Things to do in Cambridge

Discover Cambridgeshire’s famous countryside on foot

There are endless walking and cycling trails around Cambridgeshire, with the land gratifyingly flat for the hiking beginner. You can get a map of the cycle routes in Cambridge and the surrounding villages from the all knowing ones at the Tourist Information Centre (+44 0871 226 8006, www.visitcambridge.org).

Soak up the ambience at the university colleges

Most of the 31 colleges that compose Cambridge’s world famous university are open to visitors. Among the most well known is Trinity (tel: +44 (0) 1223 338 400) which was opened back in 1546 by that well-fed doyen of education, Henry VIII.

Cast your rod into local rivers

Cambridge's nearby fenland rivers are a mecca for anglers. With 322km (200 miles) of waterways and a number of purpose-built lakes, fishing can be enjoyed year round; try and hook roach, bream, rudd, pike and zander. Go Fish have info on the best sites (www.go-fish.co.uk/cambridgeshire.html).

Go for a punt

Punting is an essential part of any Cambridge visit, and Scudamore’s (tel: +44 (0) 1223 359750; www.scudamores.com) will let you either take a boat out yourself, or hire one with a chauffeur. They’re renowned for the aesthetic quality of their chauffeurs, so sit back and enjoy all the views.

Sink some ales at the famous Flying Pig pub

It takes a pub of some standing to attract nearly 5,000 signatures for a petition against its closing, but The Flying Pig (www.facebook.com/FlyingPigCambridge/) is a true Cambridge institution. Its clientele is more bearded biker than red-cheeked student, and you'll find a righteous selection of ales to keep you entertained if the vintage 60s theatre posters aren’t doing it for you.

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