Free Wednesday afternoon
Wednesday afternoon is left free for participants to explore Cambridge at their own pace.
For those who would like to try punting, we have hired self-hire punts at 3:00 pm. These are not guided punts: in a traditional Cambridge punt, one person stands at the back of the flat-bottomed boat and uses a long pole to push against the riverbed in order to move and steer the boat. For participants who would like to join, we will walk together to the punt station.
For those who would prefer to stay on land, Cambridge is ideal for a leisurely afternoon walk, and several of the famous colleges can be visited (subject to opening times and term-time restrictions).
Another pleasant option is to walk out to Grantchester and visit The Orchard Tea Garden, a historic and very atmospheric place to enjoy afternoon tea and scones in a typical British style. The Orchard Garden is situated a short walk along the river from Cambridge city center and is open from 10:00–16:00 (weather permitting). https://www.theorchardteagarden.co.uk
Other good options for the afternoon include the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Kettle’s Yard, the Museum of Zoology, and the Polar Museum.
Quick guide to a few famous colleges (current visitor info)
Please note that 1 July is still close to the end of the Cambridge examination period, so visitor access is more restricted than later in July and may still change at short notice. For example, St John's and Queen's will be closed to visitors.
- King’s College Chapel & Grounds – probably the most iconic visit in Cambridge, and open for self-guided visits on 1–5 July. Adult tickets for this period are listed at £17–£18, with student/child tickets at £14.50–£15.00 depending on booking timing and slot. Official website: King’s College visitor information. King's College visitor information.
- Trinity College – a good option if people want to see one of the most famous colleges. The main visitor option is the official guided tour, which runs daily at 10:00 and 14:00 and costs £10 per person. The Wren Library is also normally open on weekdays from 12:00 to 14:00 and is free. Official website: Trinity visitor information.
- Pembroke College – a lovely quieter choice, especially for those who enjoy gardens. Pembroke says that visitors are welcome to walk around the grounds and visit the Chapel, and that it is generally open every day; its exam-related closure ends on 21 June 2026, so it should be available on 1 July unless closed for a special event. Official website: Pembroke visitor information.
- Corpus Christi College – a small, central college that is easy to combine with a walk through the city centre. Corpus says that during the summer months it is open to visitors from 10:30 to 16:30, and admission for guests aged 18+ is £5 per person. Official website: Corpus Christi visitor information.