Going for a walk and exploring somewhere new is perhaps one of the best ways to spend a weekend, especially when it’s been named one of the ‘UK’s most beautiful places’.

As the weather warms up and flowers bloom, it’s the ideal time to admire the scenic settings that make up the UK, and there’s nothing I love doing more during a spring weekend or day out. From quaint towns brimming with independent shops to golden sandy coastlines and the rolling sunflower meadows in the heart of the countryside, the UK isn’t short of breathtaking landscapes.

One of my favourite UK destinations is the city of Cambridge, with its majestic architecture, charming cobbled lanes, and open green spaces. It also boasts a catalogue of chic coffee houses, cosy pubs, a thriving shopping scene, a renowned outdoor market, a huge punting and rowing culture and is a foodie haven, as I’ve found out on numerous occassions.

Yet, what really stands out in this historic city, aside from its prestigious University of Cambridge, is the picturesque River Cam. It’s even been named as one of the ‘UK’s most beautiful places’ by Enjoy Travel, and I can absolutely vouch for its well-deserved acknowledgement.

Flowing through the heart of the city, the River Cam is lined by perfectly cut grass banks and ancient university buildings that have tales of time gone by. There are a number of bridges that cross over the river, with its most famous being the Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College, and the oldest, Clare College Bridge, dating back to the 17th-century.

Steeped in history, the River Cam is well-known for its punting between Jesus Lock and Grantchester, which has become an iconic pastime in the city, attracting thousands of visitors from far and wide. I’ve explored the River Cam on foot and by boat, and each time, I find it just as delightful as the last.

On a spring day, you can catch the calm waters glistening in the sunshine as tourists enjoy a punt boat or university students take to the waters on university rowing boats. You’ll often see people cycling along the path, and families playing in the park just off the river, in this enchanting place that is the hub of Cambridge.

I love gazing over one of the river bridges, looking at the professional punters taking a group of people on a tour along the river, passing by some of the city’s most renowned landmarks. But a particular highlight is when I spot a group of friends attempting to navigate and control a punt boat along the River Cam themselves, often resulting in a bump with another boat or drifting in circles – it’s great entertainment.

Aside from watching the river activities unfold, I love strolling past the houses that sit along the River Cam and the houseboats with imaginative gardens atop their roofs. Spanning around 43 miles, you can follow the river path for as long as you wish, and for me, it depends on the day.

I’ll often grab a coffee to go from the nearby cafés, or stop by one of the pubs lining the river – perfect during the summer months. But nothing beats the charm of the River Cam, in an area bursting with life and activity, set against the historic city’s picture-postcard backdrop.

For me, it will always be one of my favourite places to visit.

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