Light Blue Skies: Step into a Dreamy Cambridge Walk
Many people may associate Cambridge with shadowy corners in historic libraries. However, the area is also abundant with natural beauty and greenery that comes to life in the warmer months. Our centrally-located Your Space apartments make excellent starting points for a Cambridge walk. Today’s blog recommends two idyllic days out, beginning at Byron House and Cambridge Place. These picturesque strolls, sweetened with a treat (or two!), are the perfect way to enjoy Cambridge’s summer bloom and country charm.
Byron House to Waterbeach – (walking time – around 4 hours)
A Cambridge Walk on the Riverside
Byron House is home to spacious studio apartments each with their own private balcony. The sleek, contemporary building is just a few streets away from the River Cam. Therefore, why not try a riverside ramble, heading to the delightful, expanding village of Waterbeach? Set off before breakfast and, fifteen minutes into your walk, get a morning coffee and pastries from Kerb Kollective. The food menu at this quirky café varies from day to day. However, their indulgent cinnamon and cardamon buns are a signature staple.
After this tasty start, your stroll continues along the river. Look out for swans, kingfishers and cormorants as well as rowers training. During the summer months, there is a bespoke development programme for student athletes. These young people hope to secure a place on the coveted ‘Light Blue’ squad and compete in the Oxford vs. Cambridge Boat Race.
Drinking in the View
As you arrive in Waterbeach, you can enjoy refreshing drinks at a quintessential riverside pub: The Bridge. You may also wish to find a shady spot to rest beneath a tree in Cow Hollow Wood. This green oasis was planted by local people in 2000 to celebrate the turn of the millennium. In addition, Waterbeach boasts a Military Heritage Museum, located at a former Royal Airforce station. But make sure to check the opening times and dates if you plan to see the impressive collection of artefacts.
Returning to the city centre, make a final stop at the Museum of Technology. The museum itself contains exhibits on multiple aspects of Cambridge’s industrial history. Meanwhile, the attached Engineer’s House serves locally brewed beer and delicious pizza from a wood-fired oven. A warm evening spent unwinding on the stepped terrace, overlooking the river, before ambling back to Byron House, will give your Cambridge walk the perfect ending.
Cambridge Place to Grantchester – (walking time – around 2 hours + time in Botanic Gardens)
Visit the Jungle on Your Cambridge Walk
Another Your Space location with a wonderful walk (almost) on the doorstep is Cambridge Place. This modern development contains stylish one-bedroom apartments and is only a five-minute stroll from the University of Cambridge’s Botanic Gardens. The gardens have existed in the city for hundreds of years. Their original purpose was producing plants to use in the teaching of medical students.
Today, the gardens contain over 8,000 species of plant and are dedicated to researching and conserving the diverse flora. On your Cambridge walk, enter the gardens from Station Road. Then, travel around the world: from English rose gardens, to the Mediterranean basin, to tropical rainforests inside a glasshouse. Take a circle around the lake. Then, exit the gardens on Trumpington Road, leaving the city’s bustle behind as you head for boundless greenery in Grantchester Meadows.
A Cambridge Walk in a Poet’s Footsteps
In May 1912, Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) penned The Old Vicarage, Grantchester. In the poem, he describes lying “flower-lulled in sleepy grass” while watching “the Cambridge sky.” Brooke, who would go on to become a famous WW1 poet, wrote a number of works inspired by the area. Over a century later, a sun-drenched wander through the lush, open meadows remains beautiful and enchanting. As you walk, listen for the summery hum of dragonflies which thrive in this area. Also, keep your eyes open for otters which are occasionally spotted by the river.
The meadows make a glorious place for a picnic (for the true ‘Cambridge’ experience choose one from Fitzbillies). Alternatively, Grantchester’s Orchard Tea Garden serves light lunches, afternoon teas and homemade scones. Take time to relax in a calm, natural sanctuary under the orchard’s pretty fruit trees. Then, make your way back to the comfort of your city-centre apartment, rejuvenated by your trip to a country idyll, steeped in history and full of life.
These are just two of many highly-recommended walks in and around Cambridge. The city is busy and active, but connected with nature and close to tranquil, rural escapes. Therefore, Cambridge makes the ideal UK destination as we beckon some brighter and longer days. If you would like further information about Byron House, Cambridge Place or any of our apartments please get in touch. Our team would be happy to help you.
