In the year where our Queen celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, what must you see and do in this iconic city of university buildings and famous figures in history? Here is our compilation – Cambridge what to do in 2022.
1. Take a tour:
There are many excellent tours of Cambridge to take to learn about this wonderful city whether you are a tourist or a local. Whether you want to see the city by boat, bus or foot, you will find something to please everyone here. Prefer a self directed tour? Details of bike hire in Cambridge here.
2. Go to a festival:
Cambridge has many festivals to choose from, for lovers of art, science, music, food and more. See our calendar of Cambridge festivals here.
3.Tour the University buildings:
Cambridge University has been home to Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, Rosalind Franklin, Sir David Attenborough, and many more amazing minds. Details of the university buildings and how to organise visiting Cambridge University here. How about a Cambridge ghost tour?
4. Run the city:
Keen runners can see the sights by taking part or spectating at the Cambridge Half Marathon on March 6th which tours the University streets and beyond. A great event with a great atmosphere!
5. Eat out:
There are so many excellent restaurants in Cambridge so go hungry and squeeze in as much as possible. From a top quality burger, pizza or sandwich, to a leisurely afternoon tea, this city will deliver. Must try’s include Jack’s Gelato and a Fitzbillie’s Chelsea bun (or two!).
6.Go to a football match:
Football fans will enjoy a trip to watch a game at the Abbey stadium home of Cambridge United. Currently in League one, the stadium is just a short stroll or bus ride from the city centre so easy to access. This small traditional football ground generates a great atmosphere and is a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
7. Soak up some culture:
Cambridge has many excellent places of culture to visit. One of our favourites is the small but beautifully formed Kettles Yard gallery, The American WW2 military cemetery. Find more about the museums in Cambridge here.
8. Climb the Castle Mound:
The Castle Mound, officially known as Cambridge Castle, is a grassy mound that was the site of the Roman town of Duroliponte, originally an Iron Age hill fort. Climb up the mound and enjoy the views over Cambridge. On a clear day you can see for miles.
9. Walk at the Gogs:
The Gogs are ridges of low chalk hills to the southeast of Cambridge. Some 163 acres, this is a top choice for walkers wanting beautiful open spaces. See this and other beautiful walks in and around Cambridge here.
10. Visit the historic Mathematical Bridge:
The mathematical bridge was designed is 1748 and built in 1749 by James Essex. It bridges the river Cam in central Cambridge and has been rebuilt twice since its original build, but to the same design and always from wood. Its sophisticated geometrical engineer deign gives its status and name.
11. See the Corpus Clock:
The Corpus Clock made its first appearance in 2008 and is a beautiful addition to the city centre. It is located at the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street, looking out over King’s Parade. The clock was invented, designed and given to Corpus Christi College by Dr John C Taylor OBE FREng (an old fellow of the university). It is intricate and beautiful but some also find the concept of it quite disturbing. It is a reminder that life is constantly passing by as we move towards death. On top of the beautiful clock sits a ‘Chronophage’, meaning ‘time-eater’. The clock is also know as the grasshopper clock due to the creature ‘s grasshopper or locust like appearance.
12. Take to the water:
You can take to the river in a number of ways in Cambridge. Punting is synonymous with Cambridge isn’t it? It is a great way to see the backs of the University colleges in the city too. Or how about Cambridge Rowing? Take a half day workshop in a coxed ‘eight’ boat, just like the crews in the famous Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race. Wild swimmers will love the meadows as Grantchester river is a fabulous spot for wild swimming- in fact it has been named as one the best in the country.
13. Climb the Church of St Mary’s Tower:
The views over the city from the top of The Church of St Mary the Great’s tower, after a 123 step steep climb, are fabulous. The gothic church, dating back to 1205, is beautiful and gives you spectacular views over Kings college and the University buildings. Most definitely worth a visit and finishing at the Michael House café which serves delicious food.
14. Meander Mill Road:
Mill Road has risen in popularity in recent years due to its diverse and cultural food offering. It is home to some wonderful delis, international supermarkets and fabulous Mill Road restaurants. There are also many long standing pubs within the local streets.
15.Visit the Botanical Gardens:
The Botanical Gardens are open to the public with pre-booking only. Tickets will cost you £6-7 and children are free. Wander the beautiful and tranquil gardens to see wonderful trees, flowers and rare plants. The Titam Arum (known as the corpse flower) for example which smell is said to resemble rotting flesh when in bloom. The aroma wafts over the city when flowering- perhaps lucky that flowering is rare and last occurred in 2015 then!
16.Play indoor crazy golf:
With 2 street food stalls, an array of amazing drinks across 4 bars, two 9-hole indoor crazy golf courses, a shuffleboard basement, numerous event spaces & a roof terrace, complete with knockout views across Jesus Green, The Tivoli is the perfect place to spend an evening with friends.
What a lot to see and do in this wonder city. Let us know your ‘not to miss’ events in Cambridge in 2022 in the comments below.
