Coton Reserve
Coton Countryside Reserve is 300 acres of attractive countryside on the west of Cambridge, that is managed for people, nature and farming.
Our charity purchased the farmland in the 1930s to prevent urban sprawl and protect the historic villages of Coton, Grantchester and Madingley.
Visiting Coton Countryside Reserve
Coton Countryside Reserve can be visited 365 days of the year. Entry is free of charge. Opening hours are dawn until dusk.
There are miles of paths for visitors to enjoy the countryside, including a walk up to Red Meadow Hill, where there are fantastic views. The main spine path through the reserve is hard surface and suitable for wheelchairs and cycles.
There are grass meadows and newly planted orchards where you can stray off the path and enjoy a picnic.
Dogs are very welcome but must be kept on leads except in the dog run area (located next to the spine path near the car park). Dog bins are provided.
We hold guided walks, volunteer work parties and other events at the Reserve, click here to find out what’s on.
There are no toilet facilities at the Reserve.
Become a Guardian of this space
Coton Reserve is cared for by people just like you.
By joining as a member you will be helping Cambridge Past, Present & Future care for and protect Coton Reserve and the Charity’s other green spaces and heritage in Cambridgeshire.
Memberships start at £29.99 and all memberships include free entry to all our open days, free parking at Wandlebury, 10% off at the Orchard Tea garden, subsidised venue hire & more.
About Coton Countryside Reserve
In the 1930s, with financial help from Professor George M Trevelyan, we were able to acquire 300 acres of farmland near Coton village on the western edge of Cambridge. We bought this land specifically to prevent urban sprawl and protect the historic villages of Madingley, Coton and Grantchester and the setting of the historic city of Cambridge.
Initial steps were taken to improve the landscape by planting trees but work was halted by World War II and afterwards by the need to save the Gog Magog Hills and create Wandlebury Country Park. During this time the land was managed as a mixed farm with arable and livestock, providing an income for the charity’s work.
A Wilder Coton
Find out how you can be part of helping to create a wilder future in Cambridge for wildlife and everyone in the city to enjoy.
Directions & Transport
The Reserve is located just south of Coton village on the western edge of Cambridge. There are over 8 different entrances depending on how and from which direction you are arriving. The main entrances (spine path) are accessed from Coton Footpath at the eastern end of the village recreation ground and from the Reserve car park on Grantchester Road (CB23 7PZ).
The Reserve is easily reached by cycle from Cambridge and there is cycle parking at the main entrances.
We provide a free car park on Grantchester Road which is open from 8am to 5pm. Please note that there is a height restriction barrier of 2.1 metres, which prevents access for buses, vans, etc.
The Reserve can be reached by buses serving Coton village.
Wheelchair users may require assistance to get from the car park to the spine track. Alternatively, wheelchair users may park at the Coton Footpath entrance.
Learn more about the Coton Reserve
Nature at Coton Reserve
You can find a variety of lowland countryside habitats at Coton Reserve
Help Coton Countryside Reserve
Our Gallery
Plan Your Visit
or Ask a Question
You can call us:
01223 243830
You can email us: enquiries@cambridgeppf.org
- Contact Form
You can call us:
You can email us:
01223 243830