Grantchester Village: A Day Out From Cambridge
After pop star and blogger, TV detective is pretty much my dream job. Running around solving mysteries all day whilst rocking a statement coat, but not actually getting hurt – what’s not to love? And as luck would have it, the marvellous UK detective series Grantchester is set and filmed near me in Grantchester village.
Located around a 40-minute walk from the city centre, Grantchester village makes a perfect day out from Cambridge. As well as its TV fame, Grantchester is an idyllic old English village to spend time in. So, put on your deerstalker, give your moustache a twirl and follow the clues below to discover why you should make Grantchester village your prime suspect for a day out when you’re in Cambridge.
Map – Grantchester Village Sights
I’ve created a map showing the key sights covered in this day trip to Grantchester Village. Click the arrow icon to the left of the map heading to view the names of each sight.
Grantchester Village as A Film Set
The charming little village of Grantchester, Cambridge, has provided the backdrop to the ITV series Grantchester since 2014.
The TV series is actually based on a series of books and if you want to find them whilst in Cambridge there are lots of lovely bookshops in Cambridge to visit.
Whilst you can no longer hope to run into the dashing James Norton, having left the programme in series two, the genteel detective drama continues to go from strength to strength.
Take a wander around the quaint streets whilst filming is on and you might just get a selfie with Robson Green or the other stars if you time it right.
The gorgeous flower-covered cottages sprinkled throughout Grantchester village are classic old-English style. Don’t forget to take in the medieval Church of St Andrew and St Mary, which features as the church in the show.
Grantchester Tea Room
Towards the edge of the village of Grantchester, you’ll find a beautiful orchard that doubles as a refreshment stop. It’s a corner of calm where many famous Cambridge students have spent time in quiet contemplation.
Well-known visitors include Rupert Brooke, war poet, Virginia Woolf, writer, Crick and Watson, DNA discoverers and Alan Turing, computer scientist. Pull up one of the traditional wooden deckchairs, order afternoon tea and get your intellectual musing on.
Alternatively, if you don’t have time to stop for long, there’s a kiosk perfect for grabbing an ice cream from. There’s also an inside area for when it rains, which, let’s face it, in the UK is quite likely.
The Orchard Tea Garden is open all year round but during autumn/winter it shuts on Mondays and Tuesdays and closes at 4 pm the rest of the week.
During the summer, opening times are 10 am – 6 pm daily. This place can get busy in the summer, as can the car park – I suggest you do as the locals do and come by bike, or walk instead. If you enjoy walking, there are plenty more options for great walks in Cambridge.
Cambridge Travel Resources
Ready for more Cambridge inspiration and information? Read and favourite my posts below, so you have them to hand when you’re in Cambridge.
Punting in Cambridge: Prices and Local Guide
Byron’s Pool Nature Reserve
Named after Lord Byron, the English romantic poet is said to have used the weir at Grantchester for a refreshing dip back in the day.
Now a designated nature reserve, this area of woodland offers a peaceful easy half-hour walk by the water and a chance to connect with nature. There is a small picnic area at the end furthest from the village, so if you don’t want to join the crowds at the Orchard Tea Garden this makes a great alternative.
How to Get to Byron’s Pool
To find the start of the walk to Byron’s Pool, head out of Grantchester village, go past the Tea Garden and keep going on Grantchester Road until you cross the River Cam.
Walk straight on for another five minutes and the entrance is on your right-hand side. Look out for the sign below on your left (it may be obscured by trees).
Once you get into the nature reserve, follow the pathway through the woods until you reach the weir.
Traditional Village Pubs in Grantchester, Cambridge
For such a compact village, surprisingly, Grantchester has not one but three pubs, the Red Lion, Blue Ball Inn and the Rupert Brooke. All are great options for a drink and a leisurely lunch.
My personal favourite is the Red Lion. The large garden and patio are a real sun trap in the summer. The food is tasty, with the delicious baked camembert being a particular favourite. The Blue Ball pub offers bed and breakfast if you feel like making a night of it.
Cambridge Distillery
Set in the heart of Grantchester High Street, for all the gin lovers out there this place is a must. The beautifully decorated showroom offers walk-in tastings – you have been warned.
The award-winning gins make for a great souvenir. If you like to plan ahead you can reserve a distillery masterclass. Or you could even book the place out for a tailored private group tasting.
They’re open all week, 11 – 4 pm. If you’re fortunate enough to look under 25 don’t forget to take your ID.
Walk from Grantchester Meadows to Cambridge
Pink Floyd liked Grantchester Meadows so much that they named a song after it. Here you’ll find locals enjoying the wide-open space which runs alongside the River Cam and children playing on strategically placed rope swings.
Follow the river and walk all the way to the centre of historic Cambridge (about 40 minutes). Pass through Paradise Local Nature Reserve on the way.
The stretch of water here is popular with wild swimmers; Countryfile magazine named it one of the best spots for a “quintessentially English springtime dip”.
You might come across members of the local club using it, or you could join them (at your own risk). It’s possible to punt all the way from Cambridge to Grantchester village via the Meadows, although it can be a tiring journey back. If you’re up for the challenge, check out Scudamore’s punt hire at Mill Lane.
The Old Vicarage, Grantchester
Famous couple Lord and Lady Archer’s stunning home is located around the corner from the Orchard Tea Garden car park. Built in the late 1600s, it was home to Rupert Brooke and is the subject of one of his poems.
The garden is stunning and you might be able to glimpse the statue of Brooke in the driveway. This is a private home so please keep that in mind.
What’s your favourite place to visit in Cambridge? Let me know in the comments, I’m always keen to hear about new local sights to check out.
More Cambridge Resources
37 Things To Do In Cambridge For Free In 2023
A Cambridge Day Trip Itinerary: Top Sights and Local Secrets
Cambridge At Christmas: A Guide
Cambridge Spa Day: 15 of the Best
Hotels In Cambridge With A Pool
Museums In Cambridge: 5 Of The Best