Late winter and spring are great times to visit Cambridge. The crowds have yet to arrive, and the days are starting to get longer. With many Covid restrictions relaxed, restaurants and many tourist attractions are welcoming visitors again. So there are plenty of things to do for people of all ages and interests. Here are ten suggestions.
(Be advised to check with the provider before booking in case of changes made due to the public health situation)
1. Enjoy Cambridge University Botanic Garden in all seasons
The gardens are a treat even in colder weather, featuring a colourful Winter Garden, a snowdrop trail, as well as tropical heated glasshouses if you need to shelter from the rain!
https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/
2. See inside the iconic King’s College Chapel
With its amazing architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, this should not be missed. (You can also attend an evening chapel service and hear the choir sing: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/kings-college-chapel-34896999933 )
Afterwards, stroll down King’s Parade and take a look at the weird and wonderful Corpus Clock.
https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/visit/your-visit
https://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/about/corpus-clock/introduction-corpus-clock
3. Climb up Great St Mary’s Tower
For stunning views of Cambridge from above, climb up the 123 steps inside this ancient church tower. Then enjoy browsing the market stalls in Market Square, right next to the church.
https://www.greatstmarys.org/visiting
4. Shop ’til you drop
If the weather is terrible, go shopping! Cambridge has some great shopping centres, such as the Grand Arcade, but also a wealth of interesting independent shops. If art and crafts are your thing, check out Cambridge Contemporary Art or Cambridge Contemporary Crafts; for an eclectic mix from all around the world try Nomads; or for food items of all kinds , browse the shops along quirky Mill Road.
Check out our round-up of shopping options
5. Walk by the riverside
Go for a leisurely wander along the River Cam, starting from Magdalene Bridge and passing through Jesus Green and Midsummer Common. You might spot a university rowing crew out training. Perhaps stop for a drink at Fort St George riverside pub or a pizza at La Mimosa Italian restaurant.
6. Visit an amazing museum
A rainy day is a perfect day for visiting a museum, and Cambridge has some great ones, which are also free. For a winter-themed museum, check out the fascinating Polar Museum. Or dip into one or two of the art galleries of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Those with children might head for the Museum of Zoology, with its 21-metre-long whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.
https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/
7. Have a drink in a traditional old Cambridge pub
There are lots to choose from, each with their own individual character. Which will be your favourite? The following are great for indoor drinking in cooler weather: The Eagle, The Free Press, The Pickerel Inn.
8. Explore the city on two wheels
With the arrival of spring, Cambridge is a delight to explore by bicycle. A guided tour such as that offered by Cambridge Bike Tours will take you to the best places via the safest and most interesting routes.
https://www.cambridgebiketours.co.uk
9. Take the kids to see lambs at Wimpole Home Farm
Children will love seeing the animals on this working farm specialising in rare breeds. And if you’re there in April or May, you may be lucky enough to see lambing take place. Wimpole also offers a playground, parkland to run around in, children’s trails, and a popular café.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wimpole-estate/features/lambing-time-at-wimpole
10. Listen to live music or watch a play
Concerts and live theatre have been sadly missed over the last couple of years because of Covid, but live venues are all open again. Depending on your tastes, check out what Cambridge has to offer at The Junction, The Corn Exchange, Cambridge Arts Theatre, West Road Concert Hall, or catch a Cambridge University student production at the ADC.
https://www.cambridgelive.org.uk/cornex/events-list
