Visitor Information
Magog Down is open every day of the year. The car park opening time is 08:00 all year round but closing times vary throughout the year. Current closing time can be checked here. There are clear signs indicating when the car park gate will be locked as you enter the site.
This special corner of Cambridgeshire is owned and cared for by the local charity The Magog Trust which needs your help and support to maintain the site. Car parking income directly supports the upkeep and maintenance of Magog Down.
Visitors may wish to look at or download the attached information sheet which covers some general points about using Magog Down. Details on particular topics are given below with more detail available for those who wish to learn more.
Facilities
Benches are dotted around giving you a chance to pause and enjoy the countryside and distant views to Cambridge to the north and a wide sweep of land to the south, covering five counties.
You can picnic on the benches with your dog in both Fairfield and Bagfield, or in the Picnic Field if you are visiting without one.
An easy route to the top of Little Trees Hill, is indicated on the map, suitable for wheelchairs.
There are no refreshment or toilet facilities on Magog Down. Refreshments are available close by at The Gog Farm Shop or Copley Hill Docky Barn.
Cycling is not allowed on Magog Down but cycle racks are available near the car park for those arriving by cycle.
As well as the variety of walks possible around Magog Down itself, there are lots of opportunities for longer walks in the vicinity. Follow the link below for further information.
Car Parking
Entry is FREE but car parking charges apply, £3.00 with tickets valid all day. There are no concessions.
There are three car park ticket machines; two cashless, one cash only.
Friends and Members are entitled to free parking and receive a car sticker which must be displayed. There are three disabled parking bays.
Please be aware that access to the car park is limited to vehicles less than 2.1 m in height.
Accessibility
As well as the three disabled parking spaces, there is step-free access to North Down with seats close to both of the gates from the car park. There are mown paths so that visitors can walk easily to the top of Little Trees Hill, or use a wheelchair or mobility scooter. There are a number of seats spread across the top of Little Trees Hill providing views across North Down and to Cambridge beyond.
Dog Walking
Dogs are welcome but you must keep them on leads at all times except where indicated on off-lead paths. Clear signs are given, please follow them or look on the map on the Noticeboard. As recommended in the Countryside Code, dogs must be under control at all times. At times, sheep are grazed in the paddocks and extra care must be taken to control dogs. Dog bins are provided across the site.
In addition to the many paths within the site, there are two dog play areas where dogs can be exercised off lead, if you are comfortable about retaining control of your dog. Fairfield and Bagfield, both near the car park, are indicated on the map displayed on the noticeboard and here.
Location
Magog Down is located on the Gog Magog Hills just south of Cambridge and is signposted off the A1307 and Haverhill Road. Nearest postcode to the entrance is CB22 5FX (i.e. for Gog Magog Cottages). [Google maps gives CB22 3AE but this is incorrect.] Grid reference – TL48628 53190. If using the What3words app (gives location details down to a 3m square), the car park entrance reference is – ///casual.infringe.warns.
Further details
Health & Safety
All visitors should follow the general advice given in the Countryside Code. In addition, there is some specific Health and Safety advice for Magog Down which people should be aware of before visiting the site.