- Heritage

Cecil Higgins Art Gallery

The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery is now closed for refurbishment. Work on the adjoining Bedford Gallery and Hexagon building is due to be completed in 2008 providing additional space for exhibitions, events and corporate hospitality…

Swiss Garden

Lord Ongley, is a late Regency garden and an outstanding example of the Swiss picturesque. The Swiss Cottage provides the main element for this unusual and atmospheric garden. It provides the principal aspect for a number of contrived vistas which lead the eye towards this attractive thatched structure. Interesting things to see in the garden are, a grotto and fernery, a thatched tree shelter, an Indian Pavilion, two ponds and many fine specimens of shrubs and conifers, plus some remarkable trees…

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Opened in 1846 by John Henslow, teacher and mentor of Charles Darwin, this heritage-listed garden displays over 8000 plant species in a beautifully-designed landscape. Important collections include species tulips, geraniums and lavenders, and the finest arboretum in the East of England. The Garden also boasts the magnificent Glasshouses, recently restored to their original glory, which are planted with flamboyant tropical plants, extraordinary cacti and other plants requiring winter protection. Delicate alpines on the Rock Garden, Lake and Water Gardens teeming with aquatic life, and fabulous herbaceous plantings throughout make for a great day out whilst model gardens including the Dry Garden and Winter Garden provide yearround inspiration for the keen gardener…

Oliver Cromwell's House

The former home of the Lord Protector, now Ely TIC…

Docwra's Manor Garden

Extensive garden around building dating from the 18th century…

Elton Hall

Sir Peter Proby rose to prominence during the reign of Elizabeth I and by the early 17th century had acquired land at Elton. His grandson, Sir Thomas, was the first member of the family to establish himself at Elton Hall and he built a charming Restoration house attached to the medieval buildings. Succesive generations, who later became the Earls of Carysfort, have added to the house greatly, both architecturally and artistically. The house has many fine paintings and furniture. The library is one of the best in private hands and includes Henry VIII’s prayer book. Since 1983 the garden has been energetically restored and includes finely clipped topiary, a stunning new flower garden, Millennium Orangery and Box Walk…

Ely Cathedral

A wonderful example of Romanesque architecture. Octagon and Lady Chapel are of special interest. Superb medieval domestic buildings surround the Cathedral. Stained Glass Museum. Brass rubbing. Octagon and West Tower tours peak season…

Octavia Hill's Birthplace House

A Grade II* listed Georgian house, in which Octavia Hill, social reformer and cofounder of the National Trust was born. Features for 2011 include a Victorian Chamber of Horrors, a history of social housing room, a National Trust room, Victorian tea room, garden and shop…

Island Hall

An important mid 18th century mansion of great charm, owned and restored by an award-winning interior designer. This family home has lovely Georgian rooms, with fine period detail, and interesting possessions relating to the owners’ ancestors since their first occupation of the house in 1800. A tranquil riverside setting with formal gardens and ornamental island forming part of the grounds in an area of Best Landscape. Octavia Hill wrote "This is the loveliest, dearest old house, I never was in such a one…

Kimbolton Castle

A late Stuart house, an adaptation of a 13th century fortified manor house, with evidence of Tudor modifications. The seat of the Earls and Dukes of Manchester 1615-1950, now a school. Katharine of Aragon died in the Queen’s Room - the setting for a scene in Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. 18th century rebuilding by Vanbrugh and Hawksmoor; Gatehouse by Robert Adam; the Pellegrini mural paintings on the Staircase, in the Chapel and in the Boudoir are the best examples in England of this gifted Venetian decorator. New Heritage Room…