Walks in Cambridge: 5 of The Best

Cambridge has an abundance of gorgeous old university buildings and quaint streets to walk around.  However, once you’re done living your best Harry Potter life, you might wonder what you should do next.  Thankfully, education is not the only thing Cambridge excels at.

This historic English city was named the driest and warmest city in the UK, outside of London, and there are plenty of walks in Cambridge which are perfect for stretching your legs, enjoying the green surroundings and taking in some delicious fresh air. 

Cambridge is packed with wonderful outdoor spaces, so let me, a local for over thirty years, take you on a tour around 5 of the best walks in Cambridge.

Before we start this guide to 5 of the best walks in Cambridge, let me answer a few key questions that you might have about walking in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge Walkable?

Cambridge is a wonderful city for walking. Its compact size, gorgeous historic buildings and pretty lanes make it ideal for exploring on foot. Walking is just one of the things to do that make Cambridge worth a visit.

This part of England also has the benefit of being very flat, making Cambridge suitable for those who like their walks to come without too much of a hill to climb. The walks in this article cover both the city centre and further afield, so you can discover more of what Cambridge has to offer.

Can You Walk Along the River in Cambridge?

Yes, you can walk along the river in Cambridge. Whilst there are some sections in the city centre that are off limits, due to them being College property, there are plenty of other places you can enjoy walking along the River Cam.

Two of these walks in Cambridge will take you along the River Cam: walk number 3, Riverside Walk in Cambridge, and walk number 4, Grantchester Meadows. You can get some gorgeous Instagram-worthy photos of Cambridge along these walks.

Can You Walk Along the Backs in Cambridge?

The Backs is a lovely area for walks in Cambridge and the good news is that you can indeed walk the Backs. See walk number 5, Walk the Backs, for details.

Walks in Cambridge

Madingley Hall and Gardens

Situated on the outskirts of Cambridge, Madingley Hall was at one time rented by Queen Victoria, for her son Edward, Prince of Wales, to use whilst studying at Cambridge.  It beats my old student digs.

However, it’s now home to the Institute of Continuing Education.  Although the Hall itself is impressive, it’s the pristine gardens designed by Capability Brown, which are the real attraction here. 

It’s a lovely spot to get away from the bustle of Cambridge city centre.  So hop on a bike to get here and take a walk around the tranquil grounds.

As you arrive, you’ll find the pretty Church of St Mary Magdalene on your left.  Continue up to the Hall terrace and take in the view across the estate. 

Once you’ve refuelled with refreshments from the café, get exploring.  Immaculately manicured lawns and topiary bushes are contrasted by wildflowers and sprawling woods. 

There’s a perfect excuse to act like a kid again and play hide and seek between the magnificently sculpted bushes. Afterwards, head over to the other side of the Hall to discover the ‘secret’ garden.

It requires a bit of brainpower to find the entrance to the walled garden – this is Cambridge after all. I’ll give you a clue, it’s via a closed gate to the left of the courtyard main entrance.

Once you’ve made it through, there are several places to rest and make like this is your own backyard. After you’ve finished pretending to be Lord of the Manor, head down the slope in front of the Hall and continue the walk through the wood and around the lake.

Madingley Hall really is one of the best walks in Cambridge and it’s such a hidden gem, you’ll be able to get away from the crowds.

Don’t miss on This Walk in Cambridge

The American Cemetery

Whatever your beliefs and ideals, this is a moving tribute to many who died in World War Two. The seemingly endless white memorials stand out against a crisp sky and the rolling fields beyond.

The tranquillity and space encourage you to take a moment for your own personal reflection and to remember those who are no more.  There is also an informative and well laid out visitor centre which provides background and context.

To get here, cross over the road from Madingley Hall, walk approx. 15 minutes along Cambridge Road, the American Cemetery will be on your right.

800 Wood

Cross over the road from Madingley Hall, walk approx. 10 minutes along Cambridge Road and you’ll find the unassuming entrance to the 800 Wood on your right-hand side.

Planted to celebrate 800 years of the University, the trees have matured and created a great place to extend your walk or have a picnic.

The Three Horseshoes Pub

If you prefer someone else to do the cooking, The Three Horseshoes pub in Madingley village is a brilliant choice for a delicious pub lunch.  

As it’s off the beaten track it has the advantage of being much more spacious than many pubs in central Cambridge. Sitting in the garden on the deckchairs, surrounded by woodlands, is pure bliss.  

So if you’re looking for a bit of rest and rejuvenation, book yourself a table – sit back, relax and breathe in the fresh country air.

How to get to madingley Hall

By bike (20 minutes) or by foot (65 minutes):

• Starting from Magdalene Bridge (pronounced Maudlin) in Cambridge, go past Magdalene College and take the first left, on to Northampton Street.
• At the roundabout turn right on to Madingley Road.
• Continue on, passing over the bridge above the M11.
• Turn right on to Cambridge Road and keep going until you reach the junction with Madingley High Street.
• Madingley Hall is directly in front of you.
• Bike racks are available inside the Hall courtyard and at the right of the terrace.

Bus (15 – 20 minutes):

• Go Whippet run the #8 bus from Cambridge to Papworth Everard, which stops at Madingley Hall.
• Check the timetable as it only runs a few times a day and there is no Sunday service.
• Stagecoach run the Citi4 bus from Cambridge to the American Cemetery.
• Buses run regularly, check the #4 Cambridge timetable for details.
• Cost: £3 – 4.50.

Car (15 minutes):

• Parking is available at Madingley Hall and at the American Cemetery.

You can also take an Uber in Cambridge to get you here.

Fen Drayton Lakes

When visiting Cambridge, you’ll be struck by the sheer number of people dashing about on bikes. So a visit to Fen Drayton Lakes gives you the perfect opportunity to join in with the pedal power fun and take a bike ride out of town.

Saddle up and enjoy getting to the start of another of the best walks in Cambridge.  However, if you prefer to save your legs for the actual lakeside walk, you can also reach the lakes by bus on the guided busway, details below.

Situated seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Fen Drayton Lakes are a real local secret. Because of that, the scenery here is incredibly peaceful, whatever the season.  It’s an RSPB reserve so bring your binoculars and keep an eye out for the airborne wildlife.

On arrival, there are information boards and maps of the main walks in the wooden shelter at the Hollywell Ferry Road/Busway junction.  There’s a quick 1.5 km trail, however, I recommend the longer 4 km trail around Ferry Lagoon. 

This takes you up to the serene water’s edge, a great place for photo opportunities or a moment of mindfulness.  There’s a little bridge to the northeast side of the lake, which also makes for good photo fodder.

If you like a walk on the wild side, this is the route for you, as the track takes you past a field with a sign warning ‘beware of the bull’. 

There aren’t any facilities here, so no café and no toilets.  Although, if you want to bring your own food there are picnic benches dotted around the place.

Don’t miss on This Walk in Cambridge

The view over the River Great Ouse from the northwest of Ferry Lagoon.  This classic English village backdrop takes in the Old Ferry Boat pub, in Holywell, one of the oldest pubs in the UK, and an abundance of green fields.

After you’ve finished at the lakes, make your next stop Tom’s Cakes in nearby St Ives (5 minutes on the bus, 10 minutes by bike or a 40-minute walk along the guided busway).  The homemade cakes here are soooo scrummy – they’re certainly worth the trip. 

Whilst in St Ives, check out the London Road Bridge, the statue of Oliver Cromwell and extend your walk by heading through the woods along Thicket Road to the National Trust property, Houghton Mill.

How to Get to the Fen drayton lakes Walk

Bike (55 minutes, flat route):

• Starting from Magdalene Bridge (pronounced Maudlin), go up Castle Hill (the only hill in Cambridge).
• At the top of Castle Hill, Turn right on to Histon Road (B1049). 
• Continue straight on until you reach the roundabout at the A14, head straight over the roundabout and into the village of Impington.
• Take the first left, on to Cambridge Road.  Follow the road round to the right as it takes you through the village.
• At the Mace village shop (just before the Railway View pub) turn left on to the Busway.
• Stay on the busway for approx. 13.5 km.
• You’ll start to see stretches of water appear as you get near to the lakes.   Keep going until you reach the crossroads with Holywell Ferry Road. 
• Park your bike at the cycle racks here.
• Bike hire is available in Cambridge from Rutland Cycling.
• To ensure you have an enjoyable ride, check out this article on 10 Important Checks To Make Before You Hire A Bike.

Bus (30 minutes):

• Take Busway bus A or B from New Square, next to Christ’s Pieces or from Jesus Lane, near Jesus College in Cambridge.
• Get off at the Fen Drayton Lakes stop.
• Cost: £7 for a Day Rider Plus ticket, which covers unlimited trips on any Stagecoach bus in Cambridgeshire for the day.

Car (25 minutes):

• Parking is available on Holywell Ferry Road, north of the junction with the Busway.

Riverside Walk in Cambridge – Midsummer Common to Fen Ditton

Setting out from The Fort St George pub on Midsummer Common, in the centre of Cambridge, this is one of the most scenic walks in Cambridge. It takes you along the River Cam, and ends up at The Plough pub in the village of Fen Ditton.  Come on now, who doesn’t enjoy a walk with a pub at either end? 

How to get Here

Head out from The Fort St George and follow the river as it gently flows out of the city.  On the opposite side of the bank, you’ll see boathouses where the University keeps its vessels. 

If you’re here at the weekend, you’ll almost certainly see rowing practice taking place on the water.  Stop and marvel at the athleticism on display. 

No not by the rowers, but by their coaches who seem to possess the unique talent of being able to cycle forwards whilst constantly looking to the side to bark instructions at their protégés.  It’s no mean feat.

Once you leave Midsummer Common, continue straight on Riverside.  After five minutes, you’ll enter Stourbridge Common.  Look out for cows, swans and painted narrowboats.

Stare enviously at houses with their own boats, then console yourself with the fact that they’re probably a freezing way to travel in winter.    

After you’ve passed under the railway bridge and newest footbridge in Cambridge, you need to literally go off the beaten track.  Seriously, don’t follow the concrete path as it goes to the right, you’ll end up miles from the pub. 

Instead, keep following the river and after a few minutes go through the metal gate. Head across the field diagonally, following the worn-down grass towards the church.

Go through the gate and stay on the stone track until you come out onto the High Street.  You’ve reached the village of Fen Ditton.

To get to the pub, walk down the High Street then take the first left onto Church Street.  Follow the road for five minutes as it snakes through the village and turns into Green End Road. You’ll find the Plough on the left. 

Don’t miss on This Walk in Cambridge

Find a seat in the garden at the Plough and enjoy the marvellous river view, as you rest your weary legs and refuel for the return trip.  This is one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.

Or take a tour with Camboats for even more water-based fun.

If you don’t fancy the walk back, the Citi 3 bus goes regularly from Fison Road, a 15-minute walk from the pub (go out of the village following the High Street, turn right on to Ditton Lane, the B1047, and Fison Road is about a five-minute walk on the left).

Grantchester Meadows

The village of Grantchester, made famous by the UK tv series of the same name, lies just a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge.  The route to get there is one of the best river walks in Cambridge.

It’s an achievable 40-minute walk from Cambridge city centre, along flat land, to the village. You’ll pass through the tranquil Paradise Local Nature Reserve and Grantchester Meadows on your way. 

Starting at the Mill pub, Mill Lane, cross over the bridge by the weir and follow the river left.  Keep walking along the river and you’ll end up at The Fen Causeway. 

After you’ve crossed over the road, re-join the riverside route.  Follow the river and turn right just after the small Sheeps Green swimming pool.  Cross over the bridge and turn left.  Here you can enjoy the shaded Paradise Local Nature Reserve. 

As you leave the wooded area, turn left and take the first street on your left – one of the most sought-after locations in Cambridge.  As the houses come to an end, you’ll reach the sprawling green fields known as Grantchester Meadows. 

In another claim to fame for Grantchester, Pink Floyd liked this area so much they named a song after it.  You’ll find wild swimmers, punters and probably a kayaker or two messing about on the river. 

So take a wander through the meadows and enjoy one of Cambridge’s great open spaces. If you keep going until the end of the Meadows you’ll find the gate through to the village of Grantchester (similar to the ‘Wardrobe to Narnia’?). 

Don’t miss on This Walk in Cambridge

For more things to do in Grantchester, including a visit to the famous Orchard Tea Gardens, check out my post on why Grantchester is a beautiful place to visit.

Walk ‘The Backs’ in Cambridge

OK, so the classic Cambridge view of King’s College doesn’t require much of a walk but I couldn’t resist including it as it’s such a beautiful area. 

You really can’t miss out on getting a photo of this iconic Cambridge College, and a short walk along ‘The Backs’ is the best spot to get it from. Plus if you head over to the University Library afterwards (more details below), you’ll surely have earnt a bun at Fitzbillies, a Cambridge institution, on your return to the centre.

It’s also one of the most romantic walks in Cambridge you can do, with a gorgeous backdrop and a dreamy bridge to pause on.

To start the walk, follow in the footsteps of countless alumni and head off King’s Parade, through King’s College and out the other side onto the King’s College bridge. Stop here and turn back to get your photo with the College in the background.

After that, keep walking over the other side of the bridge, away from the College and turn right as you exit the grounds. Walk a little further along the green that runs parallel to the College and you’ll have the perfect spot to get another iconic shot. 

Indulge your imagination and picture all the famous faces that have graced this route in years gone by. 

Once you’re done being Ansel Adams for the day, spend some time ‘punt watching’ as these unique boats weave their way in front of ‘The Backs’.

From here continue walking north, parallel with the river, to view both Trinity and Clare Colleges. Head south for a view of Queens’ College.

Don’t miss on This Walk in Cambridge

Having a Go at Punting

Punting whilst you’re in Cambridge requires a bit of physical effort but you can do it yourself. It will save you a ton of money and, moreover, it’ll be all sorts of hilarious.  Self-hire from Trinity College Punts is one of the best value options for punting diy style.

To get to the kiosk, walk down Garret Hostel Lane and step through the gate into Trinity College.  There should be signs from here – walk straight ahead, turn left towards the river, after the car park, then at the river turn left again. Punt hire costs £20 per hour, you may get wet!

King’s College Chapel

To find the entrance from ‘The Backs’, walk through Clare College and turn right as you exit onto Trinity Lane.  Go past ‘The Old Schools’, the administrative centre of the University – it doesn’t look like most office blocks, more like an ancient castle complete with huge wooden doors. 

Enter King’s via the iron gates. Whilst inside the Chapel, above all, don’t forget to look up at the exquisite fan vault roofing. You can also take in a concert at the Chapel if that’s your cup of tea. Check the Chapel website for what’s on.

Cambridge University Library

One of only six legal deposit libraries in the UK and Ireland, the Cambridge Libary has the right to a copy of all published material in the UK and Ireland.  As you can imagine, that many books take up a lot of space, so there’s a blooming great tower in the centre of the building. 

As the home of countless cultural treasures, there are usually intriguing exhibitions on throughout the year.  So find out what’s on and take a look.  You never know which future Nobel prize winner you might be brushing shoulders with.

Cambridge Shakespeare Festival

If you’re here in the summer, get your intellectual on and take in a play as part of the annual outdoor Cambridge Shakespeare Festival.  Although it may seem like high art, the performances are accessible and if school scarred your tolerance of Shakespeare for life, you can always just enjoy the chance to sit in the idyllic College gardens for an evening.

What other great walks in Cambridge have you been on? Let me know your suggestions in the comments.

• Don’t forget to visit some of Cambridge’s best museums whilst you’re in town.
• If you’re visiting Cambridge in the winter, check out my guide to Cambridge at Christmas.
• Discover the best spa days in Cambridge.
• For more things to do in Cambridge, read my Cambridge Day Trip Itinerary.
• Find out loads of money-saving tips with my article on free things to do in Cambridge.