The Backs

A beautiful place for a walk on an autumn day, with views of the backs of many of the colleges. Walking path well cared for and view along the Cam is lovely.

Very peaceful and great views of the colleges. Could be more accessible to the public — there are lots of gates in inconvenient places

Cambridge is a beautiful city. Every midsummer is buzzing with graduation balls at many of the colleges. I am fortunate to have lived there most of my childhood and adult life. I still love to visit there as a tourist.

We were lucky to have Cambridge bathed in sunshine. The city was buzzing, with people enjoying the river and the backs of the college's. Cambridge is at its very best, like this, with all the great restaurants to choose from and the busking in the streets, Cambridge is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city.

Attractive small park area, home to one of the most iconic views in Cambridge. The magnificent buildings of King's College dominate the scene looking across the river, while punts travel past in the foreground. At the time of my visit in early April, the wooded area was carpeted with blue and white flowers, lending it a natural feel that contrasts well with the surrounding architecture. The paths are well maintained and the area kept spotlessly clean. A short walk across Garret Hostel Bridge from the city center, The Backs is a must-see location for visitors to Cambridge. Paid parking is available by the side of Queen's Road for up to 4 hours.

Good place for a day trip from London

Backs refers to River Cam in Cambridge where people go for a leisurely boat trip. Lot of Cambridge institutions maybe seen on the boat trip. Costs £20/- a person

I was looking for a park to have a lovely scroll, the weather was not the best, but it was lovely anyway, nice views and plenty pathways to explore.

The Backs is a beautiful area of the University of Cambridge where the colleges' grounds span over the River Cam. It's easy to spend a whole morning walking through the paths and along the river. There is no right or single way to do it. You can enter through town and go back and forth across the bridges (where permitted as some colleges will understandably restrict public access). The greens are well-maintained, the architecture is inspiring, and the scene is breathtaking. Check out some of the gardens and sculptures, find the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College, explore the Wren Library at Trinity College (but abide by their no photography policy) and yes, even take a famous punting tour which is said to be the most charming of ways to see the picturesque backdrops. The Backs are worth a stroll, even on gloomy days as it's likely the sun will peep out briefly and distribute that perfect photo opportunity.