Whether you’re planning family days out or simply soaking up the sun, our Bush & Co guide will help you discover the best activities in Cambridge for summer 2025:
Events in Cambridge
Cambridge Summer Music Festival
Nothing spells summer quite like the Cambridge Summer Music Festival. The event brings celebrated musicians to Cambridge’s most beautiful venues. Head to Queen’s College Chapel to hear James Morley play the cello or Pembroke College auditorium to experience the Gorbanoff Quartet. Additionally, the Sounds Green event in the Botanic Garden promises open-air music every Wednesday evening for eager visitors.
Music in the Parks
If you’re looking for more music activities in Cambridge, the FREE Music in the Parks series is returning once again for summer 2025. On selected Sunday afternoons from 3–5pm, Cambridge’s green spaces will come alive with a variety of music performances. From the upbeat rhythms of funk to the smooth sounds of swing jazz, there are plenty of performances to enjoy. This event also gives you the chance to relax with live music while sampling delicious treats from local favourites like NapolEat Pizza and Jack’s Gelato.
Out of the Ordinary Festival
This August bank holiday weekend, prepare for an event that’s anything but normal. The Out of the Ordinary festival will return to Cambridge’s streets, bringing colour, creativity and humour with it. From the city centre to Christ’s Pieces, this event invites you to relax with local foods while enjoying extraordinary performances, including aerial theatre, visual comedy, music, dance and wellbeing activities. Try this event for a truly unique day out.
Cambridge Country Show
The Cambridge Country Show 2025 on 9-10 August promises to be a full day of entertainment, activities and attractions. High-adrenaline BMX and motorbike stunt displays will take centre stage, delivering excitement for thrill-seekers. Those after a slower pace can head to the food village to sample global street food and cold drinks. Meanwhile, the dedicated kids’ zone will keep younger visitors happy throughout the day. Whether you’re chasing thrills or looking to unwind, the Cambridge Country Show 2025 is shaping up to be one of the region’s top summer events.
Magic of Thailand Festival
For Cambridge foodies, the Magic of Thailand festival is certain to delight. Expect a weekend of Thai-inspired fun at Parker’s Piece this 2–3 August, with stalls offering traditional cuisine, refreshing drinks and live cooking demos. To wash down all the food, enjoy blessing ceremonies, folk music and Muay Thai boxing demonstrations. There’s plenty to keep younger visitors entertained too, with a dedicated children’s zone and fun activities throughout the day. Tickets can be booked online, with each purchase including the chance to win a flight to Thailand!
Things to Do in Cambridge
Explore on Foot
While cycling is a popular way to explore Cambridge, the city is equally welcoming to walkers. The River Cam provides countless gentle strolls past peaceful college grounds, which can be enjoyed at a leisurely tempo. For those who prefer to explore the city with expert insights, the Cambridge Walking Tour by Footprints Tours is another fantastic option. This popular tour takes you through key landmarks and hidden gems—all without a fixed price, so you pay what you feel the experience is worth. For a more playful adventure, the Dinky Doors scavenger hunt invites visitors to search for tiny, intricately designed miniature doors scattered around Cambridge’s streets. Wherever you end up, walking lets you uncover Cambridge’s charm and character up close, at your own pace.
Enjoy a Dip
Are you looking for a refreshing way to beat the heat this summer? Cambridge offers plenty of options for swimmers of all tastes. Adventurers can take a plunge in natural spots like Grantchester Meadow or Milton Country Park. Meanwhile, several leisure centres around the city offer well-maintained pools that are ideal for laps, such as Parkside Pools & Gym, Abbey Leisure Complex and Cherry Hinton Village Leisure Centre. For a unique mix of outdoor swimming and pool facilities, Jesus Green Lido stands out. This pool combines the fresh air and open sky with the structure of dedicated swimming lanes. Whichever option you choose, Cambridge’s diverse swimming spots offer the perfect way to refresh.
Feed Your Curiosity
As one of the world’s most renowned university cities, Cambridge offers a wealth of museums. The Fitzwilliam is the city’s principal museum, boasting an impressive collection of artefacts. For those fascinated by the natural world and human history, the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology provide more fascinating collections. Head to these museums to see dinosaur fossils and geological wonders. For hands-on fun, The Centre for Computing History offers a fascinating journey through technology, with interactive exhibits and immersive experiences. Cambridge’s extensive range of museums are certain to spark curiosity for visitors of all ages.
Breathe in Nature
Cambridge is full of green spaces that invite you to slow down and enjoy the summer sunshine – Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a great starting point. Follow peaceful paths that wind through colourful plant collections and ornate greenhouses. For a change of scene, Wandlebury Country Park offers shady woodland trails and open meadows. Alternatively, a visit to Grantchester Meadows will lead you past grazing cattle and dipping willows. Just beyond the city, Anglesey Abbey blends history and horticulture with its elegant formal gardens, sweeping avenues and a historic working mill. These green escapes are ideal for soaking up the season and seeing another side of Cambridge.
Find Peace on a Punt
Punting is one of Cambridge’s most iconic activities. However, it’s far from just a tourist tradition. Glide under the Bridge of Sighs or pass through college gardens that are usually out of sight. Guided tours from local companies like Cambridge Chauffeur Punts, Scudamore’s and Traditional Punting Company add a layer of insight – perfect for visitors and long-time residents alike. It’s also a hit with children – many guided tours include fun facts and local legends to keep them entertained. All the while, adults can opt for something a little more indulgent from the Floating Cam Bar. There’s no better way to soak up the atmosphere of Cambridge than drifting along its historic waterways.
Go Shopping
Summer in Cambridge brings a vibrant shopping scene. A stroll along the quaint streets will introduce you to independent boutiques and vintage shops, in addition to well-known high street brands. Cambridge Market will also be packed with local vendors selling fresh produce and quirky souvenirs. For a more contemporary experience, the Grand Arcade provides a sleek shopping environment with popular stores and cafes. This summer don’t miss the exciting Grand Discoveries event happening there. This pop-up is a great pastime for kids while adults enjoy some shopping. From unique gifts and handmade crafts to the latest fashion trends, shopping in Cambridge is a refreshing way to explore the city.
At Bush & Co, we’re proud of our local knowledge and dedication to the Cambridge community. This handy guide to summer events and activities is full of ideas for families to get out and enjoy everything the city has to offer. For more tips about living in Cambridge, contact our friendly team today. If you’re thinking about selling your home this summer, check out our separate post on whether it’s a good time to put your property on the market!
