Cambridge has a plethora of things to do and to see, which makes it an exciting destination for all. There’s also plenty of free things to do in and around Cambridge, which is perfect for people wishing to enjoy a budget-friendly city break or those travelling to the city on business but wanting to add a little leisure. Read on to discover the top fun freebies to enjoy on your upcoming trip.
See the sights
Cambridge is well-regarded for its fantastic architecture and all this can be enjoyed for free courtesy of a carefully planned walk through the city. You’ll see many beautiful sights and be able to take in more than 1,000 years of history simply by strolling through the narrow streets of Cambridge and exploring its famous landmarks. If you’re looking for landmarks, you’ll want to check out The Backs. Here Culture Trip explains why:
“For a beautiful walk incorporating the university buildings and their impeccably manicured lawns, the River Cam and its various bridges, take a stroll along The Backs. With grazing cattle to be spotted all along this picturesque stretch of reclaimed land, this is a cracking angle from which to admire those colleges that touch the water’s edge.”
Need help planning your route? The free, official Visit Cambridge app is a must-download when planning and going about your Cambridge break.
Visit St John’s Chapel
Taking a tour around the iconic King’s College may set you back a reasonable £10.00, but you can take in culture in the most fabulous surroundings for free at nearby St John’s Chapel. As well as viewing this beautiful chapel, you can listen to the most amazing classical music from their world-famous choir. Choral Evensongs take place daily (except for Mondays) at St John’s, and provide a peaceful, relaxing and, better yet, free way to polish off a great day’s sightseeing.
Explore the city’s museums
As you’d probably expect as the home of academia and learning, Cambridge boasts several museums, many of which are free to visit. The Fitzwilliam is the city’s most popular, and hosts the very best collections in East Anglia and arguably the UK.
In addition to its permanent collections, The Fitzwilliam has an exciting schedule of temporary exhibitions and displays. Over the coming months, visitors to the museum can view a series of ground-breaking works including William Nicholson and James Pryde’s Beggarstaffs, the Lennox-Boyd collection, and a collection of their more recently acquired drawings and prints.
If you love historic artefacts, you’ll want to visit the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum and Library, the Sedgwick Museum and Trinity College’s Wren Library.
Look to the skies
Fascinated with things that are more out of this world? The University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy will be a must-visit. They regularly host free public open evenings, giving visitors the chance to expand their knowledge. Each open evening features a talk from a real-life astronomer, the opportunity to look through the historic Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes, and use of the institute’s more modern apparatus.
Unfortunately, the Institute of Astronomy’s public open evenings don’t run during the summer months, but will resume at The University of Cambridge in October 2019. Entry is first-come, first-seated, so don’t miss out.
Punt on the River Cam
You can’t come to Cambridge and not try the city’s most famous pastime, punting. There are various punting tours and punt boat hire but if you choose to stay with us, you can enjoy this traditional activity for free.