Cambridge War Memorial (The Homecoming) on Hills Road
A poignant bronze statue on Hills Road honoring Cambridgeshire’s war heroes, symbolizing sacrifice and the journey home.
The Cambridge War Memorial, known as 'The Homecoming,' is a poignant bronze statue of a marching soldier located on Hills Road, Cambridge. Erected in 1922 and moved twice since, it commemorates the men from Cambridgeshire who served in the World Wars. The statue, by Canadian sculptor Robert Tait McKenzie, depicts a soldier returning home, carrying a rose and a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory and remembrance.
A brief summary to Hills Road War Memorial
- 3 Station Rd, Cambridge, CB1 2JB, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the detailed sculpture and its symbolism.
- Combine your visit with a walk to the nearby Cambridge University Botanic Garden for a reflective experience.
- Look for the fallen rose at the soldier’s feet and the laurel wreath on his rifle—key artistic details.
- Attend remembrance events held here, especially on Armistice Day, to witness community ceremonies.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus routes 1, 7, or 13 from Cambridge city center to Hills Road near Station Road. The journey typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day, but check schedules on weekends. A single fare costs approximately £2.50.
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Train and Walk
Arrive at Cambridge Railway Station, then walk about 15 minutes (1.2 km) along Station Road and Hills Road to the memorial. The walk is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for all fitness levels.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Cambridge to the memorial takes around 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fare ranges from £5 to £8. This option offers direct and convenient access.
Hills Road War Memorial 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 Hills Road War Memorial
A Symbol of Remembrance and Victory
The Cambridge War Memorial, commonly called 'The Homecoming,' stands as a solemn tribute to the men from Cambridgeshire who served in the First World War and later conflicts. Created by Canadian sculptor Robert Tait McKenzie, the bronze statue captures a soldier in mid-stride, marching purposefully with his rifle slung over his shoulder. The soldier is bareheaded, holding his helmet in one hand along with a rose, while a laurel wreath adorns his rifle, encircling a German helmet carried as a trophy. This evocative imagery symbolizes both the triumph and the cost of war.Historical Journey and Location Changes
Unveiled on 3 July 1922 by the Duke of York, who later became King George VI, the memorial was originally placed at the junction of Hills Road and Station Road in Cambridge. It has been relocated twice: first in 1952 to an island in the middle of Hills Road closer to Station Road, and again in 2012 to its current position on the south side of Hills Road near the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. These moves reflect urban development and efforts to maintain the memorial’s prominence and accessibility.Design and Artistic Significance
The statue stands about seven feet tall, a reduction from the original planned height to save costs. Its base is a heavily carved limestone plinth designed by architect George Hubbard. The soldier’s backward glance over his shoulder toward Station Road and the railway station evokes the journey home and the sacrifices made. The statue’s detailed elements—the fallen rose at the soldier’s feet and the German helmet—add layers of meaning, blending sorrow with honor.Community and Commemoration
The memorial was commissioned by a committee formed in 1919, representing local government and the University of Cambridge, to honor the approximately 6,000 men from the region who served in the Great War. It stands as a focal point for remembrance ceremonies and reflects the collective memory and respect of the Cambridge community. Its Grade II listing since 1996 recognizes its cultural and historical importance.Setting and Surroundings
Situated on a busy urban road near the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the memorial is accessible and visible to residents and visitors alike. Its location on Hills Road places it on a historic route leading into the city center, symbolically representing the soldier’s march home. The surrounding area blends urban life with green spaces, enhancing the contemplative atmosphere around the memorial.Legacy and Continuing Relevance
The Cambridge War Memorial remains a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring hope for peace. It connects past generations with the present, inviting reflection on sacrifice, service, and community resilience. As a Grade II listed monument, it is protected and preserved for future generations to appreciate and honor.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Hills Road War Memorial
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A poignant bronze statue on Hills Road honoring Cambridgeshire’s war heroes, symbolizing sacrifice and the journey home.
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The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Reflective
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Mindfulness
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
