The best green spaces in
Cambridge for families
Cambridge is an ancient city steeped in history and culture. Its University is world-famous, it’s architecture stunning, and who doesn’t love to punt down the river Cam? However, there are a huge range of beautiful open green spaces in Cambridge for families to enjoy too. I’ve put together a round up of my favourites – all of which are great spaces for photographing your family and children! photographer in Cambridge
1 – Wandlebury Country Park
Based just south of Cambridge city centre. This wonderful country park has loads of walks through woods wild flower meadows. There are 8 miles of marked paths to enjoy. You can also join the public rights of way to the North to walk along the ancient roman road. Alternatively, go south to explore the Magog Downs.
Perhaps their most famous residents are the wonderful herd of highland cattle. They help manage the grass meadows! At weekends there is a pop up cafe. If you’re looking to get more active, there is a ‘healthy walking’ group on Thursday mornings.
Furthermore, there are a huge variety of family and childrens’ activities on offer through the year including:- bushcraft, treasure hunts, pond dipping, fire making, den building and wild flower identification.
For more info visit the Wandlebury Country Park website
2 – Grantchester Meadows
Grantchester is perhaps best known recently for the ITV detective drama series staring Robson Green. This tranquil space can be reached by walking from Cambridge city centre or punting along the River Granta. In addition, there are some beautiful circular walks from Grantchester village. Amble along the river enjoying the glorious views through the water meadows .
Furthermore, you can watch a game of village cricket at the weekend. Secondly, enjoy a pint at one of Grantchester’s many quaint pubs after your walk. Lastly, relax under the trees at the famous Orchard Tea Rooms and savour a well-deserved cuppa and slice of cake.
There are plenty of photo opportunities and don’t forget to look out for the kingfishers!
3 – Cambridge University Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Garden is a large site off Trumpington Road in the heart of Cambridge city centre. It is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Cambridge. It is home to over 8000 species of plant from across the world. Therefore it provides resources and facilities to researchers and lecturers at the University.
Aside from this, it is a wonderful place to visit with your family. There’s always plenty going on. Choose from painting and art classes to evening concerts. It has a huge variety of photo opportunities. My favourite is the enormous cherry blossom tree on the main lawn. If you visit at the end of March you can marvel at the glorious pink blossom hanging from its branches.
For more information about visiting and events, see the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens website.
4 – The Backs
The Backs is an area of beautiful green space. It runs alongside the back of some riverside colleges on the River Cam. As a result it got its name – The Backs! The views of the famous Cambridge University colleges from here are beautiful. When walking through The Backs in Spring, you can see amazing banks of daffodils and colourful crocuses.
Some of the famous colleges you can see include:- Trinity College, King’s College and its beautiful chapel, St John’s College and Trinity Hall. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful Bridge of Sighs and the famous Mathmatical Bridge.
One slight downside is that at some times of year, childrena dn families are not able to walk or play on the grass and need to stick to the paths.
5 – Jesus Green
This is perhaps one of the most versatile green spaces in Cambridge. It has so much to offer familes and there’s always something going on! For example, the Jesus Green Lido open air pool is open to the public between May and October. It’s one of the last remaining original Lidos in the UK. Built in the 1920’s, it is a whopping 91m long!
On summer sunday’s, there is often a concert band. Six tennis courts are available on a first come first served basis. There is free table tennis, a BBQ area, and a large play area for children. In addition is the wealth of green space to relax and enjoy.
MORE INFORMATION
Louisa Williams is a family photographer based near Cambridge. If you’d like some beautiful family portraits, you can find more details about her family photoshoots here. Ready to book and want to secure your session date? Please drop an email to louisafrenchphotography@gmail.com.
Louisa also offers beginner’s photography tuition for parents. Learn how to use your Digital SLR camera to take better photos of your children and family. More information on individual teaching sessions can be found here.
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Louisa French Photography
Cambridge Photographer
louisafrenchphotography@gmail.com
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