Summer weekend in Cambridge
How locals do summer in Cambridge — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Cambridge
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
OutdoorsTrumpington Road
40-acre garden with glasshouses, autumn colour walk and chronological bed.
The Backs Punting
OutdoorsRiver Cam
Punt past King's, Clare and Trinity from Mill Pond to Magdalene Bridge.
Where to eat
Aromi
$$Sicilian · Peas Hill
Counter-service arancini and slab pizza — perfect punt-day lunch.
Restaurant 22
$$$$Modern British · Chesterton Road
Michelin-starred 24-seat tasting menu in a Victorian townhouse.
Vanderlyle
$$$Vegetarian Tasting · Hooper Street
Plant-led tasting menu using only British produce — boundary-pushing.
Fitzbillies
$$Café · Trumpington Street
Famous Chelsea buns since 1920 — also a proper brunch spot.
Live & on stage
Cambridge Folk Festival
Cherry Hinton Hall · Jul 31 – Aug 3 · Folk
Cambridge Jazz Festival
Various · Nov 14–23 · Jazz
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols
King's College Chapel · Dec 24 · Choral
Strawberry Fair
Midsummer Common · Jun 7 · Free Festival
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: The Backs Punting, Cambridge University Botanic Garden. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Cambridge and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.