Stourbridge Common

This ancient common land along the River Cam has hosted an annual fair since the 12th century and now serves as Cambridge's largest public green space. The area includes riverside paths, grazing cattle, and the site of the medieval Stourbridge Fair that was once Europe's largest trading fair. It ranks among Cambridge's most visited sights, and for good reason - most itineraries include it on day one. Entry is free and 1-2 hours for full circuit gives you a thorough visit.

Priority: High - do not skip Time needed: 1-2 hours for full circuit Best for: cambridge's oldest continuously used public space Skip if: You prefer structured parks or dislike walking on uneven grass Cost: Free

You walk across open grassland with cattle grazing nearby, following paths toward the river where narrowboats moor. Information boards explain how this site hosted medieval Europe's biggest trading fair.

Accessibility: Uneven grass surface throughout, some firm paths near river, no facilities on common

Cambridge's oldest continuously used public space offers riverside walks and medieval history without crowds. That puts it near the top of any Cambridge visit, and it deserves the spot. Mornings are quieter if you want to take your time. Free entry makes the decision easy - walk in, see if it holds your attention, and leave when you have had enough.

Skip if: You prefer structured parks or dislike walking on uneven grass

• Cattle graze here seasonally, keep dogs on leads.
• Popular cycling route, be aware of bike traffic.
• Parking limited, better accessed on foot or by bike from city centre.

Insider tip: The fair rights here are so ancient that they predate most Cambridge colleges, and locals still exercise medieval grazing rights

Wide open views good for landscape photography, river section offers narrowboat shots, cattle make good foreground subjects