Take in the splendours of the season by visiting these outdoor spaces in Cambridge for some fresh air.
Nothing beats a leisurely walk surrounded by nature in the great outdoors for an enjoyable and inexpensive day out. There are plenty of great places in Cambridge to take elderly loved ones to stretch their legs and soak in the ambience, but if you’re pressed for ideas these suggestions should help you get moving.
On the Gog Magog Hills, just south of Cambridge, this beautiful countryside estate offers miles of wonderful walks through woodland and wildflower meadows grazed by Highland Cattle. A fantastic setting for a picnic or a BBQ, to watch wildlife, or take a gentle stroll. Enjoy refreshments at a pop-up cafe or hire the stables for a special occasion. On the remains of a circular Iron Age Hillfort, steeped in myth and legend, and an 18th century house, stables, and gardens.
The Backs is a picturesque area to the east of Queen’s Road in the city of Cambridge, England, where several colleges of the University of Cambridge back on to the River Cam with their grounds covering both banks of the river. With wide open spaces, well-manicured lawns, immaculately maintained old buildings, and cattle grazing. During the summer months the Banks are often seen with people sat relaxing, along the banks of the river, watching the world go by.
Stourbridge Common, home of the Stourbridge Fair, is a large open space in northeast Cambridge. Part of the common has been classified as a local nature reserve. The extensive riverside floodplain is part of a wildlife corridor that links a range of habitats from the Cherry Hinton chalk pits to the River Cam, which flows out into the fens. The riverside pathway is suitable for wheelchair users.
Cherry Hinton Hall is a house and park to the south of Cambridge. With a stunning duck pond and playground, this park is a wonderful day out with the family. Wheelchair friendly with plenty of places to rest, eat and play. The Hall also hosts the annual Cambridge Folk Festival which draws thousands to these lush grounds.
If you want to enjoy a relaxing walk away from the bustling city centre, Ditton Meadows are a great choice. Perfect for a relaxing picnic by the river, the ducks are very friendly and always on the lookout for snacks. A lovely wild place in the summertime, with thousands of blooming flowers and butterflies, and cows along the riverside, a very peaceful place for a walk. However, please note, there are not many shops and facilities nearby.
Cambridge has plenty of open spaces immersed in the city life, it’s all about knowing where to find them. There’s lots to see and enjoy in any outing, so be sure to bring your loved ones to these amazing places to exercise and get them some much-needed fresh air.