Guide to your first Cambridge May Week

If you’re a first year having just battled through your first round of Cambridge examinations, this also means you have your first May Week to look forward to.

Paradoxically in June, your only expectation of the week to come might be the ticket you hold for likely Jesus May Ball. But May Week is so much more than its decadent night parties- whether you’ve opted out of attending a May Ball altogether, or simply want to extend your daytime repertoire beyond punting, there’s much to be done in May Week. Cambridge is beautiful in late June and the post exams period of May Week finally gives you the luxury of time to explore it.

Field trip to Grantchester Meadows

An excursion to Grantchester Meadows is something of a staple of May Week relaxation. If you haven’t already been, Grantchester Meadows sits just outside Cambridge and is a lovely pocket of countryside alongside the river, and becomes populated by lounging students in late June. Take a picnic and if you’re brave go for a swim – but be advised as to recent outbreaks of Weil’s disease. You can also take a punt from central Cambridge out to the meadows, or a paddleboard if so inclined.

Try your hand at Punting

Punting is quintessential to the Cambridge experience – if you haven’t been, now’s the time! Annoy the professionals and pester your friends at river colleges and take to the Cam. In May Week the river becomes choked with amateurs between the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge, and postcard worthy scenes ensue – watch out for collisions with the Pimm’s punt.

Enjoy the display of Trinity and John’s May Ball fireworks

Most Read

It’s over! OnlyFans confirms Bonnie Blue’s ban is permanent and the exact reason why

22-year-old who did vile stunt with Bonnie Blue says she’s ‘traumatised’ and needs therapy

Bonnie Blue has responded to that really ridiculous rumour she is actually a man

If you’re not one of the lucky ticketholders for Cambridge’s biggest May Balls, you can still experience the spectacle. These grandest May Balls boast spectacular firework displays, visible especially from the river. The nights of Trinity and John’s May Balls draw impressive crowds to Orgasm Bridge (Garrett Hostel Bridge) to view the display that the Balls provide for their guests.

Take time for the Cambridge arts scene

You’ve probably walked past the impressive exterior but if you haven’t yet, spend an ambient afternoon in the Fitzwilliam Museum. Entry is free unless you fancy a specific exhibit (Discovering Durer is showing currently) and the building itself is enough to occupy attention in the entrance foyer alone. Browse Impressionist masterpieces in the upstairs galleries before sampling relics of ancient civilisations on the cavernous lower floors. The University’s Museum houses global antiques and artefacts: Make sure to purchase postcards for your room from the gift shop in true Cambridge student style. Likewise, make a foray to Kettle’s Yard for more modern art exhibitions. The Cambridge theatre scene offers a real treat during May Week. Shows on route to the Edinburgh or London Fringe often have a mock run – catch the preview for the Cambridge Footlights International Tour Show at the ADC.

Explore Cambridge

Take the time to venture outside Cambridge’s city centre when not bound by loyalties to faculties and libraries. If Grantchester Meadows is too remote, Coe Fen is equally stunning for picnics and meanders, boasting roaming herds of cows. Or find some rare elevation in notoriously flat Cambridge at Castle Mound for impressive views. Equally, May Week is the perfect time for a foray to Cambridge University’s Botanic Gardens. If you haven’t already, visit the greenhouses and tour the various gardens of roses and alpine plants. Better yet, CamCards give free access, for an inexpensive afternoon trip. Be sure to mine Cambridge’s hidden gems, quaint bookstores, basement restaurants, niche vintage stores with the wandering time that May Week allocates.

Escape the Cambridge Bubble

May Week offers an opportune time to leave the Cambridge bubble entirely, especially after the insularity of exam term. Just 15 minutes on the train deposits you in Ely. Ely’s Cathedral is considered a wonder of the medieval world, so definitely worth a visit. In the same fashion, you can escape somewhat tourist-choked streets for the tranquillity of the beautiful estate of Wandlebury Country Park. Although May Week misses daffodil season, take a walk through beautiful grounds, for free entry. Well serviced by buses, this day-trip is a perfect picnic opportunity and somewhat off the beaten path of the May Week repertoire.

Featured Image Credits: Madeleine Wood