The Ultimate Rainy-Day Family Guide to Cambridge: Museums, Magic, and Pancakes
There is a certain beauty to Cambridge in the rain- the way the cobblestones shine, the moody, dark-academia atmosphere it brings to the colleges, and the warming feeling of finding refuge in a cosy coffee shop.
However, if you are a parent with three energetic children and a week of half term to fill, you may not feel quite so enamoured by the weather.
This year, with the forecast looking ‘traditionally British’, we’ve put together a guide to navigating Cambridge under an umbrella, featuring the best indoor spots, ways to find magic, and why Pancake Day can be the highlight of your week.
Pancakes for Breakfast at Fitzbillies
This year, half term and Pancake Day collide (Tuesday 17th February), creating the perfect opportunity to celebrate with Fitzbillies, at our Trumpington Street restaurant. Whether you are fuelling up for a day of museum-hopping or looking for a way to make extra-special family memories, start the day off with the best kind of breakfast.
Forget the stress of flipping pancakes in your own kitchen; let us handle the frying pan while you get cosy. Our cafe will be serving up stacks of golden, fluffy pancakes. Keep it sweet with chocolate and toffee sauce, or try one of our more creative twists, such as savoury bacon with our signature Chelsea Bun syrup, or a comforting apple and crumble topping.
Step into a Story at Heffers
For bookworms in the family, Heffers is another beloved Cambridge institution, having first opened its doors in 1876. Located directly across from the iconic Trinity College, the shop is a labyrinth of literature, with books packed from floor to ceiling across multiple levels.
Whilst the main floor is full of every genre, the real magic for families happens at the back of the shop. Here, you’ll find a dedicated, cosy children’s section designed with parents in mind. It features its own easy-access, pushchair-friendly door and is the kind of place where you can lose track of time as you help your children pick out their next literary adventure.
The Fitzbillies Fix: There is no better feeling than cracking open a brand-new book while the steam rises from your mug and the rain drums against the glass. Our Bridge Street branch is only a three-minute walk from Heffers. Find a window seat, settle in, and order a round of hot chocolates to celebrate your new finds.
Twilight at the Museum (Wednesday 18th February)
Cambridge has some of the best museums to explore with the family. This year is the 20th anniversary of twilight at the museum, where museums across the city will be opening their doors and turning down for an evening of torchlit trails, activities, performances, crafts, storytelling, and more.
Most of the events will be on Wednesday the 18th and include:
- Exploring creatures of the deep in the Zoology museum’s ‘Under the Sea’ night.
- Illuminating history with magic lanterns in the Museum of Cambridge
- A prehistoric night-time safari in the Sedgewick Museum
- Escaping the underworld in the Museum of Classical Archaeology.
And more….
If you don’t want to stay until late, the Fitzwilliam museum have a family afternoon of crafts and activities from 1pm-4:30pm.
The Fitzbillies Fix: Our King’s Parade branch is perfectly positioned in between the northern and southern museums. We recommend grabbing a takeaway. They are easy to eat on the move and provide the sugar spike needed to survive a night of exploring the exhibits across Cambridge.
Let the Games Begin
Sometimes the best way to forget the rain is to get lost in a game. Cambridge is a playground for gamers of all ages, whether you’re looking for high-stakes adrenaline or a cosy tabletop to settle into for the afternoon.
- Boom Battle Bar: An exciting refuge located right in the city centre. It’s an "adventure bar" that swaps the traditional quiet afternoon for something more active with Axe Throwing, AR Darts, Shuffleboard.
- Escape rooms: Cambridge has two escape rooms, Lockhouse Games and Escape Hunt. Explore an Egyptian tomb or step into the whimsical world of Alice in Wonderland whilst working together to solve puzzles.
- The Box Room: If you prefer a slower pace, head over to The Box Room on Regent Street. This dedicated board game café boasts a library of hundreds of games, ranging from childhood classics to the latest indie strategy games.
The Fitzbillies Fix: Both Lockhouse and The Box Room are just a short stroll from our Trumpington Street branch. After you’ve crowned a board game champion, head over to us for a "victory feast." There is no better prize for winning than an indulgent bun!
Toasties for Lunch at Fitzbillies
By the time midday rolls around, nothing beats the restorative power of melted cheese. Fitzbillies toasties are the ultimate rainy-day comfort food. Slices of artisan bread generously filled and pressed until golden and bubbling. The perfect way to fuel the rest of your afternoon.
Our Bridge Street branch is a particularly lovely spot for lunch; the large windows mean you can watch the world go by while staying completely dry. If you’re traveling with a larger group, we recommend aiming for an early or late lunch to snag the best snug corners. Pair your toastie with a bowl of our seasonal soup for an extra warming meal.
Dinky Discoveries
If the rain is more of a drizzle than a downpour, turn your walk across town into a miniature treasure hunt. Scattered throughout the city are the Dinky Doors; whimsical, tiny sculptures hidden in plain sight. From a "Rocket Ship" to a "Portal into another world," these miniature masterpieces are the perfect height for children to discover and add a little magic to your day.
The beauty of a Dinky Door hunt is that it’s entirely flexible. You can treat them as your main mission or simply keep an eye out as you hop between the city’s many rainy-day refuges.
The Fitzbillies Fix: Our branches all have dinky doors quite close by if you’re looking for a spot to start your scavenger hunt!
Spotted: A very small customer with a very large appetite! We couldn't resist treating our favourite Dinky Door neighbour to a micro-cup of Fitzbillies' coffee.
Note: This was a special one-time delivery for the photo- the octopus is back to its usual diet!
Make the Most of a Cambridge Half Term
Cambridge doesn’t need a blue sky to be brilliant. In fact, the city was practically built for this weather. All those tucked-away corners and hidden gems are made for seeking refuge. Lean into the moody atmosphere, find a cosy corner in one of our branches, and enjoy the sound of the rain on the windows with the whole family.
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