Things to do in Cambridge

There are lots of things to do in Cambridge! Whether you are new to the city or are returning, here are some of the Foundation Year team’s recommendations to make the most of your time in the city.

Shops

The main covered shopping centres are Grand Arcade and Lion’s Yard which have the big chain shops you would expect. Smaller and more boutique shops are around Sidney Street and Green Street and Cambridge’s famous historic Heffer’s Bookshop on Trinity Street.

Museums

The University has several museums – all with free admission (some paid exhibitions). The biggest is the Fitzwilliam Museum which has a wide range of objects from ancient weapons, Egyptian mummies and paintings of all kinds! A short walk out of town, quirky Kettle’s Yard offers a place of peace and solitude, while right next to the event venue, you can enjoy a coffee under a Blue Whale skeleton. These are a great option any day, but especially if it is raining! Find out more here: https://www.museums.cam.ac.uk/

Walks, tours and activities

Cambridge has a number of free walking tour operators who operate on a ‘pay what you like/can’ basis. Footprints tours are one we have seen about the streets: https://footprints-tours.com/cambridge/tours/cambridge-walking-tours/free-cambridge-walking-tour/

Alternatively, the city is very accessible by foot as it is very flat. If you want to explore, the most popular places to visit are the Backs, the Corpus clock, King’s Parade and the Mathematical Bridge.

Punting a popular activity, but it can be pricey! You can check out prices and book in advance at https://www.scudamores.com/ . There are always people eager to coax you aboard around the punting stations at Mill Pond and Bridge Street.

Places to eat

Cambridge has dining options to suit all tastes – from food stalls to fine dining. Options will be plentiful within the main shopping areas. Some of our recommendations are:

  • Aromi (Bene’t Street) offers wonderful Italian style pizzas, sandwiches and pastries. They are very filling!
  • The Cambridge Market (Market Hill) has a number of food stalls offering a range of world foods – noodles, wraps, curries, bagels and more.
  • Nana Mexico (Petty Curry) is a locally run Mexican that is great for a burrito.
  • Agora at the Copper Kettle (King’s Parade) is a tea room serving hearty café snacks and meals from breakfast to evening meals.