Cherry Hinton

Cherry Hinton
Country	England
Official name	Cherry Hinton
Region	East of England
Os grid reference	TL485565
Post town	CAMBRIDGE
Postcode area	CB
Postcode district	CB1, CB22
Dial code	01223
Constituency westminster	Cambridge
London distance	50 mi
Population	13,200
Population ref	(2011 Census)
Shire county	Cambridgeshire
Shire district	Cambridge
Latitude	52.184
Longitude	0.175

Cherry Hinton. A suburb and former village located approximately southeast of the city centre of Cambridge, within the Cambridge district of Cambridgeshire, England. Historically a distinct settlement, it has been absorbed into the urban area of the university city but retains a strong local identity. The area is known for its significant chalk pits, historical church, and vibrant annual festival.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in its geology, with evidence of prehistoric activity found in the local Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The settlement's name is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as *Hintone*, with the 'Cherry' prefix added later, possibly referencing cherry orchards. For centuries, it was a small agricultural village within the historic county of Cambridgeshire. The parish church of St Andrew has a tower dating from the 13th century, with later additions. The village remained largely separate from Cambridge until the 20th century, when suburban expansion, including significant post-war housing developments, led to its incorporation into the city. The former chalk quarries, worked by companies like the ICI, are now important nature reserves.

Geography

Cherry Hinton is situated on the eastern edge of the Cambridge built-up area, bordering the open farmland of the Cambridge Green Belt. The underlying geology is predominantly chalk, which has been extensively quarried. The landscape is characterized by the dramatic, now-vegetated, chalk cliffs of the Lime Kiln Close and East Pit. Cherry Hinton Brook, a tributary of the River Cam, flows through the area. The suburb is roughly bounded by Fulbourn to the east, Teversham to the northeast, and the Cambridge districts of Romsey Town and Coleridge to the west and north.

Demography

At the time of the 2011 Census, the population of the Cherry Hinton ward was approximately 13,200. The demographic profile is mixed, encompassing long-established residents, families in post-war and newer housing estates, and a significant student population associated with nearby Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge. The area has seen gradual population growth consistent with the expansion of Cambridge.

Landmarks and notable buildings

The most prominent landmark is the medieval Church of St Andrew, located on the historic village green. The Cherry Hinton Chalk Pits, managed by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, are a major geological and ecological site. Cherry Hinton Hall, a 19th-century house set in public parkland, hosts the famous Cambridge Folk Festival. Other notable buildings include the thatched White Hart public house and the modern Church of St John the Evangelist.

Transport

The area is served by several key roads, including the A1307 (Cherry Hinton Road) which connects to central Cambridge and the A11 towards London. Local bus services are operated by Stagecoach East and Whippet Coaches, providing links to Cambridge railway station and surrounding villages like Fulbourn and Great Shelford. The former Cambridge to Mildenhall railway line, which had a station in the area, closed in the 1960s.

Education

Primary education is provided by Cherry Hinton Church of England Primary School and The Spinney Primary School. Secondary students typically attend Coleridge Community College or Chesterton Community College. The campus of Anglia Ruskin University is located nearby in the Cambridge district of Trumpington. There are also several nursery and preschool facilities serving the local community.

Culture and community

Cherry Hinton is renowned for hosting the long-running Cambridge Folk Festival at Cherry Hinton Hall. The local community is active, with events like the annual Cherry Hinton Festival and a traditional Bonfire Night celebration. Recreational facilities include the Cherry Hinton Village Centre, Cherry Hinton Hall parkland, and the Cherry Hinton Recreation Ground. Sports are represented by clubs such as Cherry Hinton Lions Football Club and the Cherry Hinton Bowls Club.