I can’t believe the amount of beautiful villages we have here in Cambridgeshire that until lockdown hit, I had no idea existed. I may not have left England in over a year now, but I’ve explored more of my home county than I ever thought possible.

Whilst the stars of the show in Cambridgeshire are undoubtedly cities like Cambridge and Ely which are some of the most picturesque places in the country let alone locally, there are also some incredibly beautiful little villages full of thatched cottages, quaint village greens and Tudor timbered buildings. Taking the time to go a bit off the beaten path and explore these local villages has been incredibly rewarding, and I wanted to share my favourite of them so that you know where all the best spots are.

If you do choose to visit Cambridgeshire one day, then you may be interested in my other Cambridgeshire guides:

• Cambridge – Things to do and 2 day Itinerary
• Ely
• Some of the best walks in Cambridgeshire and my favourite walk in Cambridgeshire

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1. The Hemingfords

My favourite villages in Cambridgeshire, Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbotts are full of pretty little surprises. You can walk between the two in about 5 minutes along the river and through the meadows. There are a couple of holiday lets in these villages so well worth a stay if you’re looking for somewhere in Cambridgeshire. To add a bit of colour, I’m choosing my spring photos of these picturesque villages.

2. Houghton

Another of my favourite villages is Houghton; everywhere you turn is a picturesque street full of thatched cottages and English pubs. I’ve chosen to mix up the seasons in this post, and have included photos from the snowy winter months as I think that adds a little extra sprinkling of magic to these wonderful houses.

3. Grantchester

Within walking distance of Cambridge city centre, Grantchester is another postcard perfect village. Famous for its meadows which meander along the River Cam it’s the perfect spot for scones and afternoon tea, whilst also admiring the village’s beautiful cottages. I’ve mixed up some autumn and spring shots here.

4. Bourn

Again close to Cambridge, Bourn is a quintessentially English village full of pretty houses and a picturesque village green. I particularly love the quirky little cottage on the high street which makes me almost crash every time I drive past it because I’m too busy staring at it! I was going for summer photos here, but couldn’t resist posting one frosty one as I like it so much.

5. Easton

Another picture perfect village, this time right on the western border of Cambridgeshire, is Easton. Easton is very small, and the roads are single file only. What I love about this village is the incredible little water ways with bridges over them. It’s also completely undiscovered so you can set up for a picnic and you probably won’t see anyone at all, other than maybe a local walking their dog. I think it’s best visited in the summer to see it in all its beauty.

6. Elton

This time pushing the northern border of the county, Elton sits just outside of Peterborough and is an impressive blend of mainly 15th and 17th century architecture. It’s also home to Elton Hall, and looks and feels a bit more like Lincolnshire full of stone houses rather than brick or beamed. I also love the local village shop with fruit outside.

7. Wilburton

Wilburton is one of the prettiest villages in the ‘Fens’ – the flat swampy plains of Cambridgeshire. I particularly love the way the village church sits at the centre of the village and the houses radiate outwards from it. It’s the kind of village that hasn’t changed in generations, and I love it because of that.

The thatched cottages and Tudor beams of Wilburton

8. Lode

Right in the east of Cambridgeshire lies Lode, another Fen based village. This village is special for its waterways, and the fact it’s home to Anglesey Abbey – a Jacobian House which now belongs to the National Trust. For this village I’ve chosen some murky winter shots to add some atmosphere.

9. Abbotts Ripton

Another beautiful village near Huntingdon is Abbotts Ripton, which has to be the thatched roof King of the county. Almost every house is picture perfect with its thatching, and it’s one of my favourite spots in the spring time with magnolia trees everywhere, and wisteria winding along walls.

10. Barrington

Heading south of Cambridge itself this time, Barrington is another post card perfect village, and this time the highlight is its incredible pub – perfect to enjoy outside in the summer whilst looking at the picturesque surroundings.

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Thank you so much for reading. What do you think of the villages of Cambridgeshire – which are your favourite and would you like to visit? If you do then I hope you enjoy my home county. Stay safe and happy travelling.