Five amazing ancient ruins that are only a short drive away from Cambridgeshire

The landscape of East Anglia is filled with monuments that date back to its historic past. Some of these buildings were created by very wealthy people, who would build them to God in return for a place in the afterlife.

While the people who built and lived in these places are long gone, and the buildings themselves have fallen into ruin, there are remains that serve as a reminder of what once was. Some of these are located in Cambridgeshire while others are a short drive away.

We’ve picked out five of the most fascinating ancient ruins in and around the county that are well worth a visit. You can find them all in our list down below.

All Saints Church and the lost village of Silverley

The ruins of All Saints’ Church

Although it can be tricky to find, the remains of the now lost village of Silverley offers a real reward for the explorer. The village itself is no more, but a nearby small woodland will lead to the remains of its church, the All Saints.

The village first appears in the Doomsday book in the 12th century, and it’s believed the church was abandoned in the 16th century. It’s thought that when the villages of Silverley and Ashley were merged and a new church built in Ashley that All Saints was never used again.

The church’s ruins are just under a mile south of the village of Ashley on the B1063. It is located in a small bit of woodland by a triangle turning. Nearby houses have the postcode of CB8 8PA.

Wimpole’s Folly

The Gothic Tower folly in autumn at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire

Located within the grounds of Wimpole Hill, this particular folly is rather spectacular and is designed to resemble a medieval castle, complete with Gothic tower and other walls.

It was actually built in the late 1700s and was designed by famous English garden designer Capability Brown. It is still available to view to this day.

Wimpole Hall is open to the public and has a number of other attractions. This includes the house and gardens plus the Home Farm, with lots of animals to see.

Castle Acre Priory

Castle Acre Priory

The ruins are almost 1,000 years old, dating back to 1090 when it was a monastery for the first Cluniac order of monks to England. The Cluniac love of decoration is reflected in these extensive ruins.

There is an exhibition, including artefacts found at the site and an audio tour that explains all the details to look out for at the ruins. There is also a family trail for children as well.

Located not far from Swaffham in West Norfolk, Caste Acre Priory is approximately an hour and 15 minutes drive from Cambridge. You can find out more here.

Walsingham Abbey

The remains of Walsingham Abbey

Walsingham Abbey’s ruins are surrounded by a beautiful landscaped garden. Its filled with woods, river walks and meadows full of white snowdrops which really are a sight to behold.

The priory was founded in 1153 but not many of the original buildings remain from that time. However, the famous ‘East Window’ and the holy well are still available to see.

The Abbey is an hour and a half drive from Cambridge. More information can be found here.

Bury St Edmunds Abbey Gardens

Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk – Abbey Gardens

Just a 40-minute drive from Cambridge, the 14-acre Abbey Gardens in the heart of Bury St Edmunds. It is also home to the impressive ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund.

The former Benedictine Abbey has been described as being once one of the richest, largest and most powerful monasteries in England. People have travelled from all over England and beyond to pay homage to the Shrine of St Edmund and it’s even been visited by royalty.