14/01/2022

Family Fun for February Half-Term

Whether you like action or artefacts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in our out-and-about guide to Cambridge.

A World of Knowledge

Cambridge has eight world-class museums, all free-of-charge, so there’s plenty to discover this half-term:

1. For your inner Attenborough: The Museum of Zoology

Just a short walk from University Arms is one of the city’s major attractions: the Museum of Zoology. Here you will find thousands of specimens from the animal kingdom, from reptiles to elephants to birds. The skeletons of extinct species such as the dodo – and the famous skeleton of a 21-metre-long fin whale – are displayed alongside taxidermy of current species, with not a hair out of place.

For more information, visit museum.zoo.can.ac.uk

2. Follow the science: The Whipple Museum

Instruments for astronomy, botany, and the laboratory are just some of the collections bringing the history of science to life at The Whipple Museum, which is filled with intriguing antique apparatus, models, prints, photographs and books.

For more information, visit whipplemuseum.cam.ac.uk

3. Us, then and now: The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Two million years of human history are cleverly combined at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, where you can explore one million artefacts to understand people’s stories, past and present.

For more information, visit maa.cam.ac.uk

Keep an eye out: The Dinky Doors Tour

The city has 12 dinky doorways to wonderful worlds hidden throughout its streets – will you be able to spot them all? The perfect activity for children and adults to get exploring, you can either ‘freestyle’ on your own or follow the tour on the Dinky Doors website.

Join the tour at dinkydoors.co.uk

Plants with friends: The Botanic Garden

Just a moment’s walk from University Arms, a visit to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is the perfect way to get some fresh air and observe nature, every season of the year. Current special events include the Crazy Cone Caper, a trail for children to solve the crime of the nibbled pine cones. The perfect puzzle for family to solve together!

For more information, visit botanic.cam.ac.uk

Explore the Backs: Hire a paddle board

Pull on a wetsuit to brave the elements and enjoy an adventure on a stand-up paddle board along the River Cam. You can explore the Backs (the land that runs along the back of the colleges built on the riverside) on a guided tour for individuals or pairs, or putter about solo.

For more information, visit supcambridge.com

Nice wheels: Cycle to Grantchester

Hop on a University Arms bike and head to the picturesque village of Grantchester, just outside the city, where tea-gardens, country pubs, and river journeys await. There’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors as a family.

Please ask our concierge for further details or to arrange your trip.

Pole dance: Take a punt

This should be on everyone’s wish list of activities in Cambridge: You can book a private or shared punt tour of the city, or have a go at punting yourself. In February the river Cam is quieter, with more space to float your boat with the family – and even enjoy a picnic on board.

Please ask our concierge for further details or to arrange your trip.