You don’t have to be a cleverclogs to visit this beautiful city; famous university aside, Cambridge boasts a wealth of museums, restaurants and bars that are buzzing with tourists and locals alike. From sightseeing stunning architecture (think Gothic chapels and the towering Great St Mary's) to punting under the 18th-century Mathematical bridge stretching over the River Cam, there are plenty of things to do in Cambridge.
Dine At A Scrumptious Restaurant
We don’t know about you, but perusing pretty landmarks makes us hungry and when the time comes for lunch, we love having a list of options at the ready to suit our mood. If refined Michelin star dining is your thing, then book a table at Midsummer House to wolf down seasonal British plates as part of a multi-course £250 tasting menu, set in a Victorian villa overlooking the River Cam. For a laid-back affair, head to Cambridge Chophouse in the city centre to devour a Sunday roast of sirloin, pork belly or chicken with all the trimmings. Sushi more your style? Then make the award-winning KIBOU your dinner destination to munch on dragon rolls (£19.90), wagyu truffle nigiri (£32) and takoyaki (£10.50) among cherry blossom trees and authentic murals.
You won't be going hungry as Cambridge's food scene has lots to offer.
Hit Up A Secret Cocktail Bar
If you’ve come for date night, check out one of its many slinky cocktail bars. Hidden Rooms is a former Victorian Roman Baths that shares its gorgeous Grade II-listed, neo-classical building with the famous Cambridge University Pitt Club. Here you can sip innovative tipples such as the Clearspresso Martini (£22), made with see-through organic coffee, or a Truffle Negroni (£20). Other tempting haunts include the 1920s-inspired The LAB, serving science-themed quaffs like the tequila and Tabasco-based JJ’s Electric Juice (£10.50), and the picturesque Roof Terrace At The Varsity Hotel, specialising in twists on classics.
Head up high for panoramic views and tasty brews.
Embark On An Interactive Treasure Hunt
What better way to see the city than to set off on a city-walking adventure and interactive treasure hunt? Download the GO Quest Adventures app and unlock a hidden trial by finding clues, depicting puzzlings and completing challenges on a self-guided tour past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. You’ll set off from Great St Mary’s, wander down cobbled streets and learn fascinating facts about secret societies and castles. From £28.95 per quest, you can start your mission whenever you like and add up to five people to your team.
One of the top things to do in Cambridge, England and a way to take it all in.
Create Your Own Botanical Beverage
With The Cambridge Gin Laboratory, you can become a professor (well, sort of) of your favourite spirit and discover how to make it yourself. The pretty, interactive space offers a variety of diverse classes that include learning how to taste like a professional or blend your own bottle. Book for a brunch cocktail experience (£35), a gin and cheese pairing masterclass (£40) or a two-hour tipple-making session, where you’ll use the equipment and techniques of molecular gastronomy and be guided by an expert mixologist who just so happens to have a PhD in organic chemistry.
Gin gin: look forward to going back to school at this laboratory.
Punt Down The River Cam
One of the most popular activities in the city is punting down the famous River Cam. It’s an ideal way to see the sights, like the Mathematical Bridge, designed by William Etheridge and built in 1749 by James Essex the Younger. It’s also perfect when it comes to catching glimpses of reputable gardens without putting in all the arm-work, as you can book a tour with your knowledgeable guide who’ll paddle for you (or if you’re feeling brave, have a crack at it yourself). Most boats fit around five people, suitable for groups of friends, and whether you book in advance or simply show up, it's a quintessentially British activity worth ticking off your Cambridge bucket list.
Take a punt on this fun-filled activity while you're here.
Visit A World-Renowned Collection Of Art
Exhibitions are one of the many things to do in Cambridge for free and you’ll find plenty on Trumpington Street at The Fitzwilliam Museum. It boasts a collection of over half a million stunning works of art and artefacts that also happens to be the best in Western Europe. Striking to look at from the onset and sporting an entrance hall with a magnificent dome ceiling, it was founded in 1816 and is Grade I-listed. Among Cypriot, Japanese and Korean pieces, you’ll find works by the acclaimed Monet, Gainsborough and Picasso. Guest displays change regularly so you’ll always be inspired, with past inclusions discussing the themes of families and black Atlantic power.
From Egyptian galleries to world-famous paintings, The Fitzwilliam Museum has it all.
Mosey Around Glorious Gardens
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden offers a scenic escape from the city, with over 8,000 different types of plant species from all over the world. The green space has a rich history of curators, leading to its marvellous tree collections, featuring Californian buckeyes, Judas trees and Issac Newton’s apple tree. It also includes a herbarium collection of dried plants, a seed bank and trails designed to help visitors discover more about plants. Sign up for one of the sketching or watercolour courses or learn how to design your own garden. You’ll also find the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition taking place throughout the spring.
Blooming lovely: one of the many things to do in Cambridge, UK.
Inhale The Sandwich Of Dreams
We’re dedicating a whole paragraph to these sandwiches, they’re that good. Bread & Meat is an independent gourmet eatery nestled on Bene't Street that’s been serving luxurious sandwiches, poutine and their signature ‘bowls’. Set up in 2014 by local couple Simon and Michelle, everything is cooked on-site and sourced locally. Layered between two fresh slices of artisan sourdough ciabatta fresh from the oven, you’ll find fillings such as honey soy chicken (£10) with pickled mooli and homemade sriracha mayo, and Philly cheese steak (£10.50) with roast garlic aioli, alongside coffee from Monmouth.
Get a bread of the curve with this droolworthy sandwich shop.
Browse A Global Exhibition
Part of the University of Cambridge, Kettle’s Yard is a modern and contemporary art gallery displaying a fascinating collection of 20th-century art in the former home of founders Jim and Helen Ede. During the 1920s and 30s, Jim worked as a curator at the Tate Gallery, forming friendships with renowned artists and, as a result, accumulated paintings by the likes of Ben and Winifred Nicholson and sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. They can now be found displayed around the house, parallel to a rotating collection of fascinating, global exhibitions. Swing by between 11am and 5pm, where entry is £12 each.
Marvel at some stunning works of art at Kettle's Yard.
Check Out Some Chapels And Churches
Possibly the most recognisable building in the city, King’s College Chapel plays an integral part in Cambridge’s infrastructure. Famous for its choir concerts and equally a place of study as it is worship, the chapel is the oldest surviving building on the college site, dating back to 1441, when it was founded by Henry VI. Another pretty place of worship is the Great St Mary’s, a medieval church with a world-famous tower that’s open to the public to climb. Wander up 23 steps to enjoy 360° views of the city, then refuel with a bite to eat in its Michaelhouse café.
Cambridge's churches and chapels draw in many visitors each year.
Cool Down With An Ice Cream
Started in 2010 by Jack van Praag and now serving quite possibly the tastiest ice cream you’ll find in the beautiful city, Jack’s Gelato sees queues around the block as soon as the weather starts to heat up. Pop by the Bene’t Street and All Saints shops – you can even jump ahead of salivating civilians at the former by ordering online from its frequently rotating menu. Creative flavours have included the likes of Marmite (yes, you read that right), peanut butter and stem ginger, plus mint stracciatella. Wolf down a single scoop for £2.90, or for £6.90 bag three, and vegans will be thrilled as many of its handmade ice creams are dairy-free.
Prepare to queue for a lick of the good stuff.
Contemplate Over A Cup Of Coffee
Heading to the East of England on a whim and finding yourself in need of a cosy spot to plan your day? Do it over an honest cup of coffee at one of the city’s cute cafes. For quality over quantity, check out Bould Brothers, set up by Max and Alex Bould on Round Church Street in 2016. It boasts the simple ethos of delivering fantastic drinks and service in a charming space which has since seen them expand their bean empire to Regent Street. And we couldn’t not mention Fitzbillies, queen of the Chelsea bun since 1920 and cooking up an array of sweet treats to enjoy with a steaming cup of joe.
Buns and beans: nothing says a cute city getaway than a picturesque cafe stop.
Sneak A Glimpse Of The Corpus Clock
On the cusp of Trumpington Street, you’ll find clusters of tourists gathered around all marvelling at the same, golden statue fixed behind glass: The Corpus Clock. Nicknamed the Grasshopper Clock, it’s the largest of its kind at ground level and was unveiled to the public in 2008 by Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking. Backlit by luminous blue LEDS and boasting a face made up of 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel, a slightly ominous insect creature, called the Chronophage, sits above and appears to eat the seconds as they pass, occasionally blinking. Visit to gape at the grandeur of the invention or take an Instagram picture (but not to tell the time, as the clock is accurate only once every five minutes).
Keep your eyes peeled to clock on to this beauty.
Catch A Gig
We couldn’t compile a list of fun things to do in Cambridge for adults without mentioning Cambridge Corn Exchange. Built for corn merchants in 1864 and holding a Grade II-listed status, the entertainment hub has since evolved. From hosting roller skating, wrestling and badminton matches to lending the stage to some of the world’s biggest stars, the venue has seen the likes of David Bowie, The Who and Amy Winehouse perform. It continues to put on shows in abundance, so check the lineup and book tickets to liven up an evening in the city.
Check out this venue's amazing lineup as one of the many unique things to do in Cambridge.
The Centre For Computing History
You don’t have to be a tech genius to appreciate the breadth of The Centre For Computing History in Cambridge. It goes beyond being a haven for history and offers hands-on exhibitions, workshops and events for visitors of all ages. It aims to tell the story of the Information Age after being set up in 2006 by three friends, Jason Fitzpatrick (who owned an extensive collection of artefacts to help get it underway), Elaine Symonds and Dr Lisa McGerty. Today, as well as training sessions, it's home to over 40,000 items consisting of vintage computers, game consoles and mobile phones.
Make sure to
tech this place out with all its vintage
computers.
Looking for experiences that are out of the ordinary? Check out our Cambridge guide to quirky activities and sign up to our UK newsletter for all the latest.
