Things to do in Cambridge

Summer in Cambridge – Over 10 wonderful things to do!

Summer in Cambridge. Punting down the River Cam

Summer in Cambridge

Summer in Cambridge is one of the best times of the year. The days are warm and sunny, with a bright blue sky above. Everywhere, people are out and about, enjoying the day, enjoying each other’s company, and making the most of their time in the sun. 

Relax in the nearby parks with friends, enjoy a picnic, or go for a stroll down by the river. 

There’s nothing quite like summer in Cambridge, where days spent in the sunshine make for a wonderful experience.

What’s on this summer in Cambridge

The Magic of Thailand – 3rd – 4th August 2024

For a taste of Thailand on your doorstep, this festival is a must. A celebration of Thai culture, arts, and crafts, traditional Thai dances, Thai boxing, Thai beer, and last but not least Thai food! 

Punting

Punting down the River Cam in Cambridge is an incredible experience! The stillness of the river against the ancient architecture of the colleges gives you a peaceful feeling like no other. You can start your journey at the Quayside and make your way through some of the most iconic sights of Cambridge, such as The Backs, Trinity College, and King’s College. The serenity of the river combined with the beauty of the city make it a perfect spot for a relaxing outing.

Outdoor cinema

Popcorn at the ready! there are a number of free outdoor cinemas that take place in Market Square over the Summer period. Films start at 6 pm and include a number of family favourites. Visit their website to find out the dates

Music in the parks

This summer in Cambridge we can once again look forward to enjoying free outdoor live music, with a series of carefully planned concerts throughout the city organised by Cambridge City Council. Keep an eye on the council page to find out the dates and times

Cambridge Summer Music Festival

3rd -31st July 2024

Since 1980, Cambridge Summer Music (CSM) has brought world-class music and musicians to Cambridge for the enjoyment of everyone in the city and the wider area.

This is one of the more established festivals in Cambridge and includes a variety of highlights  including opera, chamber music, orchestral and choral concerts, jazz, song recitals and more – not to forget the ever-popular Sounds Green in the Botanic Garden.

All the concerts are presented in historic and beautiful venues, including college chapels, city churches, concert halls, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. 

Open Top Bus

With the longer and sunnier days a trip on an open-top bus is a perfect way to see all the city sights this summer in Cambridge. The Cambridge tour bus runs an hourly route past sights including Kings College, the Round Church, and right up to the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial Site.

Walking Tours

A walking tour is a great way to explore the historic sights and hear about the many famous people who have lived and worked in Cambridge. There are a variety of walking tours that take place in the city including ghost tours and the secrets of Cambridge Tour!

Cambridge Botanical Gardens

The Cambridge Botanical Gardens is a truly stunning and magical sight. Set amongst 80 acres of green space and horticultural wonders, the gardens boast a remarkable array of rare and exotic plant species, vibrant flower beds, and majestic trees. Remember to bring a picnic, there are plenty of benches where you can stop and admire the gardens.

Christ’s College Gardens

Walking round this garden in Cambridge is like escaping to a tranquil oasis. The Christ’s College gardens have something to offer every season. First Court, the oldest part of the College, is home to a stunning 200 year old Wisteria sinensis and its circular lawn is the only one of its kind in all of Cambridge’s 31 Colleges.

The Fellows Garden boasts an exquisite atmosphere and a remarkable history – featuring the renowned Mulberry Tree planted by Milton in 1609.

Great St Mary’s Church

Great St Mary’s Church in Cambridge is an iconic historic building and an essential part of the local skyline. Built-in 1205, this Gothic-style building is one of the oldest surviving churches in England. Visitors are able to climb up to see magnificent views of Cambridge.

Jesus Green Lido

On a hot summer’s day, there’s no better place to be than Jesus Green Lido. It’s one of the few remaining lidos built across the country during the 1920s. Attracting both locals and visitors alike, the relaxed atmosphere and poolside cafe add to the continental feel of this experience.

Museums in Cambridge

Museums in Cambridge, UK, provide a wealth of history, culture, and knowledge to explore. From the Fitzwilliam Museum, home to works of art, to the Cambridge University Museum of Zoology displaying thousands of specimens spanning the entire animal kingdom, from elephants, giant ground sloths, and giraffes, to birds, reptiles, insects, and molluscs. 

The Kettle’s Yard Art Gallery and Collection celebrates modern and contemporary art, while the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences reveals our ancient world through geology and palaeontology. 

Summer in Cambridge. Christ's Piece
Summer in Cambridge. Christ’s Piece

Whether you’re interested in science, the arts, or even ancient civilizations, there’s something for everyone in the Cambridge area. Many museums hold specific summer events so keep your eyes open. Take a look at our museums blog for further suggestions .

Splashpads- Summer in Cambridge

Lammas Land is also a popular park in southwest Cambridge. In the Summer the paddling pool is open making it a great place for families to relax.

Cambridge also has  three main splashpads that open over the Summer period. They are an ideal place to go with children on a hot day and cool off.

Dinky Doors

These miniature sculptures with doors are dotted all around the city centre. As the website says they are ‘unexpected wonder as you wander’. To find out more and to discover the dinky doors tour visit their website to find out more. It’s a great way to spot these gems and see the sights of Cambridge at the same time, just make sure you wear your walking shoes!

If you are looking for somewhere to stay this Summer in Cambridge our Cambridge B&B rooms are simple and affordable, and many have an en-suite bathroom. As a guest of the College, you are welcome to explore the beautiful grounds which are steeped in history and are home to Milton’s Mulberry Tree and The Darwin Garden.

We hold a 4-star Visit England Campus Award, so you can be sure of a warm welcome.

To find out more about the Bed and Breakfast accommodation we offer visit https://christscollegehospitality.co.uk/

Book directly with us and you will receive 10 percent off our publicised rates.  Just use the code Review10 when you book.

We look forward to welcoming you this Summer.

 

Other things to do in Cambridge

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