The Red Lion, Grantchester
Thatched village pub on Grantchester High Street — cosy fires, a sunny garden and a seasonal, shareable menu for walkers, families and dog owners.
A picture‑postcard thatched country pub on Grantchester High Street, The Red Lion blends cosy interiors, open fires and a generous garden with a contemporary seasonal menu and village‑scale hospitality. Popular with walkers, families and dog owners, it offers hearty mains, sharable plates and an approachable wine and beer list in a relaxed, rustic setting close to the River Cam.
A brief summary to The Red Lion
- 33 High St, Cambridge, Grantchester, CB3 9NF, GB
- +441223840121
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-10 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-10 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-10 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-10 pm
Local tips
- Book ahead for weekend evenings and Sunday lunch to secure a table; the pub is small and fills quickly on fine days.
- If you have a dog, ask for an outdoor table or a ground‑floor spot — the pub is dog‑friendly and often provides water bowls.
- Try a sharing plate to sample seasonal dishes; mains include classic pub options alongside contemporary choices.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Local stage bus from central Cambridge to Grantchester village typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on service and time of day; services operate at moderate frequency during daytime hours and may be less frequent late evening, fares usually range £2–£4 per adult.
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Taxi / Ride‑hail
Taxi from central Cambridge to Grantchester takes about 10–20 minutes depending on traffic; expect fares roughly £10–£20 each way and occasional surge pricing at peak times; taxis provide direct door‑to‑door access and are useful for later evenings.
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Walking (from the River Cam footpaths)
A pleasant walk from nearby riverside paths or the Cambridge edge can take 20–40 minutes on flat, well‑kept footpaths; route surfaces are mostly even but can be muddy after rain, so wear sensible footwear and allow extra time if the ground is wet.
The Red Lion location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Red Lion
A village pub with layered history
The Red Lion sits on Grantchester High Street in a low‑roofed, thatch‑topped building that reads like a classic English country pub; internally it pairs exposed beams and flagstone or timber floors with mismatched tables and comfortable seating that invite lingering. The structure and finishes give the place a sense of continuity with the village around it, evoking generations of neighbourhood gatherings while the layout has been adapted to contemporary dining and drinking.Food, drink and the kitchen’s personality
Menus at The Red Lion combine traditional pub cooking with modern shareable plates and seasonal touches, from fish‑and‑chips and steaks to plant‑based burgers and small plates designed for sharing. The drinks list mixes accessible wines and bottled beers with local ales; daytime service tends to focus on lighter lunches and sandwiches, while evenings lean toward full mains and dishes intended for a social table.Garden, hearth and the pub’s social rhythm
A large garden at the rear broadens the pub’s appeal in warm months, providing sunny tables, room for children and an off‑street space for dogs. Inside, open fireplaces and warm lighting create a snug atmosphere in cooler seasons. The spatial mix — bar zone, dining room and outdoor terrace — means the pub can feel lively and communal yet still offer quieter corners to sit with a drink and a book.Characterful details and local connections
Simple decorative touches — prints, local photographs and pub mirrors — reinforce the Red Lion’s village identity. The pub trades on local sourcing where possible and on dishes that reflect seasonal produce; menu items include classic pub standards alongside occasional contemporary plates that nod to broader British cooking trends. The combination of rustic fittings and up‑to‑date menu choices makes the pub feel rooted yet relevant.Practical rhythms and who visits
Daytimes attract walkers and families looking for relaxed lunches or cream teas; early evenings are suitable for couples and groups seeking a convivial dinner. Dog owners frequently visit, and the outdoor space makes it a practical stop for anyone exploring the nearby meadows and riverbanks. Service style is straightforward and hospitable, geared toward both drinkers stopping in at the bar and diners on a longer stay.What you’ll notice on arrival
Arrive in any season and you’ll immediately notice the thatched silhouette and the low, welcoming doorway; sounds change with the weather — soft chatter and cutlery in winter near the fire, summer laughter and clinking glasses spilling into the garden. The aromas are equally seasonal: frying and baking in the kitchen, with brighter citrus and herb notes on warmer days. The Red Lion’s character comes from this blend of domestic warmth, culinary familiarity and village scale — a pub that functions as both a social hub and a comfortable place to pause.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Essential places to dine
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Greaterskies
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Samuel Smiley
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Nomads
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Podarok
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The Stock Shop
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Ark
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University of Cambridge Museums Shop
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Dog Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
