Cambridgeshire
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With beautiful countryside and lovely market towns and cities to
visit - Cambridgeshire has something for everyone, including a plethora of
food and drink treats.
Home of The Fens - this former wet wilderness has been drained over the centuries by man to create some of the most fertile land in Britain. Here carrots, onions and potatoes are cultivated on a grand scale to supply our supermarkets. Pick up some of this delicious produce from the many markets, farm shops and road side stalls in the county, such as Burwash Manor at Barton
(nr. Cambridge); Gog Magog Hills at Shelford Bottom (nr. Cambridge); and La Hogue at Chippenham (nr. Ely).
Wisbech is home of Elgood and Sons, one of the first classic Georgian breweries to be built outside London. It was bought by the Elgood family in 1878, and today is one of the few remaining independent family breweries. Take a guided tour and enjoy a tasting.
The town is also famed for its apples and pears - the first orchards planted here in the mid 1800's. Take a stroll around Willock Farm, where
way-marked paths lead you through 22 acres, featuring many regional fruit varieties. Heading south, the village of Histon (nr. Cambridge) was once home to the jam-making factory (opened 1873) of the Chivers family, who used the produce from their extensive orchards. Look out also for the Cambridge Gage (plum) - a well-known fruit speciality of the county.
The University city of Cambridge also provides the origin for two puddings. Burnt Cream originated from the kitchens of Trinity College in the 1600's - and some say is the forerunner of the French creme brulee. Whilst the suet based College Pudding is thought to be the basis of the famous Christmas pudding. Before leaving the city, pay a visit to Fitzbillies - a bakery established in 1922. Sample their rich sticky and spicy
Chelsea buns made to a secret recipe.
Ely is noted for its eels - still caught in the River Great Ouse, and once part of the local staple diet. Purchase them from the regular farmers' market, or follow the special ‘eel' trail. Dishes such as eel stew and eel pie can be found on the menus of restaurants in the area. It is thought that the name Ely is derived from the Isle of Eels - when it was surrounded by water and marshland. At River Farm Smokery in Bottisham
(nr. Cambridge), they have been curing and smoking fish, meat and game for 25 years. Here brick kilns are hand-fired using only the finest quality oak, maple and whisky barrel chips.
The village of Stilton (nr. Peterborough) takes its name from the famous cheese - which although never made here was distributed to hungry travellers in the 18th C. This association is celebrated each May Bank Holiday with a cheese rolling contest.
Wimpole Home Farm is part of The National Trust's estate at Arrington
(nr. Royston). This is a fully working farm, home of the largest rare breeds centre in the East of England. It produces home-reared beef, pork and lamb of exceptional quality and tenderness. Purchase the meats from the gift shop, or try them in the dishes served at the restaurant. Look out also for Fidget Pie - with bacon, onions and cooking apples. It was originally made around harvest time to feed the hungry workers.
One of the largest vineyards in East Anglia - the first vines at Chilford Hall Vineyard (nr. Linton) were planted in 1972. It is one of the region's most respected wine producers, earning numerous awards. Visitors can follow the Vineyard Trail, then take a tour of the winery.
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