The legend goes that Sawston was once set to be a town, but no one wanted to be mayor. It’s a big village, over 7,000 people apparently, so this seemed like a reasonable tale when I first heard it aged <10, but interrogating it again now with a low-level knowledge of local government it doesn’t sound all that likely. Repeat it at your peril.
Regardless, Sawston is as functional as a little town with the character of a big village – it’s got everything – shops, primary and secondary schooling, a health centre, pubs and restaurants, a gym and sports centre, a swimming pool, a Domino’s, everything that is essential for 21st century life.
To the east of the village, just beyond Pampisford is a roundabout with a McDonald’s and Marks and Spencer on it. Call it the McDonald’s Roundabout if you want to sound like a local. Turn right there and you’re immediately on course for Whittlesford Parkway station (Cambridge and Liverpool Street) and the M11.
It’s got everything – shops, primary and secondary schooling, a health centre, pubs and restaurants, a gym and sports centre, a swimming pool, a Domino’s, everything that is essential for 21st century life.
Fans of being fit and unpolluting can cycle to Stapleford on a tarmac, segregated cycle and footway and then on to Addenbrooke’s and the city along the DNA cycleway. A similar cycleway goes over to Babraham to its science park and out into the countryside. The number 7 bus (nee 113) is a stalwart of regular travel to and from town, transporting generations of teenagers back home after a weekend evening’s merriment.
