Norris Museum

St Ives market square houses this proper local museum in a handsome Georgian building that's easy to spot. The Norris Museum tells the story of Huntingdonshire through the ages, from Roman finds to Victorian photographs, with displays that actually make sense of the area's past rather than just throwing artefacts at you.

Families will find plenty to keep younger ones engaged - there's a decent collection of old toys and household items that spark conversations about how people lived before smartphones. The local history angle works well if you're staying nearby, giving context to the villages and countryside you'll be exploring.

History enthusiasts get the best value here. The collection includes some genuinely interesting pieces about local industries, farming life, and the impact of the railways on this part of Cambridgeshire. It's not going to compete with the big London museums, but it does its job well.

Allow about an hour, maybe 90 minutes if you're really into the detail. The museum sits right in St Ives, making it an easy addition to a day out from any of the nearby holiday parks like Crystal Lakes Leisure or Quiet Waters Caravan Park. Perfect for a rainy afternoon when outdoor plans fall through, or as a gentle start to exploring this corner of the Fens.