Cambridge on a budget: 10 things to do for £10 or less

Looking for things to do on a friendly budget in Cambridge? Look no further. We’ve got the perfect Top 10 things to do for under £10 that will keep kids and grown-ups happy.


Discover the city via e-bike

£10 for 24hrs

Punting in CambridgeDitch the walking tours and forget the double-decker buses. Exploring Cambridge on an e-bike is the best way to do it! These e-bikes are practically magic. They grant you the power to see more, conquer distances like a boss, and hop between iconic landmarks faster than a squirrel on caffeine. ️ No more sweating uphill or getting stuck in traffic jams – just pure, uninterrupted freedom! Glide past the majestic buildings of the University, then take a pit stop beside the peaceful River Cam (maybe even hop on a punt!).

An e-bike makes every corner of Cambridge an exciting adventure, no matter your fitness level. So, ditch the FOMO and hop on! Create your own Cambridge story on two wheels, feel the joy of discovery in every pedal stroke, and let the good times roll – literally!

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Zoology Museum

Free

Cambridge University Museum of ZoologyOpen since 1865, the Zoology Museum is described as an ‘Aladdin’s cave of skeletons and other specimens’. Get up close and personal with a 21 meter whale skeleton that’ll make your selfies look puny. Explore galleries teeming with creatures from every corner of the globe, from mischievous monkeys swinging through the rainforest to toothy tigers peeking out of the jungle.

You can also join the Young Zoologists Club for 6 – 12 year olds for free, and receive a welcome pack, quarterly newsletter and priority booking for special events.

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Wimpole Estate Grounds

£9 adult, £4.50 child

Wimpole HallAlthough the actual Wimpole Hall National Trust estate is expensive (£45 per family) to tour, the beautiful grounds are the perfect place to stretch your legs without breaking the bank. It’s the perfect escape for a solo adventure, a romantic rendezvous, or a fun-filled family day. So pack your picnic basket, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to create memories that’ll make your phone jealous!

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Cambridge University Botanic Garden

£7.20 adult, Children free

Cambridge University Botanic GardenCalling all plant peeps and nature enthusiasts! Escape the hustle and bustle and step into a green oasis: the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Think of it as a living library brimming with over 8,000 botanical buddies from around the globe. Wander through ancient redwoods towering overhead, peeking into secret fern glades, or get your dose of floral fireworks in the seasonal borders. There’s even a glasshouse jungle overflowing with rainforest wonders – toucans optional.

Whether you’re a budding botanist or simply seeking a serene escape, this garden is more than just a pretty face. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, fuel your curiosity, and maybe even unearth your inner plant whisperer.

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Paxton Pits Wildlife

Free

Birds in the UKPaxton Pits Nature Reserve covers 78 hectares of lakes, riverside, meadows and woodland in the Great Ouse Valley. It’s especially famous for its nightingales and cormorants – and free to visit. No matter your adventure style, Paxton Pits has something for you.

Fancy a leisurely stroll? Wander along scenic trails and soak in the tranquillity. Feeling more energetic? Embark on a guided walk and uncover hidden gems with the resident nature experts. Got little ones in tow? Let them loose in the wildflower meadow, where they can befriend butterflies and chase dragonflies. And look out for the otters!

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Jesus Green Lido

£6 adult, £3.50 child, £3 senior

Jesus Green Lido in CambridgeCraving a dip that’s got more personality than your average bathtub? Ditch the chlorine fumes and take a plunge into Cambridge’s coolest comeback kid: the Jesus Green Lido! It boasts a glorious 100-yard stretch of open-air swimming bliss, but the fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Lay back and sunbathe on the grassy banks, refuelling with poolside snacks, and maybe even popping over for a sauna session (hello, post-swim zen!).

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Explore Cambridge’s Colleges

Various prices

Inside King's College Chapel CambridgeImagine wandering courtyards that whisper of Nobel poets and groundbreaking discoveries. Picture grand gothic arches framing sun-dappled lawns, and libraries that hold the secrets of centuries within their leather-bound spines. That’s Cambridge’s colleges for you – treasure troves of history, knowledge, and quirky charm all rolled into one.

Each college boasts its own unique personality, from the regal grandeur of King’s to the ivy-clad serenity of Trinity. Explore hidden gardens bursting with blooms and peek into ancient chapels echoing with choral hymns. So ditch the tourist traps and delve into the heart of Cambridge. Get lost in its labyrinthine lanes, fuel up with buttery scones in grand halls, and soak up the atmosphere that’s inspired geniuses for centuries. Trust me, your Instagram won’t know what hit it, and your soul will thank you for it.

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Watch the famous ‘bumps

Cambridge Bumps RaceA race that takes place twice a year: the University Bumps in May and the Town Bumps in July. A great spectator sport, the enthusiastic rowing race sees boats trying to ‘bump’ each other out of the way. Trust us, you won’t want to miss it. So grab your mates, pack a picnic blanket, and soak up the atmosphere – the Bumps are guaranteed to be your most exhilarating Cambridge memory.

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The Polar Museum

Free

Polar Museum in CambridgeEver dreamed of braving blizzards and befriending penguins? The Polar Museum in Cambridge won’t exactly whisk you away to the South Pole, but it’s the next best thing! Think Indiana Jones, ditch the jungle for ice caps and swap out ancient artefacts for explorers’ woolly socks. Prepare to be chilled (in a good way) by tales of daring expeditions, see the gear that conquered icy landscapes, and maybe even get a selfie with a life-size polar bear. So ditch the polar bear documentary and step into the real deal (minus the frostbite, of course).

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Climb Great St Mary’s University Church

£7 adult, £4.50 child

Great St Mary's University Church of Cambridge UniversityYour Cambridge adventure isn’t complete until you conquer the Great St Mary’s Tower. No need for a knight’s armour, just lace up your sneakers and prepare to be wowed. Climb the 123 steps winding their way up, each one a whisper of history, leading you to a secret kingdom in the sky. Enjoy panoramic views revealing the wonders of the city.

Colleges, gardens, the River Cam – it’s all yours for the ogling. And the best part? Bragging rights, my friend. You’ll be the one who summited St Mary’s, the one who saw Cambridge from a whole new angle. So ditch the guidebooks, embrace the challenge, and get ready for a memory that’ll make even the bravest gargoyle jealous.

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*all prices correct at time of writing