10 Reasons Why You Should Spend Your Easter Holidays in Cambridge
The UK promises a beautiful backdrop for Spring events, from blooming yellow daffodils to newborn lambs; there’s plenty to see and do.
If you’re planning a getaway this Easter, Cambridge is a spectacular location. With its calming atmosphere, traditional, family-themed events, and history, there’s no place quite like it.
Here are 10 reasons why you should spend your Easter holiday in Cambridge this year. Be sure to book early at our boutique hotel in Cambridge for the best rates and to secure your room!
1) Cambridge feels properly festive at Easter
Our first reason for booking an Easter getaway to Cambridge is that there are so many events to enjoy! Easter events in Cambridge are not limited to one type. Whether you want to mark the religious aspect of the date or take part in a more casual, craft-related event, you will be spoilt for choice.
Visit Cambridge has a handy What's On guide that includes seasonal and family events, as well as Easter fun. Be sure to check out which events require booking in advance so you don’t miss out.
2) Easter egg hunts and National Trust trails nearby make family planning easy
When people think about their easter holiday in Cambridge, they often want a plan that is organised and isn't time-bound.
A great option are the many easter trails near Cambridge, which provide little ones with a clear activity. We know that children work best when there’s a beginning and an end to something.
Some popular places for easter egg hunts near Cambridge include Wimpole Estate (19 mins from Gonville, up to 23 mins depending on traffic) and Anglesey Abbey (18 mins from Gonville, up to 30 mins depending on traffic), both of which are both close to Cambridge.
Trails usually run across the gardens or estate grounds, with simple challenges and Easter rewards at the finish. You can easily make this a half-day trip, then head back into the city without it feeling rushed. Always check trail dates and booking details before you go.
3) Spring cultural highlights land perfectly around the Easter break (Cambridge Festival 2026)
For early Easter dates, the Cambridge Festival 2026 adds something extra to your visit. Running from 16 March to 2 April 2026, it's a brilliant pre-Easter (and early-holiday) add-on - especially if your school break starts in late March.
Events range from hands-on workshops to short talks and exhibitions, many of which are family-friendly and easy to dip in and out of.
It’s a good way to experience Cambridge’s curious side without committing to anything too formal. Booking ahead is sensible, especially for popular sessions.
4) Easter is one of the best times for punting in Cambridge
Punting in Cambridge at Easter is a real highlight. The river feels calmer, the trees are fresh with spring growth, and the lighter evenings make everything feel more relaxed.
It’s worth booking your punt in advance over the bank holiday weekend. Dress in layers, as it can still be cool on the water, and don’t worry if the weather isn’t perfect. Even a short trip gives you a classic Cambridge view without much effort.
5) You can add meaning and tradition with Easter services in Cambridge
Easter church services in Cambridge are special, whether you attend for faith or simply for the atmosphere. College chapels and historic churches offer music and settings you won’t find elsewhere.
Many services welcome visitors, but times and access can vary, especially over Easter weekend. It’s best to check ahead so you can plan your day around a service rather than trying to fit it in last minute.
6) Easter Sunday lunch and seasonal food make the weekend feel like a real holiday
An Easter Sunday lunch in Cambridge helps anchor the whole weekend. Traditional roasts, spring vegetables and relaxed pacing make it feel properly celebratory.
Booking early is important, as restaurants fill quickly over Easter. Planning your day around lunch takes pressure off the rest of the itinerary, especially if you’re visiting with family.
7) Afternoon tea is the perfect Easter treat between activities
Afternoon tea in Cambridge at Easter is a simple way to pause and reset. It works whatever the weather and feels like a treat without taking up the whole afternoon.
If you’re staying centrally, Gonville’s afternoon tea is an easy option between sightseeing and evening plans. It’s especially useful if you want something calm after a busy morning.
8) Cambridge stays fun even if it rains
Rain doesn’t spoil Cambridge's Easter activities. Family-friendly museums offer an easy plan B that keeps everyone entertained.
Some good options to consider if you have children in tow are:
They’re central, free to enter, and close enough together that you’re not trekking across the city in bad weather.
9) You can balance city time with Easter-ready day trips
Day trips from Cambridge at Easter give you space and fresh air without losing a full day to travel. The nearby National Trust estates and gardens are especially good for younger children who need room to move.
Mixing city sights with nearby Easter trails keeps the pace balanced and stops the trip from feeling overwhelming.
10) A central base makes Easter in Cambridge dramatically easier
Knowing where to stay in Cambridge at Easter makes a big difference. A central base means less time navigating traffic and more time enjoying the city.
Staying at the Gonville Hotel lets you park once and walk everywhere. With parking, EV charging, comfortable rooms and thoughtful extras like our Bentley afternoon tea experience, it removes a lot of Easter weekend stress.
Book your Easter stay at Gonville Hotel
Easter dates fill quickly, so we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment. Choose a base where everything is walkable, the practical details are covered, and a few treat moments are built in. Gonville Hotel makes Easter Holidays in Cambridge feel easy, relaxed and special.