Lammas Land
Historic riverside commons where medieval grazing rights meet modern recreation.
Lammas Land is a beloved riverside park in southwest Cambridge, spanning historic common land with roots stretching back over a thousand years. This free public space features a children's play area, swimming pool, tennis courts, bowling green, and lush meadows dotted with ancient willows. Bordered by the River Cam and connected to the adjacent Sheep's Green nature reserve, it offers a peaceful escape from the city centre while preserving Cambridge's distinctive green belt heritage.
A brief summary to Lammas Land
- 61 Newnham Rd, Cambridge, CB3 9EY, GB
- +441223457000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-10 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-10 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-10 pm
- Thursday 10 am-10 pm
- Friday 10 am-10 pm
- Saturday 10 am-10 pm
- Sunday 10 am-10 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring and early summer to see the meadows at their most vibrant, with wildflowers blooming and the swimming pool open for the season.
- Bring binoculars and a field guide to spot birds along the riverside; the adjacent Sheep's Green nature reserve is particularly rich in waterfowl.
- Explore the bridge to Sheep's Green for extended walks along the River Cam, or cycle through to connect with other Cambridge commons.
- Pack a picnic and settle on the open grass to watch the ancient willows frame the river—this is quintessential Cambridge leisure.
- Visit on a weekday morning to experience the park at its quietest, with fewer crowds and a more contemplative atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Walking from City Centre
From Cambridge city centre, walk south along Trumpington Street for approximately 1.2 kilometers, then turn onto Newnham Road. The park entrance is on your left. The walk takes 15–20 minutes through residential neighborhoods. The route is flat and well-lit, suitable for all abilities.
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Cycling
Cycle south from the city centre via Trumpington Street or use the Grantchester Meadows cycle path, which connects to Newnham Road. Journey time is 8–12 minutes depending on your route. The park has cycle parking facilities near the main entrance.
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Bus
Take bus services 18 or 19 from the city centre toward Newnham or Grantchester. Alight at the Newnham Road stop near Lammas Lane. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly throughout the day with reduced evening and Sunday services.
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Car and Parking
Drive to Lammas Land via Newnham Road from the city centre, approximately 1.5 kilometers south. The park provides a 75-space car park with standard parking charges. Parking is typically available except during peak summer weekends and school holidays.
Lammas Land location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Lammas Land
A Thousand Years of Common Ground
Lammas Land represents one of Cambridge's most precious historical treasures—a piece of common land that has remained accessible to the public for over a millennium. The name itself carries medieval significance, derived from the Anglo-Saxon festival of Lammas (August 1st), when private landowners were required to open their fields to common grazing rights. The term combines the Old English words for loaf and mass, reflecting the harvest festival traditions when the first bread from newly ripened corn was blessed in church. This ancient system of shared land use shaped the character of Cambridge itself, creating the distinctive green belt that weaves through the city today. The specific Lammas Land at this location was historically known by several names—Mill Pasture, Nutter's Close, and Foster's Close—each reflecting different periods of ownership and use. The Mill Pasture name suggests the land was once considered a perk for the millers of King's Mill, who used it to graze their carthorses. In 1899, Professor George Darwin, the renowned mathematician and son of Charles Darwin, purchased the Lammas Land to expand his estate at nearby Newnham Grange. He paid £200 for the freehold and subsequently leased it to various tenants, including William Saint the builder and Mr Bull, a local dairy farmer. Darwin himself became an enthusiast for archery in his later years and practiced the sport on these very meadows.From Private Estate to Public Treasure
The transformation of Lammas Land into the public park it is today occurred in 1951, when the Darwin family relinquished their ownership. Finding suitable tenants had become increasingly difficult, and concerns about vandalism and hooliganism prompted the family to negotiate with Cambridge Corporation. In a remarkable exchange, the Darwin family transferred the Lammas Land in return for the freehold of the Little Island and the kitchen garden at Newnham Grange, both of which had previously been leased to the city. This transaction secured the land's future as a public space, ensuring that generations of Cambridge residents and visitors could enjoy its open meadows and riverside setting.Landscape and Natural Character
Today, Lammas Land encompasses approximately 22 acres of gently rolling parkland, bordered by Fen Causeway and Newnham Road. The landscape is dominated by ancient willows, many of which are managed through pollarding—a traditional pruning technique that encourages regenerative growth and maintains the trees' distinctive silhouette. These willows frame views across open meadows that slope toward the River Cam, creating a quintessentially English pastoral scene within the urban environment. The park's proximity to the river has historically made it prone to flooding, a characteristic shared by many of Cambridge's commons. This natural vulnerability to water has paradoxically preserved the land, as it proved unsuitable for development and therefore remained available for grazing and recreation.Recreation and Community Life
The park serves as a vital recreational hub for Cambridge's southwest neighborhoods. A substantial children's play area accommodates young visitors of all ages, while a heated open-air swimming pool operates seasonally, drawing swimmers throughout the warmer months. The Newnham Bowls Club maintains a bowling green on the grounds, and a tennis court provides facilities for racquet sports. Picnic areas with short-cut grass invite families to spread blankets and enjoy outdoor meals, while ample seating throughout the park encourages visitors to linger. A 75-space car park and public toilets provide essential amenities, and a bridge connects Lammas Land directly to Sheep's Green, an adjacent recreation ground that incorporates a local nature reserve. This connectivity transforms the two spaces into a unified green corridor along the river.Ecological and Historical Significance
Beyond its recreational value, Lammas Land holds profound ecological and historical importance. It forms part of Cambridge's broader commons system—a network of green spaces that includes Jesus Green, Midsummer Common, and Stourbridge Common. These commons have been grazed by cattle since medieval times, with documented rights dating back to 1381. The survival of these spaces in Cambridge contrasts sharply with other English towns, such as Brighton, where commons were developed and lost. The commons remain subject to ancient grazing rights; historically, occupiers of tenements could turn out cattle from May Day to Candlemas, and records indicate that up to 120 cattle may still graze on Cambridge's commons from Maundy Thursday until November 1st. This continuity of use links modern visitors directly to centuries of agricultural tradition and communal land stewardship.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Reality Checkpoint
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Hills Road War Memorial
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Bridge of Sighs
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Christian Heritage
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All Saints Church
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Magdalene Bridge
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Westminster College
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Unmissable attractions to see
Empire Grill
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Newnham House
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The Rush
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Hodson's Folly
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Granta Moorings
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The Red Bull Newnham
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Paradise Local Nature Reserve
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Sheep's Green
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St Mark's Church
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Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club
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Coe Fen
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Museum of Classical Archaeology
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Newnham College, University of Cambridge
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Cambridge Food Tour
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Explore Cambridge’s culinary secrets on a guided walking tour featuring hidden gems, local flavors, and rich food heritage.
Queens' College
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Essential places to dine
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Sala Thong
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MillWorks
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Granta
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Garden House
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Browns Cambridge
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The Cambridge Chop House
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Smokeworks
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Bread & Meat
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Aromi
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Pint Shop
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Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
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Honest Burgers Cambridge
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Charlie Chan Restaurant
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The Olive Grove
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Co-op Food - Grantchester Street - Newnham
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Greaterskies
0.6 km
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Samuel Smiley
0.7 km
A charming gift shop on Cambridge’s historic Trumpington Street, offering unique local treasures and a warm shopping atmosphere.
Podarok
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Nomads
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Indelibly Cambridge
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A compact, well-curated King’s Parade shop for Cambridge-themed gifts, prints and locally made keepsakes—perfect for quick souvenirs with local character.
Ark
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Oliver Bonas
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Parade
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Iris and Violet Cambridge
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Souvenirs And Gifts
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Menkind Cambridge
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Giles & Co
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Sugarmark!
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CJ’s Vintage Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Bath House
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BrewDog Cambridge
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Bar -OH
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The LAB
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The Castle Bar
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The Cambridge Tap
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La Raza
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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The Lounge
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Pet Friendly
