The Backs, Garden area near River Cam, Cambridge, England
Description
The Backs stretches along both sides of the River Cam and shows a mix of college grounds, open lawns, and maintained gardens tucked behind historic Cambridge University buildings. The area spans roughly 10 hectares and offers constantly changing views of architecture and water landscapes that remain accessible to the public year-round.
History
From the 16th century through around 1750, the land served the colleges as pastures and orchards, crossed by simple wooden bridges. The transformation into today's gardens and lawns happened gradually as the colleges shaped their outdoor areas with more structure and care.
Culture
The gardens link six major colleges together, creating outdoor spaces where students and visitors experience academic life among nature. The green areas form part of daily college routines and show how the institutions have woven natural surroundings into their character.
Practical
Visitors can walk on public paths that run throughout the grounds and remain open during every season. It helps to take time exploring and use the different access points from the adjoining colleges to see all areas fully.
Did you know?
Cattle actually graze on the pastures behind King's College at certain spots, continuing a centuries-old tradition from when the land served as working fields. This rare feature links modern Cambridge directly to its rural past.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (United Kingdom).
King's College Chapel
164 m
Old Schools
201 m
Clare College, Clare Bridge
67 m
Garret Hostel Bridge Between Clare Bridge And Trinity Bridge On The Cam
161 m
King's College, King's Bridge
67 m
Squire Law Library
211 m
Queens' College Chapel
210 m
King's College, Scott's Building
233 m
King's College, South Range Of First Court, Including The Library And The Former Provost's Lodge
192 m
Trinity Hall, Boundary Wall On Garret Hostel Lane
222 m
King's College, Gateway to Queen's Road
171 m
King's College, Fountain in the Centre of First Court
175 m
The Law School And University Offices
188 m
Gibbs Building
132 m
King's College, South Range of Webb's Court with Gateway to Queen's Lane
177 m
Trinity College, L Shaped Wall On River Front In South West Portion Of The Garden, Abutting On Garrett Hostel Lane
176 m
King's College, Screens And Entrance Gateway On King's Parade
218 m
Gonville And Caius College, Wall Of Master's Garden Fronting Trinity Hall Lane
227 m
St Catharine's College, The Buildings Surrounding Principal Court
231 m
Clare College, The Buildings Surrounding The Fore And Principal Courts
131 m
Clare College, Railings Gates And Brick Plinth Walls On Either Side Of The Causeway Between The College West Gate And The Bridge
78 m
Clare College, Screen And Gates Fronting Queen's Road
210 m
Letter Box At King's College Gate
224 m
2 Lamp Posts In Senate House Passage At The Entrance To The Old Schools
244 m
Clare College, Gateway On West Side Of Clare Bridge With Flanking Railings And Gates To College Garden
69 m
Clare College, Gates And Railings To Trinity Hall Lane
153 m
Trinity Hall, Waterhouse Building
175 m
Trinity Hall, Gatehouse Building
185 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes