Free Things to Do
Walks
One of the best ways to explore Cambridge is on foot. There are so many scenic walks around Cambridge that it is almost difficult to choose. Walking around the historic centre seems to be the most obvious choice. Let us introduce you to the ones off the beaten track.
Visit the cows
Cambridge residents know when summer is on its way by the return of the cows. From the beginning of April till November, the Red Pole Cattle graze the city centre’s commons. It gives Cambridge a delightful feel of the countryside.
Dinky Doors
Life in Cambridge has become so much more fun since two local artists decided to go on a mission to save the world! You might wonder how these cute Dinky Doors could achieve this? In their own words, ‘ dinky things, discovered unexpectedly, can deliver dollops of delight.’
Mill Road
One of our favourite areas in Cambridge is only a stone’s throw away from the historic centre. Mill Road is lined with a huge variety of independent shops, restaurants, pubs, and a craft brewery. This quirky area has been named one of England’s most cosmopolitan streets.
Cemetery
One of our favourite open green spaces in Cambridge. This Victorian Cemetery is used by local residents to walk their dogs, relax and meet up with friends. You might find this a usual area to do this, but we can assure you that as soon as you set foot here, you fall in love with Mill Road Cemetery.
Grantchester
Better known for the BBC TV series Grantchester these days, but for Cambridge residents, this picturesque village is a popular walk from Cambridge at all times of the year. Head to the Orchard for tea and scones under the apple trees or sip Gin at the award-winning Cambridge distillery.
Kettle’s Yard
One of the most unusual museums you will ever get to visit. Set in a quiet corner of Cambridge, a beautiful house filled with remarkable objects and art has been turned into one of Cambridge’s finest modern and contemporary art galleries.
Fitzwilliam
Housing over half a million objects, the Fitzwilliam has a fantastic variety of beautiful artefacts and art from around the world from antiquity to the present day. Visits to the Fitzwilliam are free. Check out their exhibitions, events, music and workshops on our What’s On Agenda.
Museums
After London, the eight Cambridge University Museums and Botanic Garden represent the UK’s highest concentration of internationally important collections. These fascinating museums are housing over five million works of art, artefacts, and specimens.
Byron’s Pool
Tucked away between Grantchester and Trumpington Meadows, you can find Byron’s Pool. Named after Lord Byron, who used to swim here. This pleasant woodland site offers a lovely circular walk next to the River Cam, where Kingfishers and Grey Wagtails can be seen on the weir.
Wandlebury
South of Cambridge on the remains of a circular Iron Age Hillfort, you can find Wandlebury Country Park. This beautiful countryside estate on the Gog Magog Hills offers miles of beautiful walks through woodland and wildflower meadows grazed by Highland Cattle.
The Clock
One of the most famous clocks in the world, the Corpus Christi clock, can be found at the corner of Bene’t and Trumpington street outside the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. Stunning during the day, but the change of light makes it breathtaking at night time.
Mill Pond
Mill pond is a lovely open green space at the end of the backs, where many people flock to when the sun is out. Moving away from the bridge, you will notice a water mill, which has been converted into a restaurant. It is an excellent starting point for a walk to Grantchester.
The Backs
The Cambridge backs or better known as the Backs, is the area along the River Cam banks, which only can be enjoyed from the river as the colleges didn’t allow boats to be towed along the river here. The breathtaking views from the colleges are best to be enjoyed from a punt.
Table Tennis
Thanks to the wonderful work of Ping England there are several permanent outdoor tables in Cambridge. They are free to use and no booking required. Just turn up with your bats and ball and play. Make sure you check the weather forecast !
Public Art
UPDATE! Cambridge has so much on offer that it might be hard to decide where to start. Do you like to explore the city like a local or want to pack as much as possible into the time you are in Cambridge? We have it covered from our favourite tours to tips and itineraries.
our tip – do as the locals do
hop on a bike, explore Cambridge by bike and venture out to the picturesque villages
