Things to Do in Cambridge

Life in Cambridge can start to feel quite repetitive at times. So make sure to take time out for yourself, and explore life outside of the bubble. Here is a list of fun things to do:

1. Walk to Grantchester


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This scenic walk through Grantchester Meadows (and occasionally through a herd of cows), takes 45 minutes. When you make it to Grantchester, there is the Orchard Tea Rooms if you fancy a scone or lovely old fashioned pubs like The Green Man if you prefer a hearty meal. You can also bike to Grantchester which takes 15 mins.

2. Milton country park


http://www.miltoncountrypark.org/

You can bike to Milton Country park, which takes 20 minutes. The best way to get there is to bike by the river. There you can walk through the forest round the lake, and even paddle board on the lake when the weather is nice.

3. Botanic Gardens


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A 2-minute walk from Downing and free entry for students. Enjoy a nice walk through the gardens, and visit the glass houses, full of exotic plants.

4. Bike/walk by the river


http://www.ravenbrook.com/

Bike through Midsummer Common, and follow the river. In the summer, it’s a nice place to stop of with a picnic and watch the rowers pass by. This is also the place to go to watch bumps in Lent and Easter.

5. Fitzwilliam museum


http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/

Free entry. Have a wonder round Cambridge’s most beautiful museum, which contains a vast variety of collections from Egyptian mummies to famous paintings. Check out here website, for more information on what’s on.

6. Punting


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Discounted punting rates at Scudamore’s since Downing is part of the Punting Scheme. So make sure to make the most of it!

7. Espresso Library


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Wide range of coffees and teas, and vegan cakes. Great place to study, that is always full of rowers and bikers.

8. Rooftop bar


http://www.bluebadgestyle.com/

The Varsity hotel has a great rooftop bar. It’s a bit pricey but worth it for the view. Open all year round, and they even provide blankets when it’s cold!

9. Jazz at Hot Numbers (Gwydir street)


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Hot Numbers on Gwydir street off Mill road, as well as having great coffee and vegan cakes also has live music regularly. Another great places to study. Check out their events timetable.

10. Clare Jazz

Clare Jazz is a live jazz night operating out of the intimate cellars of Clare College. They promote Cambridge talent, whilst also bringing in the hottest, rising stars from the London scene and beyond, four times a term. Find out about their upcoming events here.​

11. Board games at 2648

 
www.localsecrets.com

Located in the town centre. As well as having great cocktail you can enjoy a wide variety of board games with friends.

12. Swimming pool and slide at Parkside


http://www.cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk/

Fancy a swim? Or a fun day at the pool, going down slides or jumping on inflatables? Check out the timetable here.

13. Rock climbing at Kelsey Kerridge


www.alpkit.com

Kelsey Kerridge is just across Parker’s piece. Try out bouldering for only £3.40 at off peak times or £4.30 at peak times. Find out more here.

14. View Cambridge from the top of St Mary’s church


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Every seen Cambridge from up high? You can go to the top of St Mary’s Tower for only £3.40! Great place to go when family and friends are visiting and you want to show them Cambridge.

15.View Cambridge from castle hill


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Another great view of Cambridge is from Castle hill. Best place to watch the sunset over Cambridge.

16. Christ’s film night

Christ College have a film night every Saturday at 21:00. This is the next best thing to the cinema! For only £4. See what film nights are on here.

17. Music concerts at Corn Exchange


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Find out what concerts are coming up soon at Corn Exchange here.

18. Music concerts at the Junction


www.junction.co.uk

Find out what concerts are coming up soon at the Junction here.

19. Kings’ Choir


http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/

Go watch Kings’ choir. On at 17:30 Monday to Saturday and 15:30 on Sunday. Free entry for students, and you can get to skip the tourist queue.

20. Enjoy a play at the ADC theater and the Corpus playroom

Check out upcoming plays at the ADC and the Corpus Playroom here

21. Ballroom/Latin drop in classes with Cambridge Dancers’ Club

Why not try something new? Ballroom/Latin drop in classes are run throughout term by Cambridge Dancers’ club. Find the timetable here. £8 for non members, £4 for members.

22. Pembroke brunch

Famously known as the best brunch in Cambridge! Brunch is served during weekends between 10am and 1:15pm.

Winter Time

1. Ice skating in the winter (Parker’s piece)


http://herts.muddystilettos.co.uk/

Go ice skating on Parker’s piece in the winter term. Find out more here

Summer Time

2. Outdoor swimming pool - Jesus Green


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Enjoy a refreshing swim, in Cambridge’s own outdoor pool on Jesus Green. Find out about opening times here.

3. Kayak/canoe to Grantchester


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Get your canoe/kayak from Scudamore’s at the end of Mill lane, and canoe/kayak to Grantchester. Discounted prices since Downing is part of the Scudamore Punting Scheme.

4. Go to the beach for under £10 (Old Hunstanton)


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Fancy a trip to the beach? Get the train from Cambridge to King’s Lynn, then the coast hopper bus, and stop off at Old Hunstanton. There and back for under £10 with a railcard.