The Backs: A Scenic Retreat in Cambridge
Discover the enchanting beauty of The Backs in Cambridge, where nature meets history along the picturesque River Cam.
The Backs is a breathtaking park and garden area in Cambridge, offering stunning views of the historic university buildings and tranquil riverside walks. Perfect for a leisurely day out, this location is a must-visit for tourists seeking a blend of nature and history.
A brief summary to The Backs
- Queen's Rd, Cambridge, CB3 9AH, GB
- +441223457000
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river and take advantage of the scenic views.
- Don't miss the chance to take a punting tour along the river for a unique perspective of the colleges.
- Check the calendar for any seasonal events or exhibitions that may be taking place during your visit.
Getting There
-
Car
If you are driving, head towards Queen's Rd, Cambridge CB3 9AH. Use a GPS or map app for direct navigation. There are limited parking options near The Backs, so consider parking at nearby car parks, such as the Queen Anne Terrace Car Park, which charges around £1.50 per hour and is about a 10-minute walk away from The Backs.
-
Public Transportation - Bus
Take a local bus that stops at Queen's Rd. Buses such as the 'Citi 1' route serve this area frequently. Once you arrive at the Queen's Rd bus stop, it's a short walk to The Backs. The fare is approximately £1.80 for a single journey.
-
Walking from Cambridge City Centre
If you are in Cambridge city centre, head southeast on St Andrew's St towards Jesus Lane. Continue straight until you reach the junction with Queen's Rd. Turn left onto Queen's Rd, and The Backs will be on your right after a 15-20 minute walk. This is a pleasant stroll through the city.
-
Taxi
You can also take a taxi from anywhere in Cambridge to The Backs. Taxi fares can vary, but expect to pay around £10-£15 depending on your starting point. This is a convenient option if you are carrying luggage or traveling in a group.
Discover more about The Backs
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Old Schools
0.3 km
Historic university landmark at Trinity Lane, blending Gothic and classical architecture at the heart of Cambridge's academic tradition.
Senate House Hill
0.3 km
Historic Senate House Hill in Cambridge offers stunning views, iconic architecture, and a vibrant academic atmosphere at the heart of the university city.
Bridge of Sighs
0.5 km
A Victorian Gothic covered bridge spanning the River Cam, linking history and beauty at St John's College, Cambridge.
Magdalene Bridge
0.7 km
Historic cast-iron bridge over the River Cam, linking Cambridge’s academic heart with its ancient trading past.
Westminster College
0.7 km
Historic theological college blending Victorian architecture with contemporary faith education in Cambridge's academic heart.
Cambridge Food Tour
0.8 km
Explore Cambridge's culinary scene on a guided food tour, savoring local flavors and discovering hidden gems in this historic city.
Lammas Land
0.8 km
Experience the natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere of Lammas Land, Cambridge's beloved park along the River Cam.
All Saints Church
0.8 km
Explore the architectural and spiritual beauty of All Saints Church, a historic gem in the heart of Cambridge, showcasing stunning Gothic design and tranquility.
The Rush
0.8 km
Explore The Rush, a tranquil nature reserve in Cambridge, where lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife create an idyllic escape from city life.
Christ's Pieces
0.9 km
Discover the lush landscapes and vibrant atmosphere of Christ's Pieces, a picturesque park in the heart of Cambridge, perfect for relaxation and social gatherings.
Castle Mound
0.9 km
Experience the stunning views and rich history at Castle Mound, a must-visit historic site in the heart of Cambridge.
Castle Mound: site of medieval Cambridge Castle
0.9 km
Explore Castle Mound, the grassy remnant of Cambridge’s medieval fortress with panoramic city views and centuries of rich history.
Lets Go Punting Cambridge
0.9 km
Experience the charm of Cambridge from the water with Lets Go Punting, offering serene boat tours past historic landmarks and lush landscapes.
Duke House
0.9 km
A charming boutique guesthouse blending historic elegance with warm hospitality in central Cambridge.
St Mark's Church
0.9 km
Explore the serene St Mark's Church in Newnham, a beautiful blend of history, architecture, and tranquility in the heart of the countryside.
Unmissable attractions to see
University of Cambridge
0.1 km
Explore the timeless grandeur and scholarly spirit of the University of Cambridge, a world-renowned seat of learning since 1209.
Clare College
0.2 km
Discover Clare College’s timeless charm with its historic bridge, lush gardens, and rich academic heritage in the heart of Cambridge.
Garret Hostel Bridge
0.2 km
A sleek, historic footbridge in Cambridge offering stunning river views and a quirky local nickname.
Trinity Hall Cambridge
0.2 km
One of Cambridge’s oldest colleges, Trinity Hall offers historic charm, riverside tranquility, and a welcoming academic community in the city centre.
King's College Chapel
0.2 km
Experience the breathtaking Gothic grandeur and rich history of King's College Chapel, home to the world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling and renowned choir.
Mathematical Bridge
0.3 km
Discover the iconic wooden Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College, a marvel of 18th-century engineering and enduring Cambridge legend.
King's College, Cambridge
0.3 km
Discover the breathtaking Gothic splendor and rich academic heritage of King's College, home to the iconic chapel and world-famous choir in Cambridge.
Cambridge Alumni Tours
0.3 km
Uncover the rich history and architectural beauty of Cambridge with informative guided alumni tours through this iconic university city.
Queens' College
0.3 km
Discover Queens' College, Cambridge: a historic riverside haven famed for its iconic Mathematical Bridge and serene academic charm.
The Corpus Clock
0.3 km
A mesmerizing gold-plated clock with a mechanical grasshopper that devours time, blending art and science in the heart of Cambridge.
King's College Visitor Centre
0.3 km
Gateway to King's College's rich heritage, offering souvenirs and visitor services in a historic Cambridge setting.
University of Cambridge Museums Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique, ethically sourced gifts inspired by Cambridge’s museums, supporting heritage and culture in the heart of the city.
St Catharine's College
0.3 km
Discover historic charm and tranquil courtyards at St Catharine's College, a Renaissance gem in the heart of Cambridge.
Remember Cambridge
0.3 km
Discover Cambridge’s timeless charm and hidden stories on engaging walking tours led by passionate local guides.
Map of Cambridge
0.4 km
Discover the historic charm and vibrant culture of St Mary's Passage, a timeless lane at Cambridge’s heart.
Essential places to dine
The Cambridge Chop House
0.3 km
Classic British steakhouse with locally sourced ingredients, historic charm, and stunning views opposite King's College Chapel in Cambridge.
Bread & Meat
0.4 km
Savor Cambridge’s top roast meat sandwiches and comfort food in a relaxed, ethically minded eatery at 4 Bene't Street.
Smokeworks
0.4 km
Savor authentic American barbecue with tender smoked ribs and lively vibes in the heart of Cambridge’s historic center.
Aromi
0.4 km
Experience authentic Sicilian cuisine and stone-baked pizzas in a vibrant, historic Cambridge setting with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.
Pint Shop
0.4 km
A vibrant gastropub in Cambridge blending historic charm with an exceptional craft beer selection and hearty British fare.
Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant fusion of Japanese sushi and Nordic grilled sticks in the historic heart of Cambridge, where tradition meets innovation.
Trinity Restaurant
0.5 km
A charming Cambridge eatery blending classic pies with contemporary style opposite Trinity College’s Great Gate.
The Ivy Cambridge Brasserie
0.5 km
A vibrant British brasserie in Cambridge city centre, blending classic elegance with lively atmosphere and exceptional dining.
Honest Burgers Cambridge
0.5 km
Savor fresh British burgers and handmade rosemary chips in the heart of Cambridge’s vibrant Corn Exchange district.
Market House
0.5 km
Historic charm meets modern British-Asian cuisine in Cambridge’s Market House, a multi-level dining and wine destination with a sustainable ethos.
Garden House
0.5 km
Seasonal grill-focused dining with riverside views in a stylish, sustainable setting at Graduate Cambridge.
Granta
0.5 km
A charming historic pub on Cambridge’s River Cam offering classic British fare, riverside views, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Bill's Cambridge Restaurant
0.5 km
Eclectic British dining with vibrant charm in the heart of historic Cambridge’s Green Street.
Sala Thong
0.6 km
Authentic Thai cuisine with vibrant flavors and generous portions in a cozy Cambridge setting.
MillWorks
0.6 km
Historic watermill transformed into a vibrant modern brasserie with riverside views and charcoal-grilled British cuisine in Cambridge.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nomads
0.3 km
Discover authentic handmade jewelry, textiles, and artisan crafts at Nomads, Cambridge’s vibrant gift shop celebrating global and local craftsmanship.
Indelibly Cambridge
0.3 km
A compact, well-curated King’s Parade shop for Cambridge-themed gifts, prints and locally made keepsakes—perfect for quick souvenirs with local character.
Parade
0.3 km
Discover unique Cambridge souvenirs at Parade Gift Shop, perfectly located on historic King's Parade with stunning views of King's College.
Greaterskies
0.3 km
Cambridge studio and shop for personalised, astronomically accurate star‑map prints and tasteful gift items.
Samuel Smiley
0.4 km
A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Podarok
0.4 km
Discover unique gifts, quirky handbags, and beautiful jewellery at Podarok, Cambridge’s independent boutique in the Arts Quarter.
Giles & Co
0.4 km
Compact Trinity Street giftshop specialising in Cambridge-branded clothing, personalised keepsakes and locally sourced presents with friendly, knowledgeable service.
Iris and Violet Cambridge
0.4 km
Discover vibrant, curated womenswear and lifestyle pieces in the charming heart of Cambridge at Iris and Violet boutique.
Ark
0.4 km
Compact independent gift shop on historic Peas Hill serving market crowds, theatregoers and locals with curated Cambridge keepsakes.
The Cambridge Gift Shop
0.4 km
A compact, friendly gift shop on Rose Crescent offering locally made crafts, stationery and Cambridge-themed keepsakes in a tidy, well-curated space.
Souvenirs And Gifts
0.4 km
Authentic Cambridge souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of Market Hill.
Jacks on Trinity
0.4 km
Authentic Cambridge gifts and official university apparel in a charming Trinity Street shop blending tradition with modern British style.
The Department of Magical Gifts
0.4 km
Step into Cambridge’s enchanting Harry Potter shop where magic, whimsy, and unique gifts create a spellbinding experience for all ages.
White Stuff Cambridge
0.4 km
Discover vibrant, stylish fashion for the whole family at White Stuff Cambridge, nestled in the city’s historic shopping heart.
Fantasia
0.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion at Fantasia, a charming clothing shop in Cambridge that brings nostalgia to life with every exquisite piece.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Anchor
0.3 km
Charming historic riverside pub in Cambridge offering classic British fare, craft beers, and live jazz in a lively yet relaxed setting.
Eagle
0.3 km
Historic Cambridge pub where DNA’s double helix was announced, blending scientific legacy with classic British charm and lively atmosphere.
Bath House
0.4 km
Historic 17th-century Cambridge pub pouring Greene King cask ales and classic grub in a dog-friendly, family-welcoming spot steps from university landmarks.
The Mill
0.4 km
Cozy 19th-century riverside pub in Cambridge offering real ales, hearty British fare, and a warm, music-filled atmosphere.
BrewDog Cambridge
0.4 km
Experience bold craft beers and innovative food in the heart of historic Cambridge at BrewDog’s lively and welcoming bar.
2648 Cambridge
0.4 km
Step into 2648 Cambridge for expertly crafted cocktails in a nostalgic, vinyl-filled setting at the heart of Trinity Street’s vibrant nightlife.
La Raza
0.5 km
Cambridge's basement gem for Spanish tapas, craft cocktails, and live funk beats—from daytime café to late-night haven.
Ta Bouche
0.5 km
Experience Cambridge’s lively cocktail scene with creative drinks, fresh food, and a vibrant social atmosphere at Ta Bouche.
Town and Gown
0.5 km
A vibrant Cambridge pub and intimate theatre where university meets local life in a lively, historic setting with great food and entertainment.
The Iris Bar
0.5 km
Modern cafe buzz in historic Newnham College: exceptional coffee, fresh bakes, and student energy amid Cambridge's academic gardens.
Glitterbomb
0.6 km
A vibrant queer bar in Cambridge’s city center, Glitterbomb celebrates LGBTQ+ nightlife with inclusive club nights and dynamic drag performances.
Bar -OH
0.6 km
Inventive cocktails and live music pulse through this intimate Cambridge gem, blending artistry with electric evenings until the wee hours.
Modern Jazz
0.6 km
Hidden jazz gem on Jesus Lane where modern rhythms pulse amid Cambridge's historic whispers—intimate gigs fueling the city's creative soul.
Hidden Rooms
0.6 km
Discover Cambridge's underground speakeasy: creative cocktails, live tunes, and intimate vibes in historic vaults on Jesus Lane.
Pickerel
0.7 km
Cambridge's oldest pub pours history from 15th-century beams: real ales, riverside garden, and classic grub near Magdalene College.
