Cambridge, a historic city in the United Kingdom, has a lot to offer for visitors of all ages, including children.
With the festive season coming up and quieter times in universities graduations, there is no better time to discover or re visit Cambridge with your kids.
Here are five reasons why Cambridge can be a great destination for families with children:
1. Educational Attractions
Cambridge is home to the world-renowned University of Cambridge, and the city itself is steeped in history and academic tradition.
The University of Cambridge is rich of 31 different colleges such as King’s, Magdalene or St Catharine’s.
In our recent visit, we decided to pay the entry fee to explore King’s college with its magnificent Chapel.
Furthermore, families can explore educational attractions like the Cambridge Science Centre, where children can engage in hands-on science exhibits, or visit the University’s museums, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, which has a diverse collection of art and antiquities.
2. Parks and Green Spaces
If you are visiting Cambridge on a bright sunny day, you have to wander around the different Cambridge green areas.
The city boasts with beautiful parks, providing a perfect environment for children to play and families to enjoy a picnic.
Parker’s Piece, Jesus Green, and Midsummer Common are popular choices for outdoor activities.
Punting on the River Cam is also a delightful and relaxing family-friendly activity.
After a few hours exploring the old town of Cambridge, we thought a quick tranquil journey on the river would be a good way to check out all the different college buildings.
On Sunday, we even took a long walk from the pub alongside the River Cam to reach back to the city centre. We saw some college boats practising their skills with their coach on the bike
3. Botanic Gardens
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a great place for families to explore nature.
Children can learn about various plant species, and the garden often hosts family-friendly events and workshops.
The Glasshouse Range, with its tropical and subtropical plants, can be particularly fascinating for kids.
In summary, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is not only a scenic retreat but also an educational resource for families.
It provides an opportunity for children to connect with nature, learn about plant diversity, and engage in activities that promote environmental awareness in a beautiful and tranquil setting.
4. Visit National Trust Anglesey Abbey
If you are keen to spend half a day in the nature and go back in time, you should take a taxi and go to Anglesey Abbey.
This National Trust treasure is located on the North East side of Cambridge and is a property known for its beautiful gardens, historical house, and scenic walks.
The extensive gardens, designed by the renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, offer a picturesque setting for families to explore.
The carefully landscaped grounds include lawns, water features, and wooded areas, providing ample space for children to run and play.
Anglesey Abbey often has seasonal adventure trails designed for children. These trails incorporate fun activities, challenges, and interactive elements that encourage kids to explore the gardens in an engaging way.
The National Trust frequently organizes family-friendly events and activities at Anglesey Abbey. These events might include nature walks, storytelling sessions, and hands-on workshops that cater to children’s interests.
The gardens and natural areas around Anglesey Abbey are home to a variety of wildlife. Children can have the opportunity to spot birds, insects, and other creatures. Bring along a pair of binoculars and a nature guidebook to enhance their wildlife spotting experience.
While the historic house itself might not be as captivating for younger children, older kids with an interest in history and architecture might find it intriguing.
From Friday 17 November 2023 until Sunday 10 December 2023, Anglesey Abbey is featuring a special Winter Lights celebration of nature within its gardens. You can book your tickets here and secure this special event on your agenda.
And if you have the munchies after the morning exploring the site, why don’t go have lunch at the Redwoods Restaurant where hot food is served between 11.30am and 2pm.
5. Christmas Shopping
If you still need some inspiration about potential gifts for Christmas, you simply can’t go wrong by visiting the different shops around Cambridge.
Cambridge offers a diverse and enjoyable shopping experience, combining historic charm with modern convenience.
For instance, Grand Arcade is a modern shopping mall in the heart of the city features a wide range of shops, including high-street brands, fashion stores, beauty shops, and eateries. It’s a convenient spot for a variety of shopping needs.
Another shopping centre is Lion Yard offering a mix of popular retail chains, boutique shops, and cafes. It’s a great place to explore for fashion, accessories, and more.
Cambridge is also known for its independent and boutique shops. Along the historic streets, you’ll find unique stores selling everything from handmade crafts and vintage clothing to specialty foods and artisanal goods.
The market in the Market Square is a vibrant and historic feature of Cambridge. Open seven days a week, it offers a variety of goods, including fresh produce, flowers, handmade crafts, and unique finds. The market is an excellent place to experience the local atmosphere and find unique items.
Cambridge has a rich literary tradition, and you’ll find several bookshops catering to different tastes. Heffers Bookshop, established in 1876, is a notable and expansive bookstore that covers a wide range of genres.
King’s Parade and Trinity Street are iconic streets but not just about history and architecture; they also host a variety of shops. From clothing boutiques to souvenir shops, you can find interesting items while enjoying the historic surroundings.
Cambridge is home to many arts and crafts shops where you can find unique handmade items. These might include pottery, jewellery, and artwork created by local artists.
Whether you’re looking for mainstream brands, unique finds, or local specialties, Cambridge’s shopping scene caters to a range of tastes and preferences.
CONCLUSION
I hope I have given you enough inspiration and reasons why you should visit Cambridge very soon with your little tribe. Don’t wait for the sunny summer days where the city is sometimes overcrowded with long queues at punting.
The winter can be equally interesting to visit the city of Cambridge with the magical Christmas touch in the air.
Enjoy your weekend or day out in Cambridge!
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