Walking in Cambridge can be a delightful experience. Cambridge is renowned for its prestigious university, picturesque architecture, and charming streets. The city is also known for its abundant green spaces, nature and gardens, which add to the city’s charm and beauty. Here at The Fellows House, we recommend exploring the Cambridge city and its nature on foot on your next visit.
Just a stone’s throw away from The Fellows House, you can find a large and picturesque park, Jesus Green. This large park is alongside the river Cam and offers ample space for picnics, sports activities, and leisurely walks. The green is also home to an open-air swimming pool, Jesus Green Lido, tennis courts, and vibrant summer fairs. Annual event, Music in the Parks, is returning to Jesus Green this summer too! Treat yourself to our handmade cakes and sandwiches from The Sage of Cambridge to take with you for a picnic, while listening to live afternoon music in the company of your friends and family.
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Around half an hour of picturesque walk by the riverside, you will arrive to Stourbridge Common. This common is known for its natural beauty and open green spaces. It features grassy fields, where cows and kettles roam during the warmer months. The area provides a scenic environment and a peaceful escape from the urban surroundings. If you keep walking for another few minutes on the riverside, you will arrive to a scenic nature reserve, Ditton Meadows, where you can visit a pub, The Plough, for a refreshing drink.
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Twenty minutes’ walk from The Fellows House you can find Parker’s Piece. This historic park is known as the birthplace of modern football. It was here that the Cambridge Rules, one of the earliest sets of football rules, were first played in the mid-19th century. Is there a better place to join for a game of football or cricket than here?
In the centre of the park, you can see a single lamp post, which is the first electric lamp in Cambridge, which is also humorously known as the “Reality Checkpoint”.
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Only 1.5 miles walk from The Fellows House, through the historic city centre of Cambridge, you will arrive at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a haven of greenery and plant diversity. It spans 40 acres and features various gardens, glasshouses, and beautiful landscapes.
The Botanic Garden boasts an extensive collection of plants from around the world. With over 8,000 species, it offers a rich and diverse display of flora. The garden is organised into various themed sections, including the Rock Garden, Winter Garden, Glasshouses, Herbaceous Borders, and more. The Botanic Garden features several glasshouses that house plants from different climatic regions. These include the Tropical Rainforest House, Arid Lands House, Alpine House, and the Scented Garden Glasshouse.
Visiting the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a delightful experience for nature lovers, students, and those seeking tranquillity. It offers a chance to explore diverse plant collections, learn about botanical research, and appreciate the beauty of nature in a serene setting.
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Grab yourself one of our artisan coffees from The Sage of Cambridge for you walk to Sheep’s Green and Coe Fen natural reserves. Those parks provide an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature, observe wildlife and enjoy a peaceful retreat in Cambridge. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil walk, a spot for a picnic, or a chance to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, Sheep’s Green and Coe Fen offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
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The area behind several Cambridge colleges (including King’s College, St John’s College, Trinity College, Queen’s College, Clare College, and more), known as The Backs, offers iconic views of the River Cam and is adorned with lush lawns, trees, and gardens. It’s a great place for a scenic stroll, a riverside picnic or a punting tour.
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If you’re up for a longer walk, you can venture to the village of Grantchester, located just south of Cambridge. It’s one hour walk from The Fellows House. Grantchester offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Cambridge. It is known for its charming thatched-roof cottages, The Orchard Tea Garden, and the Grantchester Meadows, which inspired poet Rupert Brooke to his poem ‘The Old Vicarage, Grantchester’, written while in Berlin in 1912. Grantchester Meadows is a popular spot in the spring and summer months for wild swimming or as a favourite picnic spot for the locals.
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These are just a few examples of the green spaces you can find in Cambridge. The city’s commitment to preserving and maintaining its natural environment makes it a delightful place to enjoy the beauty of nature while exploring its rich history and cultural attractions.
You can discover all the beautiful spots of Cambridge by foot or on our hotel bikes, which are for hire to The Fellows House guests.