Top Five Free Things to Do in Cambridge

Top Five Free Things to Do in Cambridge

Top Five Free Things to Do in Cambridge

The brilliant news is that there is plenty to do in Cambridge if you’re going there for a weekend away.

But is any of it free? We’ve brought you the best of what Cambridge has to offer if you’re short on pennies and feel the urge to explore.

Read on to find out about our top five free things to do in Cambridge.

What you might like to do in Cambridge doesn’t just depend on your budget, it also depends on what you feel like doing or what the weather permits.

The classic, free rainy-day activity for everyone in Britain is to spend the day taking in some culture by visiting a museum. England has plenty of rainy days, so of course there are some fabulous rainy day activities to enjoy wherever you are.

However, as you might imagine, with Cambridge being such an academic city with an enviably rich history, it has some truly excellent museums.

And @VisitCambs give their thumbs up to this plan too as they say you should visit, “A few Cambridge museums to shelter from the rain.” So which one should you head to first? Which is the museum to rule all museums (… in Cambridge)…

Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge
The river Cam

1. Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge.

The Fitzwilliam, as it is affectionately known, was named the most visited free attraction in the East of England in 2016. That’s pretty impressive because, “The city has more museums, galleries and collections within a square mile than any other UK city outside London.” You can see everything there from medieval weapons to impressionist paintings. It has fantastic permanent collections as well as fascinating pop-up exhibitions.

 

2. Take your lunch to the park 

Parker’s Piece is Checked Inn’s favourite park in the city. It is one of the best-known open spaces in Cambridge, possibly due in part to its convenient city-centre location. It’s the perfect place to sit and eat a homemade picnic and enjoy the sunshine, if rain hasn’t driven you into The Fitzwilliam!

 

3. An evening of culture and learning at the Public Open Evening at the Institute of Astronomy

On Wednesday evenings, a 30-minute-long public talk about astronomy (followed by stargazing) is held from October to March. The events are even held online on their YouTube channel. Stay abreast with their scheduled talks here.

 

4. Walk along the river 

Take a stroll along the River Cam at any time of the day and you will see a huge range of interesting buildings. The River Cam is generally a pretty, calm and gently flowing river, following it will take you through some of the best-known city’s open areas. There are organised tours that you have to pay for, of course, but even exploring by yourself is a great way to see the city.

 

5. Evensong at King’s College

As far as we’re concerned this is the pièce de résistance of the free attractions that Cambridge has to offer. To tour King’s College at any other time of the day or week costs £9, but by attending evensong you get to see the beauty of King’s College for free, whilst being serenaded by one of the best college choirs in the world. It’s also one of the most typically Cambridge activities to do.

Whether you’re visiting Cambridge on a budget, or it’s a special occasion so you’re happy to splash out, there is always something incredible to do in the city.

Even the most demanding or discerning tourist is impressed by the city after a few days here, and we’re sure you will be too.

Checked Inn are the short and medium-term accommodation experts that you should speak to when you need to find an exceptional home away from home. Call us on 01223 423334, so that we can help you find your new home.

Image: Syda Productions / Shutterstock.com, Pajor Pawel / Shutterstock.com