Category: Cambridgeshire

This wartime sitcom was very popular in the 1960s and 1970sDads Army was filmed in Thetford(Image: Mirrorpix)Many places across the UK have been used for backdrops to some of people’s favourite TV shows. Any fan of a show loves to go visit the locations where they were filmed, and act just as if they are in the fictional universe they watch.Not far from Cambridge and only a 51-minute drive is Thetford in Norfolk, and this was the set of a popular British sitcom from the 1960s and 1970s. During its nine-year run, Thetford became the fictional town of Walmington-on-Sea, the home of Dad’s Army.Many of the town’s outside locations were used in the BBC sitcom. For example, Thetford Guildhall acted as Walmington-on-Sea’s town hall.Nether Row, which is a row of cottages, featured in several episodes of the programme, as well as Mill Lane which was a backdrop for many of the show’s comedic scenes. There was also the Palace Cinema that doubled as a cinema in the show, and it was also the real-life spot where the cast and crew used to watch weekly films.Today, there is a museum dedicated to Dad’s Army in Thetford. It was opened in 2007 by the show’s creator David Croft.Inside, there is a reconstruction of Captain Mainwaring’s church hall office, several display areas, a shop and the Marigold Tea Room. There is also a host of historic photographs on show, alongside other memorabilia.As well as being the centre of all things Dad’s Army, Thetford has much more on offer. The town is dubbed a “historic gem” by Thetford Town Council, and was also previously the ancient capital of East Anglia.It’s considered the perfect place for not only history buffs, but nature lovers as well. It’s surrounded by stunning landscapes waiting to be explored.There is Thetford Forest, which is the UK’s biggest manmade lowland forest. It’s made up of pines, heathland and broadleaves, providing the “ideal setting for a great day out”, according to Forestry England.

Hidden in the countryside of south Cambridgeshire lays a quaint, picturesque village that holds a peculiar history. Fowlmere, one of the southernmost villages in the county, had only 1,259 residents as of 2018.

The village is home to an ancient monument known as the ‘Round Moat’ which is the remains of an early Saxon settlement dating from around the ninth century. It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a wildlife haven.

Fowlmere offers one pub called The Chequers, which has been in operation since the 16th century. It previously served as a coaching inn for travellers going to and from Cambridge. The intriguing pub was once used as coffin storage for those travelling with bodies.

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Notably, the pub was mentioned in the diary of Samuel Pepys. In present times, the pub serves as a popular meeting hub for the locals offering a bar and restaurant – but no storage for coffins.
With an average rating of 4.7 stars out of five amid over 600 reviews on Google, it appears to be a much-loved establishment. One previous guest described the setting as “glorious”, highlighting the “brilliant service” they experienced.

Another guest wrote: “Never had a bad meal here and it has risen top of my list for my local pubs. Staff are always outstanding and the menu is constantly evolving and improving. Amazing pub!”

Fowlmere was once struck by a tornado. On November 23, 1981, the record-breaking nationwide tornado outbreak tore through the village. The United Kingdom tornado outbreak of that year has been considered the largest recorded tornado outbreak in Europe history.

Fowlmere does not currently have a convenience shop but it does have a café and a village hall. Only a short 15-minute drive takes you to the renowned Duxford Imperial War Museum where visitors can take in the incredible history of the airfield and watch some beautiful air shows.

The village offers one school called Fowlmere Primary School, which teaches pupils aged four until 11. House prices in Fowlmere reflect its desirability – with an average price of £551,786 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The majority of properties sold in Fowlmere during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £693,125.

An ‘epic’ period drama filmed in Cambridgeshire has been hailed as an ‘outstanding’ production that reduces audiences to tears.

The emotionally powerful film, loosely inspired by genuine historical figures, was shot across numerous breathtaking buildings and countryside settings throughout England.

The overlooked 2008 production from director Justin Chadwick features an impressive ensemble cast, including Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, Eddie Redmayne, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirstin Scott Thomas and Mark Rylance.

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The IMDb synopsis for the picture simply states: “Two sisters contend for the affection of King Henry VIII.”
The historical drama chronicles the devastating tale of Anne Boleyn (Portman) and her sister Mary Boleyn (Johansson).

An ‘epic’ period drama is set in the Tudor period(Image: Alex Bailey
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In the film titled The Other Boleyn Girl, both vie for the affections of the perilous monarch Henry Tudor (Bana), notorious for his appalling treatment of his spouses, reports Derbyshire Live.

Viewers flocked to the comments section of Rotten Tomatoes to express their opinions on the production, with one person declaring: “Every scene has been shot brilliantly! The Other Boleyn Girl is a masterpiece.”

“Whoa, shockingly good, a lot better than I expected it to be,” another confessed, while a third remarked: “I cried, and that is a thing per sé, I never cry.”

One audience member noted: “I definitely never expected to like this movie as much as I did. Amazing performances by Johansson and Portman with a really good cast as well. Probably one of the most messed up and tragic love stories I’ve ever seen.”

The star-studded period drama was filmed in several beautiful UK locations(Image: Publicity Picture
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Another reflected: “It’s a very complex and heartbreaking story. The acting is great, outstanding really. I enjoyed the movie greatly, even though it scared me from time to time. The hardship of literally staying alive in that time frightened me quite a bit.
“It’s a nice epic drama about betrayal,” one viewer remarked, while another added: “Amazing. Brilliant acting, direction and perfect portrayal of the well known and tragic historical story.”
Nevertheless, not everyone was impressed, with one viewer describing it as “overly dramatic and visually unsettling”.
Another contended: “The acting is great but they play so fast and loose with history it is deeply unsatisfying.”

But where was the sweeping Tudor tragedy filmed? Let’s explore some of its most memorable filming locations throughout the UK.

Where was The Other Boleyn Girl filmed?
Cambridgeshire

Ely Cathedral was used as a filming location(Image: Getty)

According to The Worldwide Guide To Movie Locations, the impressive Ely Cathedral, featuring its intricately carved spiral organ stairs, represents the grand ceremonial areas of the palace.

The Cambridgeshire cathedral, situated 12 miles north of Cambridge, was also employed to recreate Westminster Abbey in the 2012 film The King’s Speech.
Derbyshire

Scenes were shot at Haddon Hall(Image: Historic England Archive/Heritage Images via Getty Images)

The historical drama captured numerous scenes in Derbyshire, particularly around the Peak District.
Multiple Tudor properties were combined to create the interior of the Boleyn family residence, including the historic Haddon Hall, situated just south of Bakewell in Derbyshire.
Meanwhile, Cave Dale, a limestone valley extending south from the village of Castleton, served as the picturesque green valley through which the King and his entourage ride while travelling to the Boleyn estate. Finally, when Mary is exiled from court, she makes her home in the countryside with William Stafford and her children. These sequences were captured at North Lees Hall, Hathersage in Derbyshire’s Peak District.
Kent

Dover Castle was one of the filming locations(Image: Getty)

The Other Boleyn Girl was filmed across numerous locations throughout Kent, including the stunning Knole House in Sevenoaks, which served as the palace exterior and the rooftops of 16th century London.

The Tower of London sequences featured in the film were not actually captured in the capital, with Dover Castle in Kent substituting for the famous landmark.
Meanwhile, the 14th century Kent manor house of Penshurst Place serves as Baron’s Hall, where Anne is depicted flirting with the king at a banquet.
The Other Boleyn Girl can be rented for £3.49 or bought for £5.99 on Prime Video and Apple TV+.

The school land is on the market for £7.5millionLand for sale at North Cambridge Academy in Arbury Road(Image: BTG Eddisons)Residents have mixed thoughts on the potential sale of land at a Cambridge school. Last week, it was revealed that land at North Cambridge Academy in Arbury Road was up for sale for £7.5million.The land in question was described as “largely derelict” by a school and Meridian Trust spokesperson, and it had not been used by the school for five years. The school is looking into if the land can be redeveloped. Alternatively, if the land is sold, the money would be put back into the school.Some nearby residents see the sale as an opportunity to develop much-needed housing, while others fear it could be a loss of green space that could be utilised by the community.Alexander Harris, who lives 750m away from the school, said the sale would be “good for the community”. At the moment, Alexander said the site is a “piece of land that no one is able to do anything with”.He added: “Everything lines up. It gets money into the academy and it could lead to more housing. It’s a piece of wasteland that is not being used. And we definitely need housing in the area.”If it is redeveloped, Alexander would like to see it turned into a mixed use site. He added: “I would like to see housing of three to five storeys built and shops. In order to reduce the cost of housing, we need to build more houses.”Anna Ghale works at a local college and would like to see the site used for local sports. She said: “It would be amazing if the community could have more sports facilities for local people. Arbury and Kings Hedges have always been neglected compared to other more affluent areas of Cambridge.“It’s time to invest in our area, especially as so many working people’s community shopping areas are being taken away. With the rise of AI and people being buried in their phones and online, getting people to interact socially is more and more important.”Local resident Michal, who wished for his surname to not be included, is “concerned” as he feels the sale could lead to a “big project”. He said: “I look out of my window and I see a big patch of green space. Lots of homes could be built there, which seems like a huge change. I am not looking forward to it [if they build], as it would mean more traffic and more noise.“I am concerned as it’s only across the fence from me.” Michal said he is not against new housing, but would prefer the land to remain as a green space. He added: “This is a great green space, but at the moment it is private. I would be in favour if it’s redeveloped into a green space for the public – maybe a football pitch or a sports area.”Callum Labourn has “mixed thoughts” on the sale. He said: “Development and sale of the derelict site, if done properly, would be a good thing The site is currently an eyesore and attracts flytipping. We need more housing in Cambridge, particularly affordable housing. Young people like myself need affordable places to live.“I am, however, strongly against any development on the school playing fields. Based on what we know of developers, I am not optimistic that any new development will include much affordable housing.” If it is redeveloped, Callum said he would like to see a “large proportion” of it used for affordable housing.He added: “Nothing higher than two storeys, and in keeping with the surrounding houses. [There should also be] plenty of green space, in keeping with Kings Hedges.”Mark Souter also feels the area needs more houses, but he added: “If flats and houses are built, yes we do need them. But, the local roads, such as Campkin Road and Arbury Road, will become grid locked.”The Meridian Trust, which oversees North Cambridge Academy, and Cambridgeshire County Council are working together on the land for sale.A council spokesperson said: “The footprint of the former Bellerby’s College, now demolished, and owned by Cambridgeshire County Council forms a small part of the overall site that North Cambridge Academy own and are intending to market. The county council will consider this proposal at a future Assets and Procurement Committee meeting, and no approvals or decisions have currently been made.”In a statement previously provided to CambridgeshireLive, a Meridian Trust spokesperson said: “As part of our responsibility to manage resources effectively, we are considering whether our area of the land could be brought back into beneficial use through redevelopment, subject to the appropriate planning approvals.“No decisions have been made at this stage. A formal consultation is now underway, inviting feedback from parents, carers, staff and the local authority. The consultation will run until June 12, 2026.“If a sale were to proceed, any funds generated would be reinvested into North Cambridge Academy and other schools across Cambridgeshire, in partnership with the local authority. This would support ongoing improvements to facilities and enhance provision for pupils, including enhancing and extending sporting facilities, improving parking and increasing areas for those with additional needs.“The academy and the Trust remain committed to providing high-quality learning environments and ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interests of its pupils, staff and the wider community.”

The weather is forecast to be up to 27C this weekend, so why not head out to the beach?Aldeburgh in Suffolk is a great place for a seaside trip(Image: Cambridge News)It was a wet and miserable start to the week, but this appears to have made way for a scorching bank holiday weekend. The weather forecast says that parts of Cambridgeshire will be 25C to 27C between Saturday (May 23) and Monday (May 25).With such nice weather, a beach trip may be on your mind. One place people in Cambridgeshire may want to venture to, is Aldeburgh Beach in Suffolk.Only an hour and 48-minute drive from Cambridge, the beach has been called a “favourite day out to the seaside” by The Suffolk Coast. The beach is mainly shingle and pebbles, but it is backed by a pretty promenade and charming pastel-coloured houses.Aldeburgh in Suffolk(Image: Cambridge News)The beach is popular for its food on offer, especially its fish and chips. Aldeburgh Fish and Chips is regarded as one of the best fish and chip shops in Britain. It has been providing seaside goers with their fish and chip fix since 1967.Other great food on offer in Aldeburgh includes a handy kiosk at Moot Hall, which sells drinks, snacks and of course ice creams. Nearby to Aldeburgh Fish and Chip shop there is also a range of delis and cafes to try.Over the years, Aldeburgh has become a favourite place for many. It was once the favourite beach of composer Benjamin Britten, who lived in the town for some time.It’s said that he enjoyed walking along the beach from Aldeburgh to Thorpeness most days. Today, there is a tribute to him on the beach in the form of a scallop sculpture, created by artist Maggi Hambling.The beach is dog friendly, however dogs are not allowed on it between May and September.

Peterborough City Council’s proposals to introduce bus gates on Apollo Avenue and Bellona Drive in Cardea have caused a heated debate among Stanground residentsDavid Prince and Cambridgeshire Live readers05:39, 23 May 2026Proposed new bus gates may see traffic restrictions on Apollo Avenue in Cardea(Image: Google)Readers of CambridgeshireLive have been discussing proposals for new bus gates and additional camera enforcement. Numerous comments centre on penalties, signage, residential access, and whether the measures will improve air quality and traffic flow. Some support the changes, while others argue they will complicate everyday journeys.Vehicle and motorcycle access to residential streets within a Stanground estate are set to face restrictions, according to proposals. Plans published by Peterborough City Council reveal that bus gates are to be introduced on both Apollo Avenue and Bellona Drive in Cardea.A bus gate is a brief, camera-monitored stretch of road limited to buses, cyclists, and authorised vehicles such as taxis. These gates are intended to create ‘shortcuts’ for public transport by preventing general traffic from passing through, with the aim of reducing congestion and enhancing air quality.The proposals state: “The effect of this Order is to restrict the use of the following roads to Local Buses, Taxis and Pedal Cycles, at all times: Apollo Avenue from its junction with Peterborough Road to a point 30m east of that junction, Bellona Drive between the roundabout at its junction with Whittlesey Road and its junction with Constantine Drive.”One reader, Freddly quotes: “The council said: ‘Offending motorists will receive a warning notice first within six months of the enforcement commencing.’ Why? If they don’t understand the signs, or they think they can get away with it, they need to be fined from day 1. They are a liability to the rest of us, and are concerned only with themselves.”Skipper says: “Cannot blame them for acting on principle to object to yet more of their roads being closed to them.”Rhodabike quotes: ” ‘In the hope that congestion will be reduced and air quality improved.’ So it’s not even based on facts, research or reasoning, but just a ‘hope’. In other words, pure fantasy.”Whynot2 asks: “Why are they a liability to you? Have you ever been to Cardea? Have you ever been to Stanground? People have been using that road for a while now, and sometimes a habit is hard to break, so don’t say that they are only concerned about themselves if you don’t know the area!”Calumen Nomen says: “If they fix cameras as quickly as they fix potholes, we’ve got nothing to worry about :)”Garyblowpants writes: “We need many more of these proven schemes throughout the country! Reducing congestion, improving air quality, and reducing jams. It’s what everyone wants. Ignore the small but vocal pro-congestion lobby.”While over on our Facebook page, Greg B comments: “How is it environmentally friendly to make numerous cars drive around to get off the estate, when the road they need is on the other side of a gate? And Peterborough calls itself an environmental capital?”Viki S states: “People who live there and are visiting need to access, surely?”Barbara E writes: “I understand bus gates and appreciate them in some areas. However, it would be nice if they were able to be used in the areas by those who live directly adjacent to them and are most affected by them. For example, in Cambridge, the bus gate by Christ’s Pieces and New Square. Why can’t that be accessed by Kite neighbourhood residents who have parking passes to park in that area (because they LIVE there)? Instead, they are forced to deal with going around, all the hills and traffic every day. Additionally, do all bus gates need to be 24-hour enforced when the buses here do not even run 24 hours?”Do you agree with the proposed bus gate plans? Comment below of HERE to join in the conversation.

The man told the victim, his former partner, that if he was a woman, he would have killed herRichard Chipperfield, 39(Image: Cambridgeshire Police)A man locked his former partner inside their home and held a pillow over her face so she couldn’t breathe. Police were called to the home of Richard Chipperfield, 39, on March 15, 2025, after a mental health helpline received a call from his former partner.She said that he had locked her inside their caravan and prevented her from leaving. With the victim’s consent, the police were called after she added that Chipperfield had become controlling in recent months, monitoring her phone and following her to the toilet.In February 2025, Chipperfield held a pillow over his partner’s face so she couldn’t breathe. He told her that if he was a woman, he would have killed her.At Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday, May 21, Chipperfield, of Wood Lane in Ramsey, was jailed for two years and eight months after admitting to false imprisonment and intentional strangulation.DC Aaron Fletcher, who investigated, said: “I’d like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward and confiding in police about her partner’s behaviour. Chipperfield caused her to live her life in fear, after he trapped her inside the home they shared together, and threatened her if she didn’t comply with his orders.“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Chipperfield’s actions and sends a clear message that violence, abuse, and controlling behaviour will not be tolerated in our county.”

“Initial feedback from voters using the hubs was very positive,” said a council spokesperson.Many welcomed “the additional flexibility and convenience offered by early voting” they added.”Voters particularly highlighted the ease of access and the opportunity to vote at a time that better suited their work or holiday commitments.”They added that the Electoral Commission and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) would now undertake a formal evaluation of the pilot. “The findings of this national evaluation are expected to be published over the summer. Further statistics and updates will be shared once the national evaluation results are available.”

The bank holiday is forecast to be a very sunny one for CambridgeshireCambridgeshire parks and pubs are likely to be packed this weekend thanks to the warm weather(Image: PA)The bank holiday is set to be a hot one with temperatures reaching highs of 31 degrees in certain parts of Cambridgeshire, according to BBC Weather. The good weather will start tomorrow (Friday, May 22) with it expected to be dry “with plenty of sunshine”.The temperature is expected to reach highs of 28 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 27 degrees in Peterborough. The county could see some rain in the morning on Saturday, May 23, but it should clear up before the afternoon with the temperature reaching 27 degrees.Sunday, May 24, and Monday, May 25, are expected to be quite similar with lots of sunshine. The temperature will reach highs of 29 degrees on Sunday and will be even hotter on Monday with it reaching 31 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 29 degrees in Peterborough.BBC Weather said: “Saturday may see the odd shower in the morning locally, but it will turn drier in the afternoon with warm sunshine. Sunday and Monday will be very warm, or even hot, with plenty of sunshine as high pressure remains in control.”The good weather is set to continue throughout next week with plenty of sunshine and temperatures staying above 25 degrees for most of the week. The temperatures are currently forecast to drop to around 23 degrees in Cambridge and Ely and 21 degrees in Peterborough on Saturday, May 30.To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

An outline planning application has been submitted to build up to 138 homes in a Cambridgeshire villageLand south of St Neots Road in HardwickPlans to build up to 138 homes in Hardwick have faced backlash from people living near the proposed development site. Neighbours have shared concerns that the new homes would cause “irreversible harm” to the village and its community.The homes are proposed to be built on land south of St Neots Road in Hardwick. Of the 138 homes, 40% are proposed to be made available as affordable housing. The proposals also seek to develop a new site access, internal access roads, parking, drainage, and public open space.Developer Pigeon said its proposals would aim to create an “inclusive community through the provision of a variety of tenures and dwelling types to suit all stages of life” and a “sustainable movement strategy where walking and cycling opportunities are integrated into the heart of the development”.The planning statement says: “The proposals provide for a high-quality, landscape design-led, sustainable scheme including the provision of up to 138 new homes, comprising both market and affordable homes, along with public open space, biodiversity enhancements and associated infrastructure.”The outline planning application has seen local backlash, with more than 15 objections lodged so far. One objector said: “The A428 junctions are already under pressure, and additional traffic will worsen queueing and accident risk. The proposal does not demonstrate that the increase in traffic, altered flow and the effect on junction function have no adverse impact on safety and capacity.”The objector also highlighted that Hardwick is a rural village with a “distinct character defined by open green spaces, low-density housing, and a strong sense of community”. They added: “The proposed development is overdevelopment, inconsistent with the village’s scale and form, and it erodes the rural setting and landscape character, and does not respect local character or protect the countryside.”The proposal would fundamentally alter the village’s identity.” They said “the application should be refused” because it would “result in significant and irreversible harm to the village and its community”.Another concerned resident said that the proposed access road into the new development would create an “increase in vehicular traffic”. They said this would “cause congestion” and “more importantly at the junction of the road joining the main curved road to the road-about”.A similar concern was raised by another objector. They said that the western roundabouts, which serve as a key access point for Hardwick and nearby villages via St Neots Road, “already experience substantial congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours”.They said the development would “introduce a significant increase in vehicle movements onto a road network that already appears close to capacity”. They added that local services “already appear to be under considerable pressure” and up to 138 homes could “significantly increase demand on already stretched services without clear evidence that the necessary supporting infrastructure improvements will be delivered”.Hardwick itself does not have a GP surgery. Residents use nearby surgeries including in Comberton and Bourn.