Person with curly hair photographs punts on the River Cam in Cambridge, standing on a stone bridge with historic college buildings in the background.

Free Things to Do in Cambridge: Culture & Literature on a Budget

You don’t need a big budget to enjoy culture in Cambridge. In fact, many of the city’s finest attractions are free to enjoy. From museums and galleries to architectural marvels, quaint market streets and stunning riverside pathways, there’s so much to explore — for free.

Free things to do in Cambridge for culture lovers

Nestled on the River Cam, Cambridge is famous for its world-renowned university. With history and culture spanning more than 800 years, there’s a long list of beautiful sights to see, traditions to try and literary legends to walk in the footsteps of.

Soak up the vibrant culture in Cambridge without spending a penny as you wander through ancient college grounds, world-class museums and literary heritage spots. Building an exciting and inspiring itinerary for a budget-conscious weekend in Cambridge is surprisingly easy.

Best free museums and galleries in Cambridge

Ornate coffered ceiling and classical columns at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, viewed from below against a blue sky.

This famous university town isn’t short of a museum or two. Whatever your area of interest or expertise, there’s a fascinating collection to explore — here’s our pick of the bunch:

Fitzwilliam Museum – a vast collection of art and antiquities covering over half a million artefacts, held within a building that is a work of art in itself. The exhibits are diverse, covering everything from Egyptian coffins to Renaissance sculpture and Impressionist masterpieces.
The Polar Museum – a unique free museum with a wide range of artefacts, documents and photos covering the history and science of polar exploration. The highlight exhibit, The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, showcases letters and documents from the likes of Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton alongside more contemporary polar research.
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences – the University of Cambridge’s geology museum holds a mind-blowingly large collection of around 2 million rocks, minerals and fossils. Together, these tell the story of our Earth’s geological history, covering the last 4.5 billion years.
Kettle’s Yard – once home to Jim Ede, a former Tate Gallery curator, Kettle’s Yard is now a unique contemporary art gallery. The remarkable collection is housed in a cosy and inviting atmosphere, designed to feel like a beloved home.
MODO Gallery – for a more contemporary art gallery experience, head for MODO. The space is currently dedicated to David Hockney’s work and includes a custom-built Normandy exhibition covering the gallery’s three floors.
Museum of Zoology – there are many wonderful treasures to explore at the Museum of Zoology. Thousands of specimens are on display, covering the entire animal kingdom. Notable exhibits include specimens discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace, as well as the skeleton of the extinct dodo.

And that’s far from the full list of free museums and galleries in Cambridge. There’s also the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, the Museum of Classical Archaeology, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Huntingdon Art Gallery and more.

Free literary landmarks in Cambridge

Sunlit view of King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, showcasing its iconic Gothic architecture against a clear blue sky.

Cambridge boasts an impressive literary heritage — from distinguished poets such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron, Lord Tennyson and Sylvia Plath, to modern authors including Zadie Smith, Sebastian Faulks, Stephen Fry and Salman Rushdie. There’s also literary greats like A.A. Milne, E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf. So how do you enjoy all this legendary literature in Cambridge for free?

You could head to The Orchard Tea Garden for a scrumptious afternoon tea at a spot once popular with Virginia Woolf, Rupert Brooke and Stephen Hawking. You could also grab a pint at The Eagle, a pub mentioned in The Double Helix as the place where Crick and Watson announced the discovery of DNA.

Wander down Petty Cury, where Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes first met. Find Magdalene Bridge, mentioned by William Wordsworth in the poem Residences in Cambridge. Visit King’s College to stroll the Xu Zhimo Memorial Garden, dedicated to the Chinese poet, and see where E.M. Forster and the Cambridge Apostles would debate philosophy.

In between, there’s an abundance of quaint independent bookshops to browse, and college courts, riverside paths and historic pubs to soak up the atmosphere of our storied city.

Free walks and sights in Cambridge

Newton’s Apple Tree at Trinity College, Cambridge, growing near a historic chapel with bicycles and visitors in the background.

Beyond the formal attractions, enjoying Cambridge’s unique atmosphere is free to all. Wandering the historic lanes and riverside pathways gives you an everyday sense of the city’s illustrious heritage. Watch punters glide along the River Cam, enjoy a picnic on Parker’s Piece, revel in the bustle of the market square and explore the open chapels dotted across the city.

Cambridge’s famous colleges also have areas open to the public — and there’s plenty to discover. Newton’s Apple Tree, grafted from the very original, is found in Trinity College’s gardens. Jesus College has an impressive sculpture trail, including a piece by Anthony Gormley. Wander the Darwin Garden at Christ’s College, not far from Charles’ old room. Enjoy views of Mathematical Bridge, an architectural marvel in the grounds of Queen’s College, built entirely from straight timbers.

There are also the more quirky things to spot, such as the “Reality Checkpoint” on Parker’s Piece or the cutesy Dinky Doors — a fun trail of 15 tiny doorways hidden across the city.

Free events in Cambridge: exhibitions, talks and open days

As an epicentre for learning, it feels only right that Cambridge has regular free talks, open days and events. The University of Cambridge hosts regular events and exhibitions across the University Library and the Milstein Exhibition Centre, including the monthly Really Popular Book Club (its official title), which is open to all.

In summer, Cambridge Open Studios celebrates art and creativity across the county when talented craftspeople allow the public into their private studios. In autumn, many buildings across the city throw their doors wide for Open Cambridge. Part of the national Heritage Open Days event, it offers special access to normally private or paid-for buildings of special interest.

For literature in Cambridge, the Cambridge Literary Festival has a raft of free children’s and school events during both its spring and winter events.

Stay at Gonville Hotel for a culture-filled Cambridge escape

Elegant classic bedroom at the Gonville Hotel, Cambridge, featuring soft neutral tones, a plush headboard, bedside tables, and framed prints.

Just opposite Parker’s Piece, our warm and boutique hotel in Cambridge has everything you need to explore our cities unique culture and history.

Gonville Hotel is a short walk from many of the free museums, galleries and colleges. To make the most of your stay, our hotel staff will be happy to share cultural guides, seasonal highlights and itinerary recommendations. Take one of our complimentary bikes or step out on foot to explore our incredible city.

Gonville Hotel is a seamless blend of classic prestige and modern charm. Steeped in the same history that makes Cambridge so fascinating, our hotel reflects the tailored comfort and visual artistry of our great British heritage. Complete with relaxing bedrooms, sumptuous food and a relaxing spa to rest after a day exploring, there’s no better place to soak up the unique culture in Cambridge.

Take a look at our seasonal offers and get ready for a cultural adventure you’ll never forget.