JUST two miles away from the beautiful city of Cambridge is a village that’s quiet, peaceful and the perfect day trip destination.
You can indulge in a piece of cake at the famous Orchard Tea Garden, or wrap up for a stroll through the meadows and along the River Cam.
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If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking about Grantchester, the pretty village with thatched cottages and plenty of pubs on the outskirts of Cambridge.
As it happens, Grantchester is just 40 minutes from my home in Hertfordshire, so I took advantage of heading there for the day.
On a surprisingly sunny weekend, I pulled up, parked and hopped out to find it surprisingly quiet, apart from the faint chatter of people in The Green Man in the heart of the village.
Grantchester has an old English feel to it, which is probably also why it’s used for the ITV series with the same name.
In fact, most people would have already heard of Grantchester because of the television series starring Robson Green and Rishi Nair.
The ITV drama is set in 1950s Grantchester, and is actually filmed there too.
I saw quite a few people posing for pictures outside of recognisable locations, like the village church.
You can easily spot the vicarage too, as not only is it right next to the church, but it’s still wrapped in wisteria (which you might be disappointed to know, is fake).
The Green Man Pub, where lots of the residents have a tipple, is in the very middle of the village, and you can pop in for a drink, or sit outside on the picnic tables like the characters do.
ITV’s Grantchester airs its final season next year, so for anyone who is a big fan of the show, you’ll get a feel for it just by being there.
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I wandered around the village, spotting quite a few pubs along the way, including the pretty Rupert Brooke (named after the poet), which had a lovely looking sun terrace.
There’s also The Red Lion, which is tucked away around a corner behind The Green Man.
I didn’t stop in, but I did pop into the Cambridge Gin Distillery Shop which not only sells and gives out free samples to taste, but also serves coffee.
Next door is the distillery where anyone keen on gin can enrol on a ‘Make It’ class where you can make your own bespoke gin – and if it tastes good, you can buy a bottle of it.
On a trip to Grantchester, a must-do is a stop at the Orchard Tea Garden where the huge outdoor seating area is set in a literal orchard.
Amongst the apple trees are green deck chairs and picnic tables – not only is it a beautiful stop for a cup of tea and cake, but it’s also famous.
The orchard was planted in 1868, and it then evolved to became a popular tea spot in 1897.
It’s well-known for having a number of famous people visit, particularly the Bloomsbury Group like Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster.
And of course, Rupert Brooke himself, who lived at the Orchard House and The Old Vicarage in the early 1900s.
At the Orchard Tea Garden, I’d suggest picking up a homemade scone, which you get with a pot of jam and clotted cream for £5.40.
There’s also a selection of sandwiches, toasties, seasonal hot food like the Orchard Benedict and rarebit, as well as other homemade treats like coffee and pistachio cake.
Leaving the Orchard Tea Garden, you’ll discover the peaceful Grantchester Meadows.
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You can take a gentle stroll along the River Cam and see people walking their dogs, cycling and having a picnic.
On the water, there are lots of locals paddleboarding, kayaking and of course, punting.
Following the signs for the Riverside Walk, the path will take you through the meadows and in just one and a quarter miles, you’ll reach the city of Cambridge.
Cambridge is a popular city for its beautiful and prestigious university, as well as for punting along the river.
There are always lots of tours throughout the city, no matter what time of year.
And plenty of pubs, museums, markets, shopping and the famous Fitzbillies bakery (make sure to get yourself a sticky Chelsea bun while you’re there).
For anyone visiting Grantchester and travelling by car, it can get busy, and there’s only one car park that’s open in good weather – when the village will be at its busiest.
The Orchard Tea Garden has its own car park, but this is for customers only, so most visitors will park along the roads.
Read more on Cambridge from one writer who lives there and has all the spots that locals love.
Plus, discover another of the UK’s best-kept secrets that feels like the Cotswolds without the price.
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