23rd June to 26th June 2023
A bit of gap in the use of the Motorhome whilst we took a trip to Cyprus with all of the family to mark my retirement. What a great break. As the saying goes “quality time” with our three daughters and their partners in the sun and by the sea and with copious amounts of good food and drink. What’s not to like – superb. That was a few weeks ago now and the earning to travel is building again. One place we have not been and always wanted to see, is Cambridge and Ely so this trip we will do a little exploring.
Cambridge is notorious for it’s horrendous traffic, so finding a motorhome site outside of the city and driving in was not an option. Our choice was The Camping and Caravanning Club Cambridge site which is 3 to 4 miles from the city centre with the number 7 bus stop about 300 yards from the site entrance. The number 7 route detours through the Addenbrooke and Papworth hospital campuses on its way to the city centre and at only £2 (and dogs go free) it was the perfect mechanism to access the city centre.
We had a good look around Cambridge on the Saturday, walking through the city and along the river. Taking in the heritage, the punting on the river and the amazingly cosmopolitan feel to the city. I don’t think I have been to a city where more ethnic groups are not only visible but well catered for in terms of restaurants. Not only does the city seem to have a vibrant tourist industry, it also seems to be a magnet for parents of overseas students at the universities, as well as those in healthcare and medical research which it’s hospitals are renowned for. A young vibrant multicultural city.
The campsite itself, although close to the city centre, was peaceful and quiet. The wardens (as we have come to expect) are helpful and a bit of fun to talk with. Just what you need. The facilities if I am honest could do with expanding. There is only one shower block and it’s quite a busy site, so queueing for a shower in the morning was normal. However, they were clean and provided all the hot water you could need.
As a bonus, the Duxford Airshow was on the weekend we visited. Duxford is about 6 miles from the campsite and Cambridgeshire is fairly flat, so we did get glimpses of Spitfires, Hurricanes, a Fly Fortesss and the Red Arrows.
On the Sunday we went to explore the smallest city in England – Ely. This is a little gem of a city, built around the fantastic gothic cathedral at it’s centre. There was ample free parking at Forehill which is just behind the cathedral. The car park was big enough to park and manoeuvre our 8m motorhome without difficulty which is a luxury we don’t normally find south of the Scottish border.
Ely has a quaint but charming feel to it. It has the atmosphere and ancient architecture but without the hustle and bustle of the Cambridge city crowds and traffic. Of the two cities, Ely is our favourite and a place we would happily return to.
Here are a few photos :
Motorhome Niggles
Nothing major this trip.
Round trip distance 250 miles according to google maps.