Category: Visiting Cambridge

Punting on the River Cam: One of the main draws of Granta Place is its location right by the River Cam, making it an excellent spot to begin a punting tour. Punting is a quintessential Cambridge experience, where you glide along the river in a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a pole. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including King’s College, Trinity College, and the Bridge of Sighs, can be viewed from the water. Several punting companies operate near Granta Place, offering both guided tours and self-hire punts. It’s an ideal activity for soaking in the beauty of Cambridge’s historic colleges and serene riverside scenery.

Mill Pond: Just around the corner from Granta Place is the Mill Pond, a peaceful spot where the River Cam widens and boats often gather. It’s a popular location for watching punts and kayakers float by or for having a picnic by the water. The Mill Pond is also an excellent place to start a riverside walk or to feed the ducks. The views here are especially picturesque, with trees hanging over the river and a relaxed atmosphere away from the busier parts of the city.

The Anchor Pub: The Anchor, located right along Granta Place and overlooking the River Cam, is a historic pub that offers a fantastic view of the river and the passing punts. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially in the summer when people gather by the water to enjoy drinks and food. With a rich history, The Anchor has long been a meeting place for students, including famous alumni like members of the band Pink Floyd, who performed here in their early days.

University Centre: Also located on Granta Place is the University Centre, a building that serves as a social and dining space for University of Cambridge students and staff. While it’s mainly used by members of the university, the building’s modern design and its location by the river make it an interesting landmark to pass by. During term time, you’ll often see students relaxing along the banks of the river.

Coe Fen and Sheep’s Green: If you continue walking along Granta Place, you’ll soon reach Coe Fen and Sheep’s Green, two expansive green spaces by the river. These areas are known for their pastoral beauty, where you’ll often see cattle grazing freely—a rare sight in an urban area. This tranquil, semi-rural environment is perfect for nature lovers and those looking to escape the more crowded parts of Cambridge. Walking paths along the river take you through these meadows, offering lovely views of the city’s skyline in the distance.

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden (Nearby): A short walk from Granta Place, you’ll find the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a 40-acre garden featuring a vast collection of plants from around the world. It’s a peaceful retreat for anyone interested in horticulture, with themed gardens, beautiful flower displays, and a café. While not directly on Granta Place, its proximity makes it a great addition to a visit to this area.

Trinity College: The most iconic landmark on Trinity Street is Trinity College, founded in 1546 by King Henry VIII. The college is famous for its grand architecture, academic history, and alumni, including Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, and Prince Charles. The entrance to Trinity College is marked by the Great Gate, which features a statue of Henry VIII holding a chair leg in place of a missing sword—an amusing quirk often pointed out by tour guides. Inside the college, visitors can explore the beautiful Great Court, the largest courtyard in Cambridge, as well as Nevile’s Court and the renowned Wren Library, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The library holds priceless manuscripts and artefacts, including letters by Newton and Milton.

Gonville and Caius College: Just down from Trinity College is Gonville and Caius College, one of Cambridge’s oldest colleges, founded in 1348. The college has produced many notable alumni, including Stephen Hawking, and is known for its striking Gate of Honour, which symbolizes academic achievement. The college grounds and courtyards are serene, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling street outside.

St John’s College: At the intersection of Trinity Street and St. John’s Street, you’ll find St John’s College, another historic institution with stunning architecture. The college is known for its magnificent New Court, often called “The Wedding Cake” due to its ornate appearance, and the Bridge of Sighs, an elegant stone bridge spanning the River Cam. Walking through the college’s courtyards and along the river provides one of the most scenic views in Cambridge.

Heffers Bookshop: Heffers, an iconic Cambridge bookshop located on Trinity Street, has been a staple of the city’s literary scene since 1876. It’s an essential stop for book lovers, with an extensive collection of academic texts, novels, and gifts. Whether you’re searching for rare books or simply want to browse the shelves, Heffers captures the intellectual spirit of Cambridge.

Round Church: Near the junction of Trinity Street and Bridge Street is the Round Church, one of Cambridge’s oldest and most unique buildings. Built in 1130, this Norman church is one of only four round churches in England. Its distinctive circular structure and medieval design make it a fascinating historical site. Inside, there’s a visitor centre offering exhibits about the history of Christianity in Cambridge.

Historic Pubs and Cafes: Trinity Street is dotted with charming cafes and historic pubs. Michaelhouse Café, housed within the medieval St. Michael’s Church, offers a tranquil spot for coffee or lunch, combining history with a cosy atmosphere. Nearby, The Eagle, located on Benet Street (just off Trinity Street), is famous for being the pub where Watson and Crick announced the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure.

Independent Shops and Boutiques: Mill Road is famous for its independent retailers, offering everything from vintage clothing, second-hand books, and quirky gifts to locally made crafts and art. Shops like The Broadway and The Mill Road Trading Centre provide unique shopping experiences that cater to those seeking something different from the usual high street offerings.

Multicultural Food Scene: One of the highlights of Mill Road is its incredible variety of food options. You can find authentic dishes from nearly every corner of the globe, including Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Italian, and African cuisines. Restaurants like Al Casbah (North African) and The Rice Boat (South Indian) are local favourites, while small, independent cafes and delis serve up everything from fresh Mediterranean dishes to traditional English fare.

Cultural Diversity: Mill Road is known for its multicultural community, which is reflected in its shops, food, and even street art. The street celebrates this diversity each year with the Mill Road Winter Fair, a popular festival held in December that brings together live performances, market stalls, food vendors, and artists. The fair transforms the street into a vibrant, colourful festival space, celebrating the rich cultural fabric of the area.

Art and Music Scene: The street is a hub for local artists and musicians. You’ll find street art murals and graffiti that reflect the street’s creative energy alongside small galleries and venues hosting live music and exhibitions. Hope Street Yard, located just off Mill Road, is a hidden gem where artists and craftspeople work in studio spaces, adding to the bohemian atmosphere of the area.

Romsey Town: As you head further down Mill Road, you’ll reach Romsey Town, a neighbourhood known for its working-class roots and terraced houses from the Victorian era. Romsey has retained much of its original character, and it adds a layer of historical interest to Mill Road. Walking through Romsey, you’ll feel a distinct sense of community, enhanced by independent cafes, pubs, and a few green spaces like Coleridge Recreation Ground.

The Old Library and Cemeteries: Along the way, you’ll encounter the Mill Road Cemetery, a serene and slightly hidden space dating back to the 19th century, which offers a peaceful retreat amidst the hustle and bustle. The old library building, now home to community activities, adds a historical touch to the area, reflecting its development over the years.

Pubs and Cafes: Mill Road is home to several well-loved pubs, like The Earl of Beaconsfield and The Devonshire Arms, where locals and visitors alike gather for a pint and lively conversation. The street’s cafes, such as Hot Numbers Coffee, are excellent spots for a relaxed break, serving artisanal coffee and locally sourced treats in a cosy setting.

King’s College and King’s College Chapel: The most prominent landmark on King’s Parade is King’s College Chapel, one of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in England. The chapel is famous for its stunning stained glass windows, fan-vaulted ceilings, and rich history. Inside, you can also experience world-class choral music, especially during the Christmas Eve Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, which is broadcast globally.

The Corpus Clock: At the junction of King’s Parade and Trumpington Street, you’ll find The Corpus Clock, an intriguing public art installation created by John C. Taylor. Known for its golden face and the ominous-looking “Chronophage” (or “time-eating” insect), it symbolizes the relentless passage of time. The clock attracts both curious visitors and scholars interested in its complex engineering.

St Mary the Great Church: Also along King’s Parade is Great St Mary’s, the university church. It’s an important religious and historical site where you can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Cambridge skyline, including the colleges, the River Cam, and beyond. The church has been a key part of the city’s spiritual and academic life for centuries.

The Senate House: Opposite King’s College is the Senate House, a striking Georgian building used for university ceremonies, including the famous graduation processions. While the building itself is not open to the public, its classical architecture and role in Cambridge’s academic traditions make it an important point of interest.

Shops, Cafes, and Boutiques: Along King’s Parade, you’ll also find an array of charming independent shops and boutiques, perfect for picking up unique gifts or books. There are also several cafes where you can sit and enjoy a coffee while watching the vibrant life of the city pass by. Many of these spots offer fantastic views of King’s College Chapel.

Market Square: Just a short walk from King’s Parade is Cambridge Market Square, a lively area with daily market stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and souvenirs. The market is a great place to experience the local culture and grab a quick bite while exploring the area.