Love and romance will be celebrated at Oliver Cromwell House in Ely next week as people prepare for Valentine’s Day.

Visitors to the House will be able to ‘Meet the Cromwell’s’ between 11am to 1pm on Tuesday 12 February to hear about romance through the ages through costumed characters explaining about courtship customs and tokens of love during the 17th century.

This is a free event for Resident Pass holders and children under 6 years of age. Normal visitor prices apply to anyone without a pass: Adult: £4.60, Concession: £4.10 (over 60's and students with a valid student card), Child: £3.10 (under 6's free) and Family: £13.00 (2 adults and 3 children under 16).

Between Saturday 9 and Sunday 17 February, Oliver Cromwell’s House will be showcasing the unseen 17th century wall paintings in the parlour as part of the BBC Uncovering the Nations Art project.

The paintings will available to see between 3pm to 4pm daily as part of the normal admission to the House and form part of the Paintings Trail.

Finally, there will be two tours taking place throughout half term. These are:

- A Historical Guided City Walk on Saturday 9 February at 11.30am where visitors can learn about the rich history of this beautiful city with one of our guides.

- Guided Riverside Walk on Sunday 10 February at 11.30am. This walk takes in the city centre as well a picturesque waterside with some stunning riverside views.

Tickets for each walk cost £3 and can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre.

Tracey Harding, Tourism & Town Centres Team Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: "Valentine’s Day is a fantastic time of the year as young and old lovers tell each other how much they care about each other. Visitors to Oliver Cromwell House next Tuesday can discover the secret language of flowers and herbs, trace back traditions such as the origin of wedding cakes and how knives were used in declarations of love. So come along to the House next week and learn how to fall in love again."

For booking contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01353 662062 or www.visitely.org.uk.