Waterbeach is a thriving village 6 miles north of Cambridge, with a population of approx. 5,000 and expanding considerably due to the economic growth in the region. It has become a popular place to live for couples, families and young professionals alike. The area around Waterbeach is renowned for its natural beauty, and there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling and sport in the many outdoor green spaces. So let’s look at what the village was known for in the past, what it offers now, and what it promises to bring its residents – old and new – in the future. Waterbeach is undoubtedly a village that is moving with the times…
RAF Waterbeach
A formal Royal Air force station lies north of the village and housed 2,600 people in the final months of the Second World War. The airfield was built in 1940 under the control of RAF Bomber Command, but the site was later (1966, to be precise) transferred to the Royal Engineers, part of the British Army and became known instead as Waterbeach Barracks. The former airfield was a training area for troops for several years until the barracks closed on 28 March 2013. In 2019, permission was granted for 4,500 new properties on the old barracks site; by the time this development has been completed, it will have more than doubled the population of the whole village…hence the ‘new town’ reference.
What is this ‘new town’ everyone is talking about?
Waterbeach New Town East is a bold and ambitious vision for ‘sociable and sustainable living’ in the heart of the Fens…or so the marketing claims. The whole ethos behind the development revolves around sustainable and affordable living for everyone, particularly those priced out of Cambridge. It has been created to bring the community together with large open spaces for families to enjoy with friends and neighbours, along with co-working hubs to reduce isolation for those working from home. The whole concept is something pretty special.
In January 2021, South Cambridgeshire District Council approved plans from RLW Estates for a new community of 4,500 new homes north of the Waterbeach village. This building work is now well underway, and 2025 is the year when the first homes will hopefully be occupied. The new settlement will also be supported by the relocation of the existing train station, scheduled to open in 2025….just in time for the first residents to move in.
What does Waterbeach offer today?
As we like to mention, approx. three hundred times each day, Cambridge is a fantastic place to live, but city life isn’t for everyone. What makes Waterbeach so desirable is that it is only a few miles down the road from the city but with the quieter pace of village life. Bustling shops and manic traffic (yep, Cambridge isn’t perfect in every way) can be tiresome for some, but having the variety a city offers right on your doorstep is always a pull. The best of both worlds, right?
An article in the Cambridge-News once described the properties in Waterbeach as ‘house-porn’. Now we would not be as vulgar as to agree (how very dare you), but there is no denying that the variety of pretty homes in this beautiful village is definitely something to brag about.
What makes Waterbeach so popular is that although it’s a village on the outskirts of Cambridge, it has fantastic transport links to Cambridge and Ely, including a regular bus service and a train station. Waterbeach is popular with commuters as London is only an hour away, allowing for rural living with easy city links for business and leisure. In 2018 the local planning committee approved a proposal to move the station closer to the Barracks development. This project is yet to be completed.
Waterbeach’s only primary school was rated ‘Good’ in its most recent Ofsted inspection. The school has undergone significant refurbishment in recent years. It now has several new classrooms and a new library to join its already impressive music room, swimming pool and stage. The school primarily serves the village of Waterbeach, but children are transported by bus from the nearby villages of Landbeach and Chittering. Waterbeach Primary School is an amazing school of over 400 children with desirable indoor and outdoor facilities such as an orchard and pond dipping facilities. The village also has several shops and a Post Office, making for convenient day-to-day living. And for all the foodies, Waterbeach certainly has some impressive places to eat. Whether you are a fan of mouth-water Chinese food or prefer a sit-down meal in a reputable (but not over-priced) gastro pub, you have some fantastic options. In a nutshell, you have everything you need, and more, right on your doorstep!
One of Waterbeach’s most popular events is its famous Feast Day. This annual event sees villagers, and those from far and wide, gather in fancy dress to celebrate with a funfair, parade, music and food stalls. The day starts with a grand parade of floats around the village, entered mainly by local groups and organisations; the afternoon entertainment then continues with a variety of stalls and side shows on the village green and some fun events and displays in the arena. Feast Day is always a popular village event, certainly, one not to miss. We even heard there was a beer tent; we hope that rumour is true…
That just about sums it up…
Waterbeach is popular for many reasons. It is a thriving village growing significantly over time to create a safe, eco-friendly and modern environment to work, live and raise a family. The existing amenities, plus the addition of the new development, is ideal for those wanting to experience the best of both worlds – the tranquillity of the countryside and the excitement of city life right on your doorstep. Its friendly community, excellent transport links, and beautiful surroundings make it a highly desirable location. If you are looking for modern living with traditional values, Waterbeach is exactly where you want to start your property search. Happy house hunting!