This virtual route links four of the great cathedral cities of the East of England, offering a wealth of both historical and more modern attractions, from stunning countryside and rustic landscapes to great shopping and vibrant nightlife.

Our journey starts in the contemporary cathedral city of Lincoln, before heading off to Peterborough, the Gateway to the Fens and home to the Nene Valley Railway.

The tiny but bustling city of Ely is the next stop, with its magnificent cathedral known as "The Ship of the fens" and lovely riverside walks. The final destination is Norwich, a vibrant regional capital set in the heart of East Anglia said to be one of the UK's top 5 places to shop!

Norwich is a city that seems to have everything you could desire of a vibrant regional capital! The most complete medieval city in Britain, it is also one of the UK's top ten shopping destinations with the largest outdoor market in England, making it a popular destination for a diverse and sophisticated city break. Attractions include the Norman Cathedral and Castle, the cobbled streets and museums of old Norwich, its many medieval churches and secular buildings, and its broad range of specialist and independent retailers. It also makes an ideal base from which to explore the Norfolk Broads, Britain’s largest protected wetland with 200km of lock-free rivers, woodland and fens.

Arrival and Information

The train station is on the east bank of the River Wensum, ten minutes' walk from the city centre along Prince of Wales Road. Long distance buses terminate at the Surrey Street station, also little more than ten minutes' walk from the town centre. The tourist office is in The Forum beside the Market Place (June-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Oct-May Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-2pm; tel 01603/666071, ). The Broads Authority Office , 18 Colegate (tel 01603/610734, ), is a useful source of information for those heading for the Broads.

The best way to see the city is on foot and the tourist office's city walking tours are a good way of getting the lie of the land. It's also worth bearing in mind the riverbus, which runs from the Elm Hill Quay to the Thorpe Road Quay, opposite the train station, providing an inexpensive means of cruising Norwich's central waterway. They are operated by City Boats (tel 01603/701701), who also offer a limited range of longer cruises out into the surrounding countryside and to the Norfolk Broads from both the Elm Hill and Thorpe Road quays.

Nestled in the Fen countryside of East Cambridgeshire, the historic city of Ely is home to one of the most magnificent cathedrals in England, and makes an ideal day visit or short break location. Situated on the River Great Ouse, Ely was an island and a significant port until the 18th century when the Fens were drained, leaving it high and dry. The name itself means 'eel island', and certainly the low lying fens were historically very marshy and rich in eels - it's even been claimed that, during the 11th century, monks of the town would use eels as currency to pay their taxes!

Today, the city is very attractive, retaining many historic buildings with its winding shopping streets. From the lovely riverside you can enjoy a boat trip, leisurely riverside walks, explore the many cafes and antique shops, visit the Babylon Art Gallery or listen to music in Jubilee Gardens.

Whether it is a tranquil, peaceful retreat you are looking for or an inspiring, invigorating visit then the tiny but bustling city of Ely has it all!

History and heritage or culture and vibrancy, the contemporary cathedral city of Lincoln is one of the UK’s Top 10 favourite cities. Lincoln has so much to offer you will be spoilt for choice. As well as all the historical sites there are parklands and open spaces to enjoy a relaxing stroll. Numerous cafes, bars and restaurants provide a range of menus including some of the favourite local food. Enjoy a traditional English tea at one of the tea shops. Visit the annual Christmas market for some traditional Christmas gifts. Lincoln is a compact city so everything is accessible on foot. Enjoy!

Arrival and Information

Both Lincoln's train station , on St Mary's Street, and its bus station , close by off Norman Street, are located "Down hill" in the city centre. From either, it's a steep, twenty-minute walk to the cathedral, which can also be reached by city bus or (depending on the success of various trials) an electric "people carrier". There are two tourist offices . One is in the shopping centre on The Cornhill, close to the train and bus stations (Easter-Sept Mon-Thurs 9.30am-5.30pm, Fri 9.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm; Oct-Easter same days, but closes 4pm; tel 01522/579056, ), the other is at 9 Castle Hill, between the cathedral and the castle (same hours; tel 01522/529828, ). Both have a useful range of literature on Lincoln and its surroundings, take bookings for guided tours of the city, and operate an accommodation-booking service.

Maidstone is in the county town of Kent, England, 32 miles (51 km) south-east of London. The River Medway runs through the centre of the town linking Maidstone to Rochester and the Thames Estuary. Historically, the river was a source and route for much of the town's trade. Maidstone was the centre of the agricultural county of Kent, known as the Garden of England. There is evidence of a settlement in the area dating back to beyond the Stone Age.

Army barracks have been a feature of the town since 1797, when the first was built. The present Invicta Barracks is home to the Royal Engineers 36 Engineer Regiment (in which the author of this article once served and indeed, Maidstone is the true birth place of the Laughing Camel legend. Sadly, that will have to remain an untold story of one sapper's self sacrifice and true humiliation!), which includes two Gurkha field squadrons.

Maidstone is a great place to stop, take a break and explore some wonderful historical buildings, smart new shopping centres and fantastic pubs.