Cambridge is an unbelievable place and is world renowned for its University, but it is more than just a highly educated student location. There are some amazing things to do in Cambridge, from adventure and adrenaline fuelled activities to relaxing breaks.
Also, I will be visiting here once a month from now on, therefore you can expect me to add a fair few activities and experiences to this list!
1) King’s College & Chapel
King Henry VI founded the King’s College back in 1441 and it is an absolute must if you are in the area. There is a huge expanse of lawns, meaning it is a great place to stop for lunch and maybe a picnic.
You can book a ticket online, so you can skip the queues on the day, while if you happen to be a Cambridge University student then you’re allowed to access for free.
The chapel is fortunately wheelchaire accessible, while you can take photos inside, but just make sure to turn off the flash (or you may get a dirty look from security).
2) The University of Cambridge
I could hardly write this list without mentioning the University! It has some stunning architecture and beautifully kept gardens, having been founded in 1209.
You should make sure to check out Trinity, St John’s and King’s, as it’s actually 30 colleges collectively, so quite a fair amount to check out. You can walk around the courts, explore the endless books in the library and admire the gardens. Do be aware that there are certain visiting hours, while the doors will most likely be closed during exam times.
3) Punting
It shouldn’t be a surprise that this is one of the most popular and best selling activities in Cambridge. You can go punting along the river Cam, passing the colleges and under the famous bridge.
This will normally last about an hour, while it often comes along with a guide who can share stories and the history of the area. But if you’d rather take control, you can just hire the boat and do the punting yourself, this is cheaper but will take some getting used to, I’d rather someone guide me!
You will commonly start around the Quayside area, but there is a calmer alternative which is on Mill Lane. Make sure to check the weather forecast before planning this out, while you tend to get calmer water in the mornings (generally), plus fewer boats passing by.
4) Cambridge Market
Having been around since the middle ages, this has to make it onto the list if you are visiting over the weekend. Whether its buying a souvenir, getting some new clothes or trying some handmade cheese, there is a huge amount to see at Market Square.
The market is actually open every day of the week, so you’re not limited to a Sunday like many other markets, but Sunday does tend to be the most lively I find. Remember to get out some cash as not every stall takes cards, this is changing with time, but you don’t want to be caught short when buying something tasty.
5) Fitzwilliam Museum
Not just is this a free attraction, it previously won the award as the best free attraction in the whole of East England. With more than half a million art pieces, it can be no surprise that the Fitzwilliam museum is held in such high regard.
Founded in 1816, the museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays, but with a later opening time on Sundays of 12-5pm. You can also stop off at the cafe at the end to enjoy some coffee and look over any items you picked up at the gift shop.
6) River Boat Cruise
The best thing about the river cruise is you can book an afternoon tea brunch on the boat, meaning scones, jam and cream, the perfect British treat. These have however proven popular in recent times with hen parties, so they won’t always be as quiet and calm as you might be hoping for.
While punting adds an element of beauty, you can travel a lot quicker on a boat cruising through all the sights, while enjoying some food if you book it as a package deal. The trip should last around 45-60 minutes. Remember to bring clothing for both weather types, as you don’t want to be caught out if it’s cold.
7) The Mathematical Bridge
In case you get confused, its proper name is the Wooden Bridge, but most will call it the mathematical bridge. You may hear a story that due to its design there are no nuts and bolts involved, but this is actually just a myth that spread like wild fire. This is definitely a photo opp.
Built from straight timber wood, there is technically no bent part, using geometric patterns to create the arch. You may also hear this being called the Queens Bridge, as technically that is the official name, but nobody really calls it that.
8) The Corpus Clock
This looks like something out of a nightmare or a Tim Burton movie, but its something you should have on your list, even if only for a five minute look and move on. I do love the creative design, even if it creeps me out.
You will find this outside the Taylor lobrary, while at first glance you may just notice the gold plated clock. Whoop de doo, what’s so special about that? It’s the evil looking grasshopper on the top that makes this a horror must-see. You may also notice there are no traditional clock markings, the time is shown by lights being shone on the clock in blue.
9) Bubble Football
Xtreme are partly based in Cambridge, meaning this is one of their hometowns (the owner Dan used to play for Cambridge United). Bubble football can be played in a school gym area or outside on a field, depending on your preference and what you book. Make sure not to do this on a hangover day though!
They will run through a number of activities, those that involve football (five a side) and those that don’t (British Bulldog). It is really fun to charge into your mates, but be aware, you can get some serious whiplash if both go headfirst into each other and the other person is 6 foot 5…Saying this from personal experience.
10) FootGolf
This one might sound a bit odd, but it’s so much fun! You play on a golf course where they have dug out bigger holes that perfectly fit the ball. You then kick it as hard as you can towards the holes, which are a far stretch from your shooting position. It’s one you have to play once in your lifetime.
Cambridge FootGolf can be found at the Milton Park Golf Course, providing you with either 9 or 18 holes, depending on how long you want your game to be. Make sure to wear trainers on the day. You may spot a few stag groups on the course, but they’re always respectful (surprisingly), most likely due to this being popular early or midday.
11) Wakeboarding
This might not be something you will find on most lists of Cambridge, but wakeboarding is amazing fun and readily available in this town, so make sure to pack some trunks. The minimum age for this is seven, while all equipment is provided.
You can book yourself a starter session if you’ve never tried this before. I found tucking in your elbows and locking them in as hard as you can was the trick for me. You want to go when the water isn’t freezing, so generally August to October is ideal. Of course, it also depends on the temperature outside of the water, so try to aim for a warm day.
12) Cocktail Making
From Las Iguanas to Revolutions, there are plenty of places where you can give cocktail making a try. If you opt for the corporate option at Revolutions, you can start with an Espresso Martini rather than a nasty blue drink. This is a very popular group activity and a great way to start a night.
These are popular for birthdays and hen parties, largely as you tend to need a minimum of eight people to book this, therefore it won’t work if you’re just looking for an activity with your partner. The cocktail workshops tend to last between 90-120 minutes, while you may get food included in some of them, worth having so the group don’t get too drunk too quickly.
13) Cambridge University Botanic Garden
More so than the University itself, the gardens will leave you amazed and relaxed in equal measure. There are over 8,000 different plant species on offer, so this is a great place to stop for a picnic or to generally look around.
14) The Eagle Pub
I think it’s good to include a great pub on a list of things to do, but rather than this pub being outstanding, I actually wanted to highlight it as it is the location of choice for many great minds over the years, including where Crick and Watson discovered DNA!
Found on Bene’t’s street, you will find markings on the wall, which were actually left by WWII airmen, which is fascinating and really grounding. They used multiple formats, whether it’s with candle smoke or matches to burn it into the wall.
You can expect your usual pub grub here, so fish and chips or a burger, unfortunately it’s owned by Greene King so the food is never spectacular.
15) Go On A Food Tour
This combines a walking tour through the town with trying the best dishes on offer, including locally sourced foods and independent businesses. They will also stop you off to try the best fish and chips in town, a classic!
Remember that the portion sizes are relatively small, but you do get quite a few, so you want to arrive hungry and eager to try some new dishes. Also, you can expect to do a good 6-10k steps, therefore you should wear comfortable shoes.
