From heatwaves to snowstorms, we’ve got you covered with our guide to the best activities for all Cambridge weathers
If you’re a city local, you will already know that Cambridge weather can change dramatically throughout the year. The last few years alone have seen April snow showers melt away to May heatwaves in the blink of an eye, with soggy cold winters and scorching hot summers becoming the norm. And yet somehow, Cambridge remains beautiful whatever the weather – and there’s always something to see or do. Here are some of our top picks of things to try, come rain or shine.
Things to do in a heatwave:
Take a dip at Jesus Green Lido The largest pool in Cambridge, and one of the longest outdoor pools in the country, Jesus Green Lido is one of the few remaining lidos built across the UK during the 1920s to 1930s. Open from 7am to 7pm, it’s the perfect spot for a cooling swim – especially during summer heatwaves!
Things to do on sunny days:
Punting An activity that features on everybody’s Cambridge bucket list, punting offers an idyllic way to spend a sunny afternoon. There’s a plethora of punting companies just waiting to take you out on the water; Traditional Punting Company delivers an authentic experience in stylish chauffeured punts, while Rutherford’s specialises in luxury punting experiences, ranging from Champagne, Gin Tasting and Picnic Punting to Dogs Days Out and Ghost Tours! If you want to master the skill of punting yourself, then hire a boat from Scudamore’s – we recommend heading towards Grantchester to avoid the traffic along the Backs!
Picnic in Grantchester Easily accessed on foot, by bike, or with a punt, Grantchester is the go-to destination for a relaxing, sun-soaked picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The stomping ground of poets such as Rupert Brook, Virginia Woolf and Lord Byron, this quaint village is full of charming sights around every corner, and the meadows that connect it to Cambridge provide plenty of riverside nooks in which to enjoy a bite to eat and some refreshing drinks. The Orchard Tea Rooms also make an excellent spot for an alfresco afternoon tea!
Things to do on rainy days:
Catch a film at Cambridge Arts Picturehouse Showing latest box-office hits, indie flicks and golden oldies, Cambridge Arts Picturehouse is the perfect place to wait for a storm to pass. With its very own bar, you can even take a drink in with you to enjoy during the movie.
Visit a Cambridge museum Take a tour of Kettle’s Yard House, home to a remarkable collection of modern art and sat adjacent to its very own contemporary art gallery. Alternatively, pay a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum to peruse its astonishing collections and check out its latest temporary exhibition. Other top picks include the University Museum of Zoology and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. For more ideas, check out our Guide to Cambridge Museums.
Curl up with a coffee in a local café Some of Edition’s favourite spots for a hot drink include The Locker Café, Espresso Library, Hot Numbers, the Waterstones Café and Fitzbillies. For something a little different, head to The Box Room Board Game Café. This Regent St hotspot is full to the brim with over 500 games for all ages; pop in for a hot drink or a sourdough toasty and peruse the vast games library – with genres ranging from strategy to family, cooperative and trivia.
Things to do when the weather is chilly:
Vintage clothes shopping Cambridge has upped its game on the vintage clothing front over the last couple of years, ushering in new outlets such as Groovy Garage, CJ’s Vintage Store and The Serpentine Swap. Perfect for when you need to get out of the cold for a bit – you might even find a chunky knit or winter jacket to see you through the chillier months while you’re at it!
Investigate Cambridge’s indies Discover the plethora of independents on Cambridge’s high street. You can be sure to receive a warm welcome at Lilac Rose, Bread & Meat, Cenu Cacao, Millers Music, Cambridge Contemporary Crafts and Podarok.
Things to do when it’s snowing:
Make a snowman on Parker’s Piece You’ll be lucky if there’s ever enough snow in Cambridge to make a snowman, but even after the lightest dusting of snow you will be sure to find people unleashing their creative sides in the city’s open spaces. Head to Parker’s piece for a perfectly flat, blank canvas to sculpt your snowy spectacle.
Get your skates on at Cambridge Ice Arena
Embrace the weather with a suitably icy activity! Located near the city airport, Cambridge Ice Arena offers sessions ranging from public skating to ice hockey, curling and figure skating on its full-size, state-of-the-art ice rink.
