Explore Cambridgeshire with Strutt & Parker's area guide, covering villages, market towns, schools, transport and property opportunities.
Cambridgeshire offers a unique blend of historic cities, picturesque villages, thriving market towns, and beautiful countryside. Located in the East of England, the county is perhaps best known for the world-renowned city of Cambridge, but its appeal extends far beyond the university's famous spires. From the rolling countryside surrounding Ely and St Neots to the open landscapes of the Fens, Cambridgeshire offers a diverse range of lifestyles for families, professionals, and those seeking more space within easy reach of London.
The county's history is evident at every turn. Cambridge University, founded in 1209, has shaped the area's identity for centuries, while landmarks such as Ely Cathedral, Anglesey Abbey, and numerous historic market squares reflect Cambridgeshire's rich heritage. The county also played a significant role during the Second World War, with the Imperial War Museum Duxford offering fascinating insights into Britain's past.
Today, Cambridgeshire is recognised as one of the UK's leading centres for innovation, science, and technology. Cambridge's globally renowned research and technology sector has attracted businesses and talent from around the world, while towns such as St Neots, Huntingdon, Ely, and Peterborough offer thriving communities with excellent amenities. Alongside these larger settlements, charming villages throughout South Cambridgeshire continue to attract those seeking a more rural lifestyle.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, Cambridgeshire offers plenty of opportunities to explore. The county's landscape ranges from the waterways and wildlife-rich habitats of the Fens to scenic countryside walks, nature reserves, and riverside routes along the Cam, Great Ouse, and Nene. Residents can enjoy walking, cycling, boating, birdwatching, and a variety of outdoor pursuits throughout the year.
Education is one of Cambridgeshire's greatest strengths. The county benefits from an excellent selection of state and independent schools, while the presence of the University of Cambridge contributes to a strong culture of learning and academic achievement. Families can choose from a wide range of highly regarded primary and secondary schools, alongside further education colleges and world-class higher education institutions.
Cambridgeshire attracts a diverse mix of residents. Families are drawn to its schools, green spaces, and strong communities, while professionals value the county's thriving employment opportunities and convenient transport links. The area is also popular with those looking for more space, buyers seeking village life within commuting distance of Cambridge or London, and those searching for everything from period cottages and riverside homes to contemporary developments and country properties. Its combination of economic opportunity, educational excellence, and attractive surroundings continues to make Cambridgeshire one of the most desirable counties in the East of England.
Cambridgeshire offers a varied shopping experience. Cambridge city centre combines independent boutiques, historic shopping streets, and major retailers, while market towns such as Ely, St Ives, and St Neots offer a mix of local businesses, specialist shops, and traditional markets. Throughout the county, farm shops and independent producers provide fresh local produce and artisan goods.
The county's food and drink scene is equally diverse. Traditional country pubs, riverside restaurants, independent cafés, and fine dining establishments can be found throughout Cambridgeshire. Cambridge itself offers a vibrant culinary scene, while local markets, farm shops, and nearby vineyards showcase the best of the region's produce.
Cambridgeshire is rich in cultural attractions. Residents can enjoy world-class museums, historic colleges, theatres, galleries, and music venues throughout the county. Cambridge's cultural calendar includes festivals, exhibitions, and performances throughout the year, while Ely, Huntingdon, and Peterborough also host a variety of community events and celebrations.
Discover the historic colleges and green spaces of Cambridge, visit Ely Cathedral, or discover aviation history at the Imperial War Museum Duxford. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy walking and cycling along the county's extensive network of footpaths and trails, while boating, wildlife watching, and watersports are popular on the county's rivers and waterways. Families will also find a wide range of attractions, parks, and heritage sites to enjoy throughout the year.
Cambridgeshire benefits from excellent rail connections. Cambridge provides direct services to London King's Cross and London Liverpool Street, with journey times of around an hour. Other stations across the county, including Ely, Huntingdon, Peterborough, and St Neots, offer convenient connections to London and destinations across the UK.
The county is well connected by road, with major routes including the A14, A1(M), M11, and A47 providing access to London, the Midlands, East Anglia, and the wider South East. These strong transport links make travelling throughout the county and beyond straightforward.
Cambridgeshire benefits from extensive bus networks connecting towns, villages, and rural communities. Cycling is particularly popular, with Cambridge widely recognised as one of the UK's most cycle-friendly cities. For international travel, London Stansted Airport is easily accessible from many parts of the county, while London Luton Airport and Norwich Airport provide additional options.
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