6 Unmissable Educational Sites in Cambridgeshire
30 Oct 2020
Here at Dews, we've been running private coach hire trips in Cambridgeshire for over 60 years.
During this time, we've welcomed plenty of school groups who we've taken to some of the county’s best educational centres, museums and areas of interest.
Cambridgeshire is packed with a rich history and local pride. From the Fenland heritage site in Holme Fen, to the Imperial War Museum in Duxford and the nationally renowned museums in the centre of Cambridge, the county has so much to offer its residents and visitors.
So, when you next have a free weekend to while away, why not take a visit to some of our favourite educational sites in Cambridgeshire?
Imperial War Museum, Duxford
Located just south of the city of Cambridge, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) in Duxford is Europe’s largest air museum.
A truly immersive day out for anyone wanting to find out more about the history of the area’s local RAF forces, visitors can enjoy a walk through some of the same buildings and hangars as those who served at RAF Duxford. Here, you’ll see a range of aircrafts and vehicles parked on the ground and suspended from the ceiling, including the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and the Battle of Britain’s famous Hurricane.
You can even book an in-depth addition to your trip, including a behind-the-ropes exploration of the iconic Avro Lancaster or Spitfire N3200. You’ll be shown around by an expert guide who will talk you through the aircrafts’ illustrious histories, as well as have access to hidden sections of some of the world’s greatest machines.
There’s always so much happening at the museum, including family activities, tailored school packages, flying displays and air shows.
To find out more about what’s on right now and plan your visit, please visit their website.
Wimpole Estate
For outdoor adventurers, the Wimpole Estate is another great day out for families.
Managed by the National Trust, Wimpole Hall and its surrounding estate offers an imp
ressive mansion building, acres of parkland, gardens and an educational Home Farm - with the entire site having been lived and worked on for its 2,000 years of existence.
There’s something for every member of the family here, with pedal tractors, an adventure play area, donkey grooming and expansive areas of grassy playlands.
Each day, the bustling on-site farm offers a variety of activities, with a chance for children to join in and learn more about farming life. But for those looking for a little more peace and quiet, you’ll find sanctuary in the site’s colourful parterre garden and Walled Garden, which flourishes with organically grown fruit, vegetables and herbaceous borders.
There's also cafes and restaurants on-site, including a small shop selling local produce from the farm. However, if you wish to take a picnic, there’s plenty of green space within the grounds to settle down on and enjoy lunch in the sunshine.
To find out more about the Wimpole Estate, as well as book your tickets, please visit their website.
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge
If you’re ever caught in Cambridge on a rainy afternoon, then it’s definitely worth popping to the Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street. This free entry museum is the largest of the University of Cambridge Museums, and is linked to the city’s historic Botanic Garden.
It houses more than five million impressive artefacts, with a collection that includes everything from the Ancient Egyptians and Greek antiques, through to contemporary momentums from the present day.
Probably what The Fitzwilliam is most famous for is its collection of fine paintings and prints. Containing some of the most iconic exhibitions from ancient Asian artists to medieval manuscripts and pottery, their collections span a whopping four and a half billion years in time.
As part of the University of Cambridge’s collection of museums, the Fitzwilliam is renowned internationally for its dedication to education, learning and quality research. They participate in lots of local partnerships and curate a range of public programmes, all with the aim of making the city and region a better place for the people who live and visit here.
If you want to plan your visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum, you can pre-book your free ticket here.
Oliver Cromwell’s House, Ely
Take a trip to the famous Oliver Cromwell’s family home in Ely, the only residence still in existence (other than Hampton Court).
The house was recently refurbished and now includes an impressive Civil War Exhibition, including engaging displays and interactive activities. There’s an opportunity for visitors to really immerse themselves in the experience, with the opportunity to try on costumes and play games of the time, as well as experience life on the battlefields during the English Civil War with the site’s mini encampment.
With prices starting at just £3, the approximate 45-minute tour is a great way to capture children’s imaginations and teach them about some of the county’s most famous figures in history.
For more information, as well further details on admission prices, directions and opening time, please take a look at the site’s website.
Holme Fen, Holme
Located in the heart of the Fenland area, Holme Fen is a thriving nature reserve which spans across over 650 acres of wild landscapes.
This lush area of rural land is home to a variety of wildlife species throughout the year, making it the perfect place to visit time and time again. Filled with shallow banks and grassy islands, you can discover a whole host of birds, insects and marsh plants, including over 500 types of fungi.
It’s also home to the famous Holme Post, which marks the lowest land point in Great Britain. Sitting at 2.75 metres below sea level, this area was once submerged underwater and connected to the historic Whittlesey Mere - which was once the largest lake in southern England.
Today however, Holme Fen is an expansive area of marshland, with a variety of pathway networks which allow you to do your own exploring.
Take a look at some of the walks here, and plan your visit!
The Raptor Foundation
Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire and close to Dews’ Coaches head office and depot, The Raptor Foundation is a great educational day out for those wanting to find out more about birds of prey.
The site is primarily a rescue and rehabilitation centre for a variety of birds, but also opens its doors to the public who can view some of the resident birds on-site and learn more about general conservation and wildlife.
Each day, the centre also runs flight displays, where some of the world’s most famous birds of prey stretch their wings and showcase their power to audiences.
Take a look at the Raptor Foundation’s website to find out more about the centre, including information about how to visit.
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Cambridgeshire really is home to some greatest sites of history and education.
Whenever we provide private coach hire bookings for school groups to some of Cambridgeshire’s local attractions, our coaches are always buzzing with the excited chatter of students.
Providing coach hire for schools in the local area is just one of the bus hire services we offer in the region. No matter the size of the booking, we can cater to a whole range of special events and occasions, with a variety of coaches available to hire.
So, if you are looking for a luxury private coach hire company in Cambridgeshire, then why not get in contact?
Our dedicated customer liaison team will be happy to take care of your enquiry, and find a service that’s tailored to your needs.
