Heritage and history are Cambridge's biggest draws, but there are lots of exciting activities and attractions for families. On clear days, not far from the city centre, you'll find an array of family-pleasing open-air visitor attractions. Options range from aviation nostalgia to wildlife conservation. All are easy to reach by bus or car. For rainy days, cinemas and theatres present films and shows for young audiences.
Cambridge and its surroundings are pancake-flat, so this is ideal cycling territory even for little legs. There are miles of car-free bike trails. Cycling along the River Cam is a delight. Kids will also like paddling a 2-seater kayak on the river, as long as their parent is doing most of the work. Besides, spooky stories abound in Cambridge. A spine-chilling ghost tour will give kids something to tell their buddies back home. There are tales of haunted college rooms, landlords, phantoms in English Civil War uniforms, and a legendary ghost dog. Fearless families can join a guided ghost walk through this city of spectres. Follow us through a selection of Cambridge’s great attractions for kids.
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Cambridge Bike Tours
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
Cambridge Bike Tours offers guided cycle tours around some of the city's main attractions, such as King's College Chapel. You'll ride at an easy pace, in a small group. Bikes are provided for children aged 6 and over.
Location: 6 Elm Street, Cambridge CB1 1EJ, UK
Open: March–November: daily (hours vary by tour)
Phone: +44 (0)7598 925243
Map - 2
Scudamore's Punting Company
- Adventure
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Poling a punt (flat-bottomed boat) along the River Cam or Granta is fun for teens. Families can also explore the river in 2-seater kayaks. Scudamore is one of several companies renting out kayaks and punts by the hour.
Location: Granta Place, Cambridge CB1 1RS, UK
Open: Daily from 9 am until dusk
Phone: +44 (0)1223 359750
Map - 3
Black Shuck Cambridge Ghost Tours
- Couples
- Families
- History
- Photo
- Unusual
Named after a spectral hound that's rumoured to haunt the Cambridgeshire countryside, this outfit offers tours that take you to some of Cambridge's spookiest spots.
Location: Central Cambridge
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +44 (0)7432 566023
photo by Matt Brown (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Visit Cambridge Official Ghost Tour
- Couples
- Families
- History
- Photo
- Unusual
The local tourist office's own ghostly guide leads families down haunted alleys and around college courtyards, telling spine-chilling tales along the way. Public tours take place on Friday evenings, but you can book a private guide via the tourist office.
Location: The Guildhall, Peas Hill CB2 3AD, UK
Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1223 791500
Map - 5
Audley End Miniature Railway
- Families
- History
- Photo
There's barely space for adults to squeeze into the scaled-down carriages of this vintage mini-railroad. They're just the right size for kids, and a ride takes 15 minutes. Afterwards, children can explore the Enchanted Fairy and Elf Walk while parents grab a picnic from the café.
Location: Audley End Rd, Audley End, Saffron Walden CB11 4JB, UK
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +44 (0)1799 510726
Mapphoto by Johndesmond (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified
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Shepreth Wildlife Park
Visit an educational wildlife park
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
Families can get up close and personal with tigers, lemurs, and marmosets at this small, educational wildlife park. It's located 7 miles south of Cambridge. There are plenty of kid-friendly meals in the café.
Location: Station Road, Shepreth SG8 6PZ, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1763 262226
Mapphoto by Neil McIntosh (CC BY 2.0) modified
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Imperial War Museum Duxford
- Families
- History
- Photo
Children can pilot a plane using flight simulators at this large museum. Displays include legendary World War II and Cold War-era British and US aircraft, military vehicles, and a Concorde airliner. Many of the exhibits are outdoors, so pick a sunny day to visit.
Location: Duxford Airfield, Duxford, Cambridge CB22 4QR, UK
Open: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Phone: +44 (0)1223 835000
Mapphoto by Roland Turner (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Cambridge
Clayton Hotel Cambridge
Turing Locke Cambridge
Novotel Cambridge North
Cambridge Belfry Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Centric Cambridge
The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge
Holiday Inn Cambridge, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, an IHG Hotel
