Home to a picturesque Cambridge college, the ancient village of Girton makes for a relaxing alternative to the chaos of central Cambridge in tourist season.

Three miles out from the centre, this sweet, sleepy place is an easy trip by bike or bus.  As well as being a lovely place for an afternoon stroll – you may even catch a glimpse of a rare black squirrel – the village has an impressively long history. The parish church, although rebuilt in the 15th Century, has stood in situ for over 1000 years. In 1881, whilst digging up ground for tennis courts at Girton college, workers stumbled across a cemetery dating back to the 5th Century AD. 

The village also boasts a trio of great pubs. Most notable of these is The George Inn, which serves up delicious Thai food from its in-house restaurant (Jeabs Thai), regularly puts on Thai-themed events and features a sunny beer garden complete with old school ball games.

How to get there: Directions to Girton College by car, bus or bike