Cambridge Guides

Girton

Nestled in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside lies the picturesque village of Girton.
Property for sale in Girton
Property to rent in Girton

About Girton

Nestled in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Girton is a charming village that boasts a rich history, picturesque surroundings, and a warm and welcoming community. Whether you're looking to explore its beautiful parks and nature reserves, indulge in its diverse culinary offerings, or relax and soak up its unique atmosphere, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Girton. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the village, exploring its many attractions, transportation options, and local accommodations and giving you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this beautiful and vibrant community. 

History Of Girton

Girton is a small village in South Cambridgeshire with a history dating back to the Roman era. It was mentioned in the Domesday Book and remained a small rural community until the 19th century. Girton College, founded by Emily Davies in 1869, was the first residential college for women at the University of Cambridge and contributed significantly to the village's growth. Today, Girton is a thriving village with around 5,000 people, offering rich history, beautiful countryside, and proximity to Cambridge. 

Population And Demographics

Girton is a small village in South Cambridgeshire, England, with approximately 5,000 people. The population is a mix of locals who have lived in the town for generations and newcomers who have moved to the area for work or education.

Regarding demographics, Girton is a diverse community with residents of various ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The village has a relatively high proportion of older residents, with around 27% of the population aged 65 or over, slightly higher than the national average.

Compared to nearby towns and cities, Girton is relatively small, with Cambridge being the closest major city. Cambridge has a population of around 124,000 people and is home to many students, academics, and professionals. Other nearby towns and villages include Histon, Impington, and Cottenham, all within a few miles of Girton and with populations ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 people.

Education

Girton has a good selection of primary and secondary schools that offer excellent education to children of all ages.

The primary school in Girton is Girton Glebe Primary School, which has been serving the village since 1953. It is a small, friendly school with a strong sense of community and a commitment to providing a high-quality education to its pupils.

Students typically attend schools in nearby Cambridge or the surrounding area for secondary education. There are several excellent secondary schools in Cambridge, including state schools such as Parkside Community College, Chesterton Community College, and Impington Village College, as well as private schools like The Perse School, The Leys School, and St. Mary's School.

In terms of the quality of education in Girton, the village has a reputation for excellence in teaching, thanks in large part to the presence of Girton College. The college has a strong tradition of academic excellence and has produced many notable scholars and public figures over the years.

Accommodation

Girton is a small village with a limited number of accommodation options. However, some good quality hotels and other accommodations are still available for visitors to the area.

The most popular accommodation in Girton is The Felix Hotel, a boutique hotel in the heart of the village. The hotel offers comfortable and stylish rooms, a restaurant, and a bar, making it an excellent choice for leisure and business travelers.

In addition to The Felix Hotel, several bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are in the surrounding area, such as The Old Red Lion Inn in nearby Histon and The White Horse Inn in Swavesey. These accommodations offer a more traditional and intimate experience and are often in picturesque rural settings.

Dining And Entertainment

Despite being a small village, Girton has a few good quality restaurants and bars that offer various dining and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike.

One of the most popular restaurants in Girton is The Old Crown, which offers a wide range of traditional British and European dishes and a selection of fine wines and beers. The restaurant has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors.

Another great option is The Girton Glebe, a family-friendly pub that serves classic pub fare, such as burgers, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. The pub also has a large outdoor seating area, perfect for enjoying a pint on a sunny day.

In addition to these dining options, Girton is also home to a few good quality cafes and takeaways, such as The Nook Cafe and The Golden Wok Chinese Takeaway.

While there are few bars in Girton, there are good options for those looking for a drink or a night out. The Royal Oak is a popular spot for a pint or a game of darts, while The White Horse in nearby Swavesey offers live music and other weekend entertainment.

Local Attractions

Girton and the surrounding area offer several famous attractions for visitors, ranging from parks and nature reserves to historical sites and museums.

One of the most popular attractions in Girton is Girton College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. The college is renowned for its beautiful grounds and buildings, as well as its strong tradition of academic excellence. Visitors can take a guided tour of the college, which includes visits to the chapel, library, and other historic buildings.

Another popular attraction is the nearby Wandlebury Country Park, a beautiful nature reserve and wildlife haven. The park offers a range of activities, including walking trails, cycling, and picnicking, and is home to several rare and endangered species.

For those interested in history, the nearby town of Cambridge offers a wealth of attractions, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, home to a world-class collection of art and antiquities, and the Cambridge Museum of Technology, which provides a fascinating insight into the city's industrial past.

Other popular attractions in the area include the Cambridge Botanic Garden, a beautiful collection of plants and flowers from around the world, and the Cambridge University Library, one of the world's great research libraries.

Getting Around

Girton is well connected to the nearby city of Cambridge and other surrounding towns and villages, making it easy to get around and explore the area.

The bus is one of the most convenient transportation options for visitors to Girton. The village is served by several bus routes, including the Stagecoach Bus 4 and Bus 5, which run regularly between Girton and Cambridge. The journey from Girton to Cambridge by bus is typically around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those looking to travel further afield, several train stations are located within a short distance of Girton. The nearest train station is Cambridge North, which is just 3 miles away and offers regular train services to London, Peterborough, and other regional destinations.

In addition to public transportation, several taxi companies operate in and around Girton, and car rental companies are located in nearby Cambridge.

In conclusion, Girton is a charming and unique village that offers visitors and residents a range of attractions, dining and entertainment options, and convenient transportation connections to the nearby city of Cambridge and other surrounding towns and villages. With its rich history, beautiful parks and nature reserves, and strong tradition of academic excellence, Girton is a lovely place to visit or live in, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

If you have any questions or want more information about visiting or living in Girton, please don't hesitate to contact us. We would happily answer any questions and help you plan your trip to this beautiful village.

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