Cambridge, Ely & Nene Valley Railway

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!What's Included?
- Return coach travel- 4 nights at the Holiday Inn, Northampton (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast- Excursions to Ely, Cambridge & Stamford- Heritage train journey on the Nene Valley RailwayOptional excursion to Cambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) (£14pp)

Itinerary
Included ExcursionsEly & 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 17th-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 filmsOctopussyandGoldeneye!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 ExcursionCambridgeshire Villages (St Ives, Huntingdon & St Neots) - £14pp (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 18th-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 12th-century and you can go bargain hunting during your visit today, browsing everything from artisan products to clothing.

Cambridge
Discover beautiful façades, exquisite views, stunning architecture and so much more in the thriving city of Cambridge, famous for its historic university. Wander down Bridge Street, the main shopping thoroughfare, discover Kings College, where the magnificent Chapel is a perfect example of late Gothic architecture, or enjoy a relaxing punt ride on the picturesque River Cam.

Nene Valley Railway
The Nene Valley Railway is a delightful, preserved railway in Cambridgeshire and is one of the UK's leading steam attractions. Based at the charming Wansford station, the heritage railway is looked after by a group of loyal volunteers and runs alongside the River Nene through Yarwell, Orton Mere and Ferry Meadows Country Park to Peterborough.
Both British and continental steam locomotives are kept on this line, and the railway has also featured as the backdrop for the incredible stunts in the James Bond films Octopussy and Golden Eye!
A wonderful day out for all the family, a journey on the Nene Valley Railway is the perfect way to step back in time and experience the golden age of steam. Sit back and relax as you wind your way through the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside, enjoying the sights and sounds of steam travel along the way.
The lovely picnic area is open all year round, where you can watch the signalman operating the box at Wansford while the spectacular trains pass over the picturesque river, bridge and viaduct - cameras at the ready!

Stamford
Enjoy an excursion to the idyllic town of Stamford. Wander through the cobbled streets of the “finest stone town in England”, and discover the treasure trove of attractions on offer. From All Saints Brewery, All Saints Church, Barn Hill and the Stamford Art Centre to the relaxing beauty of Stamford Meadows and the historical delights at Stamford Museum. Whatever makes a great day out for you, Stamford promises it - there is so much to see and do in this popular town.Hotel Hotel
Holiday Inn, Northampton (JG3 rating)\n\nThis riverside Holiday Inn is located in Northampton and offers everything we need for a comfortable stay, including a games room, lounge/bar, restaurant, tennis court, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities.