RSVP
Great Britain will not be the place to find fireworks and parades on this date...
So we're fashioning our own parade!
Punting!
In a handful of places in the UK there persists the old waterfaring tradition of punting. Punts are a smallish boat that seat you, a few friends, and a picnic basket as you glide along canals and rivers.
Though most occupants of a punt can enjoy an unique state of leisure, one voyageur must take up the task of guiding and propelling the craft with a punt pole.
We hope you'll join us Friday morning for a punt on the River Cam, which takes you along "the backs"— a scenic view of a number of centuries-old Cambridge University colleges.
Let us know on the RSPV form if we should save you a seat!
There's no shortage of things to do in Cambridge... here are a few ideas to get you started!
Places to visit
Founded in 1816, Fitzwilliam museum is a wonderful building and host to half a million arteifacts! Admission is free and there are always lots of activities to entertain all ages.
Look out for their most up-to-date exhibition information on their website.
Open from Tue-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12pm-5pm
Founded in 1831 by John Henslow (Charles Darwin's mentor), the botanic gardens in Cambridge is a beautiful space and haven to over 8000 plant species.
Again, a wonderful spot for all ages and temperaments. Whether you're in the mood to "touch grass", or have little'ns who need to chase squirrels for a while, everyone is sure to have their needs met.
Open everyday from 10am-6pm
Climb up to the top of this ancient building (1478) to get the best view of the famous King's College and surrounding colleges.
[Thwarted by her sex (and her mediocre singing abilities) Hannah was unable to enroll in the world-famous King's College boys' choir, instead, she was a choirgirl at Great St Mary's for 3 years!]
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun 12pm-4pm
King's college chapel was built between 1446 and 1515 and features one of the world's largest fan vault ceilings.
The first stone of the chapel was laid by King Henry VII but it was his infamous son Henry VIII who would see the completion of the chapel in 1515.
Try to book visits several days in advance!
Although usually associated with figs, there once was an apple linked with the Newton name. Sir Isaac began attending Cambridge University in 1661, but fleeing the Plague, he returned home where the perpendicular fall of an apple to earth inspired his law of Universal Gravitation.
This famous tree stands outside Trinity College and is grafted from original at Newton's home in Lincolnshire.
Two adjacent, large, and lovely parks line a long bow of the River Cam right within the city center.
These are not just ordinary parks— you can give a nod to some of the bovine locals who still graze there thanks to a centuries old custom. Enjoy the looping paths, watch rowers train, or have a picnic!
This beautifully conserved and restored terrace house, by our wonderful family friend Tamsin and her team, is a hidden gem in Cambridge. "David Parr’s intricately patterned house is a brilliant portal into the Arts & Crafts era as well as the world of a working man of that time."
Please book well in advance as tours are only given in small groups and spaces are limited.
Kettle’s Yard in a quiet corner of Cambridge, next to great pubs and Castle Hill, was the home of Jim Ede and his wife Helen between 1957 and 1973. The Edes moved to Cambridge in 1956 and renovated four derelict cottages to create Kettle’s Yard. It Kettle's Yard is the University of Cambridge's modern and contemporary art gallery.
Featured in Sylvia Plath's poetry, and Pink Floyd's music, Grantchester Meadows stretches along the River Cam.
It takes around 45 minutes to an hour to walk from central Cambridge along the Meadow to the village of Grantchester. A perfect way to get a little out of the city, find a spot for a picnic, or take a dip in the Cam.
Places to caffeinate
Get your single origin roasts and skillful espresso pulls here. Lovely pastries and food to boot. Multiple locations. Try the shakshuka if you need a hearty lunch!
Open from 7am-6pm
Michaelhouse is michaelhoused in a the oldest college chapel in Cambridge. Good coffee and lots of seating. Full English (even veggie) Breakfast available!
Open from 9am-5pm except Sundays
Books, coffee, and ideas... Waterstone's is a great retreat from the streets, which can be filled with waves of Spanish teenagers on language courses.
Open from 9am-6pm
Places to eat and drink
The Free Press, run by Cambridge-born siblings is a must for the uni students of Cambridge (or so we've heard), this cute little pub offers some great deals like their Burger and Bottle deal for £10 Tuesdays & Wednesdays 6-8pm. Check out their website for seasonal deals
Open from 12pm-11pm Sun-Thu
12pm-12am Fri-Sat
Opened in 1677 as a coaching inn, the Eagle is the second oldest pub in Cambridge. Watson and Crick were regulars at this pub, and Watson documented that it was here that the pair announced to lunchtime guests that they had "discovered the secret of life".
Open from 11am-11pm Mon-Wed
11am-12am Thu-Sat
12pm-10:30pm Sun
Self-described as "unpretentious but hearty and moreish", this lovely little pub is right opposite Cambridge's Kettle's Yard gallery and the Museum of Cambridge. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dietary options available.
Open from 12pm-12am Mon-Sat
12pm-11pm Sun
Whatever your hankering is, you'll find something for you here. The Market has food and snacks from around the world made fresh.
Highly recommended stop!
Open everyday 10am-4pm
The Granta is a picturesque pub with views of Mill Pond. Visit for lunch or just an early evening brew! A classic menu with lots of gluten-free options.
Open 12pm - 11pm Mon-Sat
11am-10pm Sun
Two of our favourite pubs in Cambridge. Conveniently located near each other... if you don't find space at one, you'll usually find yourself very welcome at the other!
Open 12pm - late
For the sweet tooths!
Few Brits know this delicious confectionary originates from none other than the US of A!
Have some savings for dental appointments? Why not blow it on a Fudge Kitchen visit?? If you work out how to be restrained once you've tasted a sample, please make a note to let us know!
Open from Mon-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 10am-5:30pm
The Fitzbillies' Chelsea Bun must be on your Cambridge cullinary bucketlist.
Take a pause and enjoy some tea or coffee in the cozy café. They celebrated their 100th year anniversary in 2020 and now have three sites in Cambridge.
Open times see here.
You can find even more mouth-watering photos on Jack's Gelato's Instagram. This is a Cambridge phenomenon, and for good reason.
Their flavours range from classics like Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt to Coconut & Lemongrass to Apple & Cinnamon Crumble.
Open from 10am-11pm every day. 10am-12am on weekends.