I love living in Cambridgeshire, it is such a charming county in eastern England, best known for its historic university, picturesque countryside, and youthful, erudite society and culture. Whether you’re exploring the cobbled streets of Cambridge, punting along the River Cam, or exploring Cambridgeshire’s vibrant, rolling countryside, the time of year you choose to visit can greatly shape your experience.
From spring blooms in the university gardens to quaint Christmas markets, each season in Cambridgeshire offers something unique. Read on to learn about the best time of year to visit Cambridgeshire depending on your personal interests, along with some of the top places to visit and things to do during your trip.
Travelling to Cambridgeshire
If you don’t drive, your best bet for visiting Cambridgeshire will be travelling by train. However, England’s trains are known for being unreliable, especially in the north. If you or someone you’re travelling is able to drive to Cambridgeshire, this is certainly the more reliable option and gives you the perfect mode of transport to get around Cambridgeshire during your trip, ensuring you leave no stone unturned.
If someone in your party is able to drive but there are reservations about using your own car for the journey, be that due to insurance, mileage, or anything else, consider going down the route of car rental in Huntingdon. This option gives you flexibility, convenience, and potentially a cost-effective alternative, considering the staggering prices of UK public transport nowadays!
Scheduling Your Trip
The best time of year to schedule your trip will depend on your preferences for weather, festivities, crowd levels, and local events.
Spring
From the centre of Cambridge to the outskirts of the countryside, Cambridgeshire is a vibrant spectacle during the spring months. From blooming floral gardens to quiet nature walks, spring in Cambridgeshire offers mild temperatures and the ideal conditions for sightseeing, with only a moderate number of tourists. If you visit during May Week, you may also be able to witness Cambridge University’s grand celebrations.
Summer
With long daylight hours and balmy weather, summer is the best time to visit for those looking to relax on a punting boat on the River Cam under the sunshine or experience some of Cambridgeshire’s exquisite outdoor festivals. If you are a music lover, Cambridge Folk Festival, one of the UK’s best folk music events, takes place annually here in either July or August. However, with hot summer weather and cause for celebration comes a sharp uptick in visitor numbers and also, usually, an uptick in prices.
Autumn
Beautiful umber foliage, a crispness in the air, and the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot awaits in Cambridgeshire during the autumn season. Fans of photography, birdwatching, and hiking will be enamoured with this stunning, scenic county during the autumn months. Weather is a little cooler and, in September, the streets of Cambridge are abuzz with students, back at university for the start of a new school season.
Winter
Of course, with the wintertime comes all sorts of festivities, from Christmas light switch-ons clutching a cup of mulled wine to quaint Christmas markets laid out prettily on gently lit, cobbled streets. If Christmas time has your heart, from festive shopping to seasonal treats, Cambridgeshire is a cosy, convivial place to take a trip to during the f
