fun things Cambridge | Cambridge Studies

Go punting

Punts are long, shallow, wooden boats propelled through the water via the use of a five metre pole, ably manoeuvred by a punter. Punting in Cambridge dates back to medieval times when it was discovered a punt is an ideal way to travel through shallow water (i.e. the River Cam). And luckily for all fun loving visitors today, this tradition is still very much alive. Just go down to the riverside and book a punt with a chauffer (or without, if you are feeling adventurous!) and absorb the grandiosity of the colleges, the beauty of ‘the backs’ and the tranquillity of water softly lapping the sides of the punt as you make your way down river.

For more information about punting, visit any one of these websites:

Scudamores

Cambridge punters

Lets go punting

Go for afternoon tea in The Orchard, Grantchester

Just a short journey up river (either in a punt or on foot), will bring you to a quaint Cambridgeshire village called Grantchester. A sweet little place featuring thatched cottages, attractive pubs and perhaps most prominently of all, The Orchard tea garden where many famous people have sipped tea and eaten scones in deckchairs under apple trees.

For more information about The Orchard, visit:

Orchard Grantchester

Visit the Botanic Garden

Frequently visited by botanist Charles Darwin, Cambridge’s Botanic Garden is crammed full of wide variety of plants and trees as well as beautiful water features. Expertly maintained, visiting the garden will leave you in awe of planet earth; they also provide an excellent environment to lay out your picnic rug, breathe in the fresh air and relax.

For more information about the Botanic Garden, visit:

Botanic

Take a tour around Cambridge and the colleges

To really get the most enjoyment out of your stay in Cambridge, an understanding of its history and culture is key. A tour around the colleges will help fill in a large proportion of the jigsaw pieces as their prestige has undoubtedly influenced city life, trade and architecture.

For more information about tours, visit:

Visit Cambridge

Roots travel

Cambridge tmtours

Visit the Fitzwilliam museum

A masterpiece of architectural design, the Fitzwilliam museum dating back to 1816 is a treasure trove of highly revered and much loved art by artists such as Titian, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir and Seurat, to name just a selection. In addition to drawings and paintings, the museum also houses statues, artefacts, manuscripts, coins and medals and examples of applied art.

For more information about the museum, visit:

Fitzwilliam museum

Cycle around the city and surrounding area

Cambridge is certainly one of Europe’s greatest cycling cities. This is mostly due to the general flatness of the city, the old style streets, walkways too narrow for cars and the cyclist orientated features of Cambridge’s infrastructure i.e. designated cycle lanes. In short, cycling is a very pleasant activity in Cambridge and with so such much countryside to explore either side, a bike’s a must-have accessory for anyone wishing to feel the wind in their hair and a healthy glow in their cheeks.

For cycle routes around Cambridge, visit:

Cambridge cycling

Cambridge pubs

Cambridge is home to an abundant choice of cosy, quaint English pubs where you can happily pass a Sunday or rainy afternoon drinking a traditional beverage in the good company of friends.

Pubs popular with students include:

The Bath House, 8 Benet Street

The Eagle, 12 Benet Street

The Panton Arms, 43 Panton Street

Get involved in an activity or club

Being a bustling student city, there is no shortage of activities on offer and clubs to join in Cambridge. Activities and clubs are a great way to make new friends as well as pursue interests whether they are creative or sporting. Visit your host university website or local gym to get involved!

Cambridge fine ethnic cuisine restaurants

Cambridge comprises a wide range of ethnic restaurants serving food from round the world. Visit the website www.localsecrets.com, go to ‘Eating Out’ and then search a food ethnicity for a list (with reviews) of restaurants to choose from.