Fun in the Fens
WITH ITS historic university, pretty riverside and compact centre, Cambridge has long between a popular destination for a weekend break. And with fewer tourists lining its narrow streets, it’s a perfect time to return.
VISIT THE MUSEUMS
Few UK cities have such an impressive collection of free museums as Cambridge — although most currently require prebooking, you can explore for days without it costing a penny.
Start at the Fitzwilliam Museum, with the university’s main collection of art and antiquities from around the world. As well as ancient Egypt and medieval weaponry, there are regular temporary exhibitions including Women: Makers and Muses.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is the go-to site for dinosaurs and fossils, ideal if you’re visiting with kids, while the Museum of Zoology is packed with thousands of specimens, from tiny insects to a 21 metre Fin whale plus the skeleton of a dodo, some discovered by Charles Darwin.
Add in the Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology — don’t the freeze-dried potatoes from Peru which are at least 500 years old — and there’s something for every interest.
EXPLORE A COLLEGE
Several of Cambridge’s colleges are open to the public once more, including King’s College, which can now be booked online — access is more restricted postpandemic and you can expect charges to enter some.
Or choose from one of the tours of the city, many led by students or former students, which include access to the colleges as well as a chance to learn the history of the ancient buildings. See the tourist board’s website for more details at visitcambridge.org
SPOT THE DINKY DOORS
Looking out for these miniature doors dotted around the city is a great way to keep kids engaged as you explore, although these tiny works of art are just as fun for adults. There’s an option to join a tour or you can download the map and wander at your own pace.
Don’t miss 10 1/4 Downing Street, a miniature replica of the famous black door, albeit with a rather different occupant, and the little treasures of the Wonder Emporium. Around half the doors are within the city centre, with a handful scattered a little further afield. dinkydoors.co.uk
GO PUNTING
Another classic Cambridge highlight, a leisurely cruise along the river in a punt never goes out of fashion. If you don’t fancy wieldmiss ing the pole yourself, there are chauffeured tours galore, many leaving from the riverside near Jesus Green.
Scudamore’s Punting has boats for hire as well as tour options — pick up a takeaway afternoon tea from Cambridge institution Fitzbillies to picnic along the way.
ENJOY THE VIEWS
The medieval church of Great St Mary was once the heart of the university’s administration, when officials would carry out essential business inside; today the university church is the best place to get some panoramic views of Cambridge.
Climb the 123 winding steps to the top of its tower, and look out over the towers and spires of the city from the observation platform. There are models of the city outside the church to check the landmarks afterwards. Tickets are available in the gift shop and don’t need to be prebooked.