10 things to do in Cambridge this summer

 

1. Attend ‘The Big Weekend’ – Parker’s Place 1^st – 3^rd July

Taking place every summer on Parker’s Place, The Big Weekend is a free event offering live music from headliners such as The Hoosiers. You will also find food stalls, a French Market, a gaming hub, art tent, local bands, and a firework finale on the Friday night.  Find out more here.

 

2. Get into Tennis!

Whether you want to play it or watch it, we’ve got you covered! The ARU College team have hired a Tennis Court every Wednesday at 1.30pm – 3pm. You may want to practice your skills, get a little competitive, or have some fun! Either way, come along and get involved. Contact a member of our team to book.

If playing isn’t your thing and you’d rather sit back and watch, why not head to Station Road between 27^th June – 10^th July where you will find a big screen showing BBC Live coverage of Wimbledon. This is a free event and seats are first come first serve, there’s also a bar on hand for refreshments – search ‘Strawberries and Screen Cambridge’ for more information.

 

3. Visit one of the many museums with free entry including:

• Kettle’s Yard – House, Gallery, café, and Shop
• The Fitzwilliam Museum
• University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology

The Museum of Zoology is also holding several events throughout the summer. You can find out more and book these via the website.

 

4. Enjoy Street Food at Market Square

Historically, Cambridge is a market city and stalls have been trading in the city centre since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, you can find plenty of food stalls offering street food, flowers, groceries, jewellery, clothes, and lots more!

 

5. Take part in some sports with ARU

The university offer an abundance of sporting activities you can get involved with, there’s something for everyone so if you’re ever looking for something to do, just ask! Some examples include:

Table Tennis in Coslett Studio, Mondays 5:15pm – 6:45pm

Outdoor Volleyball on Parker’s Piece Tuesdays 5pm – 6pm

 

6. Go shopping in the Grand Arcade

If you take a stroll across Parker’s Piece and into the city centre, you can spend the day here taking in all the shops, cafes and restaurants. The Grand Arcade is anchored by a large John Lewis & Partners department store and is also home to around 60 other outlets.

 

7. Go to a Free outdoor film screening

Grab your popcorn and head to Market Square for an evening of fun! Cambridge is hosting an exciting outdoor cinema this summer, which is free to attend.

There are 2 films on show each night and there are screenings in June, July, and August.

Friday 24^th June – 6pm: The Croods 2: A New Age, 8pm: Spider Man: No way home.

Friday 22^nd July – 6pm: Space Jam: A New Legacy, 8pm: Back to the Future.

Friday 19^th August – 6pm: Clifford the Big Red Dog, 8pm: West Side Story (2021).

 

8. Go Punting!

You can’t go to Cambridge and not have a go at Punting! The city is famous for it so why not give it a go this summer. You don’t necessarily need to book in advance, but it is often cheaper if you do. As a student, you can also get a discounted rate with most punting companies. As well as seeing some of the beautiful architecture Cambridge has to offer, you will also learn about the abundance of history from your guide. Search ‘Punting Cambridge’ for more information.

 

9. Indulge in the culture and history of Cambridge with a free walking tour

One of the best things about Cambridge is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy the city. Cambridge is filled with beautiful architecture and history that you can take in just by walking around the streets. If you want to find out a bit more about the buildings you’re walking past, you can book onto a free walking tour to expand your knowledge. Many of these tours are also carried out in various languages. Just search ‘Cambridge Free Walking Tours’ for more information.

 

10. Spend the day at the Jesus Green Lido

A lido is a public open-air swimming pool and Jesus Green Lido in Cambridge is one of the few remaining lidos built across the country in the 1920’s. It is open to the public between May and September and includes a newly built sauna and sunbathing space. Find out more here.