A charming Cambridgeshire village where tranquil meadows, historic pubs, and riverside walks create a timeless walking base near Cambridge.
Grantchester, just two miles south of Cambridge, is a classic English village well suited to walking holidays centred on gentle riverside routes and village landscapes. Known for its setting along the River Cam, thatched cottages, and long literary associations — including Rupert Brooke — the village has long been a favourite escape from the city. The Grantchester Meadows Walk links directly with Cambridge, making it an easy and rewarding self-guided route on foot.
Beyond the main riverside path, the surrounding countryside lends itself to slower outdoor adventures shaped by open meadows, quiet lanes, and low-lying farmland. Walks extend toward neighbouring villages and green spaces, while connections to Trumpington Meadows and Wandlebury Country Park add variety. Just to the north, the Fen Rivers Way passes through Cambridge, offering onward routes toward Ely, the Fens, and the Norfolk coast.
With places to stay limited within the village itself, Grantchester works best as part of a wider stay in Cambridge, which is easily reached on foot or by bike. The flat terrain, riverside paths, and quiet country lanes also make the area suitable for relaxed cycling holidays, linking Grantchester with Cambridge and surrounding villages.