Cambridge the University City
If you are a first time visitor to Cambridge, start here...
Visiting Cambridge with the family
The University of Cambridge is what most people think about when visiting. It is the third oldest university in the world (after Bologna and Oxford). It was formed in the 13th Century by a group of students who fled from hostility in Oxford. The colleges are beautiful, most hug the banks of the river Cam as it winds it's way through the city centre. However with kids it is not always visiting the colleges that will make a great family visit. There is a lot else that you can do as a family. You can punt on the river, browse cafes with the grand spires of King's College in the background, splash in local pools and see fantastic family friendly museums. Click the title to explore the historic side of Cambridge.
Places to Stay, Eating Out, Summer Fun
Here are some ideas of family friendly places to stay, eat out and things to do if you are visiting. It is a selection of some of the places locally that cater well for kids. It isn't a full list, as there are so many. If you have any suggestions do get in touch to let us know.
Top Family Things to Do on a First Visit
01.
Punt along the river
There is nothing more Cambridge than gliding along the Backs on a summer's day. It is the best way to see the colleges. This is best suited to older children and teenagers, and you can ask for life jackets on most punts. You can do it yourself but it is trickier than it looks! I'd recommend the chauffeured version but it is pricier.
02.
Hang out on Jesus Green
This one of the best green spaces in the city. The grass is short so you can play games or have a picnic. It is next to the river and just a few minutes away from Trinity and Jesus College right in town. Swans and ducks bob about by the weir. There is a playground, skateboard park, tennis courts and a kiosk.
03.
Find Knight's Armour in the Fitzwilliam Museum
This museum is impressive and great for kids. There is an entrance to the left suitable for buggies where you can pick up kids packs to use inside. Find the Egyptian statues and mummies. Stand in the main entrance looking up the stairs and ceiling, it's very grand. The cafe is nice too.
04.
Take toddlers to the Botanic Gardens
This is a lovely garden by the train station. It has huge trees, a rock garden and lots of spaces to explore for toddlers and children. If you arrive by train it is a nice place to start, and from there you can exit on the other side and walk to Lammas Land paddling pool to cool off, and then onto the city.
Take the Tourist Bus or Hire a Bike
The tourist bus is a nice way to see the city from the top and it goes out to the American Cemetery too. It's a good way to orient yourself. If your family are good cyclists, Cambridge is a nice place to cycle around and you can hire bikes from outside of the train station. It does get very busy in the summer though, and the paths can be narrow and shared with pedestrians so may not be suitable for younger ones new to cycling.
More Things to Do...
Summer Day Out – Wildlife and Tea
Day out with the Animals, Tea and crumpets, Imperial War Museum Duxford – suitable for toddlers and children Board the train at Cambridge and travel to
Summer Day Out – Cycling the Genome
Spend the day cycling as a family. If you are a visitor you can hire bikes from several places including the train station. Follow the
Summer Day Out – In the City
Simple Summer Day – Seeing the main attractions and green spaces Jesus Green Lido, Playground or Sports on the Green – There’s no better place than
Milton Country Park
Lovely park just outside of Cambridge to the North. It has a playground, lakes, visitor centre and cafe. Be careful with small children as the
Best Buggy Walks
Luckily Cambridge is very flat! Which is great to wheel a buggy around. The buses also all have access for buggies, as long as there
Canoe Hire from Scudamore’s
These usually offer punts on the river however you can also hire Canoe’s to sail to Grantchester.
Cambridge Canoe Club
The club has reopened for use in line with current covid restrictions. There are beginners kayak and canoe sessions, look at the website to confirm.
Bat Safari Punting
Join the Wildlife Trust on a Bat Safari punt for adventures at dusk towards Grantchester Meadows. 90 minutes long. Grab this chance to see our
Geocaching
This is a modern day treasure hunt, using a GPS device to find hidden containers or ‘caches’. It is a nice, simple idea set up by volunteers worldwide.
The Round Church
Also ‘The Church of the Holy Sepulchre’, located opposite the sweet shop on the corner of Round Church Street and Bridge Street. It is one
Institute of Astronomy – Public
This is an inspiring place, and does sometimes open to the public. Please check ahead for details. They have public observing evenings (see website for
Whipple Museum of the History of Science
This holds a pre-eminent collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. It was founded in 1944 by Robert
The Polar Museum
The Institute was established in 1920 by Frank Debenham as a memorial to Scott and his companions. It holds a unique collection of paint- ings,
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
Look out for the dinosaurs carved above the door, and the world’s biggest spider inside. This is the oldest of the University museums, established in 1728. There are
Museum of Zoology
This is a great museum, and one to the favourites. See the Finback Whale skeleton which now hangs above the entrance. There is plenty to
Museum of Classical Archaeology
Explore the ancient classical civilisations. There are over 450 casts that cover the ancient world of Greece and Rome. These include a painted Peplos Kore. She is a type
Useful Links
Here are some more links that you may need when visiting:
Cambridge Tourist Information – Official tourist information site. It can help with accommodation, attractions and events.
Visit Cambridge – an official ‘destination management’ organisation.
Essential Information – this is our list of useful numbers of travel, health, emergency or advice organisations.
Support and Social Networks – an overview of local parent and support networks.
