Cambridge Parks and Gardens

(Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, UK)

Cambridge is a city with many wonderful green spaces and spacious parks. Amongst the most important, although far from the largest, is the centrally located Cambridge University Botanic Garden, which is to be found between Bateman Street and Brooklands Avenue, just across from the New School of English.

The Botanic Garden dates all the way back to 1831, being originally laid out for the University of Cambridge and then opened to members of the general public some 15 years later. Visitors will find no less than ten National Collections, glasshouses containing approximately 3,000 different species, and many plants of important scientific interest. Past events staged here have included gardening courses, tree identification competitions and 'Apple Day'.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden (CUBG)

Address: Bateman Street, Cory Lodge, Cambridge, CB2 1JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 336265
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is one of the most spectacular landscaped gardens in Cambridgeshire, covering a little more than 16 hectares / 40 acres. Located in the city centre, attractions include a large lake, rock gardens with alpines and conifers, a collection of carnivorous plants, greenhouses, seating areas, pathways, large trees and shrubs, flower borders and lawns.
Open hours: November to January, daily - 10:00 to 16:00, February and October, daily - 10:00 to 17:00, March to September, daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors citizens, children under 16 years old are free

Wandlebury Country Park and Nature Reserve

Address: Gog Magog Hills, Babraham, Cambridge, CB2 4AE, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 243830
Wandlebury Country Park and Nature Reserve, in the suburbs, encompasses more than 40 hectares / 100 acres. This historic parkland features numerous nature trails, wild flower meadows, large trees and shrubs, seating areas, large expanses of grass and scenic views.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Milton Country Park

Address: Cambridge Road, Milton, Cambridge, CB4 6AZ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 420060
Milton Country Park can be found on the outskirts of Cambridge and is a popular recreational spot. Notable highlights include areas of woodlands, fishing, footpaths suitable for horse riding, large areas of grass, ponds, a visitor centre, a café, a designated picnic area and a large number of wild animals, including herds of deer.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Wicken Fen

Address: Lode Lane, Wicken, Cambridgeshire, CB7 5XP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1353 720274
Situated in the Ely area, Wicken Fen is a vast nature reserve that is managed by the National Trust. Opened more than 100 years ago, Wicken Fen has a number of nature trails, peat bogs, reed beds, a visitor centre, a café area and a wealth of wildlife, including large numbers of wild birds.
Open hours: Tuesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, National Trust members are free

Laundress Green

Address: Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
Laundress Green is a true oasis in the heart of city life and features a wonderful area of natural countryside and gardens. Visitors will be able to enjoy punting on the River Cam or perhaps an afternoon's fishing, while also to hand are picnic areas, large trees, a riverside public house, a footbridge and scenic views a plenty.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parker's Piece

Address: Parkside, Cambridge, CB1 1JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
Parker's Piece, to the south of the city centre, is a spacious public square situated close to Trinity College. This large expanse of grass is frequently used as a location for summer fairs, festivals, sports games and relaxing.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Midsummer Common

Address: Victoria Avenue, Cambridge, CB5 8DR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 322640
Located within the city centre, Midsummer Common is one of the most historic gardens in the city and dates back more than 800 years, when fairs were once held on this very spot. With many sightseeing attractions nearby, the Midsummer Fair is still held on the Common each year and always attracts large crowds.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jesus Green

Address: Victoria Avenue, Cambridge, CB5 8AL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1223 302579
Jesus Green is located in central Cambridge, next to the river. This spacious park features large areas of grass, a public house and an outdoor swimming pool. There are also a number of events during the summer months, including jazz concerts and comedy performances.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free