From gorgeous gardens to festival fever, make the most of the season with our top 21 things to do in Cambridge this summer
Top image by National Trust Images/Mike Selby
1. Watch the solstice sunrise
Mark the longest day of the year by getting up early on 21 June to catch the summer solstice sunrise – from your garden, window, balcony or even a local vantage point like Castle Mound, Grantchester Meadows or a remote Fenland footpath, where you’ll be fully encircled in the spectacle.
2. Picnic in the park
We’re spoilt for choice here in Cambridge when it comes to perfect picnicking locations. Alongside the popular spots of Midsummer Common, Lammas Land, Jesus Green, Laundress Green and the Backs, there are lots more options just a short drive away – including Ferry Meadows near Peterborough, plus Milton and Wandlebury Country Parks. Hampers at the ready!
3. Head to the races
Top of the line-up for summer racing is surely the Debenhams July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse, a three-day extravaganza that combines the finest horse racing and hospitality with an electric atmosphere. Ladies Day launches the proceedings on 10 July, so there’s plenty of time to get that knock-out outfit assembled! Festival Friday and July Cup Day then follow with their thrilling racecards, on 11 and 12 July respectively.
4. Sip cocktails on the terrace
What’s better than a seat in the sun with a suitably refreshing and fruity tipple in hand, in the company of good friends? Novi has a verdant summer space where you can escape the bustle of the city and indulge in fruit, spice, herb and dessert cocktails. Alternatively, head to The Varsity Hotel’s iconic rooftop terrace to enjoy a free side order of panoramic views alongside your cocktail or mocktail!
5. Eat alfresco
Whether it’s a casual brunch, a leisurely lunch or fine evening dining, make the most of the glorious weather by choosing an outdoor table at one of Cambridge’s top eateries. Some offer more intimate courtyard settings – such as The Oak Bistro or The Fellows Garden at The Folio Bar & Kitchen – while others provide picturesque waterside spots, such as the terraces at modern brasserie Millworks or the contemporary international fusion restaurant Galleria.
6. Go to the (outdoor) movies
Few things say summer more than seeing a movie in the open air. This year, Cambridge BID’s outdoor cinema is set to return to Station Road and Market Square; Enchanted Cinema is showing The Swimmer and Finding Nemo at Jesus Green Lido; and Anglesey Abbey is screening a selection of films during July, including The Greatest Showman (singalong version), Mamma Mia! and Pretty Woman.
7. Indulge in a wine tasting
There’s no need to travel to France or Spain this summer – Cambridge has its own local wines! Gutter & Stars is a winery housed in the quirky surroundings of a Grade II listed windmill, less than a mile from Cambridge city centre. Regular tasting sessions are held here, giving you the opportunity to sample the award-winning wines made from grapes grown locally. Slightly further afield are Chilford Hall Vineyard in Linton and Saffron Grange, just outside the market town of Saffron Walden, whose summer 2025 tours are now available to book.
8. Discover local creatives
The annual Cambridge Open Studios event sees up to 500 artists, craftspeople and designer-makers throw open their doors to the public over the first four weekends of July. From textiles, glass, printmaking and photography to watercolour, ceramics, jewellery and sculpture, get ready to be inspired by the work of these talented local creatives, learn about their methods, explore their studio spaces – and maybe even invest in a favourite piece or two!
9. Pet Dog Show
29 June, Ben’s Yard
Bring your pooch along for a day of competitive dog classes, open to all dogs, with exciting top prizes to be won.
10. Sounds Green 2025
July, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
A celebration of summer and music, Sounds Green takes place every Wednesday evening in July on the Garden’s Main Lawn.
11. Cambridge Dance Festival
5 July, Cambridge Rugby Club
From Tall Paul and General Levy to DJ Spoony, enjoy 11 hours of house, disco, jungle, garage and 70s/80s classics, as well as comedy and acoustic sets.
12. The Shelford Festival and Feast
5-12 July, Shelford
A week of music, comedy, food and drink in Great Shelford – just outside Cambridge – with Scott Mills in the Saturday DJ slot!
13. Ely Folk Festival
11-13 July, Stuntney Estate
Enjoy a real ale bar, as well as morris dancing displays, ceilidhs, workshops, music sessions and plenty more at this three-day event near Ely.
14. Heritage Live
31 July – 3 August, Audley End Estate
The Jacksons, Roger Daltrey, Manic Street Preachers and Underworld are the headline acts set to perform in the scenic Audley End grounds.
15. Cambridge Country Show
9-10 August, Stow Cum Quy Park
Watch a wide range of impressive displays, including cookery demos, chainsaw carving, falconry, dog agility and heavy horses.
16. Potter in the gardens
Fill your senses with the riotous colours and heady fragrances of flowers, the tactile textures of plants and the soothing sounds of grasses swishing in a summer breeze. Top public gardens in the area include such favourites as Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Anglesey Abbey, Chippenham Park, Wimpole Estate and Peckover House. There’s also a plethora of open garden events taking place in villages across Cambridgeshire this summer, including Steeple Morden, Duxford, Ickleton and Castle Camps.
17. Bring those festival vibes
Summer equals festival time! Tantalise the taste buds at the Foodies Festival (aka Gastro-Glastonbury), where you can see celebrity and award-winning chefs, plus chart-topping music stars, from 4 to 6 July. Or sample world-class Thai cuisine at the Magic of Thailand Festival from 2 to 3 August, both taking place at Parker’s Piece. For music, check out the programmes for Cambridge Rock Festival and Cambridge Summer Music Festival, plus Newmarket Nights at Newmarket Racecourse and Bedford Summer Sessions at Bedford Park.
18. Get away from it all
A night or two away – even just five minutes down the road – can do wonders for body and mind. Relaxation is, of course, top of the agenda, so look out for accommodation that offers a hot tub or luxurious freestanding bathtub. For added pampering, choose a boutique or spa hotel. Gonville Hotel has its own wellness sanctuary offering luxury treatments including facials and massages. More quirky options in the area include Happenoak Treehouse in Balsham, The Carriage Ely in Wayhead and Wildflower Wagon just outside Cambridge.
19. Hire a bike
Soak up the sun and sights by taking to two wheels. With its forgiving terrain and extensive network of cycle paths, Cambridgeshire is kind to the least seasoned of cyclists. If you’ve never done it before, or not for a while, why not hire a bike and explore your county? Maps are available on the Cambridgeshire County Council website that cover the city and
its surroundings.
20. Take to the water
Punting isn’t the only way to enjoy Cambridgeshire’s waterways. Hire a day boat, cruiser or canal boat and take to the county’s beautiful rivers, visiting Fenland towns and villages and stopping at pubs or picnic sites for refreshments along the way. More adventurous alternatives are also available – SUP Cambridge offers stand-up paddle boarding, for instance.
21. Cheer on the dragons
Returning to the River Cam at Fen Ditton this year is the hugely popular Dragon Boat Festival, which will be raising funds for Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital. Taking place on 13 September, the event will see teams of ten to 15 paddling 30ft boats up the river, with a drummer at the front beating time and a helm at the tail, as well as bankside entertainment, trophy presentations and plenty of fancy dress!
