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Park · Cambridge, Inglaterra
The Backs
The lawns and gardens behind the colleges on the banks of the rio Cam, from Queens' to St John's, seen from a punt or on foot, with the Ponte Matemática, the Clare Bridge and the capela do King's in the background.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About The Backs
The Backs is the name of the strip of lawns, gardens and meadows lying behind several colleges on the banks of the rio Cam, between Queens' College and St John's College. For centuries the colleges used these lands as pasture and gardens, and the riverbank was redesigned in the 18th century, partly by Capability Brown. The result is Cambridge's best-known view, with the capela do King's and the stone buildings above the grass and river.
The most common way to see the Backs is by punt. boat tours with a coxswain leave from the landing stages on Mill Lane, the Quayside and Trinity Street and run down the river for about 45 minutes, passing under the colleges' bridges: the Ponte Matemática, of the Queens', wooden, rebuilt in 1905 following the original 1749 design; the Clare Bridge, stone, from 1640, the oldest bridge in Cambridge; King's Bridge; Trinity Bridge; and the Ponte dos Suspiros, of St John's. Punts are also available for self-hire.
On foot, Queen's Road runs along the west side of the Backs, and public paths cross the meadows between the trees. In spring the lawns of King's and Trinity are carpeted with daffodils and crocuses. The internal gardens of each college have their own visiting hours.
Upstream, a longer punt trip of 2–3 hours, or a riverside walk of about 1 hour, leads to Grantchester, a village with meadows and an early-20th-century tearoom.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes by punt; 30 minutes to 1 hour on foot along Queen's Road and across the meadows.
Best time
From spring to early autumn, on dry days. In spring the lawns are in bloom. In the late afternoon there are fewer punts on the river and low light over the colleges.
How to get there
The punt landing stages are on Mill Lane, near Silver Street, and on the Quayside, near Magdalene Bridge, in central Cambridge. Queen's Road is a 5-minute walk from King's Parade, across the river.
Tip
If you've never steered a punt, go with a cox: they narrate the colleges' history and avoid collisions under the bridges. Buy directly at the official landing stages, comparing options.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about The Backs
What are the Backs?
The lawns and gardens behind the colleges, on the banks of the rio Cam, that form Cambridge's best-known view.
How long does the punt ride take?
About 45 minutes for punt trips with a boatman along the Backs. For Grantchester, 2 to 3 hours.
Can you punt on your own?
Yes — punts can be hired by the hour. It requires balance and patience; it's easier with a boatman.
What is the Mathematical Bridge?
The wooden bridge at Queens' College, rebuilt in 1905 following the original 1749 design. It can be seen from the river and from Silver Street.