As part of our ‘Summer in the City’ June special we explore the thriving city of Cambridge. From eating and drinking to arts and cuture, this is the ultimate guide to making the most of the city this summer.
Cambridge has the edge when it comes to beauty, history and culture. Elegant yet compact, it boasts spectacular architecture in the shape of colleges, chapels, churches and courtyards combined with green parks, wide open spaces and the River Cam, which winds through its heart.
Things to do
Learning as always been central to the city, home to the University of Cambridge and its 31 colleges. You can shop within sight of the magnificent turrets of King’s College Chapel, see wisteria that would rival Kew Gardens climbing the walls of Jesus College, and sit in The Eagle pub where Crick and Watson famously sketched the structure of DNA.
Culture abounds in the shape of museums, galleries, theatres, art centres and festivals, with programmes to stimulate, inspire and entertain. The Fitzwilliam Museum on Trumpington Street houses almost half a million objects and is hailed as ‘one of the great treasure houses of Britain’. See everything from Egyptian coffins to impressionist masterpieces, and rare coins to Asian arts.
Cambridge is home to a truly fantastic selection of shops and stores. From quality independent boutiques, situated along quaint, winding streets to famous high street names located in upmarket shopping centres, Cambridge really does cater for everyone. The city also boasts a bustling seven-day-a-week market. From Monday to Saturday on Market Square you will find a great selection of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to books, flowers, jewellery, clothes and fresh fish. On Sundays the market square plays host to an arts & crafts and local produce market. Pop along to St John’s Street on a Saturday and you will also find All Saints Garden Arts and Crafts Market.
Punting along ‘The Backs’ or up towards the village of Grantchester is an essential part of any visitor’s trip to Cambridge. You can hire your own punt or hop on board one of the many chauffeured punts if you feel like taking things easy.
Cambridge is famous for its University and many beautiful colleges are all within easy walking distance of the city centre. Many of the colleges open their doors to allow the public to see their magnificent buildings and beautiful gardens. The best way to see the colleges is to book an Official Guided Walking Tour, available to book online at www.visitcambridge.org/official-tours or through the city’s Tourist Information Centre – which can be found just off the Market Square.
Food & Drink
Cambridge boasts a delicious choice of places to eat and drink. For a romantic dinner for two, why not choose an intimate brasserie dining setting at one of Cambridge’s many hotels, including the Hotel du Vin & Bistro, or an extravagant fine dining experience at some of the region’s best Michelin Starred restaurants, such as Midsummer House located on the edge of the Midsummer Common.
For something a little less formal, you can dine at some of the vibrant and bustling inner city pubs, bars and restaurants such as D’Arry’s Cookhouse on King Street or Smokeworks on Free School Lane.
For those of you that enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea or barista coffee, Cambridge has some of the best venues around, from charming tea rooms such as Auntie’s Teashop to quaint coffee shops, spilling out onto the bustling Market Square, lining King’s Parade or tucked away in quiet back streets.
What’s on
Although Cambridge is a city for all seasons, during the summer months it sizzles with al fresco performances of music in the parks and green spaces as part of the annual Summer in the City programme of events. This summer is no exception with Jazz in the Park on Jesus Green; Midsummer Fair and The Big Weekend, three days and nights of free music and family entertainment on Parker’s Piece.
Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world. It has become hugely popular attracting ten thousand people, many of whom return year after year.
Strawberry Fair is the free music and arts festival in the heart of Cambridge. Each year, on the first Saturday of June, Midsummer Common is transformed into a visual extravaganza where fair-goers of all ages enjoy an abundance of activities and entertainment.
The Cambridge Shakespeare Festival is an eight-week tour-de-force of Elizabethan drama performed in the unique settings of Cambridge University’s private gardens.
During the summer holidays Cambridge BID are organising a jam-packed programme of creative activities, events and trails for the family to enjoy, including face painting and street entertainment at the weekends and during late night shopping on Wednesdays. For a full schedule, please keep checking www.cambridgebid.co.uk which will be updated regularly.
Getting around
Whilst you are visiting, don’t forget to pop into the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) on Pea’s Hill where the knowledgeable staff can help plan your visit to Cambridge. In the TIC you can get expert information about everything to do with Cambridge and the surrounding areas – enquire about public transport, buy discounted chauffeured punt tickets, purchase coach tickets and if you fancy staying more than a day in this beautiful city they can help you book your overnight accommodation.
Getting into Cambridge during the summer months could not be easier as we have one on the most advanced Park & Ride services in the country, operating 7 days a week across five sites. There is also the Guided Bus way, which provides fast, and easy access into historic centre.
