You can enjoy Cambridge all year long. The city is known for its beautiful University and long history. Cambridge has a unique charm in the winter. This city is a magical place to visit in the winter, with excellent air, holiday lights, and warm places to stay. Whether you live in Cambridge or visit, exploring the city in the winter is a unique experience. This article discusses the best places to visit in Cambridge in the winter.
King’s College Chapel
One of the most famous buildings in Cambridge is King’s College Chapel. You should see this beautiful Gothic building anytime, but winter makes it feel even more special. The chapel’s stunning fan vaulted roof and gorgeous stained-glass windows stand out even more in the soft winter light. The church holds a service on Christmas Eve called “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols,” broadcast worldwide. If you can make it, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
The Backs
The Backs is the name of the pretty place where several University of Cambridge colleges back up to the River Cam. The Backs is a peaceful place to walk in the winter. The grounds are covered in frost, and the river is often foggy. It’s a beautiful and quiet place to enjoy the calmer side of Cambridge. Wear warm clothes and bring a thermos of hot chocolate with you to keep you warm as you walk along the paths.
Museum of Fitzwilliam
When it gets too cold outside, going inside to explore the Fitzwilliam Museum is a great idea. The art and artifacts in this museum are unique. It has works by Monet, Picasso, and Rubens, among others. Since the museum is free to visit, it is an easy way to enjoy culture. Spend a few hours looking around the galleries. You’ll learn more about art and history when you’re done.
The Botanic Garden at Cambridge University
It would help if you went to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden in the winter because it is so beautiful. Although many plants do not bloom in the winter, the Yard still looks gorgeous. The plants in the Winter Garden were picked for their colorful bark, berries, and evergreen leaves to look their best in the winter. The greenhouses are an excellent place to escape the cold winter weather. They show off tropical plants and cacti.
Putting a ball on the River Cam
Punting is a very Cambridge thing to do. Punting might look like a summer activity, but something is charming about it in the winter. Dress warmly and bring a blanket to enjoy the river without as many people. In the winter, the views of the colleges and bridges are just as lovely, and some punting companies will even give you something warm to keep you warm on the trip.
Big St. Mary’s Church
Great St. Mary’s Church, right in the middle of Cambridge, gives you a unique view of the city. If you feel up to it, you can climb the tower and get a great view of the city’s roofs and spires. This view is breathtaking in the winter, when buildings may be covered in snow, which adds to the beauty. You should also check out the church, which has beautiful architecture and is historically significant.
The Eagle Pub
It is impossible to visit Cambridge without stopping at The Eagle Pub. This historic pub, built in the 1600s, is famous for being the spot where James Watson and Francis Crick told everyone about their finding of DNA’s structure. The pub has roaring fires, which make it a great place to warm up in the winter with a filling meal and a pint of local ale.
Market Square in Cambridge
Even though Cambridge Market Square is busy all year, it feels like Christmas in the winter. The market stands to sell many things, from fresh food to handmade crafts. During the Christmas season, you can also find holiday treats and decorations. There are many exciting things to buy, and the place is fun. To keep warm while you shop, remember to try some of the tasty street food.
Our Kettle’s Yard
Kettle’s Yard is a unique home and art studio with a friendly atmosphere. It was once the home of Jim and Helen Ede. Now, it is a place where people can see modern art in a homey setting. The house is set up the same way it was when the Edes lived there, which makes it feel cozy and private. In the winter, Kettle’s Yard is a comfortable place to visit where art, buildings, and a sense of history come together.
Winter Fair on Mill Road
The Mill Road Winter Fair is a must see if you are in Cambridge in early December. Mill Road becomes a busy, lively street market during this fair every year. It is a fun celebration of the community with live music, food stands, arts and crafts, and shows. The fair is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and learn about Cambridge’s rich cultural life.
The Arctic Center
The Polar Museum is a fun place to do something different. This museum is about exploring and studying the polar areas, some of the coldest places on Earth. It is an excellent place to go in the winter. The museum displays things from past polar expeditions, scientific equipment, and art inspired by the polar landscapes. It’s a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon in the winter.
Museum of Earth Sciences at Sedgwick
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is another excellent place to do something indoors. This museum has many fossils, rocks, and crystals, and anyone interested in nature will find a lot of helpful information there. The exhibits about the past of the Earth, meteorites, and dinosaur skeletons are some of the best parts. Everyone of all ages can enjoy the museum, and it is an excellent place to warm up in the cold.
Meadows in Grantchester
Grantchester Meadows is a lovely place to walk in the winter. The meadows go to the cute town of Grantchester, which is on the River Cam. The walk gives you beautiful views of the countryside, and the quiet of the fields in the winter is very relaxing. When you get to Grantchester, you can warm up in one of the village’s cozy tea rooms or pubs.
The Museum in Cambridge
The Museum of Cambridge, which is in a building from the 1600s, tells us a lot about the city’s and people’s social past. The museum displays many topics, ranging from folklore and local customs to the everyday lives of people living in Cambridge over the years. It is a great place to stay warm and learn about the city’s long past.
Coffee with Hot Numbers
Nothing is better than taking it easy with a hot drink in a cozy cafe after a day of sightseeing. The famous Cambridge coffee shop Hot Numbers Coffee has two locations. This is a great place to take a break because it has excellent coffee and a cozy feel. Live music and art shows happen at the café all the time, which makes it feel even livelier and more welcome.
The Cambridge Science Center
The Cambridge Science Centre is great for families with kids in winter. This museum aims to make science fun and exciting for people of all ages. There are hands on exhibits on many subjects, from botany and physics to technology and building. It is a fun and exciting way to pass the time, especially in a cold winter.
Park for Wildlife in Shepreth
Shepreth Wildlife Park is a great place to go in the winter if you are okay with a short trip outside the city. The park has many animals, like red pandas, meerkats, and otters. The park is more relaxed when it is cold outside so that you can get closer to the animals. The play area and cafe inside are lovely places to warm up if it gets too cold outside.
The Church in the Round
One of the oldest buildings in Cambridge is the Round Church, another important site you should see. Because it was built in 1130 and is round, this church is one of a kind. There is also a visitor center in the church with displays about the past of the church and Cambridge. You can get away from the noise and chaos of the city and relax in this peaceful spot.
Gardens at Newnham College
Many gardens might look their worst in the winter, but the Newnham College Gardens are one of the few that do. The grounds are kept up all year and are a peaceful place to escape the city’s noise. With its evergreen trees and well-thought-out planting, the winter scenery is a quiet place to walk. The grounds are free for everyone to use, so anyone wanting fresh air can go there.
Choir of St. John’s College
Also, if you like music, you must attend a choral show at St. John’s College. People know the college choir for its beautiful singing, and their shows in the church are extraordinary. During the winter, the choir often plays holiday music, which makes Cambridge feel more like a holiday town. Check the college’s website for a list of upcoming performances, and then enjoy an evening of beautiful choir music.
Conclusion
Cambridge is a beautiful and exciting city in the winter. This city has something for everyone to enjoy, from its historic sites and parks to its cozy pubs and busy markets. You can enjoy a quiet walk along the river or learn about the city’s long past.