The Blue Ball, Grantchester
While vast swathes of Cambridge’s pubs fall over themselves to bag a refurb and hawk artisan beer and food on slates, the Blue Ball recalls a simpler time and remains a true original – no nonsense drinks, no nonsense decor and a no nonsense landlord.
Water flumes at Parkside Pools
A childhood staple for a generation of Cambridge kids and probably the most fun you can have in CB1 for less than a fiver.
Reality checkpoint
Much like standing in the very middle of the Oxford Circus crossing feels like you’re at the epicentre of London, standing next to Reality Checkpoint on Parker’s Piece invokes a similar sense of satisfaction.
A brilliant place to visit if you need to get a new grasp on reality.
Pottering on the river
Forget the colleges, grab a canoe and head off in the opposite direction for a much more relaxing trip. There are cows. A heron lives there. The Mill will do you a huge jug of beer to take with you, so you can drink in the canoe. It’s way better than punting.
The Centre for Computing History
Geographically apart from Cambridge’s museum circuit (it’s in Coldham’s Road), but every bit as fascinating if you remember Jet Set Willy and waiting hours to play a 48k computer game that will never load.
Portugal Place
Try walking along here in a snow shower and not uttering the words “Christmas”, “card” “looks” and “like”. Never going to happen.
A church with a difference
All Saints’ Church’s on Jesus Lane has a breath-taking interior which is a triumph of Victorian art and design. Light gleams through stained-glass windows, designed by leading Arts and Crafts artists, including William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and Ford Madox.
Cambridge food Park
Who needs a restaurant when some of the best food can be enjoyed on the street corner? Enjoy a whole host of different food from Steak & Honour burgers to Bao delicacies from Guerilla Kitchen.