16 Breathtakingly Beautiful Places in Cambridgeshire to Go Dating for Free

Lucy Clarke
6 min readApr 27, 2017

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With beautiful architecture and historic colleges, Cambridge and the surrounding area have stunning spots filled with romance. Here are a few ideas to take your date and enjoy the beauty of Cambridgeshire.

1. Walking along side punting boats in Cambridge

Snuggle with your date while enjoying riverside picnic or walk along the River Cam. Admire amazing views of traditional Cambridge punts as they make their way down the river and see Cambridge’s college buildings from a unique perspective, including King’s College Chapel and Trinity College.

2. Picnic in the meadows of Grantchester

The poet Rupert Brooke immortalised this small Cambridgeshire village in his 1912 poem ‘The Old Vicarage, Grantchester’. You can write your own poetry with your date while picnicking in a secluded meadow on the banks of the River Cam or explore the village on a bicycle.

3. Explore Cambridge University as the sun sets

Cambridge University’s fabulous architecture comes to life with golden shades of the setting sun. A romantic walk as the sun sets in heart of the city is a relaxing way to experience Cambridge. You can see the intricate architecture of various college buildings, including the world famous King’s College Chapel.

4. Step back in time and visit Ely

Much of Ely looks as it did centuries ago. The elegant cathedral city is surrounded by scenic countryside with a mix of marshland and farmland. Founded as a monastery church in 673, Ely Cathedral dates back to the eleventh century and is one of Cambridgeshire’s most beautiful buildings.

5. A romantic boat cruise for two on the River Cam

If you have a boat, why not take your date on romantic and personalised tour of the beautiful River Cam. Enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the beautiful sights of Cambridgeshire, including its wildlife, market towns, the Ditton Meadows, and other spots in and around Cambridge.

6. Tour Cambridge’s beautiful gardens

Cambridge University is home to spectacular gardens, and many are open to the public. You and your date can enjoy a romantic stroll in the beautifully designed gardens of Christ’s College, Clare College, and Emmanuel College.

7. Walk in the woodland surrounding Byron’s Pool

Byron’s Pool, a Local Nature Reserve south-west of Cambridge’s city centre, offers scenic woodland with several pretty ponds. If your date enjoys the outdoors, a circular walk along the banks of the River Cam amidst Grey Wagtails and Kingfishers is a quiet and tranquil way to spend an afternoon.

8. Slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of a market town

A former Tudor port, March is just one of Cambridgeshire’s picturesque market towns. The town centre is split by the Old River Nene, creating a lovely place for a stroll surrounded by majestic nineteenth century buildings. Other options include Chatteris, Littleport and Whittlesey. Like March, these towns were once small island communities that have evolved into interesting and lively market towns.

9. Walk the boardwalk at Wicken Fen

Wicken Fen is a haven for wildlife and lush scenery close to Anglesey Abbey. A nature trail and boardwalk bring you and your date close to nature and several different habitats. The views over the marshland is particularly special during a romantic sunset.

10. Enjoy the outdoors at Hinchingbrooke Country Park

If you and your date love dogs, there is no better place to walk your canine friends than Hinchingbrooke Country Park. The 170-acre park boasts plenty of grasslands, woodland and lakes to view nature and enjoy the outdoors. There is also a café to enjoy a homemade cake and tea.

11. A quiet walk in the ancient landscape of Wandlebury

Wandlebury Country Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy a romantic barbeque or picnic. If you and your date love the outdoors, you can also go on a walk or hike through secluded woodland. The serene countryside estate is also home to the ancient Iron Age Hillfort. Highland Cattle are also found grazing the park’s wildflower meadows.

12. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to Ramsey

Ramsey is a quintessential English town that is rich in history. It is surrounded by open countryside, creating a dreamy setting for your date. After exploring the town including its grand Abbey, you can enjoy the outdoors at the Great Fen for a picnic or romantic wander.

13. Go on a winery tour at Chilford Hall

Chilford Hall in South Cambridgeshire is a working vineyard set amongst 18 charming acres of countryside. With little rainfall and plenty of sunshine, vines have grown in the area since Roman times. If you and your date are wine lovers, you can tour the winery and sample award-winning wines.

14. Admire masterpieces and rare artifacts at the Fitzwilliam Museum

The University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum is a stunning neoclassical building. Inside, there is an even more beautiful collection of art, antiques and other artifacts. The collection includes paintings from Titian, Rubens, Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and many others. If your date loves history, the collection covers civilisations from around the world.

15. Listen to the choir at King’s College Chapel

King’s College Chapel is one of the most beautiful buildings in Cambridgeshire. The intricacy of the Gothic architecture is a sight to admire. Take your date to a free choral services and hear the enchanting Choir of King’s College. A choral Evensong is sung on most days during term time and everyone is welcome.

16. Go on a romantic lakeside walk in Nene Park

Nene Park in the River Nene Valley near Peterborough is an unspoilt natural wonder with boundless meadows and woodland. Highlights include the Sculpture Park at Thorpe Meadows and Overton Lake. Your date can also be spent walking along the shores of the park’s many lakes.

Image Source: 1. via letsgopunting.co.uk; 2. via wildswimming.co.uk; 3. via businessinsider.com; 4. via visitely.org.uk; 5. via favim.com; 6. via geograph.org.uk; 7. via cambridge.gov.uk; 8. via panoramio.com; 9. via wicken.org.uk; 10. via sean_hickin at flickr.com; 11. via cambridgeppf.org; 12. via discoverramsey.co.uk; 13. via buyagift.co.uk; 14. via blewswire.com; 15. via wikimedia.org; 16. via silversurfers.com;

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