With city and countryside, the county offers the best of both worlds. Discover more with our ideas for spring days out in Cambridgeshire.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
1 Brookside, Cambridge, CB2 1JE
Discover plants from all over the world in 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses. Expect pretty seasonal flowers and a programme of events throughout the year. Guided garden tours are available every Sunday, May to September.
IWM Duxford
Duxford, Cambridge, CB22 4QR
A great day out for all. Explore atmospheric exhibitions and aircrafts. The museum is set within a historic site where you can learn about Duxford’s role in the First World War, Second World War and the Cold War. Coincide your trip with one of the seasonal events. Events are hugely popular and must be booked in advance.
Oliver Cromwell’s House
29 St Mary’s St, Ely CB7 4HF
One of Ely’s key visitor attractions, Oliver Cromwell’s House, has recently re-opened its doors after a refurbishment made possible by funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development through the Cambridgeshire Fens LEADER programme, co-ordinated by Cambridgeshire ACRE.
The former home of the Lord Protector and Ely’s most famous resident now boasts a completely re-vamped Civil War Exhibition with impressive interactive displays and interpretation. There is also a new timeline and family tree to provide more engaging content about this complex man who killed a King, but refused the crown.Visitors will have the opportunity to try on costumes and try out the games of the time but will also have the chance to truly experience what life was like on the battle fields during the English Civil War in the new mini encampment.
A day out in Whittlesey
Sitting on the very western edge of the Fens, close to the city of Peterborough, the town has an interesting maze of streets with a mix of architecture spanning several centuries. The Buttercross in the Market Place is one of the most striking buildings and a reminder of Whittlesey’s rich trading and agricultural history. Stop by on a Friday for its busy market. For architecture visit its two churches, both close to the town centre. The Church of St Mary is famous for its glorious spire supported on elegant flying buttresses from the massive tower below.
Punting on the River Cam
Quayside, Cambridge
When the sun shines, there’s nothing better than taking to Cambridge’s river to explore the city from the water. Punt tours and self-hire punts are available to hire from the Quayside in Cambridge. Tour guides are knowledgeable and offer a great insight into Cambridge’s history. Read our guide to punting in Cambridge.
Jesus Green
Chesterton Road, Cambridge
This riverside park is the perfect venue to relax, picnic, walk, or play sport. Jesus Green’s outdoor swimming pool is situated in idyllic surroundings and close to the river. There are floral displays and an Avenue of London Planes, planted in 1890, which dominates the central walkway. Plan your visit.
Museum of Cambridge
Castle Street, Cambridge
Discover the real story of Cambridge and its people through this fascinating Museum of Cambridge life. Housed in a 17th century timber framed building which was the White Horse Inn for more than 300 years, this family-friendly museum displays a wealth of Cambridge tradition and history. The museum hosts a number of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year and offers regular family and children’s activities and trails.
Wandlebury Country Park
Much-loved by generations of Cambridge families is Wandlebury Country Park – some 45ha of tranquil woods and chalk grassland. West of the city on the edge of Coton village is The Countryside Reserve; a working farm, offering some 120ha of pasture and agricultural land with diverse wildlife habitats, routes for walkers, cyclists, joggers and more. Both areas are owned and cared for by charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB
For an intellectual outing, The Fitzwilliam Museum is home to a world-renowned collection of over half a million wonderful works of art, masterpiece paintings and historical artefacts. The museum is home to a large collection of objects ranging from Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities to the arts of the present day.
Drop by to visit one of the finest collections of paintings, drawings and prints in Britain, along with Asian art, medieval manuscripts, collections of applied arts, pottery, porcelain and medieval coins. As a UK leader in fine-art conservation the Fitzwilliam doesn’t disappoint the curious. Even better it’s free to visit for all.
The Backs
Queen’s Road, Cambridge
The Cambridge Backs is a stretch of reclaimed land, which runs along the back of the riverside colleges. It provides stunning views throughout the year, and is covered with a blanket of daffodils and crocuses during the spring.
Peterborough Cathedral
Peterborough, PE1 1XS
Peterborough Cathedral is situated in beautiful surroundings in the heart of the cosmopolitan city centre. As well as still operating as a thriving Christian Church, today the cathedral offers a wide array of activity including an interactive exhibition, fascinating historic and Cathedral tower tours, an exciting mix of arts and crafts based events, and a popular coffee shop.
Nene Park
Peterborough PE2 5UR
Only a few minutes from the city centre of Peterborough is the glorious Nene Park. Stretching out for over six miles along the River Nene, this is the perfect spot for picnics, bird watching, walking, cycling, riding, sailing and golf.
Grantchester
Grantchester Meadows is a beautiful location for a spring walk. Follow the footpath along the river taking in country views and free roaming cows. On warm days the river is alive with activity. Sunbathers and picnics line the banks. Kayakers and paddle-boarders take to the water, while others swim and children splash and swing from the tree ropes.
Grantchester with its mostly calm, clean water is one of the best spots for wild swimming in Cambridgeshire. The water is easily accessible at the meadow entrance by The Red Lion pub, which is also a great spot for lunch. Alternatively pack a picnic and laze on the grass or stop by the Orchard Tearoom. Plan your visit to Grantchester.
