Where to go and what to do in Cambridge

Arts & Culture

Described as 'the finest small museum in Europe', the Fitzwilliam Museum was formed in 1816 when the founder, the seventh Viscount William, bequeathed his art collection and library to the University of Cambridge.  It has grown over the years and now includes an impressive collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, 14th century masterpieces and modern day art and sculptures, all housed in a beautiful building near the University college buildings.

Kettle's Yard, also part of the University of Cambridge, was once the home of a Jim Ede, former curator of the Tate Gallery, London.  Here you'll find Ede's fascinating personal collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and glass, mainly from the first half of the twentieth century.

At the Cambridge Arts Picture House, opposite Emmanuel College, you can see a wide range of independent and classic film in luxurious, yet historic surroundings.  The cinema was built in 1937 and many of the original features remain including an art deco cafe bar for a pre or post-film drinks.

The Cambridge Film Festival, held annually in July, has become one of the UK's leading celebrations of international films and film makers.  Last year, the festival included the UK Premieres of Crash, Howl's Moving Castle and Rock School, amongst many others.

Outdoor Life

There are many parks and green spaces around Cambridge, including Jesus Green, Parker's Piece, Christ's Pieces and Lammas Land.  As well as a place to relax and play, these parks offer tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a paddling pool, a bowling green and a nature reserve.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden is located opposite the Bellerbys Cambridge Queens Campus.  Here you'll find 40 acres of beautiful landscaped gardens including a Rock Garden, Woodland Garden, Water Garden, Winter Garden and Glasshouses full of seasonal plants.

There are a number of sports centres around the city which offer sports such as basketball, swimming, badminton and volleyball, the largest of which being Kelsey Kerridge Sports Hall, opposite Parkers Piece.  You can also watch football at Cambridge United Football Club and horse racing at Newmarket Racecourse.

Cambridge is surrounded by stunning countryside, with plenty of villages and country houses to explore.  Audley End House in Saffron Waldon, south Cambridgeshire, is a fine example of an English country mansion.  Built in the 17th century, visitors today can browse the various collections of previous owners of the house, including an extensive picture collection, a natural history collection and a rare set of English tapestries.

Social Scene

Shopping

Shopping in Cambridge is divided between the main town centre and the Grafton Centre, a short walk across Christ's Piece.  Most main high street clothes and department stores can be found in one or other of these shopping areas. Take a walk down King's Parade, Rose Cresent, Trinity Street or Magdalene Street for independent shops selling jewellery, books, gifts and clothes.

Cambridge Market is open daily and sells anything from second-hand books to fruit and vegetables.  On Sundays it is replaced by a special arts and crafts and Farmers' Market, selling locally produced food and produce.

Nightlife

There are 110 pubs across Cambridge, which one will be your favourite?  We recommend trying one down by the river.  The Anchor is a great summer pub, popular with students and tourists and with a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere.  Also in a riverside setting is the The Eagle pub, a superbly restored 17th century coaching inn.

The Corn Exchange is the main venue for live music and stand-up comedy in Cambridge.  This Victorian venue has hosted some of the biggest bands and musicals around at the moment, like The Arctic Monkeys and West End shows like Beauty and the Beast.

The Junction is another large live music venue, providing over 1,500 shows per year - club nights, rock bands, comedy, dance and performing arts.  Top bands have performed here over the years including Jamiroquai, Stereophonics, Paul Wellar and Blur.

Fun

You'll find restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine in Cambridge, from American to Vietnamese.  Try Bridge Street for chain restaurants such as Garfunkels and Cafe Rouge.

There is no better way to see Cambridge and the Backs than from a punt.  You can hire a punt from one of the punt routes or take a chauffeured punt trip towards the village of Grantchester.