The pictured guide of Cambridge for the casual Pink Floyd fan

By |

I’m fortunate to have some wonderful music aficionados among my circle of friends.

In October 2013, I journeyed to Cambridge, UK, where Andras Ferencz graciously hosted me.

Andras isn’t just passionate about music; he’s also traversed the globe in pursuit of the finest culinary and beverage experiences. Cambridge stands at the crossroads of all these passions!

Like many in Cambridge, Andras keeps an extra bicycle tucked away in a corner. We embarked on our two-day Pink Floyd themed tour on wheels, as the distances between segments were too far for walking.

DAY ONE

109 Grantchester Meadows – David Gilmour’s house

image
 The tour begins at the entrance to Grantchester Meadows, at the end of the street with the same name.
109 Grantchester Meadows
Across the street sign in the picture above is the residence at number 109. David Gilmour moved to 109 Grantchester Meadows in 1956, when he was 10. Roger Waters later wrote a song called Grantchester Meadows for the band’s 1969 Ummagumma album.

Grantchester Meadows

image
Grantchester Meadows
image
Listening on my phone to the Grantchester Meadows track from Ummagumma
image
image
River Cam in Grantchester Meadows
The pictured guide of Cambridge for the casual Pink Floyd fan, part 1 of 2.
Map of Day 1. We stopped at The Red Lion before returning to town.

DAY TWO

60 Glisson Road – Syd Barrett’s birthplace

Begin your second part of the tour at 60 Glisson Road in Cambridge. Roger “Syd” Barrett was born at the family home at 60 Glisson Road on January 6, 1946.
Syd Barrett's birthplace.
Syd Barrett’s birthplace.

183 Hills Road – Syd Barrett’s childhood place

Pedal your way just 1 mile to 183 Hills Road, crossing the railway corridor. Syd Barrett called 183 Hills Road home from the tender age of 3. After his siblings moved out, his mother rented out rooms to lodgers, one of whom turned out to be a future Japanese Prime Minister.

Rock Road – Roger Waters’ childhood


Head over to Rock Road – there’s a good chance you’ll feel the rockstar vibes if you grow up here. Surrey-born Roger Waters was brought to live in this neighborhood by his widowed mother Mary in 1945 when he was just 2 years old.

6 St. Margaret’s Square – Syd Barrett’s later years


Just a couple of minutes from Rock Road, nestled at 6 St Margaret’s Square. Syd’s neighbours were actually in front of the house, and they kindly shared a couple of memories with us. They were nice people. Syd Barrett lived as a recluse in his mother’s house for many years until his death in 2006.

200 Cherry Hinton Rd – the Rock pub


Wrap up your tour with a pint at the Rock (photo credit Google). It was Syd’s favorite watering hole until the end of his days. Legends swirl around, with fans asking locals for Syd, only to be told “he’s not here,” as he quietly savored an ale at the next table.

8 Comments

Leave a Comment

  2. We did the same tours following your instructions. Great experience !!! Thanks for sharing !!!

    Reply

  3. Don’t you love that: “Legends abound about fans asking locals for Syd and them answering “he’s not here”, while he was quietly enjoying an ale at the next table.”? I love it! this is how people in UK would behave in such circumstances. Can’t wait to travel there, and see those places.

    Reply

  5. This was a great resource! I went to Cambridge today, and saw several of the sights you mentioned. Their old high school, Grantchester Meadows (great place!), Gilmour’s old home, The Anchor, Millers Music… What a great way to spend a day! Thanks for sharing the information!

    Reply

  6. I’m lucky… I actually live in Cambridge. Went to Grantchester Meadows yesterday funnily enough. It was nice and sunny. Today it rained though.

    Reply

  8. what was the address of the gilmour family in trumpington prior to move to Grantchester Meadows? Thanks.

    Reply

Leave a reply to androstoica Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.