Parker's Piece: Cambridge's Historic Heart of Sport and Community
Historic green heart of Cambridge, birthplace of football rules and a lively hub for community and sport.
Parker's Piece is a renowned open green space in Cambridge, England, famous as the birthplace of modern football rules in 1848. Originally pasture land leased by Edward Parker in the late 16th century, it became public land in 1613. This 25-acre park has hosted historic events including a grand coronation feast in 1838 and remains a vibrant site for sports, picnics, and community gatherings, featuring landmarks like the Reality Checkpoint lamppost and a monument to the Cambridge Rules.
A brief summary to Parker's Piece
- Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 1NA, GB
- +441223457000
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Reality Checkpoint lamppost at the park’s center, a unique historic landmark and popular photo spot.
- Explore the Cambridge Rules sculpture to appreciate the origins of modern football engraved in granite.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy the open green spaces, especially pleasant during sunny mornings or late afternoons.
- Check local event listings for festivals and fairs often held on Parker’s Piece, adding vibrant cultural experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus routes 1, 3, or 7 from Cambridge city center, with a travel time of approximately 10–15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but check schedules for evening and weekend service. The nearest stop is Parker’s Piece, a short walk to the park entrance.
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Walking
From Cambridge city center, a pleasant 15–20 minute walk along flat, paved streets leads directly to Parker’s Piece. The route is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Cambridge takes around 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. This option is convenient for groups or those with mobility needs. Expect fares in the range of £5–£10.
Parker's Piece location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Parker's Piece
Origins and Early History of Parker's Piece
Parker's Piece traces its roots to 1587 when Edward Parker, a college cook, leased this 25-acre pasture land south of Trinity College. In 1613, the land was transferred to the Mayor and Corporation of Cambridge, marking its transition to public ownership. The name 'Parker's Piece' honors this early tenant. Over the centuries, the park evolved from farmland to a vital communal space, reflecting Cambridge's growth and civic life.Sporting Legacy and the Birthplace of Modern Football
In the 19th century, Parker's Piece became a premier sports ground, hosting first-class cricket matches and varsity games between Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Most notably, in 1848, a group of university students codified the Cambridge Rules of football here, pioneering the foundation of modern association football. These rules emphasized skillful passing and banned handball, influencing the Football Association's later regulations. A granite sculpture engraved with the original laws now commemorates this historic moment on the park.Community Celebrations and Cultural Events
Beyond sports, Parker's Piece has long served as a vibrant venue for large-scale public events. In 1838, it hosted a coronation feast for Queen Victoria, attended by over 15,000 people, featuring bands, choirs, fireworks, and even a hot air balloon ascent. The park has also accommodated temperance rallies, festivals, and community gatherings, fostering a strong sense of local identity and inclusivity.Iconic Landmarks and Features
At the heart of Parker's Piece stands the Reality Checkpoint lamppost, believed to date from around 1860 and considered Cambridge’s oldest electrical lamppost. This Grade II listed structure, adorned with intertwined dolphin motifs and topped with four lamps, marks a symbolic boundary between the university precincts and the wider city. Nearby, the Cambridge Rules sculpture and various monuments celebrate the park’s rich sporting heritage.Present-Day Atmosphere and Usage
Today, Parker's Piece is a beloved green oasis for Cambridge residents and visitors alike. It offers open vistas ideal for picnics, casual football matches, and relaxation. The park’s expansive lawns and central location make it a hub for festivals, markets, and cultural events throughout the year. Its blend of historical significance and everyday charm continues to make it a unique and cherished urban park.Preservation and Community Value
Managed as a public space, Parker's Piece balances its heritage with modern recreational needs. Restoration efforts, such as the repainting of the Reality Checkpoint lamppost in its original vibrant colors, underscore the community’s commitment to preserving the park’s character. As a site of both historical importance and lively social activity, Parker's Piece remains integral to Cambridge’s cultural and natural landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Reality Checkpoint
0.0 km
A colorful Victorian lamppost marking the boundary between Cambridge's academic bubble and the real world, standing proudly at Parker’s Piece.
Duke House
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Senate House Hill
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Hills Road War Memorial
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The Old Schools
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Newton's Apple Tree
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Cambridge University Botanic Garden
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The Round Church
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Christian Heritage
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The Rush
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Granta Moorings
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Newnham Open Air Boat Club
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WeWork
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Garret Hostel Bridge
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The Backs
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Unmissable attractions to see
Arts Picturehouse
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The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge
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The Tram Depot
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10 Downing Street
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Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
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Scott Polar Research Institute (Polar Museum)
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Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
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Explore two million years of human history through captivating artefacts and world cultures at Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
Grand Arcade
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ArchaeoLink
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Christ's Pieces
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St. Paul's Church
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University Museum Of Zoology
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Christ's College Cambridge
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Lion Yard
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Cambridge Gateway from India
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Essential places to dine
Parker's Tavern
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Charlie Chan Restaurant
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De Luca Cucina & Bar
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The Olive Grove
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The Old Bicycle Shop
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The Oak Bistro
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Vanderlyle
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Maurizio Dining & Co.
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Browns Cambridge
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Efes Restaurant
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Salisbury Arms, Cambridge
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Honest Burgers Cambridge
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Hungrill
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Sticks'n'Sushi - Cambridge
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Pint Shop
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
CJ’s Vintage Store
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Primark
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Oliver Bonas
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Jemporium Vintage
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The Works
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Menkind Cambridge
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Discover unique gadgets and men’s gifts in the heart of Cambridge’s Lion Yard Shopping Centre, blending modern fun with historic charm.
Sense
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Affordable finds in central Cambridge, supporting a national disability charity with every purchase.
Not Listed
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Urban Outfitters
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As Seen On TV
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Indelibly Cambridge
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Podarok
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Ark
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Sugarmark!
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Robert Graham 1874 - whisky & cigars
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Novi Kitchen + Bar
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The LAB
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The Clarendon Arms
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The Castle Bar
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The Free Press
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The Elm Tree
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The Cambridge Tap
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Revolution Cambridge
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Bar -OH
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The Live and Let Live
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The Blue Moon
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Panton Arms
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BrewDog Cambridge
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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MASH
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EBC Shop
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Sing Dizzy
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Salisbury Club
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Newnham Croft Social and Sports Club
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The Lounge
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Unique Bar Newmarket
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OutOut Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
