The ultimate summer weekend in Cambridge for families

There is no more quintessential or idyllic Cambridge activity than going for a punt. Not an option on the Thames but just perfect for the serene, shallow River Cam, punts are sturdy 12-person barges suitable for all ages (babies and toddlers are fine to go on) that are pushed through the water by a big pole. The classic route is a meander around The Backs, that is to say the picturesque bit of the Cam where the lawns of several colleges back on to the river. Either hire your own or join one of the many tours.

Hungry? You’re spoiled for choice with family friendly spots to eat and drink. The Anchor pub offers unparalleled views over the river from its terrace, or you could pack some snacks with you and go for a pretty picnic at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. For sweet treats, you can’t go past Jack’s Gelato, makers of intriguing flavours like coconut and cardamom or salted oreo (with plenty of kid-friendly flavours too). 

Saying ‘Cambridge has museums’ is a bit like saying ‘London has buses’. As one of the world’s great seats of learning, the city is home to a tremendous number of institutions – mostly University-affiliated – covering all sorts of esoteric subjects. Gawp at the magnificent skeletons in the University Museum of Zoology, geek out at the Museum of Computing History, get in touch with your inner adventurer at The Polar Museum, or discover the history of the city itself at the Museum of Cambridge.

There aren’t many cities where ‘have a look around the university for a bit’ would be a serious recommendation for families, but Cambridge isn’t most cities. With some colleges dating back to 1209, it’s wall to wall historic buildings and beautifully manicured lawns, plus some virtuosic architectural one offs (the Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College, the Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College). It’s probably fractionally more romantic to see it by water, but mooching around town is essentially a very charming use of a day.

Created in 1831, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden boasts over 8,000 types of plant and was a key resource in the explosion of understanding of genetics that took place in the subject during the age of Darwin and co. Your kids may not actually care about that, but it’s also highly regarded as a damn nice garden. Until recently it hosted a descendant of the apple tree that famously inspired Isaac Newton – it blew over last year, but clones are being grown and will be planted soon.

If you fancy something a little different, stay on the train for a few extra stops and explore the ancient city of Ely. The highest point of the fens of East Anglia, the tiny, picturesque spot is granted its city status by its world-famous cathedral, which was founded over 900 years ago and can trace its origins back another 500 years to the Anglo-Saxon abbey that previously stood on the site. All but the youngest children will enjoy climbing its astonishing Octagon Tower: one of the wonders of the medieval world. And if you’re feeling brave then you’re just a hop, skip and a squelch from the fens themselves.

Discover where summer will take you with Thameslink and Great Northern Railway and enjoy kids’ tickets for £2.*

*Ts&Cs apply