Cambridge, England 

College view from the Backs Jesus Green, busy with walkers, cyclists and picnickers St John's College Chapel Bridge of Sighs from a bridge inside Kings College Towpath on the River Cam at Cambridge

Cambridge is one of England's best-known cities, which has successfully retained a well-conserved historic heart with the many beautiful medieval colleges and other fine buildings.

There are excellent walks to be enjoyed around the city centre, hikes along the river banks and strolls through the colleges themselves.  The walk along the Backs of the colleges, seen across acres of parkland, is famous.

It's easy walking as this is the Fenlands, with no significant hills to be climbed! 

But walkers do have to watch out for cyclists though, as it's also ideal for cycling.  There is probably no other town or city in Britain with more cyclists per head of population and they use the same paths as walkers.

The river banks are particularly pleasant for walking, especially on warm days when the water and the overhanging trees provide some cool air.  Relax as you watch the oarsmen straining on the water, but watch out for the coach coming along on the towpath with his or her megaphone!

Exploring a little further afield, you can walk across Stourbridge Common beside the River Cam towards Milton Country Park to the north-east, or across Grantchester Common beside the River Granta. This walk to the pretty village of Grantchester and the Orchard Tea Garden made famous by writers and philosophers a century ago, led by Rupert Brooke (see the detailed walking story).

The edge of the Fenlands is marked just to the south-east by the unusually named Gog Magog Hills, with various ancient earthworks and another small country park where short walks can be enjoyed.

If you're tired of walking or cycling, you could hire a punt or a kayak and get out on the water yourself.

In the event of bad weather, there are also museums and art galleries to visit and many events held through the year.

Despite its timeless feel, Cambridge is at the centre of "Silicon Fen", with hi-tech industries set up in industrial parks on the edge of the city.  If you're visiting for business, you should try to fit in a couple of hours for exploring this beautiful city.

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