Cambridge (a beautiful city on the River Cam)
Cambridge is arguably a ‘prettier city’ than Oxford, although both are known for their ancient universities. Cambridge is situated on the River Cam, and home to the Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical bridge.
Home to an ancient university
Cambridge University has 31 university colleges (a few hidden behind old walls). The 33 acres of land at Jesus College alone, is home to muntjac deer, sparrowhawks and endangered water voles.
Some of the best known university colleges are King’s College (known for its beautiful chapel and choir who perform Christmas carols on TV each year) and Trinity College (this is like a small town with huge courtyards, and holds the personal notebooks of Isaac Newton, a studied who discovered the laws of gravitation).
Other well-known Cambridge University graduates include A.A. Milne (creator of Winnie the Pooh), Bill Oddie (former Goodie and lover of wild birds) and national treasure Sir David Attenborough.
Cycling capital of Europe
Like Amsterdam, nearly everyone rides a bicycle in Cambridge. Around a third of residents cycle to school or work, due to the flat landscape and in-built culture from university days. The city has many cycle routes and dedicated cycle bridges and parking. Local group Camcycle promote for better safer bicycle town planning.
The countryside surrounding Cambridge
Cambridgeshire is a beautiful county in the East of England. It’s home to one of our most important wetlands that provides home for birds and wildlife, and fertile land for much of our organic food.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
The River Cam is shallow and ideal for (quite complicated) punting. It is said to include a hidden Ice Age channel below. It’s still known as the Granta (above) and the Cam (below).
The best-known stretch (the ‘Backs’) flows behind many university colleges. This river is not always tidal, as there are locks (Jesus Lock and Baits Bite Lock) that prevent saltwater from the Fens reaching Cambridge. Power boating is restricted, leaving the area beautiful to enjoy engine-free punts and rowing boats.
