As the amber tones of autumn return to Cambridge, the city’s timeless charm comes alive once again. Known for its rich history, academic excellence, and iconic architecture, Cambridge transforms into a peaceful haven for those seeking the beauty of the season. From leafy riverside walks to classical concerts and creative workshops, there’s no better place to embrace the spirit of autumn.
At the heart of the city stands University Arms, a luxury hotel offering the perfect base from which to experience Cambridge in the fall. Here is your guide to the best events and seasonal activities for an unforgettable visit.
Made in Ancient Egypt
3 October 2025 – 12 April 2026
Fitzwilliam Museum
Tickets from £14.50 / Free for members / Concessions available
Uncover the untold stories of the makers behind ancient Egypt’s most iconic objects. From elaborately decorated coffins to intricate jewellery, this exhibition offers a fresh perspective on how these artefacts were made and who crafted them. For the first time, discover ancient Egypt through the eyes of its craftspeople—bringing together sculpture, ceramics, and artefacts never before seen in the UK. Learn more about the exhibit.
Cambridge Music Festival
24 October – 29 November 2025
Various venues across Cambridge
Tickets from £5 – £50
Celebrating bold and imaginative performances of classical music, this year’s Autumn Series brings renowned artists to Cambridge’s most atmospheric venues. From historic college chapels to purpose-built concert halls, each setting adds to the power of the music.
Confirmed highlights include:
- Tavener & Richter, 24 October
- The Tallis Scholars, 29 October
- Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius, 7 November
- Kaviraj Singh, 13 November
- Angela Hewitt, 24 November
- Shostakovich Triple Bill: Friends & Mentors, Folk Themes, From Cradle to Grave, 28–29 November
Venues include King’s College Chapel, West Road Concert Hall, Fitzwilliam College, and more. Visit the Cambridge Music Festival website for detailed venue access and parking information. Book tickets for Cambridge Music Festival.
Duxford Flying Finale
Saturday 4 October 2025, 10am – 6pm IWM Duxford Adults £40, Children £20 (5–15), Under-5s free Advance booking only
Celebrate the highs of the flying season with this spectacular end-of-year air show. Set against the backdrop of a historic former RAF base, Duxford Flying Finale offers breathtaking displays from heritage aircraft, including Spitfires and Hurricanes, and showcases IWM’s world-renowned aviation collection. A must for aviation and history enthusiasts alike. Learn more about Duxford Flying Finale.
Apple Day
Sunday 19 October 2025, 10am – 4pm
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Booking essential
A beloved Cambridge tradition returns for another year. Explore dozens of heritage apple varieties, get expert advice on cultivation and pruning, and enjoy live music, food trucks, guided garden tours, and craft stalls. Apple Day is a celebration for all ages - perfect for families, gardeners, and seasonal explorers.
Highlights include apple tasting and identification, cultivation tips, hands-on apple crafts, and themed garden tours led by expert guides. Learn more about Apple Day.
Autumn Workshops at David Parr House
Various dates through September – November 2025
David Parr House
Ticket prices vary
This autumn, David Parr House offers a vibrant programme of creative workshops and events. From bookbinding and lino cutting to drawing and heritage tours, there's something for everyone. The setting itself—a beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts house—adds inspiration to every visit.
View the full programme at davidparrhouse.org
Halloween Afternoon Tea at Parker’s Tavern
21 – 31 October 2025, daily 12:30pm – 5pm
Parker’s Tavern, University Arms
£39 per person
Indulge in a spooky, seasonal twist on classic afternoon tea. Featuring Halloween-themed pastries, pumpkin delice, orange butterscotch skulls, and Parker’s signature finger sandwiches, this is a delicious way to celebrate autumn with a touch of theatre.
Reservations recommended - Book Now.
Lubaina Himid with Magda Stawarska: Another Chance Encounter
12 July – 2 November 2025, 11am – 5pm Kettle’s Yard Free entry, Booking recommended
Renowned contemporary artist Lubaina Himid presents new paintings, installations, and subtle interventions in the Kettle’s Yard house, in collaboration with sound artist Magda Stawarska. Known for her exploration of erased histories and overlooked narratives, Himid brings a dynamic and immersive energy to the gallery space.
This exhibition reimagines life stories through sound, correspondence, and visual storytelling, and builds on the artists’ earlier collaboration Blue Grid Test.
Panel Talk: Bitterness, Doubt and Neglect
1 October 2025, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Kettle’s YardEntry £12, booking required
Join Dr Inga Fraser, Juliette Bretan, Patricia Gillies, and Ania Ready for an insightful panel discussion on overlooked histories in art and the lasting impact of silence, absence, and erasure. This event complements the Himid exhibition and brings new perspectives to Kettle’s Yard’s legacy and curation.
Book your spot at the panel talk.
Ghost Walking Tour
Available throughout autumn
Cambridge city centre
Tour Type: Private
Cost: £185 per group
Max no. in group: 20
Length of Tour: 1 hour
As the nights draw in, explore Cambridge’s haunted past with an expert-led walking tour. Hear tales of ghostly sightings, strange happenings, and chilling legends from centuries past. Highlights include the haunted bookshop, the mysterious window at the Eagle pub, and the city’s medieval passageways.
Tours available on demand - perfect for groups or curious visitors after dark. Book your Ghost Tour.
Where to Stay in Cambridge this Autumn: University Arms
For a truly luxurious and central place to stay this autumn, look no further than University Arms. Overlooking Parker’s Piece and just moments from the city’s cultural highlights, the hotel offers beautifully styled rooms, in-house dining at Parker’s Tavern, and exclusive seasonal experiences including wreath-making workshops and themed teas. Whether you're here for a weekend break or a longer retreat, enjoy an unforgettable Cambridge getaway.
From ancient artefacts to modern art, from apple tasting to choral masterpieces, Cambridge is bursting with inspiration this autumn. Start your visit at University Arms and explore all that the city has to offer. Explore our website for seasonal offers, booking information and tailored itineraries, or contact our concierge team.