Dive into History: Cambridge & Medieval England

Today, you’re stepping back in time to visit the medieval villages of the county of Essex, and explore the city of Cambridge, which dates back to the Roman period. You leave London behind and travel into the green fields of Essex towards your first stop of the day, Thaxted.

The first main stop of the day is in Thaxted, a village in valley of the River Chelmer. This historic village is a treasure trove of over 1000 years of history and industry, and today, there is plenty to discover. You can wander the quiet streets among the thatched cottages at your leisure, taking in the famous church spire; or perhaps you’ll take a jaunt to John Webb’s Windmill on the edge of town, the only remaining windmill, and stands as a testament to the traditional wool industries of the region.

After you’ve explored Thaxted, it’s onto the city of Cambridge. You can discover the prestigious university here, visiting one of the iconic college buildings — and there’s plenty more to see and do, with popular museums, historic churches, market squares; and you can even go punting along the serene River Cam. There are also plenty of pubs, cafes and tea rooms to choose from for lunch.

After an afternoon exploring Cambridge, there’s time for one more stop: the medieval market town of Saffron Walden. You can explore the streets lined with timber-framed houses; and if you travel with us on a Tuesday or Saturday, you can peruse the local market for local produce and gifts. After a few refreshments and a thorough explore of this world-famous market, it’s time to head back to London in the early evening.