Village with thatched cottages and traditional tearoom at the end of tranquil meadow walk

The village was also a filming location for a much-loved TV series

If you are looking for somewhere to visit this spring, then a Cambridgeshire village home to thatched cottages, a historic church, and highly-rated pubs should be on your list. Those who have lived in the county for many years may often find themselves looking for somewhere a little bit different to explore.

Grantchester can be found just two miles south of Cambridge, known best for its tranquil riverside meadows, historical ties to poet Rupert Brooke, and for being a filming location for a popular TV series. You can reach it by taking a peaceful walk from Cambridge, perfect for a warm day.

Grantchester has also been picked out as one of the UK’s best villages to visit in spring by London North East Railway (LNER). LNER has highlighted the best spring villages to visit by train, looking at everything from walking trails and nearby gardens to the variety of flowering plants.

The company said: “We also considered how each village comes to life in spring, from bursts of colour to those picture-perfect moments you’ll want to linger a little longer.”

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Grantchester was included among these places in the East of England region. Explaining the reasons for choosing Grantchester, LNER said: “Grantchester is a landscape of thatched cottages and wildflower meadows that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a Sunday night drama.”

The train operator also encouraged those who are adventurous to follow the river to Byron’s Pool, a wooden nature reserve where Lord Byron himself used to swim. LNER said it is a “peaceful, shaded escape that feels worlds away from the academic hustle of the city nearby”.

It is no wonder why the beautiful village of Grantchester has been chosen. Set in beautiful countryside but within walking or cycling distance to Cambridge’s city centre, the village makes for the ideal day visit out, or even a forever home.

Arguably the most notable feature in the village is the Orchard Tea Garden, a top-notch spot that has even been a favourite of illustrious characters over the years. From Virginia Woolf and Alan Turing to Stephen Hawking and King Charles, many people have a special place in their hearts for the tea rooms.

Offering delectable items including scones and homemade cakes, “there’s nothing quite like having a scone under the blossoming apple trees to mark the start of the season”, LNER added.

Grantchester was once home to one of the best-known English poets, Rupert Brooke, who studied at Cambridge University in the early 20th-century before moving to the village. He lived at The Orchard from 1901-1911 and at The Old Vicarage between 1911-1912.

Equally as fascinating, the village was featured in ITV’s much loved detective drama, Grantchester. Key filming spots include the Church of St Andrew and St Mary, the village centre, and Grantchester meadows.

Home to several pubs including The Red Lion and The Grantchester Green Man, this village has a spot that everyone can enjoy. Additionally, the picturesque village has Grantchester Church, featuring some Norman stonework but primarily of 14th and 15th-century construction.