I grew up in Cambridge and I was constantly bored. I was convinced there was nothing to do. Having grown up, moved away, and returned, now I see it through new eyes and find there are tons of active things to do in Cambridge!
Active things to do in Cambridge
Here’s my list…
Go Bouldering at Rainbow Rocket
Having never climbed anything other than a tree before, I booked onto an induction session at Rainbow Rocket. I loved it so much that climbing has since become a big part of my life!
Rainbow Rocket is a bouldering centre. That means the walls are 4.5 metres high and you don’t need ropes and harnesses – just climbing shoes (available to rent) and enthusiasm.
The staff and customers are friendly and it’s a guaranteed good time. I recommend booking onto an induction session if it’s your first time climbing.
New to climbing? Read the post I wrote about what to expect your first time bouldering.
Kayak from the Mill Pond to Grantchester
When looking for active things to do in Cambrige, people usually think of punting on the Cam. But there are other options for messing about on the river.
Scudamores offer kayaks and Canadian canoes available for rent by the hour from the Mill Pond.
It’s a pleasant paddle towards Grantchester and if you get up early (they open at 9am) you can find that you’re the only one on the river. Perfect for some peaceful morning exercise.
Go Ice Skating at Better
Finally, after 20 years in the making, Cambridge has it’s own ice rink. The funding, approval and build was fraught with drama, but it’s finally here and open for business!
You can visit the ice rink as a one off trip, or sign up for the Learn To Skate program. You’ll be dancing on ice in no time!
Sign up for a session and test your balance on the ice.
Try Rowing on the River Cam
Rowing is a big part of life for many Cambridge residents.
City of Cambridge Rowing Club offer regular four-hour taster sessions for people who have never rowed before.
This covers the basics of rowing, includes time on a rowing machine, and takes you to the Cambridge Rowing tank to give you a sense of what it is like to be in a boat.
After the taster session, if you liked it, you can sign up for their Learn to Row course.
Paddle Boarding at Milton Country Park
Milton Country Park is a short drive or cycle from the city centre in the village of Milton. It’s a peaceful park with relaxing trails around a large lake.
Here, you can sign up for Stand Up Paddle Boarding sessions in the summer months. Choose between a 45 minute basics session on a Saturday morning, or get fully up to speed with ‘Ready to ride’ training.
Adults can even test their core strength with a SUP yoga session!
Cycle Everywhere in Cambridge
Whenever I show friends of mine around Cambridge, they always comment on the number of bikes. There are thousands. For us, it’s simply the easiest way to get around.
Cars must follow the one-way system and deal with the traffic, but there’s no such hassle on two wheels. Plus, Cambridge is pretty flat. Most of the hills turn out to be, in fact, bridges.
If you don’t have your own bicycle, you can find bikes for hire at Rutland Cycling both at the Station and the Grand Arcade in the city centre.
Go Punting on the River Cam
I’ve saved the most obvious until last. Punting is a Cambridge classic and one of the most popular active things to do in Cambridge! Loved by locals and tourists alike, it’s one of the most fun active activities in the city.
Hire a punt from Scudamores at the Mill Pond or Bridge Street and make your way along the backs.
Yes, you might end up caught in a willow tree or sailing away from your pole when it gets stuck in the river bed, but that’s what makes it entertaining.
You can’t visit Cambridge without giving this a go.
More active things to do in Cambridge
There are so many active things to do in Cambridge that I haven’t listed them all here. What have I missed? Let me know!
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