The 18 Best Free Things to do in Cambridge

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There’s much more to Cambridge than elegant architecture, world-famous universities, punting and brunch. In fact, there are plenty of free things to do in Cambridge that the average traveller visiting the city probably doesn’t realise. 

One of the great things about travelling in England is that cities tend to throw in a bunch of wonderful attractions that simply don’t have a price tag. The same can be said for things to do in London; it’s another city full of amazing free activities.

However, I personally prefer Cambridge to London. It’s cleaner, less busy, prettier and one of my all-time favourite cities.

Not only is it a stone’s throw from where I live, but it’s surrounded by gorgeous countryside and full of fascinating, historic buildings. However, it’s known for being rather expensive. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive places to live in the UK. 

Nonetheless, you can see the city on a budget as some of the best things to do in Cambridge won’t cost you a penny.

What can you do in Cambridge for free?

Cambridge has lots of free things to do. There are free museums, historic libraries that look like they were plucked out of Hogwarts and free musical performances. You can even explore some of Cambridge’s famous colleges without paying a thing.

But one of the best free things to do in Cambridge is to visit the city’s neighbouring herd of friendly cows. They are incredibly cute and would love a visit. I’m kidding, of course (not about the cows – they really are there). 

The best free things to do in Cambridge

So, if you’re planning a trip to Cambridge, then I bet you’d love to explore the pretty university city without paying extortionately high prices. Here is the ultimate guide to the best free things to do in Cambridge.

1. Explore the Colleges (For FREE!)

Can you visit colleges in Cambridge for free? The answer is yes, you most certainly can!

Unfortunately, for the most famous college, King’s College, you will have to pay (£15) to enter. But, there are many more architectural wonders in Cambridge and these are the collages that you can explore for free.

• Christ’s College: Originally established as God’s House in the 15th Century, Christ’s College grounds are free to enter. The gardens are full of wildflowers, sculptors, botanical trees and other artwork.
• Magdalene College: This impressive building was founded in 1428 as a Benedictine hostel. It was later remodelled as a College. Today, you can visit Pepys Library free of charge (although children under 6 are not allowed).
• Downing College: It’s often thought of as the oldest of the new. Downing College was created a little later than the others on this list as it was founded in 1800. The College’s 20 acres of magnificent grounds are free to enter and enjoy.
• Gonville and Caius College: This is the fourth oldest and largest Cambridge University College (and one of the wealthiest). Gonville and Caius College was founded in the 14th Century. Today, visitors are welcome to walk through the College Courts free of charge.
• Trinity Hall College: Created by the Bishop of Norwich to train clergymen in 1350, Trinity Hall is not to be confused with the infamous Trinity College. However, both the riverside grounds and the quaint chapel of Trinity Hall are free to explore.

2. Fitzwilliam Museum

Possibly Cambridge’s most well-known museum, a visit to the Fitzwilliam is one of the best free things to do in Cambridge. Owned by Cambridge University, the museum features a treasure trove of artefacts, antiques and art from all over the world.

This includes old English pottery and ancient wonders from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

As well as the actual contents of the museum, the building’s architecture is another stunner. You can find the elegant, neo-classically designed building on Trumpington Street, where it has proudly sat since it opened to the public in 1848.

3. Hear the Evensong at King’s College or St John’s Chapel

It’s almost impossible to believe that this wonderful event is completely free. Whether you’re a fan of choir music or not, this is one of the best things to do in Cambridge on a budget.

Even more enchanting if you’re visiting Cambridge in the winter months, the evensong choir is so good, that the BBC broadcasts the choir’s Christmas Eve service, ‘A Festival of Nine Lessons’ and ‘Carols’, to the Great British Nation and the rest of the world every single year.

If that’s not a good enough reason, watching the evensong will also give you free access to King’s College Chapel. Entrance to this beautiful chapel would usually cost £9 per person. But, you can view it for free whilst being serenaded by the world-famous choir. 

The choir service starts at 5:30 pm Monday to Saturday and at 10.30 am and 3.30 pm on Sunday. If you really can’t get enough of this beautiful service, then St John’s College also has a wonderful choir. So technically, you could go and watch the evensong for free twice.

4. Museum of Zoology

Easily one of the top things to do in Cambridge (free or not), the Museum of Zoology has recently been fully refurbished. It’s now better than ever and contains some incredible artefacts that all the family can enjoy.

The museum contains over 10,000 scientifically important zoological finds that capture the diversity of animal life. It features everything the animal kingdom has to offer from marsupials to mammals. It even includes species discovered by Charles Darwin himself. 

The Zoology Museum is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon in Cambridge and the free entry is just a bonus.

5. Cambridge Market Square

Whilst Cambridge Market Square might not be an attraction the way a museum is, a trip to the market is a fundamental part of exploring Cambridge. The historic city has had a trading market since the Middle Ages. Nowhere is more evident of this than the square itself.

Whilst wandering around the stalls, you’ll find all kinds of trinkets. Traditional souvenirs, fresh fruits and vegetables, a dedicated craft market (on Sundays) and a selection of the city’s finest street food.

6. Trinity College’s Wren Library

Despite being located in one of Cambridge’s most famous Colleges, not many people know that Trinity’s Wren Library is one of the free things to do in Cambridge.

Although to be fair, even if it was a paid attraction, it should still be on your Cambridge itinerary. 

Completed and designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1695, the library is still in use today. Inside, the stunning ancient oak bookcases and intricate wooden carvings will take your breath away.

You can find some fascinating books in the library too. First editions from Isaac Newton and the original Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne are just a few of the things to discover on the ancient shelves. 

7. Visit the Millpond

If you visit Cambridge, then you have to spend some time outside. The city is surrounded by glorious green spaces that are begging to be explored. The Millpond is one of them.

Located at the lower end of the River Cam, the area is a plethora of tranquil fields, surrounded by delicious pubs and restaurants (check out the best restaurants in Cambridge), and lots of pools to jump into.

Perfect for a hot summer’s day, bring a picnic lunch outside, kick your shoes off, paddle in the shallows and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. Oh, and this is also where you’ll find that friendly herd of cows – they’re honestly rather cute!

8. Go Swimming 

Did you know that Cambridge had a free swimming pool? Well, you do now! 

Lammas Land Pool is a large, shallow pool, perfect for lazy summer afternoons out with the kids in Cambridge. Located in the southwest of the city in Lammas Land Park, it is a popular summer spot for paddling and picnics. The park also had a large play area.

Fringed by willow trees, the park is bordered by Fen Causeway. You can also access a few other greenspaces through Lammas Land. This includes Sheep’s Green, Coe Fen and Paradise Nature Reserve, perfect for taking a long walk after a bit of a splash around.

9. Get a pint at The Eagle

The Eagle is arguably the most famous and historic pub in Cambridge; it dates back to 1667. Even if you switch out the Scotch for a simple glass of orange juice (of tap water if you don’t want to get your wallet out at all), the pub is easily one of the top free things to do in Cambridge.

You see, it’s not the drinks, but the building that’s the attraction here. The pub was a regular drinking spot for British molecular biologist Francis Crick. It was also the spot where, in February of 1953, Francic and his partner James Watson, announced that they had discovered ‘the secret of life’.

Of course, what they’d actually discovered was the double helix structure of DNA. However, to this day, there’s a plaque honouring the brilliant pair on the wall of the pub.

There’s also a type of ale commemorating their discovery. It’s called DNA and, if you only get one drink there, that should certainly be it.

Furthermore, if that alone hasn’t convinced you to visit, the ceiling of the pub is covered in artful graffiti left by RAF and American airmen during the Second World War.

10. Visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

There are plenty of great Earth and Science museums around the world but, the scientist on you will undoubtedly love the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. Another museum owned by Cambridge University, this one was established in 1728, making it the oldest.

Located in Downing Street, the geology museum is full of artefacts from around the globe.

The collections are ordered into 5 main categories: Mineralogy, Petrology (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks), Palaeontology, Building Stones and the ‘Woodwardian Collection’ (artefacts discovered by its founder Dr John Woodward).

You can also stumble upon one of the most curious and exciting bird fossils ever found. The Wonderchicken is one of the best-preserved bird skulls in the world and gives us a much greater understanding of the evolution of our feathered friends. 

11. Explore Quayside

The riverside hub of Cambridge Centre is one of the best places to visit in the city. It’s also rather unlikely that you’ll be able to spend a day in Cambridge without at least passing Quayside. 

The banks of the River Cam are great for a walk, or simply to find a bench and take a break from exploring the city. It’s also a relaxing place to watch the punters floating past on the river. 

However, Quayside really comes alive in summer, where you’ll likely be surrounded by many locals soaking in the Vitamin D. Riverside pubs and eateries will open their doors to outside dining and it’s the perfect place to grab a glass of Pimms and watch life on the water. 

12. Explore the Streets

You simply can’t visit Cambridge and not take some time to explore the cobbled city streets. It’s one of the best free things to do in Cambridge. Some of the prettiest roads in the city are a photographer’s dream come true.

Even without a camera lens, the selection of narrow passages winding their way between the University colleges will take your breath away.

Some of the best streets in Cambridge to explore are:

• Trinity Lane: The tall buildings on either side of the street and the obtruding chimneys of the university on one side give it a very distinctive look.
• Orchard Street: This lane looks as though it was taken out of a fairytale, rather than a big city. Orchard Street is surrounded by cottages with colourful doors and crawling ivy.
• Rose Crescent: This shopping street that curves off Trinity Street reminds me distinctly of Diagon Alley. The cobbled lane is surrounded by shop windows on either side, traditional-style street lanterns and one shop even has a witches hat on its sign.
• Senate House Passage: Senate House Passage is another beautiful street that snakes off of Trinity Lane. It’s a beautiful, cobbled street surrounded by tall brickwork and university spires and lined with old-English-style lamposts.

13. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

This Cambridge University Museum is another of the free things to do in Cambridge packed with historical importance.

Developed in 1884, the anthropological collections of prehistoric material and artefacts have been gathered from all corners of the globe.

There are countless notable mentions among the two million years of human history showcased in the museum.

However, a couple of must-sees include the Pacific collection, taken mainly from the explorations of Captain James Cook during the 18th century and the impressive 19th-century totem pole from Tanu in British Columbia.

14. Go (Window) Shopping

Cambridge is a great place to go shopping. But of course, shopping isn’t exactly what you’d call a free attraction. However, there are so many cute antique stores and markets in Cambridge, that you can easily browse without buying.

A few of the best spots include:

• Hope Street Yard
• The Old Chemist Shop Antique Centre
• Cambs Antique Centre

Of course, if you decide you need a shopping spree, Cambridge also has some great high-street stores. A few places to shop til you drop include The Grande Arcade, The Grafton Centre and Lion Yard.

15. Climb up Castle Hill

Cambridge’s only vantage point (except for the inside of the Colleges), Castle Hill is a great place to view the city from above.

Just a two-minute walk from the city centre, Castle Hill is perfect for a picnic or simply to relax after a long day and watch the sun go down. Sunsets from this spot are pretty spectacular. 

16. Visit Kettle’s Yard

This free-to-enter museum is one of the top free things to do in Cambridge. It’s also one of the most decidedly underrated. 

Located on Castle Street, Kettle’s Yard is an innovative collection of 20th-century artwork. The building itself is made up of 4 cottages joined together, which gives the place a rather unique feel before you even step inside. 

Once you reach the interior, you’ll find a bit of a mish-mash of modern art from the beginning of the 20th century. A few notable artists include Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and David Jones.

17. Go for a picnic at Jesus Green

Possibly the most well-known greens in the city, Jesus Green is one of the best places to visit in Cambridge. Located in the north of the city, the park is bordered by the River Cam. You’ll also find Victoria Avenue and Jesus College along its outskirts.

In the warmer months, Jesus Green is a hive of activity.

You can visit the skate park, play tennis in one of 6 free courts (Jesus Green is also home to the city’s only public grass tennis court), or swim in the Jesus Green Lido. You can also play table tennis (also free).

There’s a railway-themed play area for children and BBQ facilities in the summer months.

Jesus Green is also the location of fun events such as the annual Cambridge Beer Festival and concerts are often held there during afternoons in summer.

18. Explore the neighbouring villages

Whilst Cambridge is beautiful you could easily spend weeks exploring every inch of the beautiful city. But, if you have some additional time in Cambridge, you might want to take a few trips to the neighbouring villages.

They are some of the most beautiful villages in England. Some are walkable from the centre – like Granchester through Granchester Meadows. And some, like the gorgeous market town of St Ives, are a 20-minute drive away. 

A few of the top places to visit from Cambridge are Barton, Fen Ditton, Houghton & Wyton and Comberton. Exploring the villages and the gorgeous countryside that surrounds the city is one of the best free things to do in Cambridge.

Final Thoughts on the Top Free Things to Do in Cambridge

Cambridge is one of my favourite cities in England. It’s such a pretty place with gorgeous architecture, lots of surrounding greenery, and the beautiful River Cam running through it.

In my opinion, Cambridge is a perfect city for a city break and you can visit without spending a lot of money at all. I hope this list of free Cambridge attractions will inspire your next trip to Cambridge.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.