The River Cam at Grantchester Meadows is a serene escape, just a mile from the new £250m Cambridge South station. Opening on 28 June, this is the first Great British Railways-branded station, serving Europe's largest medical research facility with 40,000 daily visitors. With 1,000 cycle spaces, a living roof, and solar panels, it's a model for sustainable transport.
Walking and Cycling from Cambridge South
From the station, paths lead to Trumpington, where Dao cafe serves bao buns and peach oolong tea. In the village church lies Sir Roger de Trumpington's brass monument (1289), and nearby, archaeologists found an Anglo-Saxon woman's grave with a gold-and-garnet cross. Continuing through Grantchester Meadows, you can swim in the reedy River Cam, past waterlilies and forget-me-nots. Paradise nature reserve hosts cetti's warblers and song thrushes.
Botanic Garden and Local Delights
Twenty minutes on, Cambridge University Botanic Garden (adults £8.60, children free) features fragrant sage, lemon balm, and lavender. Benches under walnut trees offer spots to hear blackcaps. A detour to Maison Clement bakery yields apricot tart. Hotels near the central station include Ibis (doubles from £80), University Arms (from £175), and Hobson by Adina (studios from £125).
Historical and Artistic Treasures
Bus 13 reaches Wandlebury iron age hill fort, with wooded ramparts and Roman road. David Parr House, 10 minutes from the main station, reveals hand-painted Arts and Crafts interiors (from £15). Parr, a working-class artist, decorated his home in the style of his commissions. The house offers a new FR Leach walking map, leading to All Saints' church and Michaelhouse Cafe. Great St Mary's tower provides 360-degree views (£7.50).
Museums and Evening Safari
Jack's Gelato serves blackcurrant ice-cream. The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (free) displays the Trumpington cross and local finds. The Museum of Zoology (free) features Darwin's beetle collection. Dinner at Little Petra includes aubergine fatteh and Bedouin tea. Iain Webb, community conservation officer, leads bat safaris by punt (£71 for two), observing Daubenton's bats and pipistrelles. 'We need nature more than nature needs us,' says Webb.
