Is Grantchester Meadows buggy friendly?

Yes, there is a flat tarmac path that runs directly between Newnham and Grantchester and is rarely flooded, which is suitable for buggies. An alternative unsurfaced path runs adjacent to the River Cam but this can be flooded or very wet.

Well-behaved dogs under control are welcome. You must pick up dog mess and take it away, and keep a lead with you in case you encounter cattle, which graze the meadows between April and October.

Is there anywhere to eat?

The Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester operates as a separate business leased by the charity and is located nearby. We haven't confirmed a café directly on the meadows themselves, though there is a picnic area.

What should we know about swimming in the river?

Swimming in the river carries serious risks including drowning, water quality not meeting bathing standards, and underwater hazards often not visible. The river is deep in sections, has steep banks making exit difficult, and can become dangerous after heavy rain.

Grantchester Meadows

Outdoor Play & Adventure Playgrounds · Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

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🌳 Outdoor🆓 Free entry🐐 Animals

What’s there

Buggy friendly
Picnic area
Dogs welcome

Access & inclusion

Step-free access

Only facilities we’ve confirmed are listed — anything missing here we simply haven’t checked, rather than know to be absent.

Grantchester Meadows are 50 acres of meadow, hedge and trees on the western bank of the River Cam between Cambridge and the historic village of Grantchester. This famous open flood-plain green space is used for dog walking, picnics, punting, paddling and enjoying nature, with Red Poll cattle grazing from April to October. A flat tarmac footpath runs directly between Newnham and Grantchester and is rarely flooded, while an unsurfaced riverside path crosses several small bridges. The Meadows are owned by King's College and managed by Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CPPF), who publish visitor and safety information. Access is free and open at all times via pedestrian entrances in Newnham and Grantchester; there is no car park, so arrive on foot or by bike. Note: swimming in the river has been prohibited by King's College since 2021 and the water can be dangerous.

Red Poll cattle graze the meadows from April to October.

Questions parents ask

Is Grantchester Meadows buggy friendly?: Yes, there is a flat tarmac path that runs directly between Newnham and Grantchester and is rarely flooded, which is suitable for buggies. An alternative unsurfaced path runs adjacent to the River Cam but this can be flooded or very wet.
Can we bring dogs?: Well-behaved dogs under control are welcome. You must pick up dog mess and take it away, and keep a lead with you in case you encounter cattle, which graze the meadows between April and October.
Is there anywhere to eat?: The Orchard Tea Garden in Grantchester operates as a separate business leased by the charity and is located nearby. We haven't confirmed a café directly on the meadows themselves, though there is a picnic area.
What should we know about swimming in the river?: Swimming in the river carries serious risks including drowning, water quality not meeting bathing standards, and underwater hazards often not visible. The river is deep in sections, has steep banks making exit difficult, and can become dangerous after heavy rain.