Cambridge (UK) event weekends: what to do between sessions

Colleges on the Backs, punts on the Cam and King's College Chapel, 50 minutes from London.

Events we cover in Cambridge (UK)

Arriving

Stansted (STN) is 30 minutes by train; London King's Cross is 50 minutes.

Where to stay

Three hotels we would book

• Budget: Travelodge Cambridge Central
• Mid-range: Hotel du Vin Cambridge
• Splurge: University Arms

Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Tours

Where to eat

• Fitzbillies Chelsea buns
• The Eagle DNA pub
• Market Square stalls Daily market

With kids

• Museum of Zoology.

Rainy-day backups

• Fitzwilliam Museum.
• Polar Museum.

Free things to do

• Fitzwilliam Museum.
• Kettle's Yard.

Getting around

• Bikes everywhere; buses from the station.
• Tap in with a contactless card on buses, trams and most urban trains.
• Book long-distance trains early on the operator app or Trainline: walk-up fares are expensive.
• Uber works in most UK cities; local black cabs are metered.