Parks in Cambridge: Best places to live nearby
The parks in Cambridge offer pockets of serenity in this otherwise bustling city.
The history-rich city of Cambridge offers an enviable quality of life. The City is known for its excellent schools, rich cultural activities, dining, and shopping opportunities.
Cambridge is well-connected, with fast train services to London and proximity to major motorways, making it perfect for commuters.
For those working in Cambridge, the thriving job market in the tech, research, and education sectors, including the Cambridge Science Park, makes it a hub for innovation and opportunity.
A particular highlight is the abundance of green spaces and parks. Many are adjacent to beautiful residential homes and the tranquil River Cam.
Here, we highlight five sought-after parks in Cambridge and some of the best areas to live nearby.
Alexandra Gardens
Alexandra Gardens is a popular park in Cambridge to the north of the city, which slopes towards the River Cam and Jesus Green.
Known for its tranquil atmosphere, the park offers well-maintained lawns, pretty flower beds, and a variety of trees that provide shade, making it a peaceful spot for relaxation and picnics.
The well-tended gardens, playground and community-focused design of the park contribute to its appeal to residents.
Where to live near Alexandra Gardens
Surrounded by roads such as Hertford Street, Alpha Road, and Magrath Avenue, the properties around Alexandra Gardens typically consist of lovely Victorian and early 20th-century houses, making it attractive to people who want to enjoy both the proximity to green spaces as well as the city centre.
Midsummer Common
Midsummer Common is part of the Cambridge Green Belt. It is an ancient grassland area bordered by the River Cam and the Cambridge University college boathouses.
The Common plays an important role in Cambridge’s cultural and social life, hosting events such as the annual Midsummer Fair. This is one of the oldest fairs in the UK, dating back to the 13th century.
It’s also a great spot for outdoor activities and has beautiful river views.
Cattle grazing is also a common sight, reflecting the area’s traditional use for agriculture.
Where to live near Midsummer Common
There are some lovely streets and homes around the Common. De Freville Avenue is a beautiful, leafy road featuring primarily semi-detached and detached Victorian and Edwardian houses.
Nearby Kimberley Road and Pretoria Road have immaculately-kept terraced and semi-detached period homes.
On the other side of Midsummer Common, you will find Brunswick Gardens with many homes backing directly onto the park. Additionally, there are imposing period houses on Maids Causeway.
Jesus Green
Just north of the city centre, Jesus Green offers vast lawns, tree-lined paths, and access to the River Cam. It is a popular spot for outdoor activities like picnicking, cycling, and walking.
The park also boasts one of Europe’s longest outdoor swimming pools, the Jesus Green Lido, and is a venue for various local festivals.
The footbridge across the river connects it to Midsummer Common, making the two parks easily accessible.
Where to live near Jesus Green
Homes in Jesus Green’s Castle Hill and Castle Street areas mix historical and modern architecture, reflecting the city’s long heritage.
The other areas around Jesus Green are known for their Georgian and Victorian properties, many of which are terraced houses or converted flats. The homes here often have smaller gardens than other parts of Cambridge due to their central location.
On Park Parade, there is a blend of old and new properties and large, terraced houses with marvellous views over the expanse of the park.
Lammas Land
Lammas Land is another wonderful green space near the River Cam and the popular Newnham area. It is an excellent spot offering many things to do such as a Lido for kids and the canoeing club, and also provides a quiet escape from the city’s busier areas.
A bridge connects Lammas Land to Sheep’s Green – another of the parks in Cambridge – that also includes a local nature reserve.
Historically, Lammas Land has been used for grazing livestock and everyday land activities, and it retains much of its natural beauty today.
Where to live near Lammas Land
The Newnham area is particularly desirable, with its quiet, tree-lined streets and excellent local amenities, including great schools and shops.
The properties here are primarily Edwardian and Victorian, featuring semi-detached and terraced houses with charming architectural details as well as several local shops. The area offers a mix of period homes – often modernised properties, appealing to families and professionals alike.
Romsey Recreation Grounds
Romsey Recreation Ground is a well-loved Victorian park in Cambridge’s vibrant Romsey area. This recreational space offers lots to do for residents.
There is a large playground, and open green spaces for picnics, making it one of the most popular parks in Cambridge for younger families.
Romsey Rec, as the locals know it, is part of the community-focused Romsey Town, with its lively, friendly atmosphere.
The park is surrounded by residential properties, local shops, and cafés, making it a convenient and appealing spot for recreation and relaxation.
Where to live near Romsey Recreation Grounds
Homes close to Romsey Rec include Cavendish Road, Ross Street, Vinery Road, and Cyprus Road. These roads are known for their Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes. These feature classic architectural details like brick façades, bay windows, and small front gardens.
Cavendish Road and Ross Street properties tend to be primarily terraced houses with two or three bedrooms. They often retain their period features and offer cosy family living.
Vinery Road features larger terraced and semi-detached houses, often with gardens and modern extensions.
The area is buzzing with coffee shops, international restaurants and quirky establishments, all within easy walking distance to Cambridge station and the city centre.
Where to live in Cambridge
If you want to live near one of the parks in Cambridge, these five beautiful green spaces are a great starting point.
Plenty of different property types are available to suit most budgets and family sizes, from smaller, terraced homes and purpose-built flats to grand, period properties. Some even come with fantastic park and river views.
With our long-standing knowledge of the area and access to a wide range of properties (some of which are sold off-market), we can help you find your dream home.
If living near one of the parks in Cambridge appeals to you, please get in touch.
