Things to do in Cambridge

Cambridge, nestled in the heart of East Anglia, offers a myriad of activities to suit every taste. History enthusiasts can explore the impressive Cambridge University colleges, steeped in centuries of academic excellence, or wander through the charming streets of the city centre.

Art aficionados will delight in the city's vibrant cultural scene, with must-visit spots like the Fitzwilliam Museum showcasing both contemporary and classical artwork. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the nearby River Cam provides opportunities for punting, kayaking, and leisurely walks along its picturesque banks. Foodies will relish the eclectic culinary scene, from traditional British gastropubs serving hearty meals to quaint tearooms offering homemade treats.

And no visit to Cambridge would be complete without experiencing its renowned academic atmosphere; explore the historic colleges, visit the iconic King's College Chapel, or attend a lecture or concert in one of the university's lecture halls. Whether exploring its rich academic heritage, enjoying the scenic beauty of the River Cam, indulging in culinary delights, or immersing oneself in its vibrant cultural scene, Cambridge promises an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

Fun Activities

No visit to Cambridge would be compete without a trip down the river in a traditional punt at the Traditional Punting Company, which are very similar to the ones you see in Venice. You can choose between self-punting or a chauffeured tour, and to be honest punting is not the easiest skill to master, so we recommend the second option! It’s a great way to see the sites from the river and avoid the city-centre crowds.

If you’ve got a head for heights and want to enjoy Cambridge from the air, you can book a pleasure flight on a genuine World War II Tiger Moth, and you even get to wear the flying jacket, helmet and goggles! As well as the above, Cambridge as a hugh list of activities and days out which includes, Canoeing, Kayaking, Paintball, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Off-Road Driving, Go Karting, plus much more.

Eating Out

If you’ve got a sweet tooth then you’ve come to the right place: you can get a ‘chocolate shot’ from gourmet hot spot Chocolat Choclat, a pot of melted chocolate with fresh strawberries to dip. Fiztbillies on Trumpington Street and Bridge Street has been around since the 1920s and is also known for sweet treats, especially their Chelsea Buns, which are the cause of many a queue. For something more savory, head to The Pint Shop, which featured in The Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants in 2017, for one of their famous Scotch eggs.

Culture Vulture

With so many college buildings dotted around the city, the best way to see them all and get a good overview of their history is to hop on a guided bus tour. A great free cultural destination is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is home to a fantastic collection of arts and antiquities. Just make sure you don’t follow in the footsteps of the hapless visitor who accidentally tripped and smashed not one but three oriental vases!

After Dark

When it comes to Cambridge nightlife, you could keep your options option and check out Cambridge Junction, which has three event spaces hosting comedy, dance, theatrical and live music performances. If you’re more of a pub person there’s loads of established establishments to chose from, including The Eagle, where Crick and Watson celebrated their ground-breaking discovery of DNA.

Something a bit different…

Have you ever thought about running away with the circus? Now you can learn the tricks of the trade! Cambridge Community Circus teaches all sorts of circus arts, from juggling to unicycling to trapeze. Their main practice is held on a Sunday and they welcome both members and newcomers. They also offer more intensive aerial skills workshops if you wanted to challenge yourself.

After you have been to the community circus and learned some new tricks, then download one of the self guided walks from Curious About to carry on exploring the city of Cambridge which is far more than just an old University. We hope that you enjoyed reading our article for Things to do in Cambridge and you can see that there is plenty to do on a day trip or a city break weekend.