer)

Please note that a new Education Wing is beingbuilt in 2012, and there will be some disruption.Parts of the house may be closed from April2012. The gallery is reduced during buildingwork but there will still be collection related'Artist in focus' displays and works bycontemporary artists.FREE! entry to all the University Museums

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CAMBRIDGE’SMUSEUMS

Museum of Zoology

With its spectacular whale skeleton hanging overthe entrance, the Museum of Zoology is hometo a huge variety of recent and fossil animals.With intricately beautiful shells, a comprehensivecollection of British birds, and many largeskeletons of mammals, the displays trace theevolution of animal life. Regularly changing freeself-led trails and activities are always availablefor families. Events include art andphotographic exhibitions, talks and family fundays.

Downing Street01223 336650www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.ukOpen Monday–Friday 10–4.45Saturdays 11–4Closed some Bank HolidaysFREE! entry to all the University Museums

The Polar Museum

Founded in 1920 as the national memorial toCaptain RF Scott and his companions whoperished on their return from the South Pole, theMuseum has recently undergone a £2millionrefurbishment. It houses collections on allaspects of life in the polar regions, exploration,history and modern polar science. A fascinatingrange of permanent and temporary exhibits –from penguins to kayaks, from Inuit art to thediaries of Antarctic explorers, sledges,equipment, photographs and much more – is ondisplay, just ten minutes walk from the citycentre.Lensfield Road01223 336540www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museumOpen Tuesday–Saturday 10–4Closed on Bank Holiday weekends

FREE! entry to all the University Museums

Museum of Archaeologyand Anthropology

Experience the diversity of people and culturesfrom around the world. Some of the highlightsare Pacific material collected on Captain Cook’svoyages of exploration and the 14-metre-hightotem pole from Canada. Due to an ambitiousprogramme of modernisation, the museum willbe closed until early summer 2012. Please checkthe website for updates on the re-opening or callus before your visit.Downing Street01223 333516www.maa.cam.ac.ukOpen Tuesday–Saturday 10.30–16.30Closed on Bank HolidaysFREE! entry to all the University Museums

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Sedgwick Museum of EarthSciences

As you walk through the Sedgwick Museum’sgalleries, you pass through more than 500million years of the history of life on Earth.Highlights include a 125,000 year old hippofound in Cambridgeshire, giant marine reptiles,minerals, rocks, dinosaurs, fossil sea creaturesdating back hundreds of millions of years, anda new exhibition ‘Darwin the Geologist’.Downing Street01223 333456www.sedgwickmuseum.orgOpen Monday–Friday 10–1 and 2–5Saturday 10–4Closed on Bank HolidaysFREE! entry to all the University Museums

Whipple Museumof the History of Science

Here you will find a fascinating array ofscientific instruments dating from the MiddleAges to the present day. Cambridge haslongbeen a centre for scientific work.Microscopes, telescopes and laboratoryequipment demonstrate the vitality of pastscience, whilethe collections of pocketcalculators and slide rules reflect how scientificinstruments are important to us all.

Free School Lane01223 330906www.hps.cam.ac.uk/whippleOpen Monday–Friday 12.30–4.30Closed on Bank HolidaysFREE! entry to all the University Museums

Cambridge & County FolkMuseum

A vibrant gem of a museum which brings thecolourful history of Cambridge to life! Eachthemed room in this 17th century building isfilled with intriguing objects, some dating backto the 1600s. Discover the fascinating world ofthe fens and its folklore, and explore Cambridgehome life, childhood and trades through a rangeof interactive displays. This family friendlyMuseum offers temporary exhibitions, eventsand talks throughout the year along with a shopspecialising in unique locally made gifts.

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Castle Street01223 355159www.folkmuseum.org.uk

Open Tuesday to Saturday: 10:30 - 17:00Sunday: 14:00 - 17:00Closed between Christmas Eve and New Year'sDay inclusiveAdults £3.50, Concessions £2, Children £1 One free child with every full paying adult

Cambridge Museum ofTechnology

Best known for its landmark chimneywhich towers over Riverside, themuseum is home to a fascinating rangeof locally produced technology.Massive pumping engines and intricatescientific instruments all jostle for yourattention. The museum’s home inCambridge’s Victorian pumpingstation is an exhibit in itself. Back inthe 1890s it provided an ingenioussolution to the town’s two stinkingproblems: rubbish and sewage. Themuseum runs a full programme ofevents throughout the year includingsteam days when we light the boilerand our sleeping giant engines comeback to life.

Riverside, Cambridge01223 368650 (answering machine)www.museumoftechnology.com

Open Easter to October, Sundays 2-5pmNovember to Easter, first Sunday in the month2-5pm

Adults: £3.50 non steam days, £5.50 steam daysConcessions: £2.00 non-steam days, £3.50 steamdaysChildren 7 and over £1.50 non steam, £3 steam

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Located in the heart of Cambridge, andoccupying an extraordinary historic buildinghousing almost half a million objects, theFitzwilliam Museum has been hailed as ‘one ofthe great treasure houses of Britain’ – andadmission is completely free.

Founded in 1816, the Museum houses theUniversity of Cambridge’s extensive collectionof art and antiquities. It owes its foundation toRichard, VII Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrionwho, in 1816, bequeathed to the University ofCambridge his works of art and library, togetherwith funds to house them, to further "theIncrease of Learning and other great Objects ofthat Noble Foundation". From Egyptian coffins

to Impressionist masterpieces; illuminatedmanuscripts to Renaissance sculpture; rare coinsand medals to Oriental applied arts - theseworld-class collections of art and antiquitiesspan centuries and civilizations.

Visitors can discover a fine collection ofpaintings, drawings and prints boasting work byTitian, da Vinci, van Dyck, Ruebens, Breughel,Rembrandt, Canaletto, Dürer and Constable,with masterworks of French Impressionism byMatisse, Degas, Monet and Renoir and Pre-Raphaelite treasures by Millais, Rossetti andHolman Hunt. The Fitzwilliam also presents artfrom the 20th and 21st centuries, including workby Pablo Picasso, Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer,

THE FITZWILLIAM

MUSEUM, CAMBRIDGE

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and Howard Hodgkin. Elsewhere within theMuseum, the superb antiquities collection rangesfrom Ancient Egyptian sarcophagi and funeraryfigurines to Roman sculpture, including Greekvases, mosaic, and artefacts from AncientCyprus and Nubia. The Fitzwilliam contains an extraordinarycollection of manuscripts, including beautifuland rare medieval illuminated books from theMiddle Ages, as well as literary manuscripts byKeats and Hardy and original musical scores byMozart and Handel. A striking collection ofcoins and medals is also on offer, from the veryearliest examples to contemporary art medals, aswell as outstanding collections of Orientaland applied arts, with pottery, porcelain, andone of the most significant collections ofKorean ceramics outside South-East Asia.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is the perfect placefor a family day out, with year-roundactivities, workshops and trails for visitors ofall ages – often completely free. The firstSaturday of every month is ‘Family FirstSaturday’ at the Fitzwilliam, when familiescan visit the Fitz Family Welcome Point andcollect drawing materials, activities and trailsto use throughout the Museum. Families canalso pick up a free ‘FitzKit’ activity box all

year round from the entrance desks, containingdrawing materials and actitivies to lead youngervisitors on an exciting trail around the Museum’sgalleries. For adults, the Museum offers a widerange of activities, including free lunchtimetalks, curators’ tours and workshops led byexperts.

Visitors to the Fitzwilliam Museum can take abreak from the galleries in the Courtyard Cafe,which has a tempting variety of food and drink,from coffee and cake to filling hot dishes. Theadjacent Courtyard Shop is a treasure trove ofstriking and unusual gifts for all ages, offeringpostcards, greetings cards, calendars, posters,

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books, cards, stationary, crockery, scarves,distinctive jewellery and more.

Major ExhibitionsFollowing on from the success of 2011’s ‘mustsee’ exhibition: Vermeer’s Women: Secrets andSilence, which received 20,000 visitors within thefirst three weeks of opening. The FitzwilliamMuseum is set to showcase an even biggerexhibition in Spring 2012: The Search forImmortality: Tomb Treasures of Han China.Featuring nearly 400 priceless treasures from the

Imperial tombs of the Han Dynasty, thisincredible show will be the most importantdisplay of ancient Chinese royal treasures everseen outside China, brought together exclusivelyfor this Cambridge venue.

Custom Print SiteAfter visiting the museum, if you would like toorder an extra special gift you can do so from anew custom print site:www.fitzwilliamprints.com The site includes over 600 images from the collection available to buy as unframed andframed prints, canvases, bespoke mugs,postcards and gift cards. Images will regularly beadded to the site, so if you don’t see the pictureyou want contact the Image Library for moreinformation: [email protected]

Telephone 01223 332900www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

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All images © The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

Located just off the A10 between Cambridgeand Ely, this remarkable collection of beautifulhistoric buildings tells the story of ruralCambridgeshire through the centuries. At theheart of the site is the stunning Denny Abbeyitself. Benedictine monks, Franciscan nuns,Knights Templars and Cambridgeshire farmershave all lived and worked here. The abbey’smany rooms reveal their worlds.

Farmyard buildings next door house fascinatingdisplays on farming, traditional crafts and trades.Our cottage takes you back to the 1940s,complete with outdoor privy and cottage garden.Experience a delightful natural setting- rich witharchaeological remains and loads of space to runfree.

The Farmland Museum at Denny makes for theperfect place for a family day out, with jam-packed activities and a special events programmerunning throughout the year. 2012 sees themuseum celebrating events such as Easter withits traditional Easter bonnet parade and Junesees the return of our popular 1940s Farm andCountry Fair for the Diamond Jubilee BankHoliday. In the summer, younger visitors canalso discover Denny’s past at our archaeologyday as part of the Festival of British

Archaeology and help the museum celebrateLondon 2012 with our own version of thegames! Any day you do visit, families can pick upour free activity packs at the entrance whichinclude drawing materials and fact sheets thathelp lead you around the buildings and a chanceto experience our regularly changing exhibitionprogramme. For adults, the museum provides asuperb selection of evening talks by localhistorians and artists, sociable outdoor craftsessions, and a range of weekend art workshopsincluding basketry, willow sculpture, plant dying,printing and jewellery making, all led by expertsand suitable for beginners.

Visitors can also find peaceful spots for picnicsor enjoy our range of homemade cakes and rolls,Fairtrade cream teas and locally sourced juices inour ‘Docky Box’ tearoom open on weekends,event days and children’s activity days. Themuseum shop presents an affordable range ofunique gifts and crafts made by local artists andworkshop tutors, plus pocket money toys forchildren, postcards, souvenir guidebooks, books,cds and dvds, handmade cards and much more.

Telephone 01223 860988www.dennyfarmlandmuseum.org.uk


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FARMLAND MUSEUM &DENNY ABBEY

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In 1966 a small group of enthusiastic peopleconcerned over the possible loss of any record,in words or artefacts, of the history of TheNorfolk and Suffolk Broads, decided to establisha museum.

The original President and Chairman are still inpost and as enthusiastic and active as ever today.There is a large band of “Friends” who supportThe Museum who live both locally and alsospread all over Britain.

It was housed, until 2000, at Potter Heigham inone the old Herbert Woods boat sheds, thenmoved to The Poors Staithe at Stalham.

The main Wherry and Marshman buildings arein what were warehouses for the goods carriedby the trading wherries from Great Yarmouth,

housing a faithful life-size reproduction of a“cuddy” in which the wherrymen lived on boardtheir boats. The office was added at some timeas a shop to sell domestic goods to thewherrymen, now the reception area, tea roomand shop for the modern visitors

The Marshman’s Building is dedicated to thelives and crafts of these men and the products oftheir labours, “the best thatching reed in theworld”. The drainage of the land by windpumps, and later works to improve the waterquality are also illustrated, along with examplesof local wild-life.

The Discovery Building contains a time-lineputting the development of The Broads in itshistorical context. There are several hands-onmodels to demonstrate how bits of boats work,

MUSEUM OF THE

BROADS

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alongside painting and colouring equipment forthe younger visitors to use. Also a video isrunning giving the evolutionary history of theearly broads, explaining how it was discoveredthat they were man made.

The Boat Shed houses the larger exhibitsincluding Maria, a Lateener, “the fastest racingyacht on the Broads in the 19th. century”, an“Airborne Lifeboat” designed by Uffa Fox, thefamous yacht designer, many of which werebuilt at Potter Heigham and saved the lives ofnumerous aircrew in W.W.2.

Outside, under covered areas, is a collection ofsignificant boats, including a Commissioners’Launch, a fore-runner of those policing theBroads nowadays for the Broads Authority, oneof the early wooden Wayfarer dinghies built inWroxham, and a unique “Weed Cutting” boat.

There is also a Victorian “gentleman’s steamlaunch”, built for the owner of Lacon’s Breweryin Gt. Yarmouth. Now restored, she is availablefor trips on the river on Tuesdays, Wednesdaysand Thursdays, plus private hire for special occasions.

There are approximately 50 volunteers whoeither man reception or carry out all therefurbishment and domestic maintenance of thebuildings and their precious contents. Over thelast few years they have made majorimprovements to the site, for both thecollections and visitors.

Also now available are Audio Guides which givedetails, using the voices of Museum volunteers,of the exhibits at numbered sites around the site,plus a “Touch Screen” system to enable visitorsaccess to stored items, such as boat plans,photographs, and magazine articles, whichcannot normally be put on display. Both thesesystems were enabled by generous grants fromlocal charitable trusts.”

For details visit the website: www.museumofthebroads.co.uk

The Museum is open daily from Easter to theend of October from 10.30am-5pm.

HRH Princess Anne inaugurating the Touch Screen

system on 30th. June 2011.A great day at the Museum.


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A 40 acre oasis just to the south of the Citycentre, the Cambridge University BotanicGarden is a haven of beautiful gardens &glasshouses, recommended by the RHS GardenFinder as an exceptionally attractive botanicgarden and ‘essential visiting for any gardenlover’.

This heritage-listed Garden was the vision ofProfessor John Henslow, teacher and guidinglight of Charles Darwin, and is today a treasuretrove of over 8,000 plant species, including ninenational collections and the finest arboretum inthe East of England.

The Garden has been designed for both year-round interest and seasonal inspiration. The treecollection forms the structural backbone to the Garden and encloses the plantings to form asecluded green retreat. The magnificent conifers

of the Main Walk create an awe-inspiringavenue, leading in one direction to a beautifulfountain designed by the respected cutler DavidMellor and in the other to a pair of ornate Gates that were originally the entrance to the muchsmaller, city-centre Botanic Garden before it re-opened on its current site in 1846. These lovely Gates were relocated at the end of the19th century.

The Garden is a natural outdoor classroom:guided tours of the seasonal highlights takeplace at 11am every first Saturday of the month(pre-booking advised on 01223 336265 or [email protected]) and drop-infamily workshops are held between 11am-3pmalso on every first Saturday.

Telephone 01223 336265www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

THE CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

BOTANIC GARDEN

The Rock Garden overlooks the lake at the Botanic Garden


CAMBRIDGESHIRE

WILDLIFE TRUSTBringing people together to take action forwildlife is the Trust’s mission. The Wildlife Trustmanages 128 nature reserves - all of them free tovisit – and 95% of the population live within fivemiles of one of their reserves. The Trust isworking to make these wildlife havens bigger,better and more joined-up – helping wildlifeadapt to a changing climate.

The West Cambridgeshire Hundreds Projectaims to enhance biodiversity in 4,000 hectares ofancient woodlands through improvedmanagement, expansion and linkage of habitats.

Reserves within this scheme include Buff Wood,Hardwick Wood, Hayley Wood and GamlingayWood. Visit these peaceful places to get your fillof bluebells in springtime. As well as improvingexisting ancient woodlands, the project willconnect these important areas by extendinghedgerows across the open countryside andwidening field margins.

Wonderful wildlife and open space to wander:this is the vision for the Cambridgeshire ChalkLiving Landscape, another of the Trust’s fourkey Living Landscape Schemes.

East Pit, part of Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, hasa range of wildlife interest including glow-worms and a breeding pair of peregrine falcons.

Visit www.wildlifebcn.org orhttp://twitter.com/wildlifebcn.org

To find out more about becoming a membertelephone 01954 713543 or email themembership team [email protected].

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Graffam Water © Pat Doody

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Ely is very proud of it's connection with eels asthe name Ely is derived from the Isle of Eelswhen the city was surrounded by water andmarshland.! Eels are still caught in the RiverGreat Ouse.! Smoked eels, now considered adelicacy can be purchased on Ely's awardwinning Farmers Market and dishes such as eelstew and eel pie can be regularly be found onseveral of the city's restaurant menus.

Nestled in the Fen countryside, Ely!makes anideal destination for a day visit or short breaklocation.! As the second smallest city in England,Ely is a hidden gem, which is often remarkedupon by our many visitors.! It is compact enoughto ensure that nowhere is too far to walk to, yetexpansive enough to fill a full day and more.!

For your day visit to Ely your first port of callwould be the medieval!Cathedral that dominatesthe landscape for miles around with it's famousOctagon tower.! Whilst in the Cathedral be sureto visit the Stained Glass Museum situated in theSouth Triforium!offering a colourful experienceof a stunning collection of stained glass and isthe only one of its kind in the country.

Ely's most famous resident is Oliver Cromwelland you will have the opportunity to visit theonly remaining home of Oliver Cromwell withthe exception of Hampton Court Palace inLondon.! The former Lord Protector lived withhis family in Ely for just over 10 years and thehouse has been transformed to give you aninsight into 17th century life.! Audio tours!bringthe story of this fascinating building to life.! The

ELY

house also doubles up as a Tourist InformationCentre.

For learning about Ely's past the Ely Museum issituated just two minutes from the Cathedral.! Atthe museum you will discover the story of Elyfrom prehistoric times to the twentieth century.The museum is housed in the city's former Gaol.

The riverside is also a hot spot for visitorswishing to relax and enjoy an afternoon tea ortake a boat trip or!even browse through the threestorey Antiques Centre.! Whilst at the riverside

we strongly recommend that you follow thecity's heritage public art Eel Trail that is anexcellent way of seeing the historic city at it'sbest.! This circular walk, self-guided by brass waymakers takes you past the oldest parts of Elyincorporating the beautiful riverside area andaward winning Jubilee gardens.

Group Tours Advisor 01353 616397 or Cromwell’s House 01353 662062www.visitely.org.ukwww.elycathedral.org

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Cromwell’s House

Cromwell’s Haunted Bedroom

Discover - Wildlife, FamilyFun Stunning Gardens, GreatShopping & Home CookedFood

There are so many ways to enjoy the beautifulsurroundings here at Pensthorpe, a reservefamous for hosting BBC Springwatch. Whetheryou want to explore the great wildlife walks,learn about our conservation projects, indulge ina spot of retail therapy, take lunch in ourCourtyard Café, or just enjoy some of the bestlocal gardens and birdlife for miles around, thereis something to suit every taste.

Wildlife

Pensthorpe takes it role as the 'Natural Centre ofNorfolk' very seriously: supporting a wide rangeof conservation activities, and addressing theparticular problems faced by a number ofendangered and vulnerable species. RedSquirrels, Corncrakes, Cranes and other rarebirds have all benefited from assistance from thePensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT), aregistered charity based on the reserve.

GardensFrom the structural beauty of the MillenniumGarden, to the lush foliage in the Wave Garden;the habitat-specific Wildlife Habitat Garden andthe more subtle, traditionally-managed floodplain of the Wildflower Meadow, Pensthorpe isable to provide year round colour and interest.

PENSTHORPE

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Pensthorpe Mill Garden

Family FunPensthorpe is a great place to get childreninvolved in wildlife and the great outdoors. Notonly is there a huge variety of birds and wildlifeto spot, but families can choose from a range ofactivities to engage everyone whatever their age.

Feed the birds at one of our specialist locations,or try your hand at pond dipping to discover justhow much fun is to be had in the countryside.

The new activity booklet encourages children toexplore the reserve and find out more about theplants, birds, animals and insects. Stampingstations posted throughout designated trailscoax children's curiosity, whether you choose tofollow the creepy-crawlies on the Bug WalkTrail, or the excitement of the Wildlife TrackerTrail.

Or if something a little less energetic is yourthing, the Wensum Discovery Tour* allows youto explore the reserve from the comfort of

ourspecially designed Land Rover and trailer.With up to four guided tours each day, there isample opportunity to take advantage of theexpert knowledge of our wardens.

*Seasonal Attraction, additional charge applies

What's HerePensthorpe is not just a great way to get close tonature and learn more about wildlife andconservation. There are plenty of opportunitiesto enjoy a little retail therapy too. Our superb giftshop offers some delightful and unusual optionsfor presents that are so nice you won't want togive them away. Or just indulge yourselfcompletely in our newly refurbished CourtyardCafé, whether you fancy a tasty light snack, ascrumptious cream tea or a delicious, fulllunchtime meal.

Telephone 01328 851465www.pensthorpe.com

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Pensthorpe tracker trail

Magic, mystery, imagination and adventure havealways been the order of the day atBeWILDerwood, the award-winning curioustreehouse adventure park in Norfolk. But thisyear the Twiggles and Boggles have beenbeavering away to ensure that when the gatesswing open for the year (from February halfterm 19th – 27th) visitors will be treated to evenmore treetop family fun and excitement thanever before.

As much as BeWILDerwood is famous foroutdoor adventures and safe play, it offersvisitors a wider cerebral experience whereimaginations run as WILD as the children (andmums and dads too!)

New for 2011 is daily storytelling on the park(weather permitting). Bold little adventurers canfind out more about the magicalBeWILDerwood world and the fascinatingcreatures who live there. The storytellingsessions are completely interactive, givingchildren the chance to dress up as the charactersfrom the famous BeWILDerwood books,bringing the mystical tales to life right beforetheir very eyes.

Literacy and storytelling have always beenimportant features of the park - creator TomBlofeld first breathed life into the concept ofBeWILDerwood within the pages of his popularbooks (A Boggle at BeWILDerwood, TheBeWILDerBats, The Ballad of BeWILDerwoodand A BeWILDermuddle). That’s why in 2011we’re celebrating the educational and imaginativeelements of the park, and storytelling willbecome an even more important part of theBeWILDerwood experience.

Also new for 2011 is the Big Hat, a giant hidingplace with a pointy top that’s filled with lots ofhandy places to rest tired feet on splishy, splashywet days.

Aside from the park’s new additions, it remains a‘plastic-free’ environment of magical treehouses, zip wires, wobbly bridges, mazes, swingropes and Toddlewood, three miniatureplayground areas for toddlers. Take a boat acrossthe Scaaaaary Lake, try your luck on the TrickyTunnels or slip and slide down the SlipperySlopes. It’s a full day out, inspired by thecharacters and adventures from theBeWILDerwood books, including Swampy,Mildred the Crocklebog and the ThornyclodSpider.

BEWILDERWOOD

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Jo Artherton, BeWILDerwood’s MarketingManager, said: “2011 is set to be an exciting yearfor BeWILDerwood. We’re well known as anactive, outdoorsy family destination and nowwe’re in a position to establish the educationalside of the park, particularly as last year TomBlofeld published A BeWILDermuddle, thethird and latest book in the BeWILDerwoodseries. We want children to be inspired andmotivated both physically and mentally, and weaim to further bring to life the magic ofBeWILDerwood”.

In 2011 there will be popular annual events suchas BeWILDermum’s Day on 3rd April andBeWILDerdad’s Day, on 19th June. Bring yourmum or dad for free (mums on Mother’s Day,dads on Father’s Day) and make them a specialpresent to take home!

BeWILDerwood is also planning a host ofbigger and more thrilling events than everbefore. These include Mildred’s CrocklebogCapers from 22nd – 29th August, a celebrationof all things crocklebog; and Snagglefang’sSpooky Spectacular from 24th – 30th October, aseriously spooktacular event where you candress up, make magical masks and lanterns andtake part in the mysterious lantern parade atdusk.

Online booking still remains the quickest andeasiest way to enter the park. It means visitorscan book their tickets online, bring a referencenumber with them, and get into the park quicklywithout queuing - a real bonus during the park’sbusiest times.

BeWILDerwood has introduced gift vouchers,which are ideal for birthday presents. And theirAnnual Passes are great value if you are local ora regular visitor – and you can use them to getinto all the events free!

Last year, the park’s on-site shop underwent abig expansion and is now twice the size. It’spacked with fantastic gifts including books, softtoys, sweets, and a new range ofBeWILDerwood branded gifts.

For those with eyes bigger than their bellies,BeWILDerwood has a fantastic selection ofyummy hot and cold food as well as snacksavailable on the park. All food is organic, wherepossible, and locally sourced with plenty ofhealthy options too, giving families lots ofchoice.

With so much more to offer, and the focusfirmly on environmental and educational issues,BeWILDerwood is perfect for a family day outin 2011.

BeWILDerwood is located in woodland off theA1062 near Wroxham, situated near thebeautiful surrounding of Hoveton Little Broad.

For more information about BeWILDerwoodand all the events in 2011 visitwww.bewilderwood.co.uk or call 01603 783900.


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County Signpost

Lakenheath FenLakenheath Fen has a great story to tell. It usedto be carrot fields in a vast tract of arable land,but now it is returned to reedbed and grazingmarsh, making a real haven for wildlife great andsmall.

In spring, the reedbeds teem with wildlife. Youmight hear one of the rare and elusive bitternsbooming or catch a glimpse of dainty, melodiousreed warblers and sedge warblers as they flitthrough the landscape. Listen out too for thebeautiful song of golden orioles as you wanderpast the poplar woods. In early summer, hobbiescatch insects high over the marshes and youngmarsh harriers and bearded tits can be seentaking their first tentative flights amongst acolourful array of wetland plants and flowers. Inwinter, you may be lucky enough to steal a glanceat an iridescent kingfisher or witness majesticbarn owls in silent flight as they hunt near thevisitor centre.

As well as lots of easy paths to explore, trailguides and explorer backpacks are available tohelp identify and enjoy the abundance of wildlifeyou will encounter on your visit.

Location: IP27 9AD, 5 miles West of Brandon,Suffolk

Directions: By road: B1112, just north ofLakenheath station. You can cycle or walk onthe Hereward Way from Brandon (4.5 miles). Bypublic transport: trains to Lakenheath (weekendsonly) or Brandon; Brecks Bus pre-bookedservice available at certain times (01638 608080).

Opening hours: Reserve: dawn until dusk, all year roundVisitor centre: 9am – 5pm daily

For more information visitwww.rspb.org.uk/lakenheathfen, or call 01842 863400.

THE RSPB IN

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

Fen Drayton LakesFen Drayton Lakes is the newest RSPB reservefound in Cambridgeshire. A complex of lakesand traditional riverside meadows adjacent to theRiver Great Ouse near St Ives, this landscapecreates a fantastic environment in which toexplore the county’s rich wildlife.

The reserve is widely regarded as one of the bestbirdwatching sites in the county, but there areplenty of wildlife spectacles that will keep theuninitiated enthralled.

During the spring, you will be treated to thesight of courting great crested grebes, nestingmute swans, geese and ducks coaxing theirdowny youngsters towards independent life.Flocks of migrating wading birds will bestopping off as they make their long journeynorth for the summer and a colourful array ofearly butterflies can be found throughout themeadows.

In summer why not take a relaxing riverside walkand watch damsel and dragonflies dance whileyou picnic?

The reserve attracts huge numbers of ducks,swans and geese onto the lakes in the coldermonths, and at this time of year you are alsolikely to catch sight of a starling ‘murmuration’,one of the UK's most incredible wildlifespectacles. Throughout autumn and winter,hundreds of thousands of starlings turn the skyblack just before dusk as the birds come togetherin huge clouds, wheeling, turning and swoopingin unison.

With so much to see, why not take the wholefamily for a day of exploration and activityaround this new wetland reserve?

Location: GR: TL352680, 8 miles South East ofSt Ives, Cambridgeshire

Directions: By road: Fen Drayton is easilyaccessed from the A14 via the signposted privateroadway which leaves the minor road betweenthe villages of Fen Drayton and Swavesey. OSExplorer 225. Bus services 1A, 553, 554, 555(Cambridge to Huntingdon), alight atFenstanton. Frequent, Monday to Saturday,hourly on Sunday. By cycle: National CycleNetwork route 51.

Opening hours: Reserve: at all times

For more information visitwww.rspb.org.uk/fendraytonlakes or call 01954 233260.

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Strumpshaw FenStrumpshaw Fen offers access to a stunningarray of Broadland habitats, including reedbeds,woods and meadows.

As you arrive at the reserve, the busy world willmelt away as you find yourself surrounded bythe sounds of nature. A visit to StrumpshawFen offers the chance to experience the iconiclandscape of the broads, and a wide variety oflocal wildlife.

In spring, stroll through our peaceful woodland,carpeted with bluebells. During a summermeander amongst the reedbeds, woodlands andorchid-rich meadows you could chance uponmarsh harriers, bitterns and kingfishers. Inspring and summer the reserve is home to astunning array of dragonflies and butterflies,and in June each year, Strumpshaw Fen is one ofthe only places left in the UK that you can seethe spectacular swallowtail butterfly.

The reserve is also home to a community ofotters often seen out about during the Autumn,hunting in the pools and river. And if you arevery lucky, you might catch sight of bittern,bearded tit and other shy wetland birds.

There's plenty for children to do, with activityrucksacks available, and a range of guided walksfor birdwatching beginners and old hands too. With so much to see and do, combined with thepeace and tranquillity of Norfolk’s naturallandscape, the term ‘getting away from it all’ hasnever been truer than during a visit toStrumpshaw Fen!

Location: NR13 4HS, 9 miles east of Norwich,Norfolk

Directions: By road: just off the A47, signpostedfrom Brundall. On the Yare Valley cycle route,Norwich – Reedham; quiet lanes linkStrumpshaw, Buckenham and Cantley. By publictransport: train to Brundall station 1.5 miles orBuckenham (weekends only) 1 mile; hourly busservice 17A from Norwich stops 0.5 miles fromthe reserve on the Brundall to StrumpshawRoad (not Sundays).

Opening hours: Reserve: dawn to dusk, all year round

For more information visitwww.rspb.org.uk/strumpshaw or call 01603715191.

THE RSPB IN NORFOLK

Titchwell MarshThis wetland nature reserve is situated on thebeautiful north Norfolk coast, and offers achance to see nature at its best. With a backdropof unforgettable sea views and big skies,summer brings a chance to relax as you watchmarsh harriers float serenely over the reeds.

Autumn and winter bring a stunning array ofwading birds, ducks and geese to the reserve’slagoons, many of which are taking a break onour shores during their long migratory journeysfrom faraway places including Siberia, Icelandand parts of Eastern Europe.

At any time of year, a walk from the visitorcentre down to the sandy beach takes you past arange of diverse habitats including reedbeds andshallow lagoons, offering the opportunity toexperience a fantastic variety of wildlife duringyour visit.

Trail guides for the reserve are available from thevisitors centre on arrival, and for the young atheart, our new ‘Spot it!’ guides are a fun way ofgetting to know some of the nature on ourreserve.

And with a visitor centre, shop, tea room sellingmeals and snacks and a raft of friendlyknowledgeable staff around every corner, thereis no better way to experience the greatoutdoors.

Location: PE31 8BB, 5 miles east ofHunstanton, Norfolk

Directions: By road: on the A149, betweenThornham and Titchwell villages. Close toNational Cycle Network route 1. By publictransport: frequent daily CoastHopper bus fromHunstanton and Sheringham stops at reserveentrance. On foot: footpaths from neighbouringvillages, Norfolk Coast Path at Thornham, ornew path along the A149.

Opening hours: Reserve: at all timesVisitor centre: 9.30am – 5pm (4pm midNovember – mid February)Tea Room: 9.30am – 4.30pm (4pm midNovember – mid February)

For more information visitwww.rspb.org.uk/titchwellmarsh, or call 01485210779


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