I’m often asked by tourists where they should visit when in Cambridge. It’s a small city but there are so many things to do although a general wander around the streets, darting into side streets and strolling across the bridges will elicit a wonderful afternoon as you marvel at the fact that for 500 hundred years students have been coming in and out of the colleges.
This list will expand in due course but here are a few obvious starters:
Punting – you have to do this to get the real Cambridge experience. Indeed, judging by the number of young men moonlighting as punting touts it’s hard not to. Very worthwhile it is, what better way to spend an hour or even a day, dreamily travelling up and down the river and seeing the ancient bridges and buildings from a completely different angle.
Cambridge market in the main market square – not just any old market but one that sells delightful home made bread, mends bicycles, sells freshly pressed orange juice to quench your thirst, global food stalls to stave off hunger, books for feeding the mind and records for the soul, vintage clothes, rugs, some very English vintage bric a brac and oh…I nearly forgot…antique china! On Sundays there’s a farmer’s market, and all through the week there’s a craft market in All Saints churchyard.
Cambridge University – If you’ve come to Cambridge you probably want to visit one of the colleges which make up the university. Most of them let tourists at least stroll around the grounds, though sometimes for a small charge and some may be closed at exam time. King’s College is pretty impressive and I’ve had superb recommendations about going to Evensong at the chapel. You get a breath taking view of Kings College by strolling along the backs, even better in winter when there’s less foliage on the trees to block the view. But you can also try St John’s, Trinity, Emmanuel, all of which are located in the city centre.
Museums – the biggest and best known is the Fitzwilliam museum on Trumpington Street but there is pretty much a museum for anything in Cambridge; Polar, Natural History, Folk, Geographical, Anthropological, Astronomy and er…Art. If modern art is your thing then head to Kettle’s Yard (currently being revamped so you’ll have to wait a while).
Parks – It’s a fine thing on a sunny day to hang out on Jesus Green with plenty of tennis courts, table tennis, a children’s play area and hurrah, toilet facilities. Across from Jesus Green is the more meadow like Midsummer Common which often hosts fairs and festivals. Then there’s Parker’s Piece off St Andrew’s Street, Coe Fen along one side of the Fen Causeway and Lamas Land, with a good children’s play area, along the other. My favourite though is Grantchester Meadows; hardly a park and if you’re in for a walk then it’s a lovely stroll from Coe Fen, through Lamas Land and on until you get to Grantchester were you can stop at the Orchard Rooms for tea and scones.
Shopping – I’ve already mentioned the market but if you’re looking for something more chain store style then try the Grand Arcade off the market square or the Grafton Centre. Alternatively there are boutique shops dotted around; Magdelene and Bridge Street being I think the best for these at the northern end and of course Mill Road at the southern end.
Cinemas – you probably haven’t come to Cambridge to sit in a cinema but nevertheless I personally have to recommend the Picturehouse cinema on St Andrews Street for its wonderful programme, array of different cinematic clubs including the fabulous Saturday morning Kids Club and er…the bar and café.
Theatres – The Corn Exchange, the Arts Theatre, the ADC, Cambridge Footlights for starters. All terribly good and all at a variety of prices. Established talent at the Corn Exchange for which you pay through the nose, a mixed bag at the others. Corpus Christi Playroom is definitely worth the punt and is at a bargain price. Alternatively, try The Cambridge Junction for comedy.
Burwash Manor – if you have a car or bike and want to get out of the city but not too far, maybe five miles or so, then Burwash Manor at Barton has a lovely café (I personally recommend the bacon butties) and some individual shops. Plus you can stroll round the tracks and feel like you’ve had taste of the country before scurrying back to the city. Keep an eye out for themed weekend events here, we had a jolly good time hunting for Easter eggs.
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