Bourn, in Cambridgeshire, is often referred to as one of the best places to live in the region (Image: CambridgeshireLive) Stay up to date with all the latest news, features and reviews of all things food, drink, and entertainment with our weekly What's On email More Newsletters Subscribe Please enter a valid email Something went wrong, please try again later. More Newsletters We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show me See Our Privacy Notice See Our Privacy Notice × Group 28 Stay up to date with all the latest news, features and reviews of all things food, drink, and entertainment with our weekly What's On email Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign Up No thanks, close We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info × Group 28 Thank you for subscribing! We have more newsletters Show Me No thanks, close See our Privacy Notice It's no secret that our county has an abundance of picturesque villages and towns for locals and tourists to enjoy. However, one area is so popular that it is often hailed as 'one of the best places to live in the UK'. Bourn, in South Cambridgeshire , is placed right in the heart of the countryside. The village is only a short distance away from Cambridge and is surrounded by impressive farmland, rolling hills and beautiful rural landscapes. Over the years, The Sunday Times and Muddy Stilettos have both recognized its quality, naming it in their best places to live lists in 2023 and 2024 respectively. Take a look below as we dig deeper into why this village is so acclaimed and special. Read more: Cambridge visitors could have to pay new 'tourist tax' from 2025 Read more: Controversial Cambridge sculpture to be removed due to 'harmful' impact on area History of the village and famous landmarks Bourn is a village with a rich history dating back to the Roman period. It was home to several prominent families, including the Earls of Oxford and the Baronets of Dodington. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the village was a hub for agriculture and milling, with several windmills and watermills in operation. One of its most famous landmarks, Bourn Windmill, is the oldest windmill in the country and is designated as an Ancient Monument. Another popular attraction is St Mary's Church, which dates back to the 14th century. The church is a significant landmark, dazzling visitors with its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows. Today, Bourn is a vibrant and thriving community that has preserved its rich history and cultural heritage. Its history is celebrated through various events and festivals, including the Bourn Feast, dating back more than 400 years. Food and drink Lalbagh in Cambridge (Image: Google) Bourn might be a small village, but it is definitely mighty when it comes to its choice of eating out. The village pub, The Willow Tree , is described as 'a hidden fairytale gem' with a gastropub style menu, enchanting gardens featuring several twinkling dining domes, and a giant teepee standing tall in the Secret Meadow. For those who fancy something lighter or a want a catch-up with
Friends, Stove Café on Manor Farm at the Caxton End side of the village is the perfect choice. The cafe serves a range of fresh food and home-baked cakes, using local ingredients and ethically sourced produce. And of course, there's the highly acclaimed Bangladeshi and Indian restaurant Lalbagh on Alms Hill. The venue has won many accolades over the years, including being named Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards, and is popular among locals, with praise on Tripadvisor for its "delicious food" and "lovely service". Schools There’s one Ofsted rated ‘Good’ nursery in the village itself – Little Hands which is open from 8am-5:30pm. Other nearby options include Kindred Cambourne Day Nursery, in Cambourne, and Foxes Bridge Farm Day Nursery, in Comberton. The village also has its own ‘Outstanding’ primary school Bourn C of E Primary Academy. For independent schools it’s a short 15 minute drive to the likes of The Leys, The Perse, St Mary’s and St John’s College School. Population and connections The latest figures from estate agents Redmayne Arnold and Harris show that approximately 1,500 people live in Bourn. They added that the village is home to a diverse range of residents of varying ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Its growth in population has been occurring steadily over time due to its proximity to Cambridge and the surrounding area. However, the village remains a small and close-knit community, who help to preserve its unique character and heritage. The village is located just off the A428 and is easily accessible from motorways such as the M11 and A14 . Several bus routes running between Cambridge and Bedford also serve the area, including the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway. House prices Properties in Bourn sold for an average of £437,874 last year (Image: CambridgeshireLive) House prices are not particularly cheap anywhere in Cambridgeshire and Bourn is no exception. According to Land Registry data, properties in the village sold for an average of £437,874 last year. Detached properties cost an average of £597,938, while semi-detached ones were £339,777 and terraced properties were £352,875. Rightmove also found that the sold prices in Bourn over the last year were 13 per cent up on the previous year and 24 per cent up on the 2021 peak of £391,503. Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in? Sign up to our dedicated newsletter to make sure you never miss a big story from Cambridge or anywhere else in the county. You can also sign up to our dedicated Peterborough, Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in. Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow CambridgeLive
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