coldham's common cambridge

A very large block of common land near the heart of Cambridge, split in two by the Cambridge - Ipswich railway line, the largest section of which has a diverse range of habitats which support active and passive recreation.

Much of the common is close-mown and there is an artificial pitch used for a range of sports including football and hockey. All pitches can be hired through Abbey Pool which is situated on north west side of the common.

The play area for older children is by Abbey Pool and has a skatem aeriel runway, ball court and swings.

Surrounding the artificial pitch is one of the naturally grazed areas, on the other side of the railway, beyond the football pitches to the east, known as the Rifle Butts. This area supports grazing and is a large campsite for the Cambridge Folk Festival in the last week of July and the first week in August.

A pedestrian underpass on the west end of the common, near the artificial pitch, takes you under the railway line to another section of naturally grazed common which aligns Coldham’s Lane.

Classed as a Local Nature Reserve, some areas of the common are managed to encourage an increase in natural diversity and is intended to remain fairly wild in order to preserve a wildlife corridor across the city.