New Cambridge South station opens up art trails, swimming spots and punt safaris

The new Cambridge South railway station, opening to passengers on 28 June, is the first station to carry the Great British Railways brand. Built at a cost of £250 million, it features 1,000 cycle parking spaces, a living roof, and solar panels, positioning it as a model for sustainable transport. The station sits adjacent to Europe's largest biomedical research campus, which sees around 40,000 visitors daily.

Walking and cycling routes

From the station, footpaths and cycle trails lead in multiple directions. One path goes to Trumpington, home to one of England's oldest brass monuments – Sir Roger de Trumpington (died 1289) in full chain mail. Near the church, archaeologists discovered the grave of a young Anglo-Saxon woman with a gold-and-garnet cross.

Heading north through Grantchester Meadows, the River Cam offers swimming spots among waterlilies and forget-me-nots. The nearby Paradise nature reserve is alive with birds – a Cetti's warbler sings from reedbeds and a song thrush from alders.

Botanic garden and cultural gems

Cambridge University Botanic Garden (adults from £8.60, children free) is in peak fragrance: bees buzz through sage, lemon balm, and lavender. A five-minute detour leads to Maison Clement bakery for apricot tart.

A 10-minute walk from the main station is David Parr House (from £15), the Victorian home of a working-class artist decorated over decades. It stands on Mill Road, now a foodie hub with independent eateries serving noodles, souvlaki, bibimbap, and more.

Bat safaris and museums

Community conservation officer Iain Webb dreamed up bat safaris by punt on summer evenings (£71 for two). Participants glide along the Cam to Grantchester, watching Daubenton's bats and pipistrelles hunting insects.

Free museums include the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (home to the Trumpington cross) and the Museum of Zoology (featuring Darwin's beetle collection).

Accommodation and dining

Several hotels are near the central station: Ibis (doubles from £80), University Arms (from £175) with Parker’s Tavern offering gourmet picnic hampers (£45pp), and the newer Hobson by Adina (studios from £125). Mill Road is lined with indie cafes and restaurants.