2 Bedroom Lincolnshire & Cambridgeshire cottages

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Perhaps the flattest counties in England, the wide expanses of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire are made up of largely agricultural economies, much of their fenland countryside the result of land drainage which started in earnest with the assistance of Dutch experts during the 17^th century. The fens – natural marshlands – were drained of their moisture by redirecting the natural water courses and water levels, much of it to join the Great Ouse at King’s Lynn. The resulting soil is amongst the most fertile in the country, making it a particularly popular location for professional horticulturalists, vegetable farmers and flower growers.

Things to do in Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire
The Fens are often referred to as the ‘Holy Land of the English’, given their wealth of prominent churches, abbeys and cathedrals. Ely, Thorney, Peterborough, Crowland, Ramsey, Boston and Cambridge all boast significant and striking ecclesiastical buildings.

Top Destinations
Ely – Ely Cathedral is considered by many to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Mediaeval World, its asymmetrical towers dominating the low-lying fen landscape for miles around, and leading to its status as ‘the ship of the Fens’. The Isle of Ely was once a literal island, surrounded by fenland before the area was tamed and drained in the 7^th century. The railway trainlines snake gently into this, the third smallest city in England, bringing travellers from London, Cambridge and King’s Lynn. A small marina on the River Great Ouse, close to the centre of the town, allows river mariners to overhear the railway station platform announcements as the boats make their way up- and down-stream.

Spalding – Known as the ‘Heart of the Fens’ this market town is renowned as the centre of the bulb industry, with its annual Tulip Parade celebrating its links with this most Dutch of flowers. Its local community radio station is appropriated named ‘Tulip Radio’.

Louth – Self-proclaimed ‘capital of the Lincolnshire Wolds’, the market town of Louth is situated at the intersection of the ancient trackway of Barton Street and the River Lud. It is also on the Greenwich Meridian, a fact celebrated by a plaque on Eastgate. The spire of St James’ Church is a prominent local feature, and is reputed to be the tallest Anglican parish church in the UK.

Lincoln – The amazing silhouette of Lincoln Cathedral is visible up to 25 miles from this historic fenland city. With its dramatic Romanesque West Front, the cathedral has been a place of worship for almost a thousand years, providing a haven of peace and contemplation amidst this bustling modern city. Nearby, Lincoln Castle is one of the finest remaining Norman castles in the country, housing one of the last four copies of the Magna Carta, and continuing to draw visitors to regular events and historical re-enactments throughout the year.

Stamford – Situated 100 miles north of London, on the River Welland, the town is particularly noted for its distinctive, fine 17^th and 18^th century pale stone buildings, as well as a number of older, timber-framed houses and five mediaeval parish churches. Just outside the town, the parkland of the Burghley estate, laid out by Capability Brown, is now home to the annual, international, three-day eventing horse trials. Burghley House, one of the largest and grandest houses of the Elizabethan age, was built by Sir William Cecil, and took 32 years to construct. The house is still run by his descendents, and the estate is open to visitors for most of the year.

Peterborough – Near to a settlement founded by Romans as a fortified garrison on Ermine Street, Peterborough was transformed from a market town existence into an industrial centre by the coming of the Victorian railway, as it bisected the country on its route from London to York. A magnificent 13^th century cathedral, the 14^th century tower of Longthorpe - a fortified manor house , the ecological gem that is Flag Fen, and some fine retail shopping opportunities, are just some of the attractions available to modern visitors to this city, situated on the River Nene.

Boston – An historic and attractive market town, Boston is dominated by its famous ‘Boston Stump’ – the 271ft tower of the 14^th century St Botolph’s Church, which is visible from miles around, as the surrounding land is only a couple of metres above sea level. Situated near to the south-east coast, where the River Witham becomes the Haven on its way to the Wash, the town has long acted as a port, particularly handling agricultural and timber products.

Cambridge – Home to the second oldest university in the English-speaking world, in more recent years the city has become the hub of high-tech industries, attracting the nickname of ‘Silicon Fen’. The beautiful college buildings, King’s College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum are particularly popular attractions for international visitors to the city.

Wimpole Hall – This impressive National Trust property was first built in 1643, and after much alternation and embellishment, it is now the largest country house in the county; the extensive hall and gardens are a popular day out; the grounds include a walled garden, which produces much of the fruit and vegetables used in the restaurant and to decorate the hall; pleasure grounds, with an extensive range of trees and bulb varieties, and a Victorian parterre, are also key features. The Hall is also home to the National Walnut Collection.

Royston Cave – This unique, beehive-shaped cave is believed to be 14^th century. The mysterious cavernous creation is notable for its extensive range of wall carvings, many of them representing Christian themes, although some of the drawings have been interpreted as portraying pagan symbols.