OUT AND ABOUT
Enigmatic exhibits W e’re lucky enough to have some of the finest permanent exhibitions
Plan your adventures
in the country right here in Cambridge (the Polar Museum and the University Museum of Zoology are my personal favourites), but outside the city there are even more to explore. Why not start with the Bottisham Airfield Museum, which opened in 2009 to commemorate the role this village and its forgotten airfield played in World War II. The museum collects and conserves objects associated with the airfield and the squadrons that flew there, and regularly hosts historical-themed events. At the end of June, the museum will be putting on a two-day extravaganza with living history reenactments, vintage traders and singing groups. Book your tickets quickly to avoid missing out. Similarly, the Norris Museum in St Ives holds a whopping 33,000 exhibits associated with domestic life in Huntingdonshire, dating from prehistoric times right up to the present day. Named for its founder, Herbert Norris, who died in 1931 and bequeathed his collections to start the museum, today’s historians can explore the permanent exhibits with the aid of activity bags to boost accessibility, and regular special events take place throughout the year. There’s even a small but perfectly formed gift shop. A special mention should also go to the Adams Heritage Centre in Littleport: a preserved ironmongers from 1893, which
Quy Hall quyhallestate.co.uk
The Manor at Hemingford Grey greenknowe.co.uk
Woodwalton Fen greatfen.org.uk/woodwalton-fen
Kingfishers Bridge Nature Reserve kingfishersbridge.org
Empty Common Community Garden emptycommongarden.blogspot.com
specialised in Norwegian racing skates for those gliding across the frozen Fens. The property was given Listed status in summer 2025, and has been described as a ‘remarkable surviving example of a Victorian commercial building’. The Heritage Centre is managed by volunteers and only open on certain days, so drop by when there’s an event on and explore. On your way back into Cambridge, don’t miss the Women’s Art Collection: a free museum at Murray Edwards College showing selected pieces from its growing collection of artworks created by women artists. Set up in the 1990s, its noble aim is to challenge the underrepresentation of women artists in other museums and galleries. Keep a lookout for upcoming tours and events to get extra insight into the current exhibitions.
Bottisham Airfield Museum bottishamairfieldmuseum.org.uk
Norris Museum norrismuseum.org.uk
Adams Heritage Centre adamsheritagecentre.co.uk (or Facebook: search Adams Heritage Centre)
The Women’s Art Collection murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk/ womens-art-collection
TREASURE TROVE Go back in time at the Adams Heritage Centre (below) or enjoy the Women’s Art Collection at Murray Edwards College (above)
12 APRIL 2026 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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