Attractive parkland with woodland walks & a nature trail located within 5 miles of the city centre. 110 acres of woods and chalk grassland in the gentle Gog Magog Hills. It’s a great place to run around with the kids, with plenty of space. There is a picnic site, marked walks and nature trail through woods. There is a Banyard bird hide on the northern edge of Varley’s Field, for watching wildlife. Some hardened paths are buggy and wheelchair friendly.
The grasslands are grazed by Texel sheep and Highland Cattle. It is the site of an Iron Age hill fort. In the 17th century a racing stable was built inside the old hillfort for King James II.
There are many myths about the gods Gog and Magog. Some say they were buried nearby, and that on Fleam Dyke lies a golden chariot. Gervase of Tilbusy wrote a ghostly tale in 1219 that Wandlebury was ruled by a dark night-rider that no mortal could defeat. One day a brave Normal knight called Osbert took up the challenge and won.
Getting there: Bus – Citiplus X13 towards Haverhill. Car – off the A1307 3 miles from Cambridge.
