The 2012 Summer Olympic Games will be held in London from 27 July to 12 August 2012, followed by the 2012 Paralympic Games from 29 August to 9 September.

This will be the third time London has hosted the games having also done so in 1908 and 1948.

The 2012 Olympics will take place in a host of new venues as well as using existing and historic facilities. Some of the events will take place well away from the central London hub with the East of England hosting two events - mountain biking in Hadleigh Farm, Essex and white water canoe slalom at The Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire.

'Linger a Little Longer' in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is well placed for visitors to stay during the games as most of the Olympic events will take place in Stratford, London  which is only an hour's journey from Cambridge by road or rail - with a direct link from London's King Cross station to the Stratford International station via the 'Javelin train' taking just 7 minutes.

Cambridgeshire has a great reputation for its hospitality and for welcoming visitors from far and wide, with an abundance of accommodation to suit everyone's needs and budgets, from camping and caravanning sites and holiday parks through to self catering, B&B's, guest houses, inns and hotels.

And if you decide to 'linger a little longer' during the games there is so much more to see in the local area with our historic cities of Cambridge, Ely and Peterborough, all renowned for their world famous buildings and architecture - our many museums, Britain's only American Military Cemetery 3 miles outside of Cambridge and our fabulous green spaces for walking, cycling or boating. So much to see and do to make a truly memorable trip.

Olympic Torch Relay - stopping in Cambridge

The City has been selected to host a special event as part of the national Torch Relay, which will see the flame visit towns and cities across the UK.

Cambridge will host the Torch as part of the City Council's Big Weekend celebrations on Saturday July 7 2012. The event, on Parker's Piece, will showcase the City and the County's unique Olympic sporting and cultural heritage, with the Olympic Flame providing the focal point of the celebrations.

Local Activity in celebration of the 2012 Olympiad

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have a local Coordinating Group around the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Cultural Olympiad called GOLD.

Their aim is to increase inclusive participation in sport, culture and healthy activity and to maximise the opportunities that will be provided through business and tourism. The Gold website includes details of local events and news and how individuals can get involved.

Thousands of volunteers will be needed in the organisation of the 2012 Games and for local events. The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Volunteer Centres are co-ordinating these local efforts - so do contact them if you have some time to spare and would like to get involved.