COVID-19
Welcome back to Cambridge: Top tips for enjoying one of the world’s best small cities
Cambridge is now open and measures have been put in place to ensure visitors to the city and those working are kept safe. There is directional signage asking you to keep to the left-hand side and please keep a safe distance from others while you are out enjoying our fabulous city. Masks must be worn while in shops and please ensure you wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser where it’s provided. Cambridge has so much to offer everyone, so why not be a tourist in your own city – and support our local businesses? Here’s just a snippet of what you can do during your visit…
ALFRESCO DRINKS
Cambridge is spoilt with a choice of alfresco bars, not only giving you the option to enjoy a refreshing cold drink, but to also soak up those fabulous views. The Gonville Hotel, Novi, The Varsity Hotel and Revolution all have an outdoor bar option. New for summer 2020, Parkers Tavern and MillWorks are opening outdoor dining areas, ensuring you can still eat at your favourite places, but outside.
MARKET SQUARE
Cambridge market has been operating since ancient times: it’s all open air and the ultimate centre of the city. You can find yourselves mingling with locals and buzzing traders selling art, gift items and delicious range of multicultural foods. Market Square, in the heart of Cambridge, is a great place to grab and go while you still want to be on your legs to explore.
PUNTING AND THE RIVER CAM
Flowing through the city, the River Cam is a major attraction, so taking a punt along the Backs – seeing all the sights as you gently cruise your way along – is a very popular activity for visitors and residents alike. Treat yourself to a champagne picnic and take your loved one on a romantic afternoon out.
FABULOUS DINING
With the new government Eat Out to Help Out scheme, now is the time to visit all those restaurants you never quite got round to trying. From Monday to Wednesday, participating restaurants offer 50% off for each person (to a maximum of £10pp, and alcoholic drinks not included) throughout August. Keep your eye out for the list of participating restaurants throughout the city and beyond.
TAKE YOUR TIME
Now more than ever, we have been blessed with the opportunity to take our time. This could be learning a new instrument – with Miller’s Music and Cambridge Strings on hand to guide you to the right purchase – or what about taking up a new sport? With hairdressers and nail bars opening, we can now spend a little time and money on ourselves, too – treat yourself to a fresh look!
MUSEUMS, ART AND CULTURE
Cambridge has a fantastic selection of museums and historic buildings and one of the main attractions is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which has opened on a pre-booked basis. Opened in 1848 and one of the finest museums in the UK, the Fitzwilliam houses collections based on the themes that include music, textiles, furniture and clocks, ceramics and glass. You can view paintings by many of the world’s greatest artists.
HOTELS
When you’ve shopped, you need to drop and refresh before heading out for drinks and dinner. We have a fabulous range of hotels to choose from and there are currently some great deals to have – always book direct for these. Every hotel has your safety as a priority and have social distancing measures in place. The Ibis is convenient for the railway station, The Clayton is also nearby with a luxurious feel, while The Cambridge Hotel has beautiful views of the river from their rooms, a riverside bar and a large car park. The Varsity has a sixth-floor rooftop bar with great views of the city, the Hilton City centre its very close to shopping districts, the University Arms has beautiful suites overlooking Parker’s Piece and Parker’s bar is a favourite to recline in. The chauffeur at the Gonville Hotel can take you on a city tour in one of their classic Bentleys followed by drinks on the terrace, Hotel Du Vin has a sunken bar and lovely outside seating area, and the family-run regent Hotel is convenient to visit all locations. So take your pick!
FUN IN THE SUN
Cambridge has many beautiful green spaces to enjoy, Parker’s Piece, Jesus Green, Midsummer Common and Lammas Land to name but a few. Why not treat yourself to a picnic with a fine bottle of chiller’s wine or even a takeaway beer and pizza from many on offer? The University of Cambridge Botanic Garden is also open – bookings can be made online. For those who like their fun a little more active, then the Jesus Green Lido is open. Built in 1923 it is one of the longest in Europe. For indoor swimming, both Parkside and Abbey pools also now available.
GELATO
Let’s not forget the kids (and us big kids) when looking at treats – why not pop to Jack’s Gelato, Aromi or Benets cafe for some of the best ice cream you’ll find outside of Italy? With daily changing flavours, you are spoilt for choice!
Cambridge has so much to offer everyone, so even if you’re a regular visitor there is always more to see. If you have not been for a while, let’s whet your appetite and entice you back.