Cambridge is a city built for exploration. Beyond the dreaming spires, historic colleges and cobbled lanes lies a quieter side of the city: winding waterways, ancient fenland landscapes, wildlife-rich reserves and beautiful walking routes that reveal a very different pace of life.
For guests staying at University Arms, adventure begins the moment you step outside. Perfectly placed overlooking Parker’s Piece and just moments from the heart of Cambridge, our hotel makes an elegant base for discovering the city’s great outdoors. After a day on the river, a countryside walk or a fenland escape, return to refined comfort, a welcoming cocktail in the bar and the considered luxury of one of Cambridge’s most celebrated hotels.
Whether you are a keen explorer or simply looking to experience Cambridge as locals do, these are some of our favourite outdoor adventures.
Learn to Row with Cambridge Rowing
No outdoor adventure in Cambridge is complete without experiencing the River Cam. Rowing is woven into the city’s identity, from historic college crews preparing for the Boat Race to locals enjoying peaceful mornings on the water.
For visitors, learning to row is one of the most memorable ways to connect with Cambridge. Rather than simply watching boats glide past the Backs, you can take to the river yourself and discover why generations of Cantabrigians have fallen in love with this unique sport.
A wonderful introduction is offered by Cambridge Rowing Experience, which runs beginner-friendly rowing experiences and learn-to-row courses for those wanting to try the sport without any previous experience. Their sessions include coached instruction and the chance to experience rowing in a coxed boat on the River Cam.
For those looking to continue beyond a first outing, Cambridge is home to a thriving rowing community with welcoming clubs and coaching opportunities, including organisations such as City of Cambridge Rowing Club and X-Press Boat Club.
Top tip: Book a morning session if you can. The river is at its most magical early in the day, when the water is calm, the banks are quiet and Cambridge feels wonderfully still.
Bike hire at Wicken Fen
Wicken Fen, near Cambridge, offers convenient bike hire, making it easy to explore one of Britain’s oldest nature reserves on two wheels. Visitors can hire adult, children’s, e-bikes and trikes, with helmets and locks available. The flat, traffic free trails are ideal for families and leisure cyclists, passing reedbeds, waterways, wildflower meadows and grazing Konik ponies. Cyclists can also connect to National Cycle Network Route 11 and the scenic Lodes Way, extending rides towards Burwell Fen, Anglesey Abbey and Ely. Whether you prefer a short nature ride or a longer countryside adventure, Wicken Fen provides excellent cycling opportunities.
Top tip: Combine your visit with a walk along the fenland trails afterwards. The landscape is particularly beautiful at golden hour when the wide skies become the main attraction.
Walk to Ely
At 18 miles, this route is quite a challenge, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Expect beautiful riverside scenery, picturesque marinas, abundant wildlife, and the chance to explore some of Cambridgeshire's quieter, lesser known landscapes.
Starting at Cambridge Train Station, the route winds through the city to Midsummer Common, where you'll join the banks of the River Cam. Follow the riverside towpath north to Waterbeach before connecting with the scenic Fen Rivers Way, which guides you through the Fens and all the way to the historic city of Ely.
Ely itself is well worth exploring, with its medieval streets, independent cafés and the dramatic silhouette of Ely Cathedral rising above the surrounding landscape.
Top tip: Plan your route around the return train journey from Ely back to Cambridge. It makes for a wonderfully relaxed adventure, walk one way, then let the train carry you home.
Visit Milton Country Park
For guests seeking an active escape, Milton Country Park offers a refreshing blend of adventure and natural beauty just outside Cambridge. Its calm lakes provide the perfect setting for open water swimming, with supervised sessions available for everyone from beginners to experienced swimmers. Paddleboarding (SUP) is a fantastic way to explore the peaceful waterways while enjoying the surrounding wildlife, while kayaking offers a fun, full-body workout with guided courses and equipment hire available. Whether you're gliding across the water at sunrise or taking a post-adventure stroll through the park, Milton Country Park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Top tip - Book water activities in advance. Wild swimming, SUP and kayaking sessions are popular, particularly on sunny weekends and throughout summer. And go early in the morning. The lake is often at its calmest, making it ideal for paddleboarding and offering a peaceful atmosphere before it gets busier.
Return to University Arms After Your Adventure
The joy of exploring Cambridge outdoors is that your adventure and luxury can sit comfortably side by side. After a day discovering rivers, reserves and countryside paths, University Arms offers the perfect retreat for your tired feet. You’ve certainly earned that Parkers Tavern dessert this evening!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best outdoor activities to do in Cambridge?
Cambridge offers plenty of outdoor activities beyond its historic colleges and city centre. Visitors can try rowing on the River Cam, explore the cycling trails at Wicken Fen, enjoy walking routes along the River Cam and Fen Rivers Way, or try open-water swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking at Milton Country Park. Many of these experiences are within easy reach of University Arms, making the hotel an ideal base for an active Cambridge break.
Where are the best places to walk in and around Cambridge?
Some of the best walks in Cambridge follow the River Cam, passing green spaces such as Midsummer Common before continuing into the surrounding countryside. For a longer adventure, walkers can follow the river and Fen Rivers Way towards Ely. Wicken Fen is another beautiful option, with peaceful trails through one of Cambridgeshire’s most distinctive fenland landscapes.
Can you go rowing, cycling and paddleboarding in Cambridge?
Yes. Cambridge is a wonderful destination for outdoor and water-based activities. Visitors can learn to row on the River Cam, hire bikes to explore Wicken Fen and the surrounding countryside, and book paddleboarding, kayaking and open-water swimming sessions at Milton Country Park. Booking ahead is recommended for organised activities, particularly during weekends and the summer months.