Outdoor play areas in Cambridge

Questions parents ask

Can I bring a buggy, and will it work if I have a toddler and an older child together?

Yes, the common is buggy friendly with step-free access throughout. It is a large open space, so you should be able to manage a buggy alongside children playing on the skate runway, ball court and swings in the play area.

What's there to do, and how long should we allow?

The play area has a skate runway, ball court and swings for children, and the common itself is open land suitable for running around and exploring. Allow at least an hour, longer if your children want to spend time on all the equipment.

Should I bring a picnic, or is there somewhere to eat?

We have not confirmed a café on the common, so bringing a picnic is a sensible plan. The site is a large open space where you can settle with food and drink.

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.

Is Midsummer Common suitable for buggies and managing multiple children?

We haven't confirmed whether buggies are easily managed on Midsummer Common. As it's a large open green space bordering the River Cam, it should be generally accessible, but contacting the venue directly would confirm the terrain and facilities for families with younger children.

What should we know about the Red Poll cattle on the common?

A herd of Red Poll cattle grazes the common between April and October each year. This is part of the conservation work to restore the common, so children will have the opportunity to see livestock, though adult supervision is important when they're present.

Is there anywhere to eat at Midsummer Common?

We haven't confirmed whether there is a café at Midsummer Common. It would be wise to bring a picnic or check ahead before visiting.

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