5 Irresistible Reasons to Fall in Love with Cambridge This Summer
With storied colleges cloaked in ivy, gentle punts gliding down the River Cam, and a calendar bursting with alfresco experiences, Cambridge is calling. Just an hour from London by train, this beloved university town transforms in summer, from scholarly calm to a sun-drenched hub of music, food, and quiet luxury. Here's why a weekend staycation in Cambridge deserves a top spot on your summer calendar.
1. Magical Moments on the River Cam
Summer in Cambridge isn't complete without drifting down the River Cam—but for one weekend only, that quintessential experience turns utterly unforgettable. On the 23rd and 24th of June, Scudamore's Firework Punting Tours offer front-row views of the May Ball fireworks at St John's and Trinity Colleges. Glide beneath ancient bridges by chauffeured punt, champagne in hand, as the sky erupts in a symphony of colour. It's an experience that feels plucked from a dream.
2. A Gourmet Revival: Food & Drink Festival Season
From 28 June to 11 July, the city will host its first Cambridge Food & Drink Week—an exciting collaboration with top local vendors and beloved restaurants. Think pop-up tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and culinary trails winding through cobbled streets and secret courtyards.
Then, from 4–6 July, the ever-popular Foodies Festival returns with a stellar lineup, including Blue and The Wanted, and appearances from TV's favourite chefs like Bake Off winner Matt Edgell. With an artisan market, cookery school, and silent disco, it's a delicious mix of indulgence and fun.
3. Alfresco Culture: From Jazz in the Gardens to Comedy in the Park
Cambridge comes alive with open-air events that marry cultural sophistication with summertime ease:
Sounds Green, held every Wednesday in July at the Botanic Garden, offers free concerts from local bands in a dreamy, picnic-perfect setting.
The Cambridge Comedy Garden takes over Parker's Piece from 17–20 July, with top-billed comedians, craft beers, and gourmet street food.
Don't miss Summer in the Square, a charming series of family-friendly workshops held weekly in Station Square, from gardening to wellness, hosted by the local creative community.
For sports and film lovers, catch Wimbledon live screenings and a selection of free outdoor movies (25 July, 29 August, and 3 September) in Market Square and Station Road. Bring a blanket. Stay for the sunset.
4. Festival Feels: Folk, Theatre & Art in August
Come August, the city's cultural rhythm deepens with a series of refined yet playful events:
On 2 August, Folk in the City celebrates soulful sounds from local and national talent with a family-friendly twist.
Out of the Ordinary Festival (23–24 August) turns Cambridge's historic streets into a living theatre, with imaginative outdoor performances that blur the lines between art, comedy, and spectacle.
Wind down at Music in the Parks, a beloved Sunday tradition (3rd, 10th, and 31st August), where the sounds of Jazz and classical mingle with the soft rustle of trees in Cambridge's lush green spaces.
5. Chic Stays and Sky-High Sips
Where to Stay
The Graduate Hotel, set riverside, pairs collegiate charm with contemporary design. Its restaurant, Garden House, opens onto the Cam, perfect for lingering lunches and golden-hour cocktails.
Or choose The Regent, a stylish boutique hotel overlooking Parker's Piece. Expect bold colours, thoughtful detailing, and a view worth waking up early for.
Where to Eat & Drink
Novi is the go-to for botanical cocktails, modern British plates, and a rooftop terrace that feels like a private garden party.
De Luca's rooftop is a sleek perch for early evening wine, while The Varsity Hotel's panoramic views and elegant cocktails make it a sunset essential.
For riverside charm, Café Foy must serve everything from craft toasties to seasonal small plates.
Cambridge in summer, is a city in celebration—of food, music, movement, and timeless beauty. Whether you're sipping rosé beside the river or laughing under the stars in Parker's Piece, one thing is sure: you'll be booking your next trip back before you've even unpacked.
