Not that one. Exam term in Cambridge can be a stressful, crazy time where you end up not leaving your room for days without realising... STOP. You need a break! As my Mum would say, the fresh air and change of scene is good for you, and what better than giving your fact-frazzled brain a break, and letting your creative side go free. My blog today is a short list of a few fun arty things to do in Cambridge that provide an excellent revision break. So gather your friends from the library, escape the work for an hour or two, and have an adventure!
1. Kettle's Yard
Kettle's Yard is a beautiful old cottage and gallery on Castle Street (up the hill from Magdalene) that houses an incredible art collection. From the outside, it looks small and quaint, but this is an arty TARDIS- the interior is a big open space full to bursting with priceless art. Open Tues-Sun House: 2-4pm, Gallery 11.30-5pm
http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/
Kettle's Yard is a beautiful old cottage and gallery on Castle Street (up the hill from Magdalene) that houses an incredible art collection. From the outside, it looks small and quaint, but this is an arty TARDIS- the interior is a big open space full to bursting with priceless art. Open Tues-Sun House: 2-4pm, Gallery 11.30-5pm
http://www.kettlesyard.co.uk/
2. Fitzwilliam Museum
I'm sure many of you will have been to the Fitz at some point- but if not, give it a go. Not only is it practically next to Downing, but also our patron Sir Quentin Blake's exhibition 'Drawn by Hand' is still there until 12th May (and it's free...)
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/
I'm sure many of you will have been to the Fitz at some point- but if not, give it a go. Not only is it practically next to Downing, but also our patron Sir Quentin Blake's exhibition 'Drawn by Hand' is still there until 12th May (and it's free...)
http://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/
3. The Market
In the heart of Cambridge, the market always has a nice atmosphere. There is plenty of food and drink to tempt you, or try and find a treasure amongst the vintage vinyl and trinkets. Even if all you do is walk there and buy your fruit and veg for the week and walk straight back, the stall owners always give a friendly smile that will cheer you up and keep you going after a long day of revision.
In the heart of Cambridge, the market always has a nice atmosphere. There is plenty of food and drink to tempt you, or try and find a treasure amongst the vintage vinyl and trinkets. Even if all you do is walk there and buy your fruit and veg for the week and walk straight back, the stall owners always give a friendly smile that will cheer you up and keep you going after a long day of revision.
4. The Corn Exchange
The Corn Exchange is surprisingly under the radar for the amount of mainstream celebrities it attracts. Comedians, music, West End productions... the Corn Exchange has it all. Browse the website now to buy tickets- it will cheer you up to have something GREAT to look forward to after exams are over.
http://www.cornex.co.uk/
The Corn Exchange is surprisingly under the radar for the amount of mainstream celebrities it attracts. Comedians, music, West End productions... the Corn Exchange has it all. Browse the website now to buy tickets- it will cheer you up to have something GREAT to look forward to after exams are over.
http://www.cornex.co.uk/
5. Cambridge Ghost Walk
How about a ghost tour of Cambridge? For only £5, a 1 hour tour of the most haunted parts of Cambridge. Even if you just want to pretend to be a tourist, or to go along for the laugh. Departs every Friday at 6pm from the Guildhall. Tickets can be booked through the website.
http://www.visitcambridge.org/official-tours/ghost-tours
How about a ghost tour of Cambridge? For only £5, a 1 hour tour of the most haunted parts of Cambridge. Even if you just want to pretend to be a tourist, or to go along for the laugh. Departs every Friday at 6pm from the Guildhall. Tickets can be booked through the website.
http://www.visitcambridge.org/official-tours/ghost-tours
6. Byard Art
An art gallery on King's Parade, Byard Art houses beautiful art from newly emerging talents. Pop in for a visit. Find out more about the collections here: http://www.byardart.co.uk/
An art gallery on King's Parade, Byard Art houses beautiful art from newly emerging talents. Pop in for a visit. Find out more about the collections here: http://www.byardart.co.uk/
7. Williams Art Gallery
Another art gallery, this one is on Gwydir Street, just off Mill Road (near the station). It shows original commercial and non-commercial works by leading artists from near and far in a relaxed and informal space. They have regular events and are right next to Hot Numbers cafe. Exhibitions change every 2-3 weeks, normally on a Wednesday. http://www.williamsart.co.uk/Williams_Art/Williams_Art_Home.html
http://hotnumberscoffee.co.uk/
Another art gallery, this one is on Gwydir Street, just off Mill Road (near the station). It shows original commercial and non-commercial works by leading artists from near and far in a relaxed and informal space. They have regular events and are right next to Hot Numbers cafe. Exhibitions change every 2-3 weeks, normally on a Wednesday. http://www.williamsart.co.uk/Williams_Art/Williams_Art_Home.html
http://hotnumberscoffee.co.uk/
8. The Botanic Gardens
A beautiful green space to relax in. Take a picnic, have a walk. And it's only down the road!
They also run regular events, such as the 'Introduction to Garden Photography' workshop. All details can be found on their website.
http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx
A beautiful green space to relax in. Take a picnic, have a walk. And it's only down the road!
They also run regular events, such as the 'Introduction to Garden Photography' workshop. All details can be found on their website.
http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx
9. The Scott Polar Research Institute
The Polar Museum in the SPRI houses some fantastic pieces of history- as any geographer will tell you! Including the permanent collection (that includes Scott's original letters and diaries), they also currently have the exhibition 'Frozen Worlds', an exhibition that explores the links between polar exploration and science on Earth, and the exploration of other ice worlds in our Solar System. Find out about how scientists investigate life in the polar extremes to understand what life may be present within Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, or Mars. Learn about experiments in Antarctica to test space suits for use on other planets, and how human adaptation to the extreme conditions at the Poles are an analogue to the challenges faced by astronauts. Only there until 18th May, so catch it before it goes! http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/
The Polar Museum in the SPRI houses some fantastic pieces of history- as any geographer will tell you! Including the permanent collection (that includes Scott's original letters and diaries), they also currently have the exhibition 'Frozen Worlds', an exhibition that explores the links between polar exploration and science on Earth, and the exploration of other ice worlds in our Solar System. Find out about how scientists investigate life in the polar extremes to understand what life may be present within Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, or Mars. Learn about experiments in Antarctica to test space suits for use on other planets, and how human adaptation to the extreme conditions at the Poles are an analogue to the challenges faced by astronauts. Only there until 18th May, so catch it before it goes! http://www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/
10. Anglesey Abbey
Perhaps one for after exams, Anglesey Abbey is a beautiful National Trust house on the outskirts of Cambridge. Its gardens are stunning, with its bluebell woods being its biggest attraction. It also has its own working flour mill, so if any of you have been watching Paul Hollywood's 'Bread' series, you can buy some real artisan flour to have a go with. It tastes fantastic! It's a bit more of an effort to get there, but believe me, it's worth it. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/
Perhaps one for after exams, Anglesey Abbey is a beautiful National Trust house on the outskirts of Cambridge. Its gardens are stunning, with its bluebell woods being its biggest attraction. It also has its own working flour mill, so if any of you have been watching Paul Hollywood's 'Bread' series, you can buy some real artisan flour to have a go with. It tastes fantastic! It's a bit more of an effort to get there, but believe me, it's worth it. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey/
So that's it from me. If you really can't bear to venture too far from Downing, and you're lucky enough to have an oven, how about giving these a go?
Happy adventuring Xx
Happy adventuring Xx
