A Weekend in Cambridge

Last updated May 13, 2025

If you’re planning a getaway filled with history, culture, great food, and a touch of luxury, Cambridge is the perfect destination. Here's how to spend an unforgettable weekend in this jaw-droppingly beautiful city, with Wilde Aparthotels as your stylish base in an unbeatable location.

Friday: Arrive, Dine, and Unwind

Your Cambridge adventure begins with check-in at our beautiful aparthotel, ideally situated in the heart of the city. Just a stone’s throw from the River Cam and within walking distance of many historic and architectural sights, Wilde offers both the convenience of a central location and the comforts of a boutique hotel.

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Start your evening with a drink at the on-site bar, a stylish and relaxed space that sets the tone for your stay. Once you're refreshed and ready to head out, make your way to Midsummer House, Cambridge’s only two Michelin-starred restaurant. Situated on the river, it offers exquisite food in an intimate setting (reservations highly recommended), and a thoughtfully curated seasonal tasting menu.

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After dinner, finish off the evening with a nightcap at the Pickerel Inn, Cambridge’s oldest licensed pub. With its traditional oak beams and riverside location, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a pint and soak up some authentic local atmosphere before calling it a night.

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Saturday: Swim, Explore, and a Touch of Art

Start your Saturday with a Wilde breakfast and a delicious cup of coffee. Once fuelled for the day, head to Jesus Green Lido for a refreshing morning swim. One of Europe’s longest outdoor pools, this unheated lido dates back to 1923 and offers a rare open-air swimming experience that mimics the River Cam itself. With a recently added sauna, sunbathing area and grassy banks, it’s a tranquil way to begin your day, even if you opt for just a short dip!

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Post-swim, reward yourself with a hearty brunch or lunch at The Old Bicycle Shop, a Cambridge institution housed in what’s believed to be the country’s oldest bike shop. Legend has it that Charles Darwin once bought a bicycle here! The café retains an industrial yet cosy vibe, with a menu that celebrates fresh, sustainable ingredients. Choose from brunch classics like eggs benedict, mushrooms on toast, or American-style pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.

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In the afternoon, make your way to Kettle’s Yard gallery. More than just an art gallery, this space was once the home of Tate curator Jim Ede. His vision lives on in the way artworks are displayed, as part of a lived-in domestic home environment. Expect to find modernist masterpieces by the likes of Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, and Joan Miró. Now managed by the University of Cambridge, Kettle’s Yard also hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions, so there's always something new and exciting to see.

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After soaking in some culture, stop by Fitzbillies for a pick-me-up afternoon coffee and one of their iconic Chelsea buns, a traditional English delicacy. Then, it's time to take a leisurely punt along the River Cam, gliding past the stunning architecture of the colleges and under the picturesque bridges - it's a quintessential Cambridge experience, and one that should not be missed! Our aparthotel is just a five-minute walk from where you’ll hop on and off the punts, so after your time on the river you can take a relaxed stroll back and get ready for the evening.

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As the evening rolls around, dress up and head to The Orator, a stylish bar and brasserie on the site of the Cambridge Union, the world’s oldest debating society. After your meal, keep the momentum going with a live performance at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, where you might catch anything from a symphony orchestra to an indie rock band, depending on the night.

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Sunday: Museums, Riverside Views and Sweet Goodbyes

Start your Sunday with another Wilde breakfast before grabbing your second coffee of the morning from Bould Brothers, located just next door. Known for their expert brewing and chic interiors, it’s a must-visit for coffee lovers.

Next, take a leisurely stroll to the Museum of Zoology, one of Cambridge’s most fascinating (and often overlooked) museums. With exhibits ranging from giant whale skeletons to delicate insects, it’s a great way to explore the natural world through a historical lens. Among its many highlights are a breathtaking 21-meter-long fin whale skeleton, one of the UK’s most complete dodo skeletons, and even specimens gathered by Charles Darwin himself. Best of all, entry is free!

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For lunch, enjoy riverside views at The Mill, a classic Cambridge pub perched right by the River Cam. With traditional British fare and plenty of atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot to reflect on your weekend adventures (and plan your next visit!).

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Before you head home, don’t miss a scoop or two of Jack’s Gelato. Beloved by locals, Jack’s serves inventive flavours made from high-quality, local ingredients. Grab your cone and take a final stroll through Cambridge’s cobbled streets and picturesque university buildings before making your way home.