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United Kingdom Cambridge Cambridgeshire Park

Midsummer Common

Midsummer Common
About

Midsummer Common is a historic expanse of common land on the south bank of the River Cam, just northeast of Cambridge city centre. Framed by houseboats, college boathouses, and the Victoria Avenue Bridge, it has been a gathering place for centuries, with a charter granted in 1211 for the annual Midsummer Fair, one of England’s oldest. Once a bustling trade fair for livestock, pottery, and goods, it has evolved into a vibrant pleasure fair alongside other major events such as the Strawberry Fair, Bonfire Night celebrations, and community festivals. Between April and October, a herd of Red Poll cattle grazes the grassland, preserving its traditional character and biodiversity. The Common also features a community orchard, wildflower planting, and open riverside paths popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. Balancing heritage, ecology, and recreation, Midsummer Common remains a living link between Cambridge’s medieval past and its contemporary cultural life.

Cambridge United Kingdom
Location

Midsummer Common is a large open green space located northeast of Cambridge city centre, bordered by the River Cam to the north. It is easily reached by walking or cycling across the river from the city centre via Magdalene Bridge or by bus, with nearby stops including Belmont Place and Drummer Street. The Common is known for its wide grassy expanses, scenic riverbank views, and the annual historic Midsummer Fair, one of England's longest-established fairs providing rides and entertainment. Nearby are notable university boathouses, houseboats moored along the Cam, and areas like Coe Fen and Jesus Green. The space is grazed by a herd of Red Poll cattle in the warmer months, adding to its pastoral charm. Midsummer Common is a cherished site for outdoor community events, recreation, and calm natural beauty within easy reach of Cambridge’s central cultural and historic attractions.

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