How long does it take to walk through the Cambridge Botanic Garden?

Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and 2 hours exploring the 40-acre site. This allows enough time to see the Glasshouse Range, the Systematic Beds, and the various arboretum collections.

Can I see cows in central Cambridge?

Yes, you can frequently see cattle grazing in Coe Fen and Sheep's Green. These are common lands where local residents have held grazing rights for centuries, and the cows help maintain the fenland ecology.

Is the Cambridge Botanic Garden free?

No, there is an admission fee for the Botanic Garden, though it is free for Cambridge University students and children under 16. It is advisable to check their official website for current pricing and to pre-book during peak periods.

What is the total distance of this walking route?

The total distance from the Botanic Garden to Lammas Land is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km). However, you will likely walk an additional 1-2 miles while exploring the paths within the Botanic Garden itself.

Is this self-guided walk suitable for families?

Absolutely. The route includes plenty of open space for children to run, the chance to see cows, and ends at Lammas Land, which features a popular playground and a seasonal paddling pool.

When is the best time for photography on this route?

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light, especially for the riverside views at Sheep's Green and the reflections at Darwin College. The Glasshouse Range is best photographed in the bright midday light.

Are there restrooms available along the walk?

Yes, there are facilities at both the start and the end of the route. You will find toilets inside the Botanic Garden near the cafe and public toilets at Lammas Land.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

3 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Escape the academic bustle of Cambridge for a serene self-guided walk through the city's most breathtaking green spaces. This walking route takes you from the world-renowned Cambridge University Botanic Garden through the ancient water meadows of the Fens, offering a unique perspective on this historic city. Discover the hidden side of the university city, where scientific discovery meets natural beauty in a neighborhood stroll through New Town and the riverside. You'll begin your journey amidst the meticulously curated collections of the Botanic Garden, home to over 8,000 plant species from around the globe. As you transition from the manicured borders to the wilder landscapes of the Fen Causeway and Coe Fen, the atmosphere shifts. Here, you can experience the 'semi-wild' heart of Cambridge, where cattle often graze just steps away from centuries-old college buildings. This area, known as the Fens, provides a vital ecological link and a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike. This walking tour Cambridge route is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. You will have the opportunity to capture the reflection of weeping willows in the River Cam, the architectural elegance of Darwin College, and the seasonal blooms of the heritage trees. Unlike a standard guided tour Cambridge visitors might encounter, this independent journey allows you to linger by the Glasshouse Range or wait for the perfect light on the water at Sheep's Green. It is a chance to explore the landscape that has inspired generations of scholars, from Charles Darwin to contemporary botanists. Whether you are interested in rare plant species or simply want a quiet escape, this audio walk offers a refreshing alternative to the crowded city center, concluding in the family-friendly expanses of Lammas Land. Experience the 'Botanical Bliss' of Cambridge at your own pace, uncovering the secret gardens and public commons that define the city's verdant soul.

Highlights

The iconic Glasshouse Range at the Botanic Garden
Historic grazing cattle in the ancient Coe Fen
Scenic riverside views from Sheep's Green
The peaceful, scholarly atmosphere of Darwin College
Heritage trees and rare plant species from around the world
The lush, open landscapes of Lammas Land

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Welcome to forty acres of living history. Opened in 1846 by John Stevens Henslow—the mentor to Charles Darwin—this garden was designed as a scientific collection to support university research. Today, it houses over 8,000 species. As you wander, look for the Systematic Beds, which display plants arranged by family, or the Glasshouse Range, where you can travel from the tropics to the desert in a few steps. The garden is also home to several 'Champion Trees,' the largest or tallest of their kind in the UK. Take your time to enjoy the seasonal highlights, from the Winter Garden to the scented Lavender Collection.

2

The Fen Causeway

As you leave the structured beauty of the Botanic Garden, you cross the Fen Causeway. This road marks a transition from the formal academic town to the ancient, water-logged landscapes of the Cam valley. Look around and you'll see how the city's character changes. The architecture here in New Town reflects the Victorian expansion of the city, but the land ahead remains largely as it has been for centuries: a flood-prone, lush common. This area serves as a green corridor, allowing wildlife to move from the surrounding countryside right into the heart of the university district.

3

Coe Fen

Step onto Coe Fen and you might feel you've been transported to a rural village. This area is common land, meaning local residents historically held the right to graze their livestock here. Don't be surprised if you encounter cows wandering across the path or resting under the willow trees. The fen is crisscrossed by small drainage ditches and provides a vital habitat for kingfishers and water voles. It’s a rare example of an unimproved urban grassland that has never been ploughed, preserving a diverse range of wildflowers and grasses that have disappeared elsewhere in the region.

4

Sheep's Green

Adjacent to Coe Fen lies Sheep's Green, another historic common once used for washing sheep before they were shorn. Today, it is a favorite spot for punters and kayakers. The River Cam splits here, creating a series of islands and channels. If you look toward the water, you'll see the 'scudamore’s' punts gliding by. This is also the site of the Robinson Crusoe Island, a small landmass in the river. The area is a haven for photography, especially where the weeping willows dip their branches into the slow-moving water, creating a quintessentially Cambridge scene.

5

Darwin College

As you approach the edge of the city center, you pass Darwin College. Founded in 1964, it was the first college in Cambridge to admit only graduate students and the first to be co-educational. The college is housed in several historic buildings, including Newnham Grange, which was once the home of George Darwin, son of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. The college gardens are unique as they span both sides of the river, connected by private bridges. The blend of 18th-century domestic architecture and the tranquil river setting makes this one of the most picturesque corners of the university.

6

Lammas Land

Your walk concludes at Lammas Land, a large public park that serves as a community hub. The name 'Lammas' refers to the medieval harvest festival on August 1st, after which commoners were allowed to graze their cattle on the land. Today, it's popular for its large paddling pool and play areas. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore the Newnham neighborhood or head back toward the city center via Silver Street. It’s a place where the academic and local worlds meet, offering a wide-open view of the Cambridge sky to finish your nature-focused journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided nature walk is highly recommended for those looking to explore the greener side of Cambridge. It covers the Botanic Garden and the historic fens, offering a peaceful alternative to the busy college-centric routes in the city center.