Attractions and Places To See around Impington - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Impington, a village located approximately 3 miles north of Cambridge city centre. The area offers a combination of historical sites and convenient access to a wider range of attractions in Cambridgeshire. Archaeological digs have revealed Iron Age and Roman remains, indicating a long history of settlement. Impington provides opportunities for exploring historical landmarks and engaging in recreational activities like cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Impington
- The most popular attractions is DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway, a cycle way that connects surrounding villages to Addenbrookes and the city centre. This path offers easy access to the Nine Wells wooded and stream area.
- Another must-see spot is Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, a cycle way on a former rail line. The cycle lane runs parallel to the busway, passing through countryside and villages.
- Visitors also love King's College Chapel, a historical site and religious building. This chapel is considered a fine example of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture and is a significant tourist site in Cambridge.
- Impington is known for its historical sites, cycle paths, and access to cultural institutions in nearby Cambridge. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient landmarks to modern recreational routes.
- The attractions around Impington are appreciated by the komoot community, with 14 photos and 262 upvotes.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway
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Cambridge Guided Busway Cycle Path
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King's College Chapel
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The building is built in a late Gothic style – it's stunning. There's also a lovely chapel which you can visit (the college itself doesn't accept visitors at the moment).
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Mathematical Bridge, Queens' College
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Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path
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Tips from the Community
A very impressive campus, you can enjoy it and relax and also learn about the College there. Unfortunately the Chapel wasn't accessible during our visit.
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The name “Mathematical Bridge” derives from the fact that this bridge is built with entirely straight timbers, though it maintains an arch shape. This makes for some interesting architectural study while punting down the river below it! The legends surrounding the bridge are just as intriguing as its shape.
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Walk or run through Silver St and don´t miss this spot. Definitely try to go Punting!!
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Nice play with geometry and one of the highlights when looking into Queens from the road. Also great if you get the chance to cross the bridge itself.
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Great long stretch to just peddle with a few stops due to roads or pedestrian crossings. Downside it's not well protected/covered against the wind so it is easy for that to slow you down.
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Undoubtedly the most central and most impressive college in the city. The chapel building is simply impressive. Recently the grass in front has been transformed into a flowery meadow making the view even nicer. Can be visited at certain times.
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The arrangement of timbers is a series of tangents that describe the arc of the bridge, with radial members to tie the tangents together and triangulate the structure, making it rigid and self-supporting. This type of structure, technically tangent and radial trussing, is an efficient structural use of timber, and was also used for the timber supporting arches (centring) used for building stone bridges.[6] Analysis of the design shows that the tangent members are almost entirely under compression, while the radial timbers are almost entirely subject to tension with very little bending stress, or to put it another way, the tangent and radial elements elegantly express the forces involved in arched construction. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mathematical_Bridge)
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This bridge cannot be entered by visitors during the exam period, but you have a better view from the neighboring bridge anyway.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Impington?
Impington itself boasts St Andrew's Church, dating back to 1130, with visible original stones, a 15th-century fresco, and a 16th-century brass memorial. Archaeological digs have also uncovered significant Iron Age and Roman remains, including a fort and artifacts. Nearby Cambridge offers iconic landmarks like King's College Chapel, a stunning example of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture, and the unique Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College.
Are there good cycling routes near Impington?
Yes, Impington is well-connected for cyclists. You can enjoy the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway, which links surrounding villages to Addenbrookes and Cambridge city centre, providing access to the Nine Wells wooded area. Another excellent option is the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, a smooth, car-free route on a former rail line that passes through pleasant countryside. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Impington guide.
What family-friendly activities are available in the Impington area?
Many attractions around Impington are family-friendly. The cycleways, such as the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, are suitable for all ages. In nearby Cambridge, you can visit the King's College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge. For younger children, South Angle Farm Park is a popular choice, and Cambridge offers various activity centers, cinemas, and indoor play areas.
Where can I find natural spaces or walking trails near Impington?
Impington offers access to several natural areas. The DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway provides easy access to the Nine Wells wooded and stream area. You can also enjoy walks along the River Cam, particularly around Fen Ditton, which offers views of rowers. For dedicated walking, check out the Easy hikes around Impington guide, which includes routes like the 'Westwick to Histon Path' and 'Milton Country Park loop'.
Are there any pubs or cafes near the attractions in Impington?
Within Impington itself, The Railway Vue is the only remaining pub, established by 1886. When exploring nearby Cambridge, you'll find a wide array of cafes and pubs to choose from, especially around the university colleges and city centre, perfect for a break during your visit.
What are some unique viewpoints or scenic spots in the area?
The Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College in Cambridge offers a unique architectural sight. For panoramic views of Cambridge, consider visiting Castle Hill, a former Norman defense site. Walks along the River Cam also provide picturesque scenes, especially with the university colleges as a backdrop.
What are the best ways to get around and explore attractions from Impington?
Impington's proximity to Cambridge makes it convenient to explore by bicycle or public transport. The extensive network of cycling paths, including the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path, allows for easy access to many sites. Public transport options are also available to connect you to Cambridge city centre and its numerous attractions.
Can I visit any of the Cambridge University colleges from Impington?
Yes, Impington provides convenient access to Cambridge University. While the colleges themselves may have restricted access, you can visit iconic landmarks like King's College Chapel, a major tourist site, and view the famous Mathematical Bridge at Queens' College. Punting on the River Cam also offers excellent views of many colleges from the water.
What kind of museums are there near Impington?
Cambridge, just a short distance from Impington, offers a rich selection of museums. These include The Museum of Cambridge, Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Cambridge Museum of Technology, The Fitzwilliam Museum, and Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, covering a wide range of interests from local history to art and natural sciences.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for beginners around Impington?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. The Easy hikes around Impington guide features routes like the 'Westwick to Histon Path – Saint Andrew's Centre Café loop' and the 'Sculpture Railings loop from Girton', both rated as easy and suitable for those new to hiking.
What is the significance of Impington Hall?
Impington Hall, though now demolished and redeveloped, holds historical significance as it was originally built in 1579 by John Pepys, the great-grandfather of the famous diarist Samuel Pepys. Samuel Pepys regularly visited the hall, which once featured formal gardens, ornamental lakes, and canals, making it a notable part of the village's past.
What are some of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors in the Impington area?
Cycling is a highly popular outdoor activity, with routes like the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and the Cambridge to St Ives Guided Busway Cycle Path being favorites. Walking and exploring natural spaces, such as the Nine Wells wooded area or along the River Cam, are also well-loved. For more ideas, you can consult the Cycling around Impington guide and the Easy hikes around Impington guide.
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