Huntingdon

Oliver Cromwell was born here in 1599, and his shadow still hangs over this market town beside the Great Ouse. You'll find his old grammar school building on High Street, now housing a museum that does proper justice to the man who changed England forever. The town centre feels lived-in rather than touristy - which is exactly what makes it work.

Huntingdon sits at the heart of some lovely countryside, with the River Great Ouse meandering through water meadows that flood spectacularly most winters. The Manor at Hemingford Grey, just a short drive east, claims to be England's oldest continuously inhabited house - dating back to 1130. It's well worth the detour, especially when the gardens are in full swing.

For a proper day out, Grafham Water lies about 10 miles southwest. This massive reservoir offers sailing, fishing, and some cracking walks around its perimeter. Less crowded than Rutland Water, it feels more authentically Cambridgeshire.

The town's Victorian railway station still handles direct trains to London King's Cross in under an hour, making this a surprisingly convenient base. From the A14, it's easily reached, though the town centre can get a bit clogged during morning rush hour.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Wyton Lakes or Quiet Waters puts you within easy striking distance of Cambridge (20 minutes), while keeping you in genuinely rural surroundings. The fenland stretches away in all directions - flat as a pancake but oddly compelling once you tune into its subtle rhythms.