Area Overview for Oakington and Westwick

Local shop, Longstanton Road, Oakington, Cambs in Oakington and Westwick
Road from Longstanton in Oakington and Westwick
Oakington Post Office & Stores in Oakington and Westwick
Shop redevelopment, Oakington in Oakington and Westwick
Lowbury Crescent in Oakington in Oakington and Westwick
Dry Drayton Road, Oakington in Oakington and Westwick
Southern Access Road for Northstowe in Oakington and Westwick
Local shop and post office, Oakington in Oakington and Westwick
Oakington: Lowbury Crescent in Oakington and Westwick
New road to Northstowe in Oakington and Westwick
New road and roundabout in Oakington and Westwick
White Horse, Oakington in Oakington and Westwick
41 photos from this area

Area Information

Oakington and Westwick is a small rural civil parish in South Cambridgeshire, extending over an area of 7.4 km². Located approximately seven miles north-west of Cambridge, the parish was formed in 1985 by merging the former separate settlements of Oakington and Westwick. Today, the combined population stands at approximately 1,400 residents. You will find a community with deep historical roots, where archaeological evidence suggests possible settlement during the Palaeolithic era, and Roman pottery shards indicate habitation from the 2nd to the 4th century AD. The parish retains significant historical structures, including the 12th-century church that served as the focal point of early Oakington and Westwick Hall, built by the Linton family in the 1850s and 1860s. The Queens Way recreation ground marks the site of an early Anglo-Saxon graveyard discovered in 1938. Beck Brook crosses the landscape, spanned by Westwick Bridge, which has seen various reconstructions since its first recorded mention in 1279. Northstowe now borders the parish, having received land transferred from Oakington and Westwick to enable its formation as a new town in 2021. Living in Oakington and Westwick means inhabiting a place where history, nature, and modern development intersect. The parish offers quiet country living close to Cambridge, situated alongside former railway lines now converted into a guided bus and cycleway. This connectivity provides access to the wider region while maintaining a distinct rural character.

Area Type
Parish
Area Size
7.4 km²
Population
Not available
Population Density
Not available

Demographics

The community in Oakington and Westwick is characterised by an older demographic profile. The median age for residents is 70, indicating a significant presence of older adults within the neighbourhood. While specific data on the most common age range is not detailed beyond the median figure, the high median age suggests families with young children are fewer in number compared to older households. Approximately 77 per cent of all residents own their homes, reflecting a settlement where property ownership is the norm rather than the exception. This high ownership rate implies a stable resident base who have put down roots over many years. The parish functions as a close-knit community where long-term occupation is evident in the housing stock. Accommodation types and household composition figures are available only as aggregate categories in the data, pointing to a traditional rural living arrangement. You will find that the local environment supports an older lifestyle, with the presence of historic buildings like Westwick Hall and conservation areas contributing to the setting. The low crime risk further supports a peaceful life for retirees and elderly residents. With a population of around 1,400, the parish offers a small, manageable environment where neighbours know each other. The demographic reality means you should expect a quieter, less transient atmosphere compared to larger towns or growing cities nearby.

Household Size

total
most common

Accommodation Type

total
most common

Tenure

77
majority

Ethnic Group

total
most common

Religion

total
most common

Household Composition

total
most common

Age

70
median
Age: Total
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

45
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
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  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
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  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
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  • Protected Nature Reserve
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  • Protected Woodland
    Premium
  • Crime Risk
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Open Planning map

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oakington and Westwick suitable for families with young children?
While the parish has a median age of 70 and only 1,400 residents, meaning fewer young families currently live there, the area is located seven miles from Cambridge. You find 77 per cent home ownership rates, suggesting stability. The Queens Way recreation ground provides outdoor space. However, the high median age means schools near Westwick may serve a different demographic. Parents must check specific school catchment areas in South Cambridgeshire as the parish fits a small rural profile rather than a childcare hub.
What is the situation with internet speeds for working from home in Oakington and Westwick?
The digital landscape presents a clear divide. Mobile coverage scores 84 out of 100, offering strong signal for phones. Conversely, fixed broadband quality scores only 30 out of 100. This low score indicates poor fixed line speeds. You may struggle with upstream speeds required for video conferencing or large file transfers. Verify current Fibre availability with providers before buying, as the infrastructure lags behind mobile capabilities in this rural parish.
Does Oakington and Westwick have a train station or direct services to Cambridge?
There is no direct railway service within the parish. The Oakington railway station opened in 1848 but closed in 1970. The line now serves as a guided bus and cycleway. Travel to Cambridge, located seven miles south-east, requires a bus or car. The nearest major city outside of Cambridge is also distant. Relying on a private vehicle is the most practical option for commuters based in Oakington and Westwick.
Is flood risk a concern for buyers in Oakington and Westwick?
Yes, this is a primary environmental consideration. The parish holds a critical flood risk level with a score of 40.56 out of 100. This indicates high flood risk coverage across the area. While crime risk is low with a score of 82 out of 100, you must independently check flood maps for specific properties. The parish lacks planning constraints like AONB or protected woodland, but the flood potential remains a significant factor to weigh against the low crime environment.

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