Fun Days Out
A visit to the races is perfect for the whole family. Newmarket racecourse is packed with things to do including Newmarket's Summer Saturdays to keep the children fully entertained and concerts showing big name acts. There are also two restaurants onsite serving delicious foods.
Trace the story of racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern heroes. Marvel at the head of Persimmon, Royal Derby winner in 1896, and a special display about Victorian jockey Fred Archer, featuring the pistol he used to take his life.
Go Ape at Thetford gives the ultimate in outdoor fun and adventure up amongst the trees. It is located off the beaten track, in the heart of a pine forest that covers 50,000 acres offering ample space and thirty miles of bike and cycle trails, for your use, so don't forget to explore the forest whilst here. There is so much on offer, with a Segway experience, Tarzan Swing, Alpine Zip, Treetop Adventures, there is one to suit both little and bigger adventurers. Safety is paramount and a briefing and run down on the equipment is given before you start your activity, as well as a practise sessions before you head off. They provide all equipment and it is in excellent order and well maintained. The staff are great, so friendly, professional, patient and enthusiastic. There are activities to cater to all age groups making it an ideal family day out, if you take the children here, they will love you. It is well organised and run so your day will go smoothly. Go Ape at Thetford offers a unique experience, complete with fun, laughs and excitement and plenty of challenges and obstacles to overcome but the result is a sense of achievement and satisfaction as well as a memorable experience for all who take part. You will certainly want to return again to maybe try some other activity, highly recommended.
Church Farm has something for everyone. Play areas, nature walks, petting pens and tractor rides are among the many activities offered here. Bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in the Café. A visit to Church Farm is tremendous fun, whatever the weather!
Local Attractions
A labour of love, the restoration of this delightful theatre was largely achieved by the efforts of the members of Nomads (Newmarket Operatic, Musical and Dramatic Society). See website for details of events.
Elveden Estate offers a unique gourmet food experience, it has so much on offer with its restaurant, inn and shop, all set around a delightful courtyard. It is ideally located outside of the town, offering you the opportunity to relax in the peaceful and picturesque surroundings, take in the wildlife and savour the fresh air. Elveden Courtyard is home to their restaurant which, is open daily all year round and uses their own home grown seasonal produce in the kitchens, creating a selection of seasonal dishes that are fresh, wholesome and delicious and most importantly reasonably priced, a lovely eatery. Elveden Inn is warm and welcoming, with cosy furnishings, you enjoy also enjoy their high quality traditional fresh dishes here amongst the pleasant surroundings. They run a regular pub quiz as well as a choice of other events during the year. On sale at the farm shop are a range of their products as well as a nice selection of quality and unique gifts and garden items, you will come away with much more than you intended! The staff throughout the estate are lovely, so welcoming, friendly and attentive, they really add to the overall experience and demonstrate what true customer service is. They also run a series of events and activities during the year, that are aimed at families so definitely worth checking to see what is on. They are now operating tours of the estate and the farm they will be about one to two hours in duration and will cover all aspects of the history of the estate, conservation and farming, they can also accommodate tours that cover more specific subjects if required, booking in advance is recommended. Elveden Estate is a truly peaceful place that offers first class dining with superb customer service and a unique and pleasant shopping experience, do not miss if you are in the area.
The Luxe Cinema is an independent cinema located in Cambridgeshire. This intimate and personal venue has a stylish interior and is incredibly comfortable and offers a relaxed environment to enjoy the range of movies they show, you can choose from a leather armchair or a two-seater sofa. The Luxe Lounge offers the perfect place to meet and enjoy pre and post film drinks and nibbles in the luxurious and elegant setting of the licenced bar. They show a diverse selection of films including blockbusters and a choice of indie and arthouse films. The amenities are first class, there is a huge screen and surround sound. The staff are very friendly and courteous and customer service is excellent. Prices are very reasonable for both tickets and refreshments, the Luxe Cinema offers so much more than the usual multiplexes, highly recommended.
This is a delightful 1.5 mile ride on Lord Braybrooke's private 10 1/4" gauge railway through Estate woodland — a great place for a family day out.
The Angles Theatre is an energetic and intimate community theatre, and is ideally located close to the town centre. It is also the eighth oldest working theatre in the country, this Georgian building dates back to 1793, it has a long and interesting history, and when you enter it is like stepping back in time. This theatre hosts a choice of quality professional and amateur arts events, with something to suit everyone and a real family venue, you are made to feel a part of the performance. It is a popular venue and performances do sell out quickly. The main arena is warm and welcoming and the seating is well laid out, so that there is no issue in seeing the stage and the acoustics are very good. The bar area has a nice friendly ambience and offers a great place to meet for pre and post performance drinks. The staff are all very friendly and helpful throughout. The Angles Theatre is a great little theatre with a diverse and interesting range of productions, great prices and a lovely community venue, definitely worth a visit.
Wisbech Yacht harbour has been extended in recent years extending its pontoon mooring facilities which, in turn has increased its popularity for small crafts. It is a statutory harbour and is now a 128 berth yacht harbour offering lots of modern facilities. Other benefits include the well equipped boatyard complete with 75-tonne boatlift. The harbour is well maintained and very clean. It is ideally located in the centre of the lovely and charming Georgian town of Wisbech, that has lots to offer to visitors. The town is only a short walk from the harbour and all the amenities it has.
Wisbech Town Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in Cambridgeshire and has an esteemed history. The playing grounds are located in the National Trust parkland connected to Peckover House, and the grounds are used solely for cricket purposes. The club is structured and professional and all coaching is carried out by trained and qualified coaches. It is a friendly club that is very welcoming and always looking to recruit new members or those who just want to come along and watch a match on a nice summers evening.
Wisbech Town Football Club was established in 1920 and is located at the Fenland Stadium. The new club houses has great facilities, it is bright and welcoming with a friendly atmosphere. The bar is well stocked and has plenty of staff on match days and the prices are very reasonable. It is a semi-professional club that has had a lot of success over the years.
Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere and take a ride on an award winning period country railway. A pretty line, relocated station buildings, signal boxes and bridges, all lovingly restored and rebuilt.
Majestic Cinema is located in a beautiful historic listed building in the centre of the town. Inside it retains its original integrity with many of its original features remaining, the auditorium is in a studio style, the seats are comfortable, with lots of leg room and it has all the latest technology making for a great cinema experience. The ticket prices are very good value as are the snacks and drinks, cheaper then at the usual chain cinemas and multiplex's. Also there is a small bar area where you can have a drink before the film. They show all the latest blockbusters. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the cinema is clean and the facilities well maintained. A delightful cinema that is full of character, offers great movies at great prices not to be missed.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Take a glimpse into the past at this unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village built on the original settlement site, which was occupied from 420?650 AD. Archaeological finds from the site are on display in a specially built Anglo-Saxon Centre.
For a chance to see an 11th century manor house take some time out to visit Weeting Castle. Packed full of history and used right up until the 18th century this is a memorable experience. Let your imagination wander and take yourself to all those years ago when the castle was in action.
One of the more eccentric of stately homes and topped by a massive rotunda, Ickworth was built for the 4th Earl of Bristol in 1795 to house all his art treasures. Paintings by Titian, Gainsborough and Velazquez are on display. (Dogs on leads allowed)
St Edmundsbury became a cathedral in 1914. However, there has been a structure of worship on the site for over 1000 years. A site of pilgrimage, it was only after the death of Edmund, King of the East Angles in 869 that an abbey was built. This new building contained Edmund's remains and St. James Church was built within the precincts at a later date. This beautiful cathedral which is so steeped in history is well worth a visit.
Oxburgh Hall is a 15th century moated manor house that was constructed by the Bedingfeld family and they still reside in this charming house. It is a majestic building with many stunning features not least the stunning gardens that surround the property. The house is elegant and has many fine features including, the antique furnishings, tapestries, gilded leather wallpaper and furniture, fine paintings, as well as more unusual features like the secret priest's hole, that you can climb inside, this relates back to the families Catholic history, amazing needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots in addition to the private chapel that was constructed with reclaimed materials. There are tours of the house available which, can be arranged in advance or you can take the audio tour of the house and garden. The tour guides are friendly and knowledgeable and pitch the tours at just the right level, with different stories and anecdotes. From the gatehouse roof you get the most stunning views of the estate and beyond. The house is open throughout the year on weekends but from the end of February through to the end of October it opens every day except Thursdays, there is a charge for entry to the house, or you can purchase a combination ticket for both the house and gardens. The Old Kitchen tea room serves a nice selection of hot and cold beverages and light snacks, it is located outdoors but there are picnic benches that you can use. The gift shop has a nice selection of local Norfolk goods as well as second-hand books and plants for sale. The house has a lot of step steps so not suitable for those with mobility issues. Oxburgh Hall is an unusual historic property with many alluring rooms and features and a rich history that makes for an interesting property to visit, definitely would recommend if you are in the area.
To experience a taste of life in the Tudor era; visit this museum. Situated inside an enchanting crooked house you can view many collections, using a audio guide and learn about Thetford and the Brecks. Admire the period garden an have a go at brass rubbing. Also, take some time to visit the brand new shop.
Dad's Army Museum is located in the Old Fire Station, in the centre of the town, the actual station was used in a number of episodes on this popular and classic television show. The guided tours are very good, the guides pitch the tour at just the right level and have lots of anecdotes that add to the tour experience. Owing to the immense popularity of these tours it was decided that a museum be opened back in 2007. Housed here and on display is a range of memorabilia and artefacts relating to the TV show, including scripts, behind the scene photos and props, the exhibits are well laid out, and the museum also covers local history. It also proudly boasts a life size bronze statue of Captain Manwaring, and on occasions the original Jones's butcher van can be found here. Over the years owing to its continuing popularity they have extended the premises, it now is home to the Marigold Tea Rooms, here you can enjoy a beverage and light snack in the warm and cosy surroundings. The museum is open from end of March through to November on a Tuesday and a Saturday, in July, August and September. Appointments outside of these times can be made by prior arrangement. There is no charge to enter the museum but there is a small charge for the guided tour. The museum is operated by volunteers who you will find to be friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and they will happily answer any questions you might have. There is also a shop that sells a nice selection of merchandise including, gifts, clothes, stationery and other exclusive goods pertaining to Dad' Army, items can also be purchased from their web shop. You don't have to be a Dad's Army fan to enjoy this museum, it is very informative and interesting, worth a visit if you are in the area.
St Peter and St Paul church has a long history being established back in 1187. It is conveniently located in the centre of the old part of the city. It is an unusual building for its time, this Norman church has been extended over the years and consists of twin naves and identical dual chancels, as well as a North and south aisle and a west tower. The result is a broad and bright interior, that is equally interesting with a number of noteworthy features including, a set of mediaeval misericords or "mercy seats'' that are located close to the altar, a life-sized brass of Sir Thomas de Braunstone, Victorian stained glass windows, the chancel is home to a number of intriguing Jacobean painted monuments as well as a large Royal Coat of Arms that dates to the 17th century. Annually a Rose Fair is held in the beautiful gardens outside, it lasts for four days and there are lots of stalls and floral displays and attracts thousands of visitors, a really popular event. St Peter and St Paul Church is very welcoming to visitors and is a delightful church, offering a place of reelection and tranquillity, there is lots to see here with its many striking features and unusual layout, definitely worth a visit.
Wisbech War Memorial is positioned next to Wisbech Castle, this Grade II listed monument was erected to honour the missing and killed citizens of Wisbech who fought in World War I and World War II. The memorial dates back to 1921 and contains a total of 450 people recorded on the war memorial. The area is well maintained, clean and tidy and has a pretty garden behind it. Wisbech War Memorial offers a place to contemplate and remember those who gave their lives to protect others.
Peckover House is a charming Georgian town house with a delightful walled garden, that is located on the banks of the River Nene. The house was resided in by the Peckover family for more than 150 years, they were strict Quakers and lived a very basic lifestyle despite them having an extremely successful business in private banking. The house is elegant and beautiful, full of redeeming features with intricate plaster work, wood panelling, fine furniture and furnishings, and many wonderful paintings and ornaments. The gardens extend to two acres and are resplendent in the summer when in full bloom and the scents are glorious. The gardens consist of an orangery, summer-houses, croquet lawn and rose garden that has more than sixty species of rose. Located at the bottom of the garden is the Reed Barn and it is here that you will find the tea rooms they are warm and welcoming and serves a nice selection of beverages , light lunches and afternoon tea, the cakes are delicious and it offers good value for money, and the service is very good. The staff throughout are very friendly and obliging and will happily answer any questions you might have. They operate a "behind the scene tour", this incorporates areas that you do not normally see including the cellar, and the roof that affords wonderful views over the gardens and local area. The house and gardens are open throughout the year but only at weekends in the winter and there is a charge for entry. There is no parking at the house but there is free parking nearby. Peckover house is exquisite, it is beautifully maintained and preserved and a delight to walk around and the gardens are equally delightful, a real gem that you could spend several hours wandering around, highly recommended.
The Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum commemorates the beliefs and works of Octavia Hill, a significant Victorian, an artist and a primary supporter of affordable housing. Birthplace House was constructed around 1740 and is situated on Wisbech's South Brink. This Grade II listed building is of particular architectural and historic importance as well as being Octavia's Hill home. This intimate museum is well laid out and there is lots of exhibits and information regarding her beliefs and works as well as her "Commonplace Book", where she recorded readings and lectures she attended. The museum also incorporates information on her family members and her associates. The "Victorian Cellar" demonstrates the desperate living conditions of people at this time in history. The museum is very informative and interesting and portrayed in a light-hearted way, it gives you a real insight into the struggles involved in establishing social housing and social reform, there is lots of reading involved if you want to find out all about the advancements they made. Outside is a small but pleasant garden where the toilets are located as well as a lovely little tea room, where they serve a nice selection of beverages, snacks and light lunches that are great value for money. Staff are friendly and helpful. The Octavia Hill Society arranges a series of events during the year and it is worth looking out for these. The Octavia Hill Birthplace Museum is a real gem from the house to the contents, it is so interesting and makes for an enjoyable visit, highly recommended.
Wisbech Council Chambers are located at the old Corn Exchange building, it has been used for this purpose since 1835 and continues to serve the local people. Inside you will find a selection of interesting local history items, including pictures and maps relevant to the area. In addition there is a unique collection of paintings on show dating to the nineteenth century and are of persons connected with the Borough and Town of Wisbech. Also available here are town guides. There is no charge to enter the chamber and it is open daily Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. There are steps to gain access as well as a chair lift.
Wisbech Institute and Clocktower was constructed in the nineteenth century and is a dominant and recognisable landmark of the town. This historical and important building is in need of major restoration work to maintain it in the first instance and then to bring it back to its former glory, work has started on this process. It was originally called Alfred House and its purpose was to serve as a community house for the ordinary working folk and was the concept of Mr Jonathan Peckover. The house went through many changes and improvements over the years and some of the original rooms are still evident today, like the Committee Room complete with felt lined doors, also on show are silver cups that were found in the safe as well as documents relating to the building, all can be seen on a tour of the building. The Institute still continues to be a prominent community venue, it has served many purposes over the years but still remains true to its roots and continues to organise and run a series of community events and clubs. The Clocktower is a superb structure and is home to a set of Carillion Bells that emit a wonderful sound. The clock requires winding once a week by the caretaker. You can also view the Clocktower in small groups, access by by wooden steps so appropriate footwear is necessary. There is lots to see here, there are many rooms still with the original period features. Wisbech Institute and Clocktower is a fabulous historic building with an interesting history, definitely worth a visit to see this unique building. Also worth checking out the events that are on, the topics covered vary and the speakers are excellent, informative, passionate and enthusiastic.
Euston Hall - 23.7 Miles (37.9 KM)
Discover the splendour of this superb hall, home to the Dukes of Grafton for more than 300 years. Enjoy the beautiful interior and admire all the fabulous painting. Wander through the peaceful grounds and don't forget to see the church and watermill. Finally, relax in the quaint tea rooms with refreshments and delicious homemade cakes.
St. Augustine's Church dates back to 1869 when it was first constructed by local worshipers and it still remains an integral place of worship and reflection for its local residents. It was constructed in the early English style and is constructed of a celerestoried nave, aisles ad bellicot that is home to one bell, stained glass adorns the windows depicting and commemorating different events throughout time. They extend a warm and friendly welcome to all who pass through its doors. There are regular services during the week as well as special family adapted services throughout the year. It has a pleasant private rear garden where you can sit and enjoy the peace in the centre of the town.
Wisbech and Fenland Museum is one of the oldest museums in the country, having opened back in 1847. This intimate and original Victorian museum is housed in a beautiful building, the interior has lovely galleries and balconies. Originally the museum concentrated on collecting items pertaining to the natural sciences and flora and fauna, today it has grown and evolved to become home to a delightful collection of rare and unusual artefacts that narrate the history of the town from past to present as well as incorporating worldwide history too. The displays are well laid out and there is lots of information relating to the items on show. The museum is open Tuesday through to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm and there is no charge for admittance. There is a lift so the museum is accessible to everyone. There is a nice gift shop that is very reasonable and contains a nice selection of gifts, including, stationery, books and postcards. During the year they operate a number of events that are aimed at younger visitors they are fun and informative, and details can be obtained from their website. Staff are friendly and helpful and will gladly answer your questions. Wisbech and Fenland Museum is a real gem it has loads to see and you could easily pass several hours here, definitely worth a visit to see the rare and unusual items on display, including an original manuscript of Dickens' Great Expectations.
A superlative moated Tudor manor, Kentwell's restored interior includes a working Tudor kitchen and Hall with minstrels' gallery, while the gardens feature a Tudor Rose pavement maze and a Camera Obscura. Kentwell hosts historical Tudor and 1940s re-creations throughout the year.
Castle Acre - 29.3 Miles (46.9 KM)
Standing 5 miles north of Swaffham, today only ruins remain of the castle. There is a debate as to whether the walls of the rectangular building found at the top of the mound would have been strong enough to support a great keep such as Norwich or Castle Rising. Now a peaceful village, with traditional flint houses, it is well worth a visit.
Mountfitchet Castle & Norman Village of 1066 is the only motte and bailey castle in the world that has been faithfully reconstructed on its original site. Stroll through a Norman village, smell the smells and see what life would have been like for the people of the age. A living history museum, which is entirely interactive and fun for all the family.
