In honour of National Bike Week, which this year runs from 30 May to 5 June, we are celebrating #7DaysofCycling by picking 7 great places to visit by bike from House by Urban Splash’s new neighbourhood at Northstowe, called Inholm.
Northstowe is within easy reach of some wonderful places for sport, leisure and work by bike, meaning you can still enjoy some great days out – even if you don’t have a car. Most are accessed via the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway, a former rail line which forms part of National Cycle Network Route 51 and integrates into Cambridge’s multiple city cycle lanes, many of which prioritise bikes over cars!
The route runs through pleasant countryside and picturesque villages whether heading south or north of Northstowe, making it easy to explore the wider area, get to work, and get healthy – all in an environmentally-friendly way.
Town House at Inholm, Northstowe
Here are 7 of our favourite spots to enjoy – all within cycling distance of Northstowe. And what’s more, every one of our Town House homes come with a bike store to prop up your bike!
- Have a ‘wild’ time at Fen Drayton Lakes
This glorious 267-acre wildlife haven is less than 45 mins by bike from Northstowe, and is an ideal destination for a relaxing day out to experience the local nature, go fishing or birdwatching, brave some wild swimming and enjoy the local fenland landscape. Park up and enjoy the many footpaths around this wonder of nature – and remember to pack a snack!
- Be blown away by the Botanical Gardens
Located in the heart of Cambridge, this beautiful location is one of the UK’s premier botanical gardens. Roam around the greenhouses to see some exotic delights from the Alps, the Mediterranean or the jungle, lay out on the peaceful lawns, or hop through the huge rock and water gardens before stopping off at the tea shop to recharge your batteries.
- Coffee, ice cream and sightseeing at King’s College
The King’s College Chapel is commonly seen as ‘the’ landmark of the city, and is likely the most famous building of Gothic architecture in Cambridge. Be sure to stop off at the city centre market, which has been operating since Saxon times! Today, it hosts pop-up independent sellers aplenty, from coffee to crafts and fusion cuisine.
- Park your punt for a picnic
A trip to the city would not be complete without punting on the river Cam. Why not take a picnic and head up river to a less busy spot at Grantchester meadows? Park your punt and enjoy this popular swimming and picnic spot – and make sure to visit The Orchard Tearooms, where you can sling yourself into a deckchair for a spot of lazy afternoon tea to fuel your journey home.
- Riverside lunch and fine cask ale in historic St Ives
Whether travelling by land or water, you can enjoy the Floods Bar & Eatery. It’s a family-friendly pub set on the picturesque banks of the Great Ouse, offering an assortment of cask ales, wines and spirits, as well as mouth-watering pub grub. And with its tranquil riverside garden bar, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular choice in the sunnier months.
- Meet the cows and go to the fair
Or you can head to Midsummer Common next to Cambridge city centre, on the River Cam. It hosts a packed calendar of events throughout the year, including Midsummer Fair, one of the oldest fairs in England, and Strawberry Fair for the more alternative revellers! As well as easy access to cycle along the river Cam for miles, the common is grazed by a herd of Red Poll cattle between April and October each year, who can be quite inquisitive!
- Lose yourself at Wandlebury Woods
For the more adventurous, weave through the city cycle paths and beyond the boundary to Magog Hills (one of the only hills in Cambridge!) You can walk along the Roman Road, have a BBQ, build a den or just wander endlessly through the wooded paths. And don’t forget to take a pitstop at the pop-up cafe or local farm shop, where you’ll find delicious homemade sausage rolls, apple cider, wood fired pizza and hot chocolate on the menu.
Town House homes are on sale now at Inholm. Book to see the show homes, coming soon.
housebyurbansplash.co.uk/locations/inholm-northstowe
Cambridge Edition readers can collect a free bike seat cover from the sales Pavilion at Northstowe when you visit the Pavilion and make a booking to see the Show Homes. The Pavilion is open Thursday to Sunday.
housebyurbansplash.co.uk/seven-interesting-places-to-cycle-to-from-northstowe
