The best places to live for commuting to Cambridge
If you want to enjoy village life but also be within an easy commute of the city, then here are some of the best places to live for commuting to Cambridge.
Melbourn
To the south of Cambridge is the attractive village of Melbourn. Featuring picturesque cottages and period properties as well as more contemporary homes, Melbourn may be small, but it has everything!
With a bustling High Steet, a butcher’s shop, Co-op, and several hairdressers, plus a primary and a secondary school, it has all the amenities you may need. The area also has a community café and two pubs, plus a restaurant and hotel at Sheene Mill, on the tranquil River Mel.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Melbourne
Around 20-25 minutes by road or 20-30 minutes by rail from the neighbouring village of Meldreth.
Meldreth
This small village, just to the south west of Cambridge has a long history – a Bronze Age haul was found near what is now Meldreth station – and it was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Meldreth has lots of historic homes and buildings, and parts of its Holy Trinity Church dates to the 12th century. The village used to be a hub for fruit production and even now, you can buy fruits from local orchards, including the Meldreth greengage.
The village has two schools, a local shop and post office, plus a nature reserve.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Medreth
Around 25-30 minutes by road or 20-30 minutes by rail.
Shepreth
Shepreth is about 10 miles south west of Cambridge surrounded by countryside. It is rectangular in shape and is bordered by the River Rhee, the Foxton Brook, and the Guilden Brook. The River Shep runs through the village and joins the River Rhee.
It has a rich history with several historic buildings and landmarks. The village is known for its traditional English charm and its community spirit.
The village is also home to the Shepreth Wildlife Park, with a host of wild animals to visit.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Shepreth
Around 20 minutes by road or 15 minutes by rail from Shepreth station.
Foxton
Foxton is a quaint village located to the south of Cambridge. In the Domesday Book of 1086, the village was recorded as “Foxetune” – meaning “farmstead where foxes are seen”.
This lovely village is surrounded by lush countryside and is bordered by the River Cam and the Hoffer and Shepreth Brooks.
The area has a long history and boasts several well-preserved houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, as well as a 13th-century church.
Foxton has a village shop and post office, as well as a pub and a primary school.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Foxton
Around 20 minutes by road or typically under 15 minutes by rail from Foxton station.
Whittlesford
The charming village of Whittlesford perfectly captures the essence of village life for those commuting to Cambridge. With its own train station and convenient access to the A505 and M11, Whittlesford is well-suited for both work and leisure travel.
The village has a long history – dating back to at least Norman times – and boasts a cricket ground, two Grade II listed pubs, and a primary school. There are pretty thatched cottages, larger period homes, a lovely village green, and river walks along the River Cam.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Whittlesford
Circa 20 minutes by road or around 10-15 minutes by rail from Whittlesford Parkway.
The Shelfords
Great and Little Shelford (known collectively as The Shelfords) are villages on the outskirts of Cambridge, around 4 miles south of the city. This easy access to Cambridge, combined with a strong community spirit, ample amenities, and the scenic countryside, makes these villages an appealing balance of rural and urban living.
The area is known for its high concentration of luxury properties and a diverse range of homes, catering to those who seek both a commuter-friendly location and the tranquillity of rural life.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from The Shelfords
Around 15 minutes by car or typically less than 10 minutes by rail from Shelford station.
Histon
Histon, a charming village with Grade II listed thatched cottages, period properties and a picturesque village green, offers a prime location north of Cambridge. Well-connected by major commuter roads and a guided busway, Histon appeals to those seeking both accessibility and a quaint village feel.
It adjoins the popular village of Impington a much sought after location due to the popularity of the Village College.
Though Histon is a small village, it offers a rich selection of amenities. Residents have convenient access to essential shops, alongside a variety of dining options ranging from cosy cafés like to restaurants.
This desirable property hotspot is also home to several pubs, and has comprehensive healthcare services with multiple doctors, pharmacies, and even a library, ensuring residents’ needs are well met.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Histon
Around 20 minutes by road to the city centre. Histon is on the outskirts of Cambridge and a guided busway takes around 15-25 minutes to get in to Cambridge city centre.
Orwell
The scenic village of Orwell is to the south of Cambridge city and blends rural charm with modern amenities, ideal for families and individuals. The community is close-knit, centred around the Chequers pub, a local hub for dining and socialising.
Local facilities include a village shop, post office, and vibrant village hall, with the Wimpole Estate (a National Trust estate with parkland, gardens and a rare breed farm) close by for outdoor activities.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Orwell
Orwell is a rural village, but still only around 25 minutes by road from the city centre. It doesn’t have its own railway station, but travel from to nearby Shepreth train station takes around 20 minutes.
Haslingfield
Haslingfield, nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, offers a peaceful, picturesque setting and is located just seven miles south west of Cambridge, this pretty village combines rural charm with the convenience of nearby urban amenities.
There is a village shop, post office, coffee shop and primary school as well as a local Doctor’s surgery.
Haslingfield has scenic countryside, perfect for walks. Within the village, there is a large recreation ground ideal for children to play or to enjoy a leisurely afternoon with the family.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Haslingfield
Around 15-20 minutes by road or typically just under 15minutes by rail from nearby Foxton station.
Barrington
Approximately 7 miles south west of Cambridge is the picture-perfect village of Barrington. Boasting the longest village green in Europe, which is encircled by houses in various architectural styles, including thatched cottages, it is recognized as a Conservation Area.
Barrington maintains a vibrant community with essential amenities such as a church, a popular pub, a post office with a village store, and a historic thatched primary school established in 1835. Despite proximity to major railway lines, Barrington retains a strong local identity with active clubs, a community-focused village hall, and the Barrington Society that preserves village archives.
Commuting to Cambridge – Travel time from Barrington
Around 20-25 minutes by road or typically 20-25 minutes by rail from nearby Foxton and Shepreth stations.
Barton, Coton and The Abingtons
If you are looking for village life within commuting distance to Cambridge, then we hope this brief overview of ten of the best places to live has given you food for thought.
There are, of course, many more villages near Cambridge and places to choose from including the picturesque villages of Barton, Coton and The Abingtons (Little Abington and Great Abington).
For those wanting to live in the city itself, there are also some quiet streets featuring imposing homes around Cambridge railway station that make you feel you are still a way from the hustle and bustle, such as St Barnabas Road, Glisson Road and Blinco Grove.
Commuting to Cambridge
If you are looking to move to within commuting distance of Cambridge, then at Garrington Property Finders, we have local knowledge and many years’ experience of helping people find their ideal home. Why not contact us today?
