Experience the Best of Summer in Cambridge

With staycations becoming increasingly popular, weekend breaks across the UK are on everyone’s radar. This summer’s events offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy a sunny weekend in Cambridge, complete with great food, lively entertainment, and plenty of fun.

What’s on

June

Bat Punt Safaris with Scudamore’s (running until 30 September): The annual River Cam bat safaris, run by the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants and Scudamore’s, are not to be missed. Guests are guided into the nocturnal world of bats by an expert, with the chance to use a bat detector to listen to their ultrasonic calls. Tickets from £71

Live Wimbledon Screenings (29 June-12 July): Set in a prime spot near the train station, tennis fans can soak up the sun while enjoying live screenings of Wimbledon. Whether stopping by on a lunch break or after work, it’s the perfect way to see all the action.

July & August

Summer in the Square (every Thursday in July): Summer in the Square brings free, family-friendly events to a pop-up parklet in Station Square. Each week there is something new, from gardening workshops and creative writing sessions to health and wellbeing activities.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden Sounds Green 2026 (every Wednesday evening in July): A celebration of summer and music, Sounds Green is a series of open-air live music performances held on the Garden’s Main Lawn, offering a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer with family and friends.

Cambridge Folk Festival Presents (July- August): In an exciting new chapter for 2026, the Cambridge Folk Festival, presented by Cambridge City Council, will expand beyond its traditional format with a city-wide programme of events. In the lead-up to the main weekend, local venues, promoters and folk clubs will host performances throughout the month, including concerts at Cambridge Corn Exchange.

Screens in the City (August): Across two locations, Cambridge BID will host four days of outdoor film screenings for everyone to enjoy. Free and family-friendly, the programme will include a mix of classic favourites and recent releases, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy memorable days in the the city.

Out of the Ordinary Festival (29 and 30 August 2026): Celebrating its fourth birthday over the August Bank Holiday weekend, Cambridge will welcome a line-up of leading performance artists from around the world, bringing a packed programme of entertainment to the city.

Find more options here - www.visitcambridge.org/whats-on

Places to Stay

The Varsity Hotel: Perfectly positioned in the heart of the city, the hotel is an ideal base for visitors. Alongside its comfortable rooms, guests can experience the impressive culinary spaces including the iconic Roof Terrace, where contemporary cocktails are enjoyed while taking in views of the city skyline. Double rooms start from £222 per night on a B&B basis.

Wilde Aparthotels: Located among the university colleges, this property offers beautifully designed studios and one-bedroom apartments, each fully equipped with its own kitchen. The hotel’s boutique cafe-bar, Oscar’s offers an elegant setting for a meal, while the charming terrace is great for soaking up the sun with a drink from a curated selection of wines, local beers and spirits. Rates start from £194 per night for a studio and £225 for a one-bedroom apartment.

Find more options here: www.visitcambridge.org/place-categories/accommodation

Where to eat

Garden House: Set within the stylish Graduate Hotel, Garden House is a relaxed yet charming riverside space overlooking the River Cam. With its chic interiors, open grill kitchen and garden terrace, it’s an ideal spot for everything from leisurely lunches to alfresco drinks in the warmer months.

Mercado Central: Inspired by the historic markets in Spain, the restaurant showcases the finest seasonal produce. Diners can enjoy relaxed lunches by the open kitchen to more refined dinners upstairs, all complemented by a carefully selected wine list – making it an ideal spot for flavour-led summer dining in the city.

Aromi: A firm favourite in Cambridge, Aromi brings a taste of Sicily to the city with its handcrafted sourdough pizzas, fresh focacci and famously creamy gelato. Great for relaxed summer dining, visitors can easily grab a slice or gelato to take away and wander through the historic streets, making the most of the sunny days. 

Find more options here: www.visitcambridge.org/place-categories/food-drink