Cambridge is a stunning city of architectural significance best known for its university and technology hub. It is also the perfect destination for a weekend break though there is so much to do you will not be able to fit everything in to one weekend! From wonderful restaurants such as Michelin star winners Midsummer House and Alimentum to designer shopping, theatres, cinemas, and of course punting on the river, there is certainly something to suit all tastes.
One of the best things to do when you first arrive in Cambridge is a city bus tour. As will all tours it will take you to all of the main sights, this time in a unique red open topped double decker bus! An experience in itself, you will be able to explore and note the areas you wish to visit again.
Cambridge is the perfect city to stroll around, soak up the atmosphere, sit with a coffee and people watch. With beautiful alleys and lanes with a mix of high street favourites and individual boutiques, shopping is a delight in this city. Everywhere you turn there is a stunning college building to view and of course no trip to Cambridge would be complete without visiting Kings College Chapel, famous for its Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols which is broadcast every Christmas Eve.
A wide selection of galleries and museums, a walk around Cambridge University’s Fitzwilliam Museum is something you have to do if you are a lover of art. This stunning building is home to a world class collection of art and antiquities covering centuries and civilisations, it also hosts the largest art collection outside of London. There are some great restaurants opposite the museum so why not spend the morning in the museum followed by a leisurely lunch? For contemporary art lovers, Kettles Yard is one of the country’s premium galleries and a key centre for 20th century and contemporary art. Also the Cambridge Folk Museum will take you on a trip around Cambridge through the ages. Then there’s the Sedgwick Museum of Geology for those keen to see fossils and other geological artefacts. Learn about the early career of Charles Darwin and view some excellent examples of crystals.
Another must do trip on your list is the river Cam. There is no greater way to see the city than from the water. Take a punt down the river and you will learn so much from the guide. From insights into university life and inter-college rivalries to the history of the buildings you pass. It’s great fun and for the brave, you can do a ‘DIY’ trip and try your hand at punting your friends and family down the river!
Get a taste of the great outdoors and take a walk down The Backs. This is excellent for people watching, seeing the colleges from another perspective and taking in the view of the city most TV programmes or movies will depict. This is the quintessential Cambridge. Then if you are still keen to discover more open space in and around Cambridge then University Botanic Garden is a must. Featuring a wide range of plants, trees and garden areas representing various climates from around the world it’s worth a visit and when you are in need of rest and refreshments then why not sample local produce in the café?
If you are keen for some adventure and would like to experience a little more excitement in the area then why not go for a skydive? This is the most popular extreme sport and often the one that people will try first. Just Google skydiving Cambridge to find a local centre that can take you up in the air, and then drop you from a height of course! Do your research thoroughly, take a look at the website and if you like what you see, give them a ring as you need to feel sure that you will be comfortable in their hands. An experienced team will support you through your first tandem jump with an instructor and if you get the bug then you may want to do a course and become qualified to do solo jumps, then you can skydive anywhere for a much lower fee.
