UK Staycations are definitely something most people are planning for 2021. One of the most popular weekend trips in the UK is a weekend in Cambridge. The City of Cambridge is synonymous with history, art and culture. Home to a prestigious university and nestled on the beautiful River Cam, there’s a lot to discover in this popular getaway spot.
As a family, we love a good city break, whether that’s on a UK staycation or a European city break. Why not check out my top tips for enjoying a city break with kids.
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative guest post. Thanks to those who contributed useful links and images.
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Getting to Cambridge
Cambridge is a city in the east of England, located approximately 50 miles (80 kilometres) north of London. Cambridge is easily accessible by train, with regular services from London and other major UK cities. It is also well-connected by road, with the M11 motorway running to the west of the city. Additionally, Cambridge has its own international airport, located about 30 minutes away from the city centre.
Cambridge couldn’t be easier to get to, with many opting to jump on a train – the station is then a short walk into the city centre. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find yourself immersed in a city buzzing with character – and one that’s hard to leave. There are so many fun things to do on family days out in Cambridgeshire in general, but if you’re heading directly for a weekend in Cambridge, here are some of the things we recommend you put on your list.
Cambridge Is Full Of Culture
On a weekend in Cambridge, you’ll soak up the rich culture everywhere you turn. With 31 colleges, endless independent bars and restaurants, and a host of quirky shops, there’s no end of attractions to keep you amused.
Take a wander around Cambridge Market and grab a fresh juice, browse books and records or pick up locally-designed jewellery. The All Saints Craft Market also sells jewellery, as well as pottery, photography, paintings and clothing. The Arts Quarter around Bene’t Street offers up great eateries, homeware shops and theatres, plus live events venue Cambridge Corn Exchange. Head to Magdalene Street for a spot of indulgent shopping, or the picturesque Green Street for an array of independent retailers dotted amongst the high street brands.
Of course, the city is also home to The Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the most famous folk festivals in the world. It also hosts Strawberry Fair, a local festival of music, entertainments, arts and crafts.
Explore The History In Cambridge
Cambridge’s University colleges are steeped in history and include Trinity College which was founded by Henry VIII, and King’s, famed for its towering Gothic chapel.
Unsurprisingly, with such a fascinating past, Cambridge is home to countless museums, with The Fitzwiliam at the top of most tourists’ “must visit” list. Its grand, imposing exterior leads through to a world-class collection of more than half a million artefacts from around the globe. If you’re still hungry for more, the Museum of Cambridge houses 300 years of the city’s history, crammed with objects related to the daily lives and traditions of locals.
And there’s plenty more still. Head to the Sedgewick Museum of Earth Sciences for all things geology, explore two million years of human history at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology or try Kettle’s Yard, a beautiful house with an impressive collection of 20th Century art.
Enjoy Nature and the Outdoors on a weekend in Cambridge
Complete your wholesome trip to Cambridge by exploring its great outdoors. Many of the colleges you have to pay to enter, but even without doing so you can get a great impression of the stunning architecture and their manicured lawns.
Take a wander along the River Cam and park up for a picnic in Alexandra Gardens or Midsummer Common. And of course, you can’t visit the city without hiring a punt – a flat-bottomed boat propelled by pushing a long pole off the river bed – and venturing up the river. And if you are looking for more fun things to do, our friends from Experience Days offer various exciting experiences in Cambridge.
Here are 5 More Things To Do In Cambridge, perfect for families, girl friends, or a weekend city break.
Here are 5 fun things to do in Cambridge:
- Visit the University of Cambridge: Cambridge is famous for its world-renowned university, which is home to stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. You can take a tour of the various colleges and explore their impressive history and culture.
- Punting on the River Cam: Punting is a traditional activity in Cambridge that involves navigating a small boat along the River Cam using a long pole. It’s a relaxing and enjoyable way to take in the sights of the city and its many bridges.
- Explore the Cambridge Museums: Cambridge has a range of interesting museums covering everything from science and technology to art and history. The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology are just a few examples.
- Visit the Botanic Garden: The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a beautiful 40-acre garden with a diverse range of plants from around the world. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy nature, and there are often events and exhibitions taking place.
- Enjoy the local food and drink: Cambridge has a vibrant food and drink scene, with a wide range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs. You can sample local specialities like the Chelsea bun, the Cambridge burnt cream, and the famous Cambridge gin.
So, what will you do first on your weekend in Cambridge? As a family, we love to explore the cities we visit by various modes of transportation; one of our favourites is a boat ride on the river so that’s definitely on our list.
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