As the days become lighter, longer and hopefully warmer, discover all the city and Cambridgeshire has to offer. Here are our top recommendations for the perfect Spring city break in Cambridge, 2024:
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Just a 20-minute drive from University Arms discover Imperial War Museum Duxford. On the 79th anniversary of VE Day, 8th May, enjoy the museum's first event of the 2024 Duxford Flying Season! The planned aerial display for Flying Days: VE Day celebrates the role aviation made in the path to victory during the Second World War. As a charity, every ticket purchase helps IWM continue to tell stories for future generations.
Further details and tickets can be purchased here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/airshows/events/may-flying-day-one
Explore all other upcoming events here: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford/whats-on
Punting on the River Cam
There is no denying that a trip to Cambridge is not complete without going punting, especially in the Spring and Summer months, We recommend Rutherford's Punting, offering luxury award-winning punting tours. On tour, you’ll soak up the atmosphere of the exclusive riverside Colleges, admire famous bridges and glimpse prestigious private gardens, taking you through time as you are poled along the stunning College Backs. You'll be entertained with Cambridge’s fairytale history as you discover the secrets behind the city we call home.
Explore all tours here: rutherfordspunting.com/
Walking Tours
Guests staying at the hotel have exclusive complimentary access to our city walking tours, which take place every Saturday 11am.
Led by noted academics with a huge passion for their subject, our guided tours let you travel through time from the Middle Ages to the present day to discover the rich history that makes Cambridge so charming.
We will escort you around some of the city’s 31 colleges, from Emmanuel, founded in the reign of Elizabeth I, to Downing, founded in 1800 – “the oldest of the new colleges and the newest of the old”.
You will find out whose statue has been buried upside down and where the last hangman in Britain lived; hear about many unbelievable student pranks and stand in the very spot where the structure of DNA – the true “secret of life” – was discovered.
There’s no better way to feel part of the city than through this lived experience with University Arms.
Tours take place every Saturday at 11am, last 90 minutes, and are complimentary for hotel guests. For further information and to reserve your place, please ask our concierge.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
40 acres of green space and a collection of 8,000 plant species can be found at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, offering year-round colour. Visiting at this time of year, make sure to see the Yoshino cherry tree (Prunus yedernsis) as it has come into full bloom.
Visit www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/ for further information and details on all upcoming events.
Sundowners at Saffron Grange Vineyard
Discover Saffron Grange as they introduce their 'Sundowners at Saffron Grange' every Friday 5-9pm, starting from 3rd May until September 2024. Enjoy their premium English sparkling wine from their Tasting Room and local food-trucks (which will vary depending on the date.) No need to book, just pop along and soak up the atmosphere!
Visit https://www.saffrongrange.com/ for further information.
Stand Up Paddle Board
Why not see the famous sights of Cambridge by stand up paddleboard this Spring? SUP Cambridge runs bespoke guided tours of Cambridge by paddleboard for individuals and small groups. Sessions last around 90 minutes and all equipment is provided. Tours run at weekends and evenings in spring and summer, and no experience is necessary.
Visit https://supcambridge.com/ for further information.
Cambridge Beer Festival
The UK's longest-running CAMRA beer festival, returns to Cambidge for its 50th anniversary on Jesus Green, from Monday 20th - Saturday 25th May 2024. Discover 180+ real ales, 80+ ciders and perries, international beer, mead, wine and cheese.
https://www.cambridgebeerfestival.com/event/cambridge-beer-festival-2024/
Cambridge Nature Festival, 25th May-30th June.
The Cambridge Nature Festival is a celebration of nature on our doorstep, as well as the wonderful people and organisations that work tirelessly for the natural world.
Further details on all events and to purchase tickets, visit: cambridge-university-botanic-garden-courses-events-programme/cambridge-nature-festival-2024
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill
A Jacobean-style building surrounded by 114 acres of gardens and a working watermill, Anglesey Abbey is a feast for the senses in the spring and summer. The gardens are famous for their 40 different varieties of rose, which scent the air as visitors pass; for the dahlias that provide bursts of colour among the 230 varieties of plants in the herbaceous borders; and for the 25 acres of joyful wildflower meadow, filled with delicate blooms, fluttering butterflies, busy bees and well-fed birds.
Anglesey Abbey, Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge CB25 9EJ, just a 20-minute drive from University Arms. For more details, visit ww.nationaltrust.org.uk.
All that Jazz
Jazz nights come to Parker's Tavern bar at the University Arms, every Friday, 7:30-10:00pm. Sip away at Parker's Tavern signature cocktails and swing out with the Sam Miles Trio and the Andy Bowie Quartet.
No booking required, all are welcome. https://parkerstavern.com/bar/
Where to stay in Cambridge this Spring
For a luxurious and unforgettable Spring getaway, consider booking a stay at University Arms, Cambridge's premier luxury hotel. With elegant accommodations, exceptional service, and convenient access to the city's top attractions, University Arms offers the perfect retreat for discerning travellers.
For more information and to book your stay, visit University Arms and explore the available packages and accommodations.