It has been said that any day spent in a National Park is a day well spent. Well, such can certainly be said of Midsummer Common. Now, many have described this destination in differing ways due to its range and variety in appeal and beauty. You could think of it as an event park, where you unwind with close friends and loved ones. You could think of it as a rare opportunity to protect dying wildlife, or even consider it simply as the country planted within the city. However you conceive MC, there is no view on any horizon challenging what Midsummer Common offers – especially during the annual Midsummer Fair. But what makes MC truly special?
Let’s begin with the location. There are many delights to view, beginning with the common land situated in the northeast of the city centre, the stunning south bank of the River Cam. The boathouses are delightful, as is the view stretching out to embrace the horizon. The common’s attractive location attracts worldwide celebrated events. One such event is Cambridge’s most popular community celebration – the Strawberry Fair. Midsummer Common also hosts Cambridge's longest-running event – the annual Midsummer Fair. And these events are just intros to functions or celebrations that this Cambridgeshire common land can offer. Cool, right?
As far back as the 12th century, Midsummer Common has provided grazing land for animals, such as geldings, horses, mares, and cows. I am a self-confessed fanatic of animals and watching, playing with and taking cherished pictures of the bulls was my true highlight of the day. They were a delight to share the day with and seemed to be infatuated with my hair, as the pictures show. Thank goodness they were playful, not angry! This would then have been a very different story.
This experience truly shows how Midsummer Common has helped bring the country into the city, the rural into the urban. The official statement reads that from the 1st April to 30th November animals are allowed to roam freely. A further vital agricultural role of this multifunctional common land is the planting of fruit trees. Given media reports that Cambridgeshire has suffered a staggering 80% loss of orchards, a new trend was put in place to create new greenfields by the friends of Midsummer Common. The common now boasts of hundreds of growing fruit trees, which include apples, plums and gages, pears, and cherries.
The Midsummer House itself also makes this visit such a special occasion. It is an elegant, spacious, and light-drenched restaurant that is just perfect for you. I bet you want to check it out already.
The address is Cambridge CB5 8DJ, United Kingdom. Also, visit their website and follow them on their various social media handles by clicking the respective links below.
Remember, Midsummer Common is a people’s park. It is owned and cherished by both young and old. A very well-loved location. One of my favourites!
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