Things to Do in Cambridge in April

April Weather in Cambridge

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Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect punting weather - calm waters on River Cam with temperatures ideal for 60-90 minute tours without overheating or freezing
Spring blooms transform college gardens - Magdalene's wisteria and Christ's College Fellows' Garden reach peak color mid-April
Tourist crowds haven't peaked yet - King's College Chapel viewing times are 15-20 minutes shorter than summer months
May Week preparations create electric atmosphere - glimpse rowing crews training intensively and May Ball decorations going up across colleges

Considerations

Unpredictable rain showers - 40% chance of afternoon drizzle that can disrupt outdoor walking tours and picnic plans
Some college gardens close earlier (5pm vs 7pm in summer) limiting late afternoon photography opportunities
Chilly mornings require layered clothing - 4°C (40°F) starts make 8am college tours uncomfortable without proper preparation

Best Activities in April

River Cam Punting Tours

April's mild afternoons (12-15°C/54-59°F) create ideal punting conditions - warm enough to enjoy the hour-long journey but cool enough that you won't overheat. Spring light creates perfect photography conditions for the Mathematical Bridge and Bridge of Sighs. Morning mist often lifts dramatically around 10am, revealing stunning college backdrops.

Booking Tip: Book morning slots (10am-noon) for best weather and fewer crowds. Tours typically cost £15-25 per person for shared punts, £80-120 for private punts. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed operators at Mill Lane or Magdalene Bridge. See current tour options in the booking section below.

College Garden Tours

April marks peak spring blooming season - Trinity College's lime tree avenue and Clare College's memorial court gardens showcase daffodils, crocuses, and early tulips. Cool temperatures (averaging 10°C/50°F) make extended walking comfortable, and spring light provides ideal conditions for photography between 2-4pm.

Booking Tip: Many college gardens are free but close between 4-5pm in April. Pay special attention to Clare College (£3 entry) and Christ's College Fellows' Garden (£2 entry) for best spring displays. Self-guided garden maps available at porter's lodges.

Cycling Heritage Routes

April's cooler temperatures make cycling comfortable for the full American Cemetery circular route (16 km/10 miles) or Grantchester village loop (8 km/5 miles). Spring countryside shows fresh green fields and blooming hedgerows. Variable weather means afternoon cycling avoids both winter ice and summer heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes for £12-18 per day from stations near train station or city center. Book 2-3 days ahead during university term time. Choose hybrid bikes for mixed terrain routes. Electric bikes available for £25-35 per day for longer distances to Ely Cathedral or Anglesey Abbey.

Indoor Literary Tours

April's changeable weather makes indoor cultural activities perfect backup plans. Wren Library at Trinity houses Newton and Byron manuscripts, while Pepys Library at Magdalene displays 17th-century books in original bindings. Cool, dry conditions preserve these collections and provide comfortable viewing.

Booking Tip: Most college libraries require advance booking - contact college porters 1-2 weeks ahead. Trinity College Wren Library tours typically £8-12, Pepys Library at Magdalene is free but limited to 10 people hourly. Avoid booking during examination periods (late April-early May).

Walking Food Tours

April weather encourages walking between traditional pubs and modern restaurants. Cool temperatures make 3-4 hour food tours comfortable, sampling everything from Eagle pub's RAF ceiling to Fitzbillies' Chelsea buns. Spring ingredients feature in local menus - asparagus, spring lamb, and early strawberries from nearby farms.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost £45-65 per person including 5-7 tastings. Book 1 week ahead as group sizes limited to 12-15 people. Morning tours (10am-1pm) avoid afternoon rain showers. Look for tours including both traditional pub fare and modern British cuisine.

Day Trips to Ely Cathedral

April's clear spring air provides excellent visibility for the 20 km (12 mile) journey to Ely Cathedral across fenland countryside. Cool temperatures make cathedral tower climbs (288 steps) comfortable, and spring light illuminates medieval stained glass perfectly between 11am-3pm.

Booking Tip: Train journey takes 17 minutes, runs twice hourly, costs £8-12 return. Cathedral entry £9 adults, tower tours £6 additional. Book tower tours ahead online - limited to 8 people per slot. Combine with Oliver Cromwell's House (£5 entry) for full day trip.

April Events & Festivals

Easter Sunday (varies yearly, typically early-mid April)

Easter Services at King's College Chapel

World-famous choir performs Easter Sunday service with full congregation - tickets balloted in advance. Easter week also features special evensong services with extended choir pieces not performed rest of year.

Mid to late April

Cambridge Literary Festival Spring Events

Author readings and book launches take advantage of university term time, often featuring Cambridge alumni writers and professors. Venues include college halls and independent bookshops throughout the city.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof jacket with hood - April showers hit suddenly and last 20-30 minutes with little warning

Layering pieces - morning temperatures of 4°C (40°F) rise to 15°C (58°F) by afternoon, requiring flexible clothing

Comfortable waterproof walking shoes - cobblestones become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily sightseeing

Lightweight scarf - River Cam punting creates wind chill even on mild days

Compact umbrella - fits in day bag for sudden downpours during outdoor college tours

Sunglasses - spring sun reflects strongly off River Cam and college limestone buildings between 11am-3pm

Warm hat for early morning - 8am college chapel services require head covering and heating isn't always adequate

Day bag with waterproof compartment - protect cameras and phones during cycling tours and river activities

Cash in £5-20 notes - many college entry fees and small museums don't accept cards

Portable phone charger - cool weather drains batteries faster, especially important for navigation and photography

Insider Knowledge

College gyp rooms (kitchenettes) often serve better coffee than tourist cafes for £1-2 - look for signs in college courtyards during visiting hours

Train station luggage storage costs £6-10 per bag but allows full day of sightseeing before evening departures - book online for guaranteed space

Many colleges offer free short organ recitals 1-2pm on weekdays - check individual college websites for schedules, far superior to paid tourist concerts

Parker's Piece (large green space) hosts informal cricket practice sessions weekday evenings - free entertainment and very Cambridge atmosphere