North Bretton has the larger population and is home to the industrial estates and most leisure facilities as well as the Crematorium.

Bretton Centre's main building is The Cresset multi-purpose venue, holding a large stage and seating, shops, a church, children's entertainment and places to eat.

The deer park is within a short walk of South Bretton, as is Milton Hall (the largest private residence in Cambridgeshire) and dates back to the 16th century.

At the time of the 2001 census, Bretton parish had a population of 12,689 people – 6,160 males and 6,529 females living in 5,191 households.

The IQRA academy, an independent secondary school for Muslim girls is established in North Bretton.

The Thomas Cook Group head office was in North Bretton but relocated to a new building across the city.

Bretton is home to The Cresset, a theatre which also contains other leisure facilities, the Fayre Spot pub, library, Pre-school, Holy Spirit CE church, independent shops, a gym and YMCA flats.

There are many cycleways and pathways within Bretton and easy access to the open countryside for lovers of outdoor life.