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One of three surviving original Eleanor Crosses of the 12 ordered by Edward I to commemorate his deceased wife, Eleanor. Eleanor died at Harby in 1290 and a cross was subsequently erected at every point where the cortege carrying her body rested on its journey to Westminster. The other three surviving crosses are at Geddington and Hardingstone in Northamptonshire; the final cross was at Charing, London. The Waltham Cross is in the centre of the town near the Pavilions Shopping Centre and has been heavily restored.

Photo Nigel Cox via Wikimedia.  Post code is approximate.

Ely Cathedral was founded by Queen Etheldreda in the 7th century on the site of an earlier church. Sacked by the Danes, it was re-founded by Benedictine monks in the 10th century. The present, magnificent yet serene, cathedral dates from 11th century, was heavily refurbished in the 19th century and is partly surrounded by parkland. Do not miss the amazing octagon tower, the ceilings and the Lady Chapel.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge. It was founded in 1816 with the legacy of the library and art collection of Richard FitzWilliam, 7th Viscount FitzWilliam. Its collections include antiquities from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome; medieval and renaissance art; English and European pottery and glass, furniture, clocks, fans, armour; Chinese, Japanese and Korean art; coins and medals; literary and music manuscripts and rare printed books; paintings, including works by Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso. The building itself is stunning too!

Framlingham is a late 12th century castle once owned by the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk. By the mid 16th century, it was in the hands of Mary Tudor, elder daughter of Henry VIII, and it was here that she gathered support and heard that she had been proclaimed queen in 1553. In the 17th century it became the local poorhouse. The imposing walls of the castle are still pretty much standing, though the other medieval buildings have gone. Unusually, it is possible to walk right round the walls at Framlingham, giving marvellous views. There is also a small exhibition on site and an interesting local museum, the Lanman Trust's Museum.

Hindringham Hall is a small 16th century brick and flint moated manor house, like something from the pages of a story book, with medieval moat and fishponds, known for its delightful gardens.  The current house was built by a Martin Hastings, a courtier in the service of Henry FitzRoy, Duke of Richmond and Somerset, the illegitimate son of Henry VIII by his mistress Elizabeth Blount. It was completely refurbished in the early 20th century.

Most visitors come to see the peaceful gardens, which are the work of the owners since the 1990s, but tours of the house are available too.

Image credit: Historic Houses