Midsummer Common
Midsummer Common is the open common land beside the Cam on the north-east edge of the city centre, where cattle graze in summer and the city holds Midsummer Fair, Strawberry Fair and its Bonfire Night fireworks. Cambridge's commons are a legacy of medieval grazing rights, and several are still grazed today.
In practice
Midsummer Fair, held each June, traces its origins to a royal charter granted in the early thirteenth century and is one of the oldest fairs in England, now a funfair. Strawberry Fair, a free music and arts festival, follows in early June, and the council's fireworks display on or near 5 November draws large crowds. The College boathouses line the opposite bank of the river, and the riverside path is a busy route for cyclists, runners and rowers.
Why it matters to newcomers
Do not be surprised to cycle past cows on your way into town: they are part of the city's character, and the rule is to give them space. The common is a quick, flat walk from the centre and a good place to watch College crews training on the river.
Related
- Strawberry Fair - the free festival held here
- Parker's Piece - the city's other famous open space
- Bumps - the races rowed further downstream
Source: Cambridge City Council.