Suffolk &amp; Cambs

Looking for free things to do in Cambridge this month? You’re in luck. From wandering through art exhibitions that will have you questioning reality, to crisp winter walks that make even the coldest days feel magical, we’ve rounded up 12 fantastic things to do in the city that won’t make your wallet weep. 



Whether you&#8217;re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a budding astronomer looking to catch a glimpse of the stars, there’s something here for everyone. So grab your coat (or maybe just your curiosity), and let’s dive into the best free adventures Cambridge has to offer.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/chris-boland-t5qBPfytTyE-unsplash.jpg" alt="Unsplash Cambridge River" class="wp-image-43561" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/chris-boland-t5qBPfytTyE-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/chris-boland-t5qBPfytTyE-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/chris-boland-t5qBPfytTyE-unsplash-400x266.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-see-an-exhibition">SEE AN EXHIBITION</h2>



Need to get in from the cold? There are plenty of free art exhibitions to explore throughout the county this month, including several at <a href="https://www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/visit-us/exhibitions">The Fitzwilliam Museum</a> &#8211; What’s New is your chance to peek at some of the most exciting artworks and objects that have saggered into our collection over the past five years.



We’re talking contemporary showstoppers from the likes of Tacita Dean, Rhea Dillon, Jake Garfield, David Hockney (yes, THE Hockney), and Emma Stibbon. Prefer a dash of modern? Lucian Freud and Naum Gabo have you covered. Or maybe you’re all about the classics — cue stunning pieces by John Varley and Eugène Delacroix.



Curiosity piqued? You know where to go. And the best part? It won’t cost you a penny.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="725" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/jake-garfield_resized_p.108-2023_202308_amt49_mas_0014-1000x725.jpg" alt="The Fitzwilliam Museum" class="wp-image-43563" style="aspect-ratio:1.3793103448275863;width:646px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/jake-garfield_resized_p.108-2023_202308_amt49_mas_0014-1000x725.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/jake-garfield_resized_p.108-2023_202308_amt49_mas_0014-800x580.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/jake-garfield_resized_p.108-2023_202308_amt49_mas_0014-400x290.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/01/jake-garfield_resized_p.108-2023_202308_amt49_mas_0014.jpg 1231w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">P.108-2023</figcaption></figure>



Elsewhere,<a href="https://www.kettlesyard.cam.ac.uk/whats-on/portia-zvavahera/"> Portia Zvavahera: Zvakazarurwa</a> is landing in Europe! Running at Kettles Yard in Cambs until 16 February 2025 (11am – 5pm daily), this captivating exhibition showcases new and recent paintings by the acclaimed artist in her first-ever solo show at a public gallery on the continent.



Zvavahera’s work is a mesmerising blend of southern African culture, Christian iconography, traditional European painting, and African printmaking. Each piece is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from her dreams and the spiritual traditions she cherished growing up.



Don’t miss Wolfson’s latest exhibition, On Being One, showcasing the thought-provoking work of visual artist Sophy Rickett. Open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am–5pm, this exhibition invites you to explore Rickett’s unique perspective through her captivating creations.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-to-evensong">GO TO EVENSONG</h2>



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You have to pay to visit King&#8217;s College Chapel as a member of the public, but you can see if for free by attending evensong instead. Incredibly, you can admire the amazing building while listening to one of the world&#8217;s most famous choirs for absolutely nothing! <a href="https://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/attending-chapel-services">Check out the evensong schedule here.</a>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1250" height="704" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30524" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong.jpg 1250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong-800x451.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/01/Evensong-900x507.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1250px) 100vw, 1250px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ely Cathedral</figcaption></figure>



Other evensongs to add to your list are <a href="https://www.joh.cam.ac.uk/chapel-choir">St John&#8217;s College</a> and Ely Cathedral, both of which boast incredible choirs in stunning historical settings. For something extra special, don’t miss the College’s Epiphany Carol Services on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 January 2025, both at 6pm in the College Chapel.



Meanwhile, over at <a href="https://www.elycathedral.org/worship">Ely Cathedral</a>, evensong takes place every evening at 5:30pm, offering a magical experience under its awe-inspiring vaulted ceilings.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-fit-for-free">GET FIT FOR FREE</h2>



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Aiming for a new PB in 2023? <a href="https://www.parkrun.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkrun</a> organises totally free 5k timed runs in 838 locations (and counting) around the world open to all ages and abilities. All you need to do is search your hometown to find your nearest run, sling on your trainers and go! Parkrun also organises junior races for any younger budding athletes.



If you’re striking out on your own, we have a walk that fits the bill. Try our best <a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-winter-walks-suffolk-cambs/">winter walks in Suffolk and Cambs</a>. 



And for something a bit special, mark your calendar for 15th Jan and book onto the free <a href="https://www.cambridgeppf.org/Event/winter-tree-walk-at-wandlebury-jan25">Winter Tree Walk at Wandlebury</a>. Meander through the beautiful Wandlebury Country Park while learning how to identify native trees using their bark, buds, shape, and form (plus leaves and seeds if nature’s feeling generous!).



Don’t forget to get the gear, too – take a look at our Muddy edit of the <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/fitness-gear-varley-lululemon-gymshark-adidas/">best new fitness ‘fits here</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">VISIT A MUSEUM OR COLLEGE </h2>



Cambridge is home to many amazing museums that are free to visit. Our favourites include The Fitzwilliam, The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, The Museum of Classical Archaeology, The Whipple Museum, The Sedgwick and the Scott Polar Institute. 



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On Sunday 12 Jan, (1:30–3:30pm) step inside one of Cambridge’s oldest — and most intriguing — buildings, rarely open to the public.



Dating back to 1125, the <a href="https://www.cambridgeppf.org/Event/leper-chapel-opening-cambridge-12jan25">Leper Chapel</a> was originally built as a place of worship for patients at a nearby leprosy hospital. Over the centuries, this Grade I-listed gem has lived many lives: a bar, a warehouse, a home (for both humans and animals), and, of course, a sacred space. Its walls hold 900 years of history, with fascinating architectural styles from every era since its construction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SEE THE STARS</h2>



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Want to learn more about the stars from a leading astronomer? Every Wednesday at 6:30pm <a href="https://www.public.ast.cam.ac.uk/public-open-evenings-ioa">The Institute of Astronomy</a> is open to the public. The evening starts with an astronomer presenting a half-hour public talk, followed by the chance to look through the historical Northumberland and Thorrowgood telescopes if the weather is clear. Modern telescopes are also set up on the observatory lawns, with video projection facilities and expert commentary.

12 FREE things to do in Cambs this month

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