The fen village of Burwell stands roughly in the middle of a triangle formed by Ely, Cambridge and Newmarket, though nearest to the latter settlement. With a population in excess of 6,000 it is more a small town than a village, with amenities and industry like its cardboard factory in accordance with such a size; and is easily accessed from the A14 and A11. Archaeology shows that the place was of some significance in Roman times; and was occupied and fortified by the Saxons and their ancient British predecessors – the Devil’s Dyke starts just a mile away. Burwell even merits a mention in the Domesday Book. Situated at the edge of the fens Burwell’s history was long tied up with the use of their waterways for trade, the Romans thought to have dug one such link to the Cam. Barges were built there until the first half of the 20th century to serve local fertiliser producers and the sugar-beet industry. The most famous episode in the village’s history was the terrible tragedy in 1727 when 82 local people were killed in a fire, locked in a barn where a puppet show was being given. Architecturally the highlight as so often is the church, here an intriguing mix of local resources, the walls largely made of locally quarried ‘clunch’, a chalky stone, and faced with flint. Pevsner was a great admirer of St Mary’s. Along the lengthy village streets, however, there are many 17th and 18th century cottages worthy of note, punctuated by windmills and some older agricultural structures including a maltings, barns, and farmhouses.
Attraction
Camping
Pub and Bar
Restaurant
Activities
Cambridge Town & County Cycling Club(Cycling)
Places to Stay near Burwell
Wheatsheaf Inn (2.08 miles)
In the sleepy village of Exning, this inn run by a local racehorse trainer is situated just 5 minutes from Newmarket town centre and racecourse.
All food, including a delicious breakfast, is ... More
Rosery Country House Hotel (2.20 miles)
The Rosery Country House Hotel is set in the picturesque village of Exning. A traditionally family run hotel offering friendly personal service and good quality restaurant food and fine wines.
The Hotel, owned ... More
Premier Inn Newmarket (3.22 miles)
Black Horse Inn (3.30 miles)
The Black Horse pub is a part of the Charles Wells pub group. This friendly and atmospheric pub offers a free car park and a selection of real ales, overlooking ... More
White Hart Hotel (4.02 miles)
Following room refurbishments, The White Hart in Newmarket has reopened as a Marston's Inn. Each of our 18 en-suite rooms is decorated to a high standard and offers flat screen digital TVs, luxurious bedding, tea ... More | visit website
Rutland Arms Hotel (4.09 miles)
A friendly welcome awaits you at the Rutland Arms where history combines with modern hospitality. With 46 en-suite bedrooms, an elegant restaurant and bar area, as well as the traditional cobbled courtyard, the Rutland Arms ... More | visit website
Bedford Lodge Hotel (4.16 miles)
Set in three acres of well tended rose gardens, the Bedford Lodge Hotel, Suffolk Tourism awards 'Hotel of the Year', offers a warm, friendly environment for those seeking a relaxing short ... More | visit website
Heath Court Hotel (4.22 miles)
The Best Western Heath Court Hotel is a 3 minute walk to the main High Street, and a 5 minute drive to the races. We welcome you with style and warm ... More
Byerley House (4.27 miles)
Byerley House was purpose built as a small private hotel in 1998 and offers luxurious accommodation close to the centre of Newmarket. Situated in a quiet street only a two-minute ... More
Amberleigh House (4.44 miles)
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