Our excursions give you a chance to visit a palace, a stately home, a castle, a museum, two cities and a nature preserve. Specifically for 2025 we will offer excursions to Bletchley Park, Burghley House, Cambridge, Castle Acre, Castle Rising, Duxford Imperial War Museum, Grimes Graves, the City of Norwich, Sandringham House/Estate, and Wicken Fen. Of course, you are always free to relax or wander around Ely where there is plenty to see and do! These bus trips will be arranged, and cost £15 plus any admission charges that are applicable. At least two excursions will be offered per day and there will be at least 4 rambles during the week.
On the first morning we will have an orientation meeting in the dance hall after breakfast where there will be brief speakers from the local school and organizers. Sign-ups for all the excursions and rambles will take place in Ely starting after orientation. Sign-up sheets will also be posted on a bulletin board below the dining hall.
The activities fall into two main categories – bus trips, and local history walks and hikes.
However, be sure to spend a day in Ely as there are plenty of things to see and do. The largest attraction is Ely Cathedral which offers several tours, some that climb the stairs of the West Tower or Lantern Tower to get wonderful views of the fens. Market days are held on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Check out the shops, antique center, tearooms and local pubs. Contra dancers especially seem to enjoy the many charity (thrift) shops. Enjoy the river-side walk or take a short river cruise on a tour boat. Explore the Ely Museum, Oliver Cromwell House and the Stained Glass Museum (in Ely Cathedral). Check out the local tourist office for further information.
Local history walks will be arranged to cover the school, and Ely.
Local hikes will be led by a local dancer and rambler. In the past we have done one to the West (Cawdle Fen), one to the South (Cuckoo Bridge) and one to the East (Little Downham). There will be no charge for these.
Wicken Fen (Sunday, April 6, 2025) is one of Britain’s oldest nature reserves, and was the first reserve cared for by the National Trust, starting in 1899. The reserve includes fenland, farmland, marsh and reedbeds. There is a very nice old village pub nearby called the Maid’s Head.
Cambridge (Friday, April 4, 2025 and Tuesday, April 8, 2025) The first trip will include punting on the river Cam at the Backs of the colleges! A second trip will include the Botanic Garden. Also explore on your own the not-to-be-missed views of the exteriors of many of the famous colleges, King’s College Chapel, the Fitzwilliam Museum, St. Mary’s Bell Tower, and the market.
Bletchley Park (Friday, April 4, 2025) was once Britain’s best kept secret. Today Bletchley Park is a heritage site and vibrant tourist attraction. Open daily, visitors can explore some of the iconic WW2 Codebreaking Huts and Blocks and marvel at the astonishing achievements of the Codebreakers whose work is said to have helped shorten the war by two years.
Burghley House (Sunday, April 6, 2025) is a magnificent stately home built by William Cecil between 1555 and 1587. Inside the house are exhibits of art and furniture, and outside there are wonderful gardens to explore.
Sandringham House (Monday, April 7, 2025) is the Norfolk retreat of King Charles III, and our second most popular destination. At Sandringham there is a chance to tour the house and/or walk around the wonderful grounds, a museum and a small private church.
Duxford Imperial War Museum (Saturday, April 5, 2025) is Britain’s largest aviation museum and has an incredible collection of aircraft and other war memorabilia, including a special American collection on permanent display.
Castle Rising (Tuesday, April 8, 2025) is one of the largest, best preserved and most lavishly decorated keeps in England, surrounded by 20 acres of mighty earthworks. There is a lovely tearoom nearby for those who want an enjoyable break.
Castle Acre (Saturday, April 5, 2025) There is much to see in Castle Acre including the castle ruins and the amazing Cluniac Priory, which is a short walk away. Be sure to see the Bailey Gate, and if you have time, the medieval St. James church. This particular excursion also offers a two mile ramble at the start. The local village has a nice cafe, a pub, and a fish and chip shop.
Norwich (Monday, April 7, 2025) is an easy city to explore on foot with many fine buildings, medieval streets, a river walk, and a large and famous market. The buildings include a beautiful cathedral with a must-visit refectory (restaurant), a castle on a hill which affords views, Ethelbert Gate, the Cow Tower, Guildhall and the Pulls Ferry building. In addition, there is plenty of shopping, a pub for every day of the year, and a church for every Sunday.
Grimes Graves (Monday, April 7, 2025) is a neolithic flint mine, 4,500 years old.
OTHER LOCAL EXCURSIONS We are always open to assist you in small groups for additional excursions, but sorry, Stonehenge is 4 hours away, and Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) is over 3 hours away. These might make great trips if you extend your stay in England!