CYCLING CAMBRIDGESHIRE                                                                                   Above: 13842 Westcot, Sennen - sleeps 4.

Beautiful setting overlooking Rutland Water

Converted from former stables, these cottages are two of several situated within the walled garden, adjacent to Normanton Park Hotel, the setting is one of great beauty overlooking the water. Normanton Park is set on the south shore of Rutland Water and provides the ideal base to visit all this attractive area has to offer. There are many activities such as fishing, cycling, sailing and windsurfing. Rutland Belle glides across the water daily. The ancient towns of Stamford, Uppingham and Oakham are all within a 5 mile radius. Shop 1/2 mile, pub in hotel next door. Rutland & Lincolnshire 100 Circle cycle route close by.

This delightful former rectory dates back to the 1720s and adjoins the owner’s home within beautiful landscaped grounds in the pretty hamlet of Thornhaugh. Used during the 1940s by the ladies of the Land Army, The Old Rectory retains many original features including mullion windows and attractive architraves, whilst the imposing landing is adorned with ‘big game’ trophies. The Old Rectory provides a perfect base for exploring all this beautiful area has to offer.
At its heart lies Rutland Water, which attracts visitors worldwide for bird watching, fishing and water sports. There is an abundance of excellent walks found locally with the Jurassic, Viking and Macmillan Ways to explore. A pleasant way to spend an afternoon is to browse around Barnsdale Gardens, designed by the late Geoff Hamilton.
The area is full of historic towns such as Stamford, Melton Mowbray, Oakham and Uppingham. Peterborough offers many amenities, including its magnificent cathedral, which is also the resting place of Katharine of Aragon - first wife of King Henry VIII, and the museum contains one of the best collections of marine dinosaurs in the world. There are also many shops, restaurants and bars as well as theatres, cinema and greyhound stadium.
Pretty villages with country inns serving real ale and excellent food can be found within a pleasant drive and make the perfect place in which to unwind after a day’s sightseeing. Pub 1 mile. Sawtry Round Trip cycle route close by.

Chittering Farm was rebuilt in 1989 from an old barn and was refurbished in 2008. It now affords every comfort for an enjoyable and relaxing holiday. An excellent choice for families, the property is very comfortably furnished with a spacious living room and welcoming open fire, making the perfect retreat for winter evenings. The French doors provide access to the beautiful surroundings on warm summer evenings. Providing bright, spacious accommodation, this detached house with unspoilt views over open countryside, is well equipped with excellent facilities and comes with 1 acre of garden. Accessed by a private road and set in the heart of the owner’s 3000-acre arable farm, a stay here will provide the opportunity to enjoy the rural tranquility of farm life including farm and river walks, bird watching and cycling. It also offers the convenience of being just a short drive from the historic city of Cambridge (there are also cycle routes to Cambridge from the farm) and cathedral city of Ely.
The city of Cambridge is 10 miles away, famous for its colleges, museums, botanic gardens and art galleries, where visitors can also try their hand at punting on the river Cam or enjoy a wealth of restaurants, pubs and theatres. Ely is 6 miles in the other direction with its 12th-century cathedral and range of interesting shops and restaurants. National Trust properties can be found at Wicken Fen (5 miles), an ideal place to explore fen landscapes and Anglesey Abbey and gardens. A day at the races in Newmarket (14 miles) is a possibility, or pay a visit to the National Horse Racing Museum in the town. An added bonus for steam enthusiasts staying at Chittering Farm is the Stretham Old Engine which is located on the edge of the farm; erected in 1831 this is one of the earliest examples of a land drainage steam engine. Pub 1 mile. Rutland & Lincolnshire 100 Circle cycle route close by.

Enjoying an ideal location down a quiet country lane in a picturesque fens village, this very comfortable, spacious, detached holiday cottage has views over open countryside to the front. Once the village pub, it is well positioned to explore the delights of the cathedral city of Ely (4 miles) with attractive river walks, good selection of shops, pubs and restaurants. Newmarket (16 miles) for racing, and historic Cambridge (16 miles) with famous attractions such as punting on the River Cam, Botanic Gardens and museums, make for good visits - returning to the peace and tranquillity of the delightful, sunny, south-facing garden. St Ives to Ely cycle route close by.

Once the old village bakery (and more recently a shop), this pretty detached cottage has been totally renovated providing a spacious, bright and airy holiday home. With beams, an exposed brick wall and natural floors, it exudes much character yet provides all modern amenitites, and is set in a slightly elevated position overlooking a cottage garden with an abundance of wisteria. Close by is the historic city of Ely with imposing cathedral, attractive river and good selection of individual shops, pubs, restaurants and tearooms. Within a 30-minute drive lies the city of Cambridge with its art galleries, colleges, botanical gardens and punts on the river Cam. Also close by is Newmarket for stud farms and racing. Pub 100 yards.. St Ives to Ely cycle route close by.