Petals and Pathways: 7 Best Gardens in Cambridge
2024-06-30
Cambridge, renowned for its prestigious university and beautiful architecture, also boasts a wealth of exquisite gardens. These gardens offer tranquil retreats and vibrant displays of nature's beauty. If you get a chance to visit Cambridge, you should try some of these gardens for relaxation, a peaceful stroll, or even out of sheer curiosity. Here are the most well-known gardens in Cambridge you should visit.
1. Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey boasts 114 acres of magnificent gardens and landscaped parkland. This enchanting estate features a blend of formal and informal gardens, woodland paths, and a renowned winter garden.
The Jacobean style house is a Grade I listed building full of rich history. Inside, you will see different unique objects like books, paintings, and sculptures. There are also a lot of Lord Fairhaven’s belongings, including the furniture and several art collections. Lord Fairhaven was the last private owner of the abbey.
The main highlight of the property, however, is its magnificent gardens. Winter Garden is a good example, and it was opened in 1998. The other beautiful gardens are the herbaceous border, the rose garden, the dahlia garden, and the formal garden.
There is also a play area that kids will enjoy. It has a treehouse and wooden castle, which will appeal to children. The play area is located at the end of one of the walking trails.
2. Chippenham Park Gardens
Chippenham Park Gardens, a hidden gem in the Cambridgeshire countryside, offer a captivating mix of formal gardens, woodland walks, and scenic lakes.
One of the garden's highlights is the rows of magnificent white silver birch trees lining many of the waterways. Moreover, the extensive bulb plantings under trees and throughout the woodland areas create a stunning display of colours, particularly in spring. Visitors will also discover numerous sculptures cleverly hidden around the plantings, making for a varied and entertaining visit.
Chippenham Park Gardens promise a delightful experience, with lovely walks by the lake. A visit in mid-February is especially enchanting, with beautiful displays of snowdrops, mini irises, and aconites. After exploring the wooded gardens and enjoying the picturesque scenery, visitors can relax at the Potting Shed cafe.
3. Cambridge University Botanic Garden
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden, established in 1846, is a horticultural haven located in the heart of Cambridge. It is an amazing place for a lovely walk and a wonderful chance to learn more about different plants.
The best time to visit the Botanic Garden is during the spring, when you can enjoy the newly awakening buds, shrubs, and flowers. At other times, the greenhouse displays provide equal opportunities for nature lovers.
At the end of your visit, you may enjoy a lovely meal at the cafe, or even lay your blanket on one of the benches for a lovely picnic. You can then enjoy the truly serene space with the family, and let the children have an outstanding immersive experience.
4. Wimpole Hall
Wimpole Hall gardens feature a mix of formal gardens, a walled garden, and extensive parkland. They were designed by renowned landscape architects, including Lancelot "Capability" Brown and Humphry Repton.
The walled gardens are the main highlight for every visitor. Through the winding grounds of these Grade I listed gardens, you will be able to observe and study specimen trees and spring bulbs. With ample land and impressive walk trails, these gardens become ideal for families and those who love a stroll.
Another lovely place to visit is the home farm, a good model of sustainable farming. Here, you will find pigs, sheep, ponies, cows, chickens, donkeys, and rabbits.
After visiting both the hall and the gardens, you may check out the Old Rectory Cafe. In the end, the gift shop could also have some things of interest for you and your family.
5. Elton Hall and Gardens
Elton Hall is a striking Gothic house surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens. The house itself is a Grade I listed building, incorporating architecture from different eras in history. Among the most notable parts of the house are the marble hall, the Upper Octagon Room, and the library.
The Flower Garden, previously known as the Edwardian Rose Garden, is another important highlight of the property. It has a beautiful fountain, and the picturesque Wisteria Walk is a real treat for lovers of nature.
The Shrub Garden is another main highlight, designed to offer a shaded, cool green space. Here, plants like Paeonia suffruticosa, Paulownia tormentosa, Tilia cordata, and a large Juglans regia provide a welcome respite from the summer sun, creating a tranquil and refreshing environment between the other gardens.
6. Jubilee Gardens
Situated on Ely Riverside, Jubilee Gardens are a small yet vibrant public space. It has a decent play area for kids and wonderful picnic spots for adults. Families love to come here for some outdoor fun in the summer.
As a great public space in East Cambridgeshire, Jubilee Gardens provide a good passing point for travellers. People travelling to the north or south of England will find this place an ideal spot to catch a break. There is also regular bus and train service passing near the gardens. Jubilee Gardens are only a few minutes from the bus stop.
7. Clare Fellows' Garden
Clare Fellows' Garden is among the most beautiful and tranquil college gardens in the city. The garden is part of Clare College, alongside Sunken Garden and Tropical Garden.
Fellows’ Garden is open to the public in the summer and is a great place to sit, relax, and watch the punts. Alternatively, you may check out the flowers with vivid colours, like the delphiniums and clematis.
If you are a member of the college, you will get the chance to visit the garden at other times of the year. Autumn at Fellows’ Garden is especially spectacular, with dahlias in bloom.
Exploring the gardens of Cambridge offers a delightful escape into nature's splendour. After a day of garden exploration, why not extend your stay and continue the experience in comfort? Check out Minstrel Court for a nightly stay, where you can relax and unwind in a beautiful setting. Located conveniently close to Cambridge, Minstrel Court provides the perfect retreat to rest and recharge for another day of adventures.
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