Littleport

Littleport brings together the landscape of the Fens and a local history shaped by former river courses, churches, industry and skating. If you are planning a stay, these themes offer different ways to explore the area, from the development of the landscape to historic buildings and local memorials.

Littleport between the Fens and the Ouse

Littleport lies on an island surrounded by Fenland in the Fens; the island’s highest point is about 20 m above sea level. The course of the Ouse is also part of this landscape’s history. In the past, the river flowed through Littleport along the route of the Old Croft River. Much of this old watercourse is now dry, while the Ouse now follows the Ouse Cut, constructed in 1827. Here, a former river course and the river’s present route sit side by side.

Buildings and local history

The Adams Heritage Centre is based in the J.H. Adams & Sons building, from where it promotes education and interest in the history of the Fens. The ironmongery building opened in 1893 and serves as a central venue in Littleport for exhibitions, workshops and events. If you would like to combine your trip with one of these offerings, check the dates in advance. This lets you plan around a specific cultural event.

The Church of St George is a parish church dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its limestone font dates from the 15th century. For those interested in architectural history, this highlights the distinction between the period to which the church is dated and the precisely dated detail inside.

In the centre of Littleport is a 19th-century factory building that once housed the clothing manufacturer Hope Brothers Ltd. The factory became an important local employer of women and girls. Until 1972, it was a production site for Burberry trench coats. Both local working history and clothing production are therefore part of Littleport’s history.

Memories and skating history

The Littleport Riots are another part of the town’s history. On the evening of 22 May 1816, people in Littleport took a stand in connection with these riots. The original memorial stone to the Littleport Riots is held in the Littleport Society’s collection.

Skating is also historically associated with Littleport. On 26 December 1892, a fiercely contested Fen skating championship tournament began there, open to participants and spectators from around the world. The date and international openness make this competition a distinctive chapter in the town’s history.

Another skating connection is The Moors, on the northern side of Littleport near the railway station. Thomas Peacock funded the levelling of nearly 40 acres of land there for skating. The location and area offer a distinct perspective on Littleport’s leisure history, separate from the details of the 1892 tournament.

Discover Littleport on foot

The Littleport Society offers local history walks through Littleport for small groups at various times of the year. If you would like to include this option in your travel plans, check in advance when the walks are available. This gives you a chance to explore the town’s history as part of a specific group activity, alongside other historical themes shaped by buildings, river courses and memorials.

Discover more destinations: Holme, Little Stukeley, Brampton, Hinxton, Croydon, Pidley, Cambridge, Gamlingay

For the broader travel overview: Cambridgeshire.