WOODDITTON
Our village dates back to the time of William the Conqueror, when records of the land he acquired at the Battle of Hastings include Wood Ditton, as it was originally known.
Now, Woodditton is a picturesque village in a great spot to explore the countryside along the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk border. Our pub sits at the very heart of the village surrounded by fields and woodland, heath and fens!
One of our favourite rambles is the seven mile walk along 'Devils Dyke'. The route begins in our village, Woodditton, and ends 7 miles later in the village of Reach. Believed to have been built by Anglo Saxons for defence, the dyke now makes for a peaceful walk under the big Cambridgeshire and Suffolk skies.
If you fancy a shorter route that takes you through, field, woodland and studland - take a look at out Studland Stomp, a round route that explores our local area.
NEWMARKET
Newmarket is the home of horseracing and a mere 9 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 in our garden 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.
CAMBRIDGE
We are a 30 minute drive from the centre of Cambridge or 22 minute train journey from Newmarket train station.
Take a punt along the backs of the historic Cambridge colleges. Guided punt tours depart from Silver Street or the Quayside. Knowledgable punt chauffeurs will regal you with history and folklore. Top tip, if you join a punt at the Quayside pop into The Cambridge Wine Merchants and pick up a chilled bottle of wine and disposable glasses for your journey.
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.
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.
THETFORD FOREST
Thetford Forest is over 18,000 hectares of patchwork pines, heathland and plant-life, only a 27 minute drive from us.
For the adventurers, a visit to High Lodge is a must! There are four walking trails, three cycling trails (you can hire bikes there), adventure play grounds, archery classes and even Wilderness workshops.
For peace seekers and nature lovers, disappear into the forest at The Little Ouse Valley between Brandon and Thetford. This spot is a designated Forest Nature Reserve with two walking trails taking you through forest, wetlands, by river and reed beds.
Thetford Forest welcomes our four-legged friends, but remember the area is vast so don't let them stray too far ! Always stick to established walking trails.
BURY ST EDMUNDS
A jewel in the crown of Suffolk, Bury St Edmunds holds 1000 years of history. A bustling market town, home to Suffolk’s only Cathedral that stands in the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmunds. An 11th Century Benedictine abbey that is now fondly know as the Abbey Gardens, popular with both families and history lovers.
There are stories of the past on every corner and charm that inspired the likes of Charles Dickens. The famous writer was a frequent visitor to the town, and set his novel ‘The Pickwick Papers’ in the town, with the recent film, David Copperfield, filmed there.
Bury St Edmunds is popular for its fabulous food and drink scene, among the best is our sister bar and restaurant, The Northgate. The mix of independent and high street shops, as well as the busy markets, makes the town a great day out, with something for everyone.