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THE WILBRAHAMS
Great Wilbraham has been called home by villagers for thousands of years, dating back to the bronze age. Later the woodland was rumoured to have been a Roman settlement. Now a quintessential English village with a thriving community of around 600 people.
Any nature lovers may be interested to know that the Great Wilbraham common is one of the largest areas of species-rich grassland in the county. Locally uncommon flora include purple milk-vetch, felwort, meadow saxifrage, green-winged orchid and sulphur clover.
A great way to explore our area is on foot, with your four-legged friend in tow. In addition to our Wellington Boot Wander, is the Fleam Dyke, the remains of an Anglo-Saxon earthworks that formed part of the East Anglia defences in the fifth century.
CAMBRIDGE
We are a 20 minute drive from the centre of Cambridge where there are plenty of walks by the river, through the water meadows and inner city routes.
There are many, many things to do and see in the city and we will share a few of our favourites with you.
Browse the bustling Cambridge market! Home to many small, local traders from bakers, to makers, to florists and you can even get you bicycle fixed!
Take a visit to Cambridge University's Wren Library where you can view an original manuscript of Winnie the Pooh, by AA Milne - gifted by the Author who studied at Trinity College.
NEWMARKET
Newmarket is the home of horseracing and a 14 minute drive from us. The training gallops, The National Stud and both The July and Rowley Mile Racecourses are quite literally on our doorstep.
The big race meetings are always a highlight on our calendar, from the The Guineas, to The July Festival to the Newmarket Nights where bands follow the evening racing!
Begin with a glass of Champagne with us before heading off to the races for a little flutter on the Gee Gees, and more champagne while you listen to the sound of hooves thundering past - there is nothing quite like it!
For any horse racing enthusiasts, there are many attractions to enjoy beyond the races. These include The National Horseracing Museum, early morning trips to the gallops and guided tours that include visits to training grounds, yards and studs.
NATIONAL HORSE RACING MUSEUM
Delve into horseracing’s rich history at the QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame exhibition at the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket. The Hall of Fame immortalises horseracing’s modern greats, both human and equine, from 1970 onwards, while simultaneously honouring the horses and people that have featured in the long history of the sport.
Learn about the stories of those who have been fortunate enough to receive horseracing’s highest accolade and discover some precious mementoes that give some exclusive insight into the lives of and achievements of these phenomenal inductees.
Being the destination for history and heritage of British Flat racing, the exhibition celebrates the pioneers of this great sport through an interactive and educational experience.
Step into QIPCO British Champions Series Hall of Fame exhibition with your tickets for the National Horseracing Museum, which also gives you access to Palace House and the Rothschild Yard.
WANDLEBURY COUNTRY PARK
Wandlebury Country Park and the Gog Magog Hills are a 12 minute drive from The Carpenters Arms, to the south of Cambridge. There are over 8 miles of footpaths around the park and hills, taking you through wildflower meadows, orchards, woodlands and iron-age ditches. On a clear day, there is a viewing spot where you can see Ely Cathedral, 17 miles away!
For families with kids there are lots of things to do! Say hello to the parks herd of Highland cattle, enjoy some Saffron Walden Ice Cream from Tilly's Traveling Tea Room, and head off on the Wandlebury Explorers Nature Trail.
SAFFRON WALDEN
The medieval market town of Saffron Walden is a 14 mile drive from The Carpenters Arms. The streets are lined with history and wonky, timber framed houses, painted in Suffolk pink, yellows and blues!
The town's market has been held in the square since 1141, winning best small outdoor market in 2018 no held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. There is plenty to explore in the town, from The Fry Art Gallery, to exploring the many mazes, to wandering around the beautiful Bridge End Gardens - if you decide to visit the gardens be sure to pop in for a drink next door at our sister pub, The Eight Bells.
Close by you will also find the stunning Audley End mansion and estate - the miniature railway is always a hit with the little ones!
ELY
Ely is the second smallest city in England with arguably one of the most breathtaking Cathedrals. Ely is a 32 minute drive from us or about an hour on the train from Newmarket.
The main attraction is the Cathedral that towers high above the trees. You can wander the grounds of the Cathedral, take a picnic in the meadows or book a visitors pass to take a look inside. The cathedral was a location for filming Elizabeth: The Golden Age starring Cate Blanchett and Clive Owen.
Another historical spot to visit is Oliver Cromwell's House. Step back in time and explore the home of the man who killed the King but refused the crown.
