Cambridge itself attracts visitors, students, professionals and academics from around the world, but beyond the University City lie towns and villages, wide open spaces, gentle waterways and wonderful cycling and walking country that comparatively few take time to discover. Engaging and unexpected, this is an informative guide that captures both the stand-out highlights and lesser-known attractions of this unique part of East Anglia.

Key information on where to go and stay, and what to eat, see and do is complemented by local expertise, with inclusion of interviews and insider tips from Cambridgeshire locals and area specialists. Active and slow exploration is included, with a range of walks, cycle routes and watersports – kayaking and paddle-boarding, and not just punting!

Historic towns, striking estates and monastic sites are featured, with places such as Ely, St Ives, Ramsey, Wimpole Hall, and Denny and Anglesey abbeys all coming under the spotlight. Then there’s the quintessential English villages like the Hemingfords and the Shelfords and the ancient earthworks of Fleam Dyke and Wandlebury Ring. Rounding off the picture, to the north and east of Cambridge are the intriguing, pancake-flat Fens, home to Britain’s lowest point, and Fenland towns such as Wisbech, Chatteris and March which were once islands. In contrast, to the south, the landscape changes to rolling chalk uplands, with the alluring Gog Magog Hills and the county’s highest point in Great Chishill.

Given its only city is known worldwide, Cambridgeshire and the Fens remain a surprising mystery to many who visit, but this new title from Bradt, with its relaxed, informal style, wide range of maps, and mix of practical and descriptive information, is the perfect way to lift the lid on one of the country’s most distinctive and attractive areas.

1 CAMBRIDGE & AROUND
Getting around, Cambridge, Stourbridge Common to Fleam Dyke, South of the city, Grantchester & the west

2 THE HEART OF HUNTINGDONSHIRE
Getting around, Along the Great Ouse, Woodhurst to Keyston, Grafham Water & the west

3 THE UPPER NENE VALLEY & GREAT NORTH ROAD
Getting around, Peterborough & Clare country, The Great North Road & around

4 FENLAND & GREAT FEN
Getting around, Wisbech & the Far North, Great Fen & Ramsey Abbey, March & the Ouse Washes

5 THE ISLE OF ELY & SOUTHERN FEN EDGE
Getting around, Ely & around, The southwest fen edge & Ouse Washes, The Cambridgeshire lodes

6 THE SOUTHERN HILLS
Getting around, Along the River Cam, The southeast, Wimpole & the west