GATHR

Flying slightly below the tourist radar, gorgeous Ely (20 minutes’ drive) is just the place to kickstart your local explorations. Admire the distinctive octagonal tower and visit the Stained Glass Museum in the handsome 11th-century cathedral, see the half-timbered family home of Oliver Cromwell and have a wander along the scenic banks of the River Great Ouse. Once in Ely, you can up your green credentials by abandoning your vehicle and taking the train to Cambridge (20 minutes by train/40 minutes’ drive); have a nose around the spectacular university colleges, dip into contemporary art at Kettle’s Yard and see great paintings from across the world at the Fitzwilliam Museum. Need a break from culture? Go punting on the River Cam. When you’d rather stick with rural pursuits, you may get lucky and spot hen harriers at National Trust - Wicken Fen Nature Reserve (20 minutes’ drive), where there are Highland cattle and Konik ponies grazing freely. Kids with you? Have a splash around on the floating obstacle courses at Cambridge Aqua Park (open in summer only).