Cambridge
A gentle punt along the Backs on the River Cam gives a feeling of tranquillity as you admire the iconic building of King’s College Chapel, founded by King Henry VI in 1446, plus other famous landmarks of the city. On return to dry land there is plenty of vibrancy and activity which gives you a buzz and a taste of the unique atmosphere.
With fine art at ‘the Fitz’, open top bus tours, contemporary culture at Kettle’s Yard and even icy exploits at the Scott Polar Institute Research Museum there is plenty to see. Fens and fields where cows safely graze are only a pedal push away from beautiful college gardens and neatly manicured courtyards, as well as 31 colleges to peer into.
Whatever the time of year, the nightlife is just excellent with bistros and bars, taverns and clubs and top quality concerts and productions to suit every taste.
Top tip
Take advantage of the 2 for 1 offer at Imperial War Museum Duxford or discover the famous Cambridge colleges, with a guided tour. It will open doors to you that are normally firmly shut to all but students.
Shopping time
If you can tear yourself away from the many cavernous bookshops, you’ll be quick to discover fantastic new shopping adventures in central Cambridge. First, the Christ’s Lane shopping arcade brings new High Street names to town, but it’s the Grand Arcade with fifty top retail stores and the new flagship John Lewis Partnership store, that steals the show.
Cambridge won’t disappoint for big name shops and original independent outlets. Don’t forget to browse the bright market stalls in the city centre or head to King’s Parade, for a range of gift shops, but do look out for the regular craft markets enclosed in a courtyard garden opposite St John’s College.
Things to do
Hire a bike, take a guided walking tour or have a go at punting. Let the soft sounds of evensong at King’s College Chapel lift your soul right up to the heavenly fan vaulting. Make culture come alive and win some Brownie points with the kids by grabbing the ‘Fitz Kits’ at the Fitzwilliam Museum or try out the Live the City treasure hunt.
The University Botanic Garden is a 40-acre oasis of wonderful gardens and glasshouses, with a year round appeal.
Just north east of Cambridge, the National Trusts’ Anglesey Abbey has the greenest of parklands, avenues of fine trees, charming vistas with amazing statuary fused with floral delights for all seasons. 12th Century gargoyles betray the origins of the Jacobean-style house. Be prepared for a surprising treasure trove here of fine art.
Cambridge is renowned for its fenland. Wicken Fen is an ambitious restoration project and one of Britain’s oldest nature reserves too. 7,000 wildlife species make this unique habitat their home. Follow boardwalk trails to endless discoveries: water voles, tree sparrows, kestrels and Highland cattle. Fingers-crossed you might even spot a rare Konik pony.
As for the Imperial War Museum at Duxford - a day here is rarely enough, with six hectares of activities, excitement and nostalgia, and its free for kids.
Let the rarest aircraft, Spitfires, B-52, even Concorde take you under their wing, hear the stories behind the planes and pilots and see restoration in action. The phenomenal AirSpace exhibition opened its hangar doors only last year, but there’s a massive Land Warfare Hall and American Air Museum too.
All the air shows, military vehicle event show and other events are really special here and well worth another visit.