7 THINGS TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE

This is a guest post by Love Em.

There are so many gorgeous places to sightsee and visit around the UK. I am lucky enough to live near Cambridge, a historic city filled with fun things to do. Whether you're looking for tours, buildings or thrills, Cambridge has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Here are some bucket list things you need to do if you visit Cambridge!

Image by Steven Iodice on Pixabay.

Explore Heffers

I recently visited Heffers on a trip to Cambridge, and I was thrilled to have found this gem. Heffers is a bookstore filled with books, stationery and even music. If you want to purchase a ukulele, you can! I have never fallen in love with a bookstore the way I did with Heffers. While it may seem ordinary for some, I loved how cool and quiet it was compared to the busy street. I loved that you can find a range of board games too. The books are reasonably priced, so you can get the books you want without breaking the bank. My favourite section was the stationery as there were lots of affordable cards that I've stocked up.. My partner and I spent a good hour here, and I would highly recommend you do too. It's a lovely place to get out of the heat and get lost in a book. 

Skate Around On The Ice Rink

Cambridge has recently built an ice rink! Ice skating may not seem like anything special, but it's a fun way to spend a rainy day. It's different to the cultural activities you may find around the city. It allows you to get active while having fun, and it's away from the busy streets. The ice rink is indoors, and it's affordable too. I love ice skating, and the rink has allowed me to have fun with friends doing something different. If you want an even more magical experience, you should visit Cambridge at Christmas. Cambridge holds a small fair on Parkers Piece around Christmas time. There are rides, stalls and more to enjoy. More importantly, there is an outdoor ice rink that comes to town! Every year I visit with my partner to skate around and have fun. Make sure you bring gloves as this rink is especially cold! 

Swim At The Jesus Green Lido

Every year, the Jesus Green lido has a long queue of swimmers waiting to get into the pool. You can see a long line of people running along the river, which is when you know the summer has begun! The lido is a lovely place to relax and take it slow. Before the lockdown, the lido offered a sauna and sunbathing terrace for guests. There is a picnic area and cafe, making it the perfect place to spend a warm summer's day. It's a well-kept pool, and I have found it cleaner than other lidos I have visited. It is also one of the longest outdoor swimming pools in Europe, so make sure you visit if you're going to Cambridge! 

Go Punting Down The River

If you visit Cambridge, punting must be on your list of things to do. This Cambridge classing has you pushing a boat along a river. You can choose to have a tour guide or punt yourself. For first-timers, I'd recommend having the tour guide. It was relaxing to have someone push you along and teach you about the history of Cambridge. Many offer an afternoon tea package deal so you can have a slice of cake in a local cafe too! Don't forget to tip the punter! It's not required, but it's a nice gesture as many of the guides are students. Every little helps! 

If you have a larger group of friends with you and want to have some fun, you can take the boat yourself. I have never done this, but I have heard it can be quite hard to steer! If you're feeling brave, this is something I'd recommend you try! Bring along a small picnic and enjoy a drink together on the river! 

Take A University Tour

Cambridge is famous for its universities. There are many in the location, all with beautiful gardens and tours. If you're visiting Cambridge, why not take a tour around the campuses? There are lots of different tours to try, so you'll find something for everyone to enjoy. There are punting tours, which I have personally taken. The tour guides are lovely and well informed about the history of the universities. You can get guided audio tours and even scooter tours if you want to try something more thrilling. 

Cambridge is quite a historic place, and there is a lot to learn about the city. Even if you don't take a university tour, you could try a walking or bus tour of the city itself. Tours are an affordable day out, and you can educate yourself on this beautiful area! 

Try One Of The Many Escape Rooms

If you're looking for some fun, why not try an escape room. Although escape rooms aren't exclusive to Cambridge, there are many on offer in the city. An escape room is a perfect way to escape from the bustle of the street. Cambridge can be busy, full of students and cyclists. Sometimes it's nice to duck away for a few hours. The escape rooms can last around an hour to two, so it's a fun way to spend a rainy day. You can have up to 6 players, so it's good if you're visiting with friends. Most escape rooms let you choose the theme/difficulty of the puzzle, allowing you to customise your experience. I'd love to hear how long it takes you to escape!

Enjoy A Slice At Tom's Cakes

I love grabbing a slice of cake wherever I go. For me, it wouldn't be a day out without a sweet treat. If you're looking for a local coffee shop with a large selection of cakes, I'd highly recommend Tom's Cakes. It's a small coffee shop with a rustic-looking interior. They have barstools by the front window, so you can eat while you watch Cambridge go by. There are tables both indoors and outdoors for you to sit at too. As for the food, you won't be disappointed.

Firstly, the cakes on offer are high quality and delicious. There are so many to choose from, including a slice of a layered cake, brownies, eclairs, Bakewells and more. There are even some less common options, such as crumble and hummingbird cake. The selection is changed regularly while still having a few classics on offer. They also theme some of their treats to seasons and upcoming celebrations. If you're not a sweet person, you can get a selection of sandwiches, cheese scones and other savoury treats. 

Cambridge is full of fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're there for the day or making it a long weekend, I'd highly recommend all of these activities. It's a beautiful place, so you can get some unique pictures for social media while you're there. What are your favourite things to do in Cambridge? I'd love to hear what hidden gems you've found on your trip! 

About the Guest Writer!

Em is a UK blogger focusing on blogging, business & sustainability on her blog "Love, Em". With 4 years of experience in the blogging world, she is keen to share her knowledge. Emily is passionate about helping others, and since leaving college, has decided to put her passions in writing. You can find her over on social media!

Blog - https://www.loveemblog.com/

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