Cambridge has a range of different green spaces for families and groups of friends to enjoy

A Cambridgeshire city has been named as one of the best places for green spaces in the UK. Cambridge was recently named in Time Out’s top 10 list of the best cities for green spaces and nature.

If you choose to live in a city for work, you might think you have to give up spending time in nature for busy roads and packed high streets. However, in Cambridge, you can enjoy both having a range of shops and restaurants on your doorstep and large green spaces to help you relax.

Cambridge has plenty of parks and commons dotted throughout the city so you are never too far away from a grassy space. Found closest to the city centre, Parker’s Piece and Christ’s Pieces are both popular spots for people to have a picnic or play some games with their friends and family.

It is quite easy to get some shopping done at the Grande Arcade and pick up a spot of lunch along St Andrew’s Street before heading to sunbathe in Parker’s Piece. There is a small playground in Christ’s Pieces for kids to let off some steam.

During the summer, it can be nice to spend some time next to the River Cam and luckily, there are several places to sit along the river. Jesus Green is one of the most popular places to be when the weather is warm and it is close to a range of different amenities.

On the edge of the green, you can find Byron’s Bear, a pub that overlooks the River Cam and offers a variety of classic pub food as well as beers, wines, and non-alcoholic drinks. There is also the Kiosk on the Green if you fancy a coffee alongside a skate park and children’s play area.

For those who want somewhere a little quieter to relax, you can visit Stourbridge Common, which is just a bit further up the river. You will be able to spot the cows roaming around and watch rowers pass you by as well as have a pint in the Green Dragon pub just across the bridge in Chesterton.

If you plan on visiting the suburb of Newnham, you can also enjoy the outdoors by taking a walk through Sheep’s Green and head towards Lammas Land, which is an ideal spot for children thanks to its paddling pool that is open throughout the summer. You can also head towards Paradise Local Nature Reserve to try and spot some wildlife right on the edge of the city.

One of the most popular places to visit on a day trip to Cambridge is the Cambridge University Botanic Garden where you can explore the green space which is packed with beautiful flowers that come to life during the spring and summer months. You can easily walk around the garden on your own or get involved in one of the tours or talks that are available on a few days throughout the week.

While visiting the botanic garden, you can also pop into the Garden Café where you can pick up a coffee and some food to take around the garden or to enjoy in the café. Admissions to the botanic garden costs £8.60 for adults and is free for children aged 16 and under.

Cambridge might be a good option for those wanting to live in a city with lots of things going on but also be able to escape to a park or garden when they need to relax.

The full list of cities mentioned can be found below:

• Bath
• London
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff
• Glasgow
• Cambridge
• Leeds
• Brighton
• Liverpool
• Newcastle