Looking for a wellbeing boost this month? Visit these lush locales to escape
Leading image Howard Rice
Cambridge in spring is a sight to behold. Bursting with colour and vibrancy, the city’s historic streets, gardens and riverbanks transform into a haven of blossoming flowers and renewed energy. From serene riverside walks to cattle-grazed meadows, nature reserves and parks, botanic gardens and stately homes, there’s no better time to explore our iconic city, making the most of longer daylight hours and crisp, fresh air.
Start your spring adventure at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Established in 1831 by John Stevens Henslow, Charles Darwin’s mentor, the Botanic Garden occupies 40 acres and contains more than 8,000 plant species, including a colourful National Collection of species tulips. Cherry blossom steals the show at this time of year, with these delicate pink and white petals creating an ethereal canopy above manicured lawns. A stunning Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus yedoensis) looks spectacular from February to April, while magnolia trees – with their grand, tulip-shaped blooms – burst into life between February and June.
Riverside rambling
Equally enchanting, a springtime stroll along the River Cam can be a serene and scenic journey, exploring all the green spaces en route. From the south, pick up the river at Trumpington Meadows, walking through woodland to the popular bathing spot Byron’s Pool – then proceed to Grantchester Orchard and Meadows. The meandering path leads to Paradise nature reserve and the park at Lammas Land, before crossing to Sheep’s Green at Fen Causeway, toward the city. Pick up the path through Coe Fen to Granta Place and the Mill Pond – popular with punters and picnickers. From here, head towards the Backs, strolling past Queens’, King’s, Clare and Trinity Colleges.
The next bit of proper river frontage comes further north, opposite wisteria-clad Magdalene College on Bridge Street. Here, you can walk to Jesus Green, passing Jesus Lock and the iconic outdoor Lido, and eventually under Elizabeth Way Bridge to Stourbridge Common and Ditton Meadows.
Historic parkland
The region’s National Trust properties have plenty of historic rolling landscapes to savour come springtime. Anglesey Abbey is a feast for the senses, with its gardens bursting into life – the inspirational winter walk transitions gracefully in early spring with dainty crocuses, reticulate irises and more. Fragrant bluebells carpet the woodlands from late March to early May.
Image National Trust Images/Mike Selby
Wimpole Hall Estate is equally dramatic in spring – the parkland dotted with grazing cattle and the lake alive with geese and ducks. Head to the gothic folly for a bracing walk or tackle the 5.5-mile all-weather route.
Our local country parks also offer a leafy escape. For instance, the 300-acre Coton Countryside Reserve was purchased by charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future in the 30s to prevent urban sprawl, and has since become a long-term initiative to create a large area of wild belt on the western side of Cambridge. The same charity looks after Wandlebury Country Park, south of Cambridge near the Gog Magog Hills. Here, you can walk miles through mixed woodland, enjoying a view of Ely Cathedral, wildflower meadows grazed by highland cattle, pond-dipping and more. It’s a charming and historic landscape for a seasonal yomp.
Nature walks
The city also boasts plenty of nature reserves, managed by our local Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. Trumpington Meadows offers scenic riverside walks through meadows bursting with wildflowers, butterflies and peaceful picnic spots. Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits on the south-eastern outskirts of Cambridge are host to a variety of habitats, including grassland and woodland, as well as three rare plant species – great pignut, moon carrot and a rare type of grape hyacinth (Muscari).
Beechwoods, off Worts’ Causeway, is another gem. Originally planted in the 1840s, these mature beech trees are a sheltered haven for helleborine orchids, woodpeckers and bramblings that feed on the beechmast.
Fulbourn Fen, meanwhile, is an ancient area of grassland supporting cowslips and rare orchids. The wettest meadow, East Fen sees thousands of orchids bloom in early summer, alongside rushes and water mint. Early marsh and southern marsh orchids thrive here, sending up tall purple flower spikes in spring, while in summer, lizards and grass snakes sun themselves on the grassy tussocks.
Further afield
Wicken Fen, near Ely
One of Britain’s oldest nature reserves, this ancient fenland landscape is criss-crossed with boardwalks leading through wetlands teeming with wildlife.
Fen Drayton Lakes
An RSPB-run haven for birdwatchers, comprising a network of lakes and wetlands.
Gamlingay Cinques
A dry grassland site providing a secluded haven for visitors, with diverse flora and fauna. This is an excellent spot for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.
Overhall Grove, Knapwell
This tucked-away reserve is the largest elm woodland in Cambridgeshire, offering a rich and thriving habitat for insects and birds. Visitors can explore its medieval manor remains and diverse ecosystems.
Grafham Water, near Huntingdon
One of the prime birdwatching sites in the county and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, explore the reservoir’s nine miles of shoreline. Expect to see great crested grebes, teal and wigeon, warblers, plus ospreys overhead.
