The new Cambridge South station opens to passengers on 28 June, marking the first Great British Railways-branded station. Located next to Europe's largest medical research facility, the Biomedical Campus, which attracts about 40,000 visitors daily, the station features 1,000 cycle-parking spaces, a living roof, and solar panels, positioning it as a model for sustainable transport.
Exploring Grantchester Meadows and Byron's Pool
From the station, walking and cycle paths lead to Trumpington and Grantchester Meadows. A mile from the station, Byron's Pool nature reserve offers swimming spots in the River Cam, where Lord Byron allegedly swam as a Cambridge undergraduate and Charles Darwin surveyed beetles. The meadows are filled with poppies, ox-eye daisies, butterflies, and skylarks.
In Trumpington, the Dao cafe serves bao buns and peach oolong tea. The village church houses one of England's oldest brass monuments, Sir Roger de Trumpington, who died in 1289. Nearby, archaeologists found the grave of a young Anglo-Saxon woman with a gold-and-garnet cross.
Botanic Garden and City Highlights
Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a 20-minute walk from the meadows, is at its fragrant best with sage, lemon balm, and lavender. Admission is from £8.60 for adults, children free. Benches under walnut and cherry trees offer a peaceful spot to enjoy a slice of apricot tart from Maison Clement bakery.
Hotels near the central station include the Ibis (doubles from about £80), the University Arms (from about £175), and Hobson by Adina (studios from about £125). Parker's Tavern brasserie can pack a gourmet picnic hamper (£45pp) with 24 hours' notice.
Art and History on Foot
Bus 13 from the city centre reaches the iron age hill fort at Wandlebury, with wooded ramparts and flax-blue meadows. The David Parr House, a 10-minute stroll from the main station, reveals hand-painted Arts and Crafts decoration by FR Leach's master painter. Admission from £15. The house has produced a new FR Leach walking map, leading to All Saints' church on Jesus Lane and Michaelhouse Cafe.
Great St Mary's tower offers a 360-degree view (adults £7.50). The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (free) displays the Trumpington cross, while the Museum of Zoology (free) features Darwin's beetle collection.
Dining and Bat Safari
Mill Road offers indie eateries with noodles, souvlaki, bibimbap, and plant-based menus. Jordanian Little Petra serves aubergine fatteh and Bedouin tea. Jack's Gelato provides tangy blackcurrant ice-cream.
Iain Webb, community conservation officer at the local wildlife trust, leads bat safaris by punt along the Cam towards Grantchester on summer evenings (£71 for two). “We need nature more than nature needs us,” says Webb. The safari observes Daubenton's bats and pipistrelles, with kingfishers, herons, and tawny owlets.
