Cambridge Leisure

During the summer months, there is plenty to do in Cambridge for those who like the outdoors. Boating on the River Cam is a traditional pursuit for many visitors and children and golfers are also catered for.

Punting on the Cam River

Punting on the River Cam in a flat-bottomed, wooden boat (looking a bit like a Venetian gondola) is a long-established pastime of both students and visitors to Cambridge. Heading downstream, you glide along the Backs where the college lawns sweep down to the River Cam.

On summer days, people lounge on the banks of the Cam, judging and mocking you as you try to manoeuvre your punt with a 15-foot pole. The Cam's floor is mud-covered, and losing your pole in the riverbed is a normal mishap. In case your pole gets stuck, better leave it sticking in the mud than risk a plunge into the river.

Sheep's Green/Lammas Land

To get to Sheep's Fen and Lammas Land, tag along the riverside footpath upstream from Laundress Green. These parks range from short-cut lawns to cattle-grazed riverside meadows and will lead you to the Paradise Fen nature reserve. The open-air Sheep's Green Pool is perfect for young swimmers from May to September. A paddling pool is also nearby as well as a playground featuring swings, slides and climbing frames. Phone: +44 1223 30 2580.

Golf

Cambridge has some of the most attractive and popular golf courses in this area of England and many can be found in or around Cambridge. Placed on the outskirts of Cambridge, south of the city centre, the popular 18-hole Cambridge Golf Club has a par of 72. Other features include a floodlit golf driving range and golf equipment for hire. The Gog Magog Golf Course, located in the Shelford Bottom area, has two scenic golf courses offering magnificent views of Cambridge city centre.