Royston is a quaint town near Cambridgeshire that is home to a surprising array of unique attractions. Lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos, which named Royston one of the best places to live, said: “There are plenty of independent eating and drinking options to take you from morning lattes to wine o’clock.”
The historic market town is located at the crossroads of the A10 and A505. The town offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, with easy access to Cambridge and London. Royston is also well known for its beautiful poppy fields, that light up the fields around Therfield Heath and the surrounding countryside
The town is very well known for the mysterious Royston Cave, which features intricate carvings of religious and knightly figures.
Adorned with ancient carvings of faces and symbols, the cave was discovered accidentally in 1742 during the installation of a bench in the butter market above. The uncovering of a millstone revealed a well-like hole, leading to the cave filled with earth.
Despite initial hopes of finding treasure, the excavation yielded only a skull, decayed bones, fragments of a small drinking vessel and an unmarked piece of brass. Today, the cave’s chalk walls, etched with intriguing marks believed to date back to the mid-1300s, are cherished by locals.
These markings include four depictions of Christian saints, images symbolising the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and two crucifixion scenes. Open to the public, Royston Cave can be visited for a £10 adult ticket as of February 26, 2025.
In addition to its subterranean wonder, Royston also hosted an annual kite festival for over three decades, reports Cambridgeshire Live.
Sadly, the popular event was scrapped in 2024, following objections from Natural England, who raised concerns about potential damage to the flora and fauna at Therfield Heath. This cherished nature reserve, recognised as a site of special scientific interest, boasts panoramic views stretching to Cambridge and is renowned for its poppy fields and rare pasqueflowers in early spring.
Atop the heath sits a water tower marking the highest point, a beacon for those exploring the area.
Among Royston’s other unique attractions is The Jolly Postie, a former post office turned pub. This historic building, which began its life sorting mail in 1935, still hints at its postal heritage, complete with a vintage postal van greeting guests at the entrance.
In 2013, The Jolly Postie was transformed into a McMullen’s pub, where patrons can now enjoy pizzas on the terrace in summer or tuck into classic pub fare like steak and ale pie during the colder months. The pub also offers a wide selection of cocktails and heritage beers.
Royston is a veritable playground paradise for families, boasting no fewer than 12 play areas, including a splash park at Priory Memorial Gardens for tiny tots and a top-notch BMX track for the big kids.
If you’re eyeing Royston as a place to settle down with your little ones, with both St Mary Roman Catholic Primary School and Icknield Walk First School rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
Secondary schools aren’t lagging behind either, with King James Academy securing a ‘good’ rating in 2024. With the abundance of nurseries scattered around town, it’s no wonder Muddy Stilettos proclaims: “You’ll find country living a breeze in Royston.”
