Sidney Chambers (Grantchester)

Village vicar Sidney Chambers works with Police Inspector Geordie Keating solving local mysteries in the Grantchester novels by James Runcie.

Set in the 1950s, the novels feature the Cambridgeshire village of Grantchester, and are currently being adapted for television in the Grantchester TV series. James Norton stars as Sidney and Robson Green as Geordie in this charming period drama.

Approaching Grantchester - geograph.org.uk - 649146

The books are set in the village of Grantchester and in nearby Cambridge, and many of the scenes in the TV series are filmed on location.

Journey

Trains run from London to Cambridge frequently throughout the day, and the trip takes about an hour and a half.

There are buses that will take you to Grantchester, or you can choose a more picturesque option and enjoy the glorious scenery as you travel. Cycling is very popular in Cambridge and you can hire a bike to cycle all the way, or hire a punt and travel on the river.

Grantchester Meadows - geograph.org.uk - 778647 — Grantchester Meadows

The route from Cambridge takes you past Grantchester Meadows, which are a popular spot for picnics. The TV series often features gorgeous sweeping shots of Sidney cycling through the meadows.

Once in Grantchester, you can visit the Grade II listed Church of St Mary and St Andrew, which is seen frequently in the show.

Grantchester church - geograph.org.uk - 2810

Church of St Andrew and St Mary

Manor Farm entrance - geograph.org.uk - 649090

If you’re there in December, you might have a chance to see the annual barrel rolling competition. Each Boxing Day, teams roll large wooden barrels hrough the village in a relay race for charity.

Getting there

Train from London to Cambridge (1.5 hours)
Take the picturesque option and choose a bike ride or hire a punt to travel between Cambridge and Grantchester