A Weekend in Cambridge with Kids Things to do for Families. As you are reading this I will be back at work for the first time in just over nine months! As part of preparing mentally for going back to work, I have convinced the other half to allow me to book one weekend away a month. A family only weekend, one where we take the kids somewhere special, which allows us to explore and also relax a little. Ideally a city since there are so many places in the UK that we have yet to visit. Our first little mini-break was last weekend and we went to visit Cambridge. It’s a place we have often said we would visit since on a good run it is only two hours away from us.
A Weekend in Cambridge with Kids: Things to do for Families
As it was his birthday Hubby had the day off so we took advantage and left straight after school, meaning we missed most of the bad traffic and arrived at the Premier Inn Cambridge City East around six. Over dinner that evening we planned what we would like to do. I had already brought a little guidebook and map, since we are both insanely busy I knew we wouldn’t get round to planning anything before we went. Charlie is now at the age where he has input into the day’s activities too. It worked well keeping him engaged over dinner and avoiding the inevitable mummy can I play with your phone question.
READ MORE – Premier Inn Cambridge City East Review
Sunday we already had plans to visit Wimpole Estate a National Trust property, which we did although the weather was pretty rubbish so I am not sure we did it justice. This meant that we only really had 24 hours in Cambridge, question is how much can you squeeze in with a baby and 4.5 years old?
READ MORE – Wimpole Estate National Trust
24 Hours in Cambridge with Kids
Morning
We had a lazy couple of hours, even though both kids were up around 6 am we actually didn’t make it down to breakfast until around 8.30. I made sure we all stocked up on food for the twenty-five minute walk into Cambridge to our first stop
I love walking around Cambridge, I love the grandeur of it all, the yellow stone and the architecture. We had brought Charlie’s scooter so it meant our walk-in was a lot quicker. He had fun scooting across Parkers Piece which I can imagine looks lovely when all the flowers are out. It did however tire him out so when we spotted Chocolat Chocolat in the high street we made a beeline for it. I would recommend a visit, the smell was immense and they had some very interesting flavours!
We then walked to the Downing Street sight where some of the museums are located. Charlie wanted to visit The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences as it contained fossils. He has been a little fossil mad since we made some Dinosaur Fossils ourselves for one of his school projects. We had Harry in the buggy and there are a lot of steps up to the entrance. But if you use the intercom a member of staff will come and let you in via the lift. I loved it as soon as I walked in. It has that museum smell I remember from being a little girl. Charlie was fascinated with everything he especially loved the dinosaurs and the meteoroids. They have a little shop which also holds some activity boxes for various ages from two upwards. We found them a little late, but if we return then they looked like a great way to explore the collection.
Lunchtime
I think we stayed for about two hours, after a quick snack we decided to walk over to the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens. We made light work of the twenty-minute walk epically with Charlie’s scooter. We managed to stay off of the main roads, I love the sandy coloured bricks and we passed a couple of great looking pubs too. This time of year we only needed a little while to wander. We went through the glasshouses first towards the cafe. It’s just about wide enough to get a large buggy through and Charlie loved to explore the little nooks and crannies, he was particularly impressed with the spiky tree. The cafe is a reasonable size, we all had sausage rolls and cake, before setting off to the fountain to find a very large piece of ice! We also walked through the Winter garden which was full of colour. There is a great gift shop too!!
Afternoon – A Weekend in Cambridge with Kids: Things to do for Families
It was time for a little bit of adult time so we walked along to the River Cam to see the punts. We had to negotiate pretty hard as Charlie was desperate to give them a go. Instead under promises of returning in the warmer weather, we managed a couple of drinks in the Anchor. A pub which is right on the river and one I use to visit in my old uni days! We taught Monkey a game of hangman. It’s a multi-level pub so not ideal for buggies but we were lucky and managed to get a table as you walked in. They also have a restaurant upstairs.
Early Evening
Leaving the pub at dusk we walked back into Cambridge along past King’s College. It’s such an impressive building and the early evening light made it look even more so. I think if we were to stay longer I would have liked to walk around more taking in the university buildings and architecture. Obviously with two small children that wasn’t really an option. Although Charlie was quite taken with the 3D map we found. After promising him a curry we headed to The Curry King which was on our route back to the hotel. They did not have high chairs so failed at the first hurdle and to be honest the meal wasn’t great. It’s not one I would go back to that’s for sure! But Monkey was happy as he really wanted a curry and we had promised him. We were back at the hotel by around 8 pm.
It was a lovely day out exploring, there is plenty more we could have got up to and hope to go back again. Especially as we need to go on a punt! Have you visited Cambridge?
READ MORE – King’s College Chapel Cambridge Guide & Photos
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52 Responses
I love Cambridge, in fact as it’s half term this week we plan to do a day at Wimpole Hall followed my a walk around Cambridge shopping centre, so my little one can spend some of her John Lewis vouchers she’s been hoarding!
Punting is soooo much fun! If you do go back in the summer, I’d recommend paying the extra to have one punted for you! We went for the ‘self drive’ option last time and it was much more tiring than it looked!!
That is such a good idea to plan little breaks away to motivate yourself now you’re back at work. Your family weekend in cambridge sounds lovely, it’s not somewhere I’d really thought of visiting before but it’s definitely on my list now xx
The pub by the river sounds lovely! We’ve never been to Cambridge but would love to go x Good luck with your return to work x
Cambridge is so lovely – glad you had a lovely time even though it looks a bit chilly xx #bloggerclubuk
I really loved this post as I’m from Cambridge myself. We went to the Anchor last time we were there too! I’m glad you had fun and definitely recommend going back when the weather is warmer. #bloggerclubuk
You managed to fit loads in. Those fossils look great. Ive not been to Cambridge for years, looks like you had a great time.
#bloggerclubuk
I’ve never been to Cambridge, even though it’s not too far from us. It looks lovely though, will have to visit one day. #BloggerClubUK
Cambridge sounds absolutely perfect for a day out. and the museum would be perfect for b. he loves dinosaurs and bones and fossils. our museum in Bristol has some similar displays. I so thought the fossil was “cake” when you popped the pic on IG ! hehe! #bloggerclubuk
I have family who live in Cambridge & I remember many a summer in the punts. Sounds like you managed to get a lot done in 24 hours. #BloggerClubUK
I so want to do this and well done for actually getting it planned and done. Would love to visit the gardens they look amazing #BloggerClubUk
I’ve never been to Cambridge but you make it sound appealing. I love your idea of visiting places like this for a special family weekend. #BloggerClubUK
Busy time for you all! Family getaways are so special.
#bloggerclubuk
Iv’e been to Cambridge a few times, but not with my little one in tow. Your post has inspired me to think about having a family break there too!
What a lovely idea to have breaks away every month. I’ve never been to Cambridge, it looks lively. Hope work is going okay. #bloggerclubuk
Cambridge is a lovely place. It’s a great idea to do this every month. #bloggerclubUK
I haven’t visited Cambridge in such a long time, it’s a beautiful city. Good idea bringing the scooter along! 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
I’ve not been to Cambridge myself but from the look of the photos it looks really nice. Shame your curry was a bit rubbish. Love the idea of getting away one weekend a month. I’d love to do that. It’s so hard to find the time.
We love Cambridge, how funny we were there the same weekend. We also went to that museum too! So much to do and take in, I can’t wait to go back! #BloggerClubUK
I’d never thought of a weekend break with little ones; the thought of it fills me with dread, but this has made me keen to try! #BloggerClubUK
I’m in shock you managed to do so much with the children in tow!!! Fantastic idea of booking one weekend away every month! I think I’d go mental. Hope returning to work has been ok! #BloggerClubUK
Wow! You certainly made the most of 24 hours. #BloggerClubUK
What a great idea! Sounds like you had a lovely time and what a beautiful place! #bloggerclubUK
I studied at Cambridge so it has such a strong pull on my heart- strings. The 3 map was interesting to find as was not there when I was a student but my son loved it. Such a special city and pleased you enjoyed it
Sounds like you had a lovely time – I’ve never been to Cambridge before but it looks nice. #bloggerclubuk
I’d really like to visit Cambridge. The botanical gardens are now definitely on my list, what beautiful colours! It looks like the children really enjoyed themselves too! 🙂 #BloggerClubUK
We have not been, it looks lovely, especially the pub by the river :-). Now my son is nearly 2 I want to get back to wandering around new places that we had started doing with my little girl before her baby bro came along. #UKBloggerClub
Oh this looks like a lovely idea! Might have to add Cambridge to the Bucket List for 2017! #bloggerclubuk
Super idea. It’s been a long time since we’ve been to Cambridge, I’d love to take the kids punting in the river. Looking forward to reading about more weekends away. #bloggerclubuk
Considering I lived there for four years, i havent been to any of the museums! But that chocolate shop is soooo good and its right next to a MAC shop so double goodness! #bloggerclubUK
You managed to fit so much in! The winter gardens look gorgeous, so colourful – not sure how I’d feel wandering around in weather cold enough to make that lump of ice though lol
Debbie
How wonderful and a great place to visit before returning to work. I’ve not been for years, since my own children were the age of yours I would think! Nick’s brother used to live there post Uni and we loved the city. There is a real youthful vibe to Cambridge and so much to see and do. I love how you combine the museums and the gardens to have a real mix of activities.
I think a return trip to go punting down the river is definitely in order, in fact making it an annual visit would be perfect!
I hope the reutn to work has been a smooth one and thank you for sharing with me on #CountryKids
I recall the punts in Cambridge that are similar to those in Oxfordshire but would love to return again. #BloggerClubUK
Love Cambridge, so walkablle with kids and Duxford is close by too – another big hit here #CountryKids
Great idea for monthly weekends away, a change of scenery and some adventure for everyone! Looks like your first weekend went really well 🙂
It is such a good idea to have short trips like this. Cambridge is so lovely, we have family there so visit a lot. x #BLOGGERCLUBUK
Glad you had fun in Cambridge, its near where I live 😉 I hardly go there though, always the way when its on your doorstep. 🙂
Coming over from #CountryKids 🙂
That’s a really full day, looks great. It’s such ages since I’ve been to Cambridge #BloggerClubUK
Cambridge looks so lovely – it is somewhere i have never visited! The botanic gardens look so pretty. Thanks for sharing! #CountryKids
Such a great idea to schedule some decent family time together. I love Cambridge and used to live fairly close by and used to visit regularly. Wimpole is one of my favourite National Trust places. #countrykids
I love Cambridge, it’s a beautiful city. It’s so good exploring with children, it gives you a whole new perspective. Looks like you all had a great weekend #countrykids
After visiting Oxford. Cambridge is now on my British to do list. Thanks for your insights #citytripping
Going away once a month is such a lovely idea! And it will give you so many great collaboration opportunities. We haven’t visited Cambridge yet but it sounds like a lovely place to explore! #BloggerClubUK
I love Cambridge but I haven’t been back with the children since they were tiny and we took them punting. It’s great to see how many child-friendly places there are to visit in the city. My two would love the Museum of Earth Sciences and the Botanic Gardens. What a great idea to go away for a weekend once a month. #citytripping
A weekend away a month is a great idea. You can get such good deals at the Premier Inn that it seems rude not to. Cambridge looks like a great place for kids – my boys would love punting and the Museum of Earth Science # countrykids
I love this idea of booking a weekend away a month – lovely to have a treat to focus on. I’ve only really visited Cambridge in winter, we did go on a punt snuggled under blankets but that was before my daughter. Love the sound of the Museum. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
Ah I love Cambridge. I went for my hen do. It was great. We went punting and it was August so lovely and hot. Definitely want to go back and now we have a toddler we may give it a go and try some of these places. Thanks! #BloggerClubUK
City breaks with kids are a brilliant idea we love them. I have to confess we have never ever been to Cambridge! It looks like there is plenty to do so will definitely consider it for a future break. Thanks for sharing with #citytripping
Great idea to plan breaks. Hope going back to work has been alright for you. Cambridge is such a lovely city, you’ve made me realise I haven’t been in yonks do should return. The museum sound great and I’m hugely impressed Monkey likes curry. My daughter dislikes anything spicy. #citytripping
I grew up in Cambridge, but haven’t taken my daughter yet – thanks for inspiring me to take her fora visit! #citytripping
What a lovely idea to have regular weekends away. Sounds like you managed to fit a lot into 24 hours. The botanic gardens are beautiful 🙂 #bloggerclubuk
I’ve been to Cambridge a few times, the last time was on our last visit to the UK over three and a half years ago, pre-baby. My (Mexican) husband really loved the city and was really impressed by the architecture and the atmosphere – it is beautiful. It was summer and we took a punt trip which gives you a whole other view of the backs of the colleges and is well worth doing. That chocolate shop sounds very tempting! #BloggerClubUK
Wow, look at that sweet shop…I bet eyes & little hands were wandering!
What a lovely idea to book in regular trips away, I’m sure it’s good for the soul to do something different and explore somewhere new. I haven’t been to Cambridge for over 10 years but your photos remind me of how beautiful the city is, full of wonderful old buildings and fascinating architecture
Glad you had a good time
#CountryKids