Walking Cambridge

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These two contrasting buildings are both significant landmarks which add to the character of the historic city centre’s southern approach. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Round Church, is a Norman church with a circular nave, the oldest of only five such churches in the UK. A huge shopping centre was originally proposed here in the 1950s to modernise Cambridge’s retail facilities. It was reduced in size following protests and a planning enquiry. Even so, demolitions in the 1960s flattened an enclave of timber framed buildings and narrow yards, including the Red Lion Inn – hence the name Lion Yard. The 1970s shopping centre, refurbished in 1999, replaced a thriving district of discos, clubs, cafes, restaurants, small offices and independent shops. Watch my video about planning a trip to Cambridge. This is a simple video that walks you through my custom maps and routes for planning a great trip to Cambridge, UK.

As well as places to walk in Cambridgeshire, there are also plenty of stunning walks in Cambridge itself, including meadows, riverside trails, and woodlands. Among the best things to do in Cambridge, a few of these spots include Jesus Green, Stourbridge Common, and Paradise Local Nature Reserve. Plus, there are some wonderful places to eat in Cambridge after your walks, especially along Quayside. 19 of the best walks in Cambridgeshire Get ready for a climb! At the North end of King’s Parade, we will come across Great St Mary’s Church. Book a local tour. Enjoy a beautiful guided punting tour on river Cam which will float you behind all the historical colleges and give you a unique perspective of the town. You can also join this beautifully led historical walking tour of Cambridge. Locally led, this tour will take you to the colleges including a visit to beautiful King’s College. Ever since we lived in Cambridge for an entire month, the city has become our favorite day trip from London. We found spring time in Cambridge to be absolutely gorgeous with all the flowers and trees blooming. So, come along with me on my favorite walking tour of Cambridge UK. Favorite Places on My Walking Tour of Cambridge UKEnjoy Cambridge on our guided walking and punting tour through the eyes of a local historian We start with a short walk that takes in some of the famous colleges and historic sights of the city as you meander down quaint alleyways and tread the cobbled streets.You will hear quirky facts and stories of the colleges and their colourful alumni, all set within the context of English and world history, many fascinating tales of city life through the ages not generally mentioned in the guide books. This small example typifies the challenge Cambridge faces today – how should it develop to meet the needs of its population, both students and residents, without damaging the city’s architectural heritage?

In March, the woodlands, meadows, and marshlands of Castor Hanglands near Peterborough are literally awash with frogs and toads. Up to two thousand amphibians inhabit the reserve, the ponds filled first with clumps of frogspawn, followed by tadpoles then fully-formed adults. It’s sometimes difficult not to tread on them as you wander along the reserve’s pathways, particularly during a wet spell.

When you reach Magdalene Bridge, look downstream with Magdalene College on your left and Quayside on the right bank. Magdalene is pronounced ‘Maudleyn’, a fine piece of vanity that recalls Lord Audley of Walden, Henry VIII’s Lord Chancellor, who re-founded the college in 1542. Wandlebury has 8 miles of footpaths to explore wildflower meadows, woodlands, orchards and Iron-Age ditches. The paths are mostly flat and without barriers but only a short section near the car park is surfaced. Built over the first 35 years of Queen Victoria’s reign, the Museum was funded by a bequest from Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion. After graduating from Trinity Hall Fitzwilliam embarked on his Grand Tour – a journey through Europe’s cultural treasures taken by many an aristocrat of the Victorian age. The museum was originally designed to house the collection of paintings, books, prints, manuscripts and objets d’art with which he returned from his travels. Since then there have been several extensions, the latest in 2003/4, which created a modern wing featuring a beautiful, naturally lit covered courtyard.

Where to stay in Cambridge? I recommend staying at the affordable Arundel House Hotel for its excellent location and beautiful setting. For a more refined place you can enjoy The Gonvile Hotel on the southern side of Cambridge’s historical center. You can also find other budget hotels in Cambridge. Silver Street also marks the southern edge of the former King’s Ditch. This was the boundary of the medieval town which ran from the Cam near Magdalene College, across the modern city centre towards the river. The King’s Ditch was chiefly built during the 13th century, in the long reign of Henry III. It ensured that travelling traders heading for Cambridge’s markets had to pay tolls when they passed through the gates. It could so easily have been destroyed for redevelopment but a visionary refurbishment has given it new life. An ingenious adaptation of the previous corridors and wards was combined with a colourful approach to interior and exterior decoration, producing a distinctive post-modern appearance. Whether you think the 1990s development sits comfortably here or you find its pinks and greens jarring, the Judge Business School certainly makes an impact. There are approximately 10 miles of circular trails in all and it’s suitable for anyone to visit, including families and dogs. Since becoming a protected reserve, the RSPB has continued to make the lakes an even richer home for wildlife.

4. Mathematical Bridge

When you enter Trumpington Street, pause for a minute to appreciate the view in both directions. There is a perfection in this road’s built environment that exemplifies the very best of Cambridge. Among the pleasing variety of urban styles, two large buildings stand out. This social group meets all year round at 10am every Thursday morning, with the slower walk starting at 10.30am. Walks are well-attended, with 40 people joining most weeks. Some people like it so much they do both walks! Teas/coffees are available afterwards.

The first stop on our walking tour of Cambridge UK is the Round Church, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Round Church was built by crusaders in the 12th century and is one of the oldest landmarks in Cambridge.

St Ives and The Hemingfords

Avoid Unpaved - tries to avoid roads and paths with unmade surfaces that may not be suitable for road bikes