Great Days Out in Cambridge

Botanic Gardens

Surround yourself with beautiful plants and flowers at the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge’s oasis of calm and colour. It’s been open on this site since 1846 and houses many rare specimens collected in order to teach medical students at the University. Opening times this summer are 10am-6pm; £4.50 (adults), children go free. www.botanic.cam.ac.uk

A grand day out

For a day out filled with culture, heritage and a compulsory cream tea, pay a visit to one of your local National Trust properties. Nearest is the compact but perfectly formed Anglesey Abbey in Lode – a Jacobean country house nestled in glorious wooded grounds. Don’t forget to check out the newly renovated servants’ quarters. Towards Royston there’s Wimpole Hall, a stately building with a working farm on-site. Drop by for milking time at the cowshed or take a shire horse carriage ride. Over in Suffolk, Ickworth House offers gentle neoclassical charm at every turn. Don’t miss their costume exhibition and look out for the Living History days. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Audley End House

Step back to a time of masters and servants at the impressive 17th century Audley End House near Saffron Walden. The gardens are in full bloom, and there’s a new, interactive nursery wing to explore featuring traditional toys you can actually pick up and play with (plus a tiny bed you can climb into if you so desire!). The stables are a must-see, and the Victorian Service Wing is one of the best you’ll find. Adult £15.40, child £9.20 (non-members). www.english-heritage.org.uk

Jesus Green Lido

The perfect solution to a sticky summer’s day, the lido on Jesus Green has achieved cult status amongst the people of Cambridge and is always packed when the sun in shining. One of the longest outdoor pools in Europe, it fi rst opened in 1923 and remains ideal for a refreshing dip. There’s sunbathing space too, and the positioning is great: it’s right on the lovely Jesus Green by the River Cam, and just a short stroll from the city centre. www.better.org.uk/leisure/jesusgreenlido

Strawberry picking

Indulge in one of the great pleasures of summer with a day spent strawberry picking at Bury Lane Farm Shop. Forage for these succulent rosy gems in their purpose-built strawberry field, where all the plants are on raised tables to save you stooping! You’re not only likely to come away with a much sweeter crop than if you were to buy a punnet from the supermarket, but you’ll be helping to reduce food miles too. While you’re there, say hello to the chickens who live next to the strawberry fields, then of course enjoy a cuppa and a home-made cake at the café. Pick Your Own season runs until the end of August, 9am-5.30pm (10.30am- 4pm on Sundays). www.burylanefarmshop.co.uk

Wicken Fen

Spot wildlife, hire a bike or take out a boat at Wicken Fen, one of the last remaining sites of untamed fenland in Britain. The wild konik ponies are a sight to behold, and don’t forget to poke your head into Fen Cottage to see how fenlanders would have lived in the 1930s. You can even try out wild camping in Wicken’s special wooden shelters for an unforgettable night under the stars. 50-minute boat rides along the peaceful, reed-lined waterways cost £5.50 (adults), £3.25 (children) and operate daily. The nature reserve is open dawn to dusk. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Wandlebury Country Park

Fill your lungs with fresh air and go for a walk around Wandlebury Country Park, just o the A1301. There’s a pond, meadowland for picnics and frisbee, plus events taking place throughout the month. Go after dark on 10 August for a one-off Night Walk, led by the team at Cambridge PPF, the charity who run the site. Discover the silent beauty of the Park under the auspicious magic of the moon and listen out for owls and other creatures of the night. Book in advance: recommended donation of £3 (adults), £2 (children). www.cambridgeppf.org

Hannam’s Wake Hub

Try something totally different and go wakeboarding at Hannam’s Wake Hub, based out Ely way. It’s suitable for everyone and involves skimming along a lake while holding on to a cable – a bit like waterskiing. We’re dying to try it! The company is run by brothers Ben and Terry Hannam and is open 12-7pm (Tues-Fri) and 10am-7pm (weekends). But don’t worry, you don’t have to do the jumps unless you’re feeling really confident… www.hannamswakehub.com

Fenland Country Fair

Country show season is in full swing and possibly the best in the area is the Fenland Fair – known as ‘The Fenland’ to regulars. It takes place at Quy Hall, Stow-Cum-Quy this August bank holiday (23-25 August). Much more than just a village fête, The Fenland offers a complete crosssection of the best parts of country life and customs, including ring displays, clay shooting, archery, cookery and beekeeping demonstrations, a ferret show (we’re particularly excited about this!) plus vintage stalls, crafts and a traditional funfair. Open 9am-5.30pm, adults £10, children under 13 go free. www.fenlandfairs.com