Parks and Green Spaces in Cambridge
Cambridge is known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, but it’s also a city with many parks and green spaces that provide a peaceful respite from the bustle of everyday life.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, here’s your guide to some of the best parks and green spaces in Cambridge.
Jesus Green
Jesus Green – One of the most popular parks and green spaces in Cambridge, Jesus Green stretches along the River Cam and offers ample space for a picnic or a jog along the river.
This green space is home to the Jesus Green Lido and the city’s only public grass tennis courts, as well as a children’s play area with a pirate ship, a skate park, and free table tennis.
Parker’s Piece
Located in the heart of the city, Parker’s Piece is a large, open green space that is ideal for sports such as cricket and football.
The gas lamp at the crossroad of the paths across the park, erected in 1893, was nicknamed Reality Checkpoint by students in the 1960s.
It is also currently home to an Observation Wheel providing magnificent views of Cambridge.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A short walk from the city centre, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a haven for plant lovers and garden enthusiasts and holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world to facilitate teaching and research.
The garden has a stunning array of plants as well as several themed areas, including a tropical glasshouse, a rock garden, and a scented garden. A variety of events take place at the gardens including a children’s trail in the holiday periods.
There is a small charge to get entry to the Gardens.
Grantchester Meadows
Situated on the picturesque River Cam to the South of the City of Cambridge, Grantchester is a village that dates back to settlements in the 9th Century. Nowadays, we might associate it with poets and scholars or a recent TV show.
Grantchester Meadows is located close to the village and is a peaceful oasis that feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s famous for the Cambridge scholars and poets who once sought out peaceful spots by the river Cam to read, write, and contemplate.
The meadows offer stunning views of the river and surrounding countryside, as well as plenty of space for a picnic or a leisurely walk. After taking a stroll along the Meadow the Orchard Tea Garden is located close by, as well as The Rupert Brooke Pub.
Midsummer Common
This popular park and green space is located along the River Cam, it’s lovely to walk or bike alongside the River and view the boats moored along the Riverbank.
The Common also plays host to a variety of events including the famous annual Strawberry Fair, Midsummer Fair (one of the longest-established fairs in England), and Bonfire Night. The common is grazed by a herd of Red Poll cattle between April and October each year, in between hosted events but also has plenty of space for picnics, sunbathing, or simply lounging with a good book.
Stourbridge Common
This is a large open space northeast of the City. It’s beautiful to bike and part of it has been classified as a local nature reserve. During the summer months, you can walk along and watch the College Rowers and the May Bumps! An annual Cambridge tradition! It is also very close to the Cambridge Museum of Technology
There is a playpark that includes a zip wire and plenty of play amenities for younger children.
In medieval times an annual Stourbridge Fair took place, The fair’s location and access to The Wash as well as an important road leading to Newmarket, meant that the fair was accessible to a large population. The fair sold a variety of goods including textiles, glass, spices, fish, and iron goods.
Cherry Hinton Hall
This Park is a short drive from the City Centre or can be reached by travelling on the Number 3 bus. The wide-open grass spaces include a play area and a water play area for children and young families. It’s perfect on a hot day for a picnic and children can play freely in the park area.
There are also ponds and streams that are home to a wild array of wildlife, including ducks, swans, moorhens, and even the occasional Kingfisher. The grounds also play host to the Cambridge Folk Festival in the Summer, as well as a variety of other community events.
No matter what your interests are, there are many parks and green spaces in Cambridge to suit your needs. So, pack a picnic, grab a book, or lace up your trainers and explore all that this city has to offer.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay Our Cambridge B&B rooms are simple and affordable, and many have an en-suite bathroom. As a guest of the College, you are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds which are steeped in history and are home to Milton’s Mulberry Tree and Darwin’s Garden.
We hold a 4-star Visit England Campus Award. so you can be sure of a warm welcome.
To find out more about the Bed and Breakfast accommodation we offer visit https://christscollegehospitality.co.uk/
Book directly with us and you will receive 10 percent off our publicised rates and a welcome pack on arrival. Just set up a member login on our website before you book.
