First year (or all successive years) in Cambridge may easily fall into a somewhat monotonous routine of weekly lectures, repetitive Sunday nights out and routine sports practice… spontaneity can definitely be lacking. We all know the claustrophobic feeling that arises from living in the sub-bubble of college within an only slightly-bigger-bubble of central Cambridge. When the majority our daylight hours tend to be spent in front of laptops or glued to books, there is a need more than ever to shake up the routine, experience something slightly different, and actually explore the area that we will have lived in for 3 years! The following are some slightly bizarre, some slightly mundane ways to spend your spare time (yes, you can make spare time) that I and some friends have come across during listless meanders through the town. Enjoy!!
Take a circus class with Cambridge Community Circus and learn to swing (not so) elegantly from the ceiling
No commitment necessary – you can drop in to classes as and when you please. Learn to use aerial hoops, silks, trapeze or ropes. Absolute beginners are always welcome (bruising and muscle burn is a given after a first session, believe me, but it keeps you coming back!) For more information and class timetable – http://www.chaos.org.uk/ccc/
Walk or cycle to Madingley village, explore Madingley Hall gardens and get a drink at the Three Horseshoes Pub
This beautiful walk begins alongside a main road but soon spits you out in picturesque countryside, through rolling meadows and fields of leafy crops. Upon arrival in Madingley, you’ll wander past idyllic Tudor houses and can carry on up toward Madingley Hall, a 16th century house with both epic and cute historic gardens to explore. The Three Horseshoes Pub just up the road is a perfect spot for a late afternoon drink.
Watch live music or dance to disco at pop-up nights in Relevant Records
This funky cafe and vinyl store transforms into a cocktail bar and wonderfully sweaty, cramped, friendly mini disco now and then. They also hold loads of live music by local bands ranging from hip hop to jazz to rock. If you visit during the day, you can get lost in the groovy basement filing through stacks of records or lounging on the sofas.
Cycle along the canal toward Anglesey Abbey
This cycle path will take you through meadows, along roadsides, through villages and to Northeast Cambridge to a country house filled with art, surrounded by acres of sculpture-filled grounds to laze in. We made a full day of it and stopped at Darwin Nurseries and Farm Shop for tea and cakes (you can also stock up on home grown veggies here). The circular stone temple at the Abbey is a magical place to hang out under the stars
Go bouldering at Rainbow Rocket climbing centre
Drop in anytime, no experience required. Chill out and climb some walls, with an airy indie soundtrack and a friendly bunch of people. A perfect de-stress and alternative form of exercise if you’re not keen on conventional team sports. More info – https://rainbowrocket.cc/
Experience the madness, creativity and music of volunteer-run free festival Strawberry Fair (not Strawberries & Creem!!)
A truly local festival with family-friendly daytime and a funky underground music night scene. Usually clashes with summer exams but is definitely worth checking out if it doesn’t for you – expect wild outfits, crafty workshops, circus acts, wonderfully eccentric performances and groovy music. http://strawberry-fair.org.uk/
Climb the mound at sunset for a BBQ (you can get takeaway pints from the Castle pub just below)
A must do, especially for those suffering from the utter flatness of Cambridge and in need of some higher ground. Sunsets can be incredible from up here, and it’s a great spot to just have a breather and take in the world.
Jump in the freezing cold water of the river Cam at Grantchester Meadows
Featured in the Telegraph’s top 20 wild swimming spots, this is a perfect place to dive in (to admittedly murky water), wake up and feel alive after or before a day’s slog in the library. The nutters amongst us will do it in winter too, but during the spring and summer months it can be accompanied with a picnic, some books and a guitar.
Tesni Clare