Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common is basically Cambridge's back garden - a sprawling nature reserve on the eastern edge of the city where locals actually go rather than tourists. It's flat, open grassland punctuated by scattered trees, with the River Cam running through it and proper views across the Fens. You'll see meadow pipits, reed warblers, and if you're lucky, water voles along the river margins. The walking here is dead easy - no hills, no scrambling, just straightforward strolls on well-trodden paths. Families with young kids won't get bored for an afternoon, especially if you bring bikes. Birdwatchers should time visits for spring and autumn migration when the reserve gets noticeably busier with species. There's something quite restful about it rather than spectacular - it's the kind of place that grows on you after a second or third visit. The nearby caravan parks at Cherry Hinton (2.6 miles) and the Caravanning Club site (3.1 miles) make Midsummer Common a natural add-on to a camping trip in the area. You won't need more than an hour or two here unless you're serious about birdwatching. Best visited outside school holidays when it's less crowded. Admission is free - it's common land, after all - and there are no specific opening hours. The ground can get boggy after rain, so boots worth considering during winter months.