ContraHoliday2025

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Excursions

Orientation photo
Orientation

Last time we had excursions to Holkham Hall, Wicken Fen, Bletchley Park, Cambridge, Duxford, Sandringham, Castle Acre and Norwich.  We are currently planning our 2025 excursions, stay tuned.  You are always free to relax or wander around Ely, and there’s plenty to see and do!

 

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 activities will take place in Ely starting after orientation.  Sign-up sheets will also be posted on a bulletin board in the dining hall.

 

The activities fall into two main categories – local history walks and hikes, and bus trips.

 

King’s Ely History Tour

Local history walks will be arranged to cover the school, and Ely.  Cathedral tours will also be available, including the West and Octagon Towers.

 

River Ramble photo
River Ramble

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.

 

 

2023 Excursions

For the many attractions shown on the map, all within a one or two hour’s drive, buses will be arranged.  We estimate that the costs of bus trips in 2025 will be £15 or $20, plus any admission charges that are applicable. 

 

Wicken Fen windmill
Wicken Fen windmill

Wicken Fen 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.

 

 

Aerial View of Holkham Hall

 

Holkham Hall is a fine English country mansion built in the Palladian revival style of architecture on a 25,000 acre agricultural estate.  It also has a walled garden.

 

Punting photo
Punting on the Cam

Cambridge  This will be a special trip to 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 photo
Bletchley Park Sign

Bletchley Park 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.

 

Sandringham House

Sandringham House 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

Duxford Imperial War Museum 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 Acre Priory photo
Castle Acre Priory

Castle Acre  There is much to see in Castle Acre including the castle ruins and the amazing Cluniac Priory, which is a short walk away.  The local village has very nice restaurants and pubs also.

 

Ethelbert Gate, Norwich

Norwich 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.

 

OTHER LOCAL EXCURSIONS We are always open to assist you in small groups for additional excursions, such as the ones below.  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!

 

 

Grimes Graves photo
Grimes Graves

Grime’s Graves is the site of a Neolithic flint mining complex that is 3000 years old.  It has had popular appeal in the past.

 

Photo of Wimpole Hall
Wimpole Hall

Wimpole Hall  Construction started in 1640 and it’s the largest house in Cambridgeshire County.  Very spectacular open views of English countryside and nice walks around the grounds of a mile or two, including a folly.

Photo of Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey  A beautiful house with nice grounds and gardens.  Its history dates back to a priory in the Henry 1 era (1100 – 1135).