Interested in visiting Cambridge in September? Open Cambridge festival

The Imperial War Museum in Duxford is only 13.8 miles away from Cambridge. It is Britain's largest aviation Museum with over 200 airplanes. They have had air show events, etc. There is plenty of info online.

The Open Cambridge event sounds like fun. I'd love to visit Cambridge again. As I recall from my all-too-short visit, we were told that when the railroads were being built in the 19th Century, the powers that be in Cambridge ruled that the station must be a mile away from the center to protect the University students from exposure to the corrupting influences of the big bad world outside.

This isn't specific to September. But, if you have time, you could consider visiting the Cambridge American Cemetery. We went there as part of our London Walks day trip to Cambridge from London. I found it unexpectedly beautiful and meaningful. Obviously YMMV. We were on a chartered bus and it's 3 miles west of Cambridge so you'd have to figure out transportation.

I also enjoyed our punting tour. Our punter and guide was an architecture student who treated us to informed, irreverent, and sometimes hilarious commentary on the places of interest we passed by.

Lola,

Have you thought about Ely? Just a very short trip on the train (15 mins) and then a short walk into town to the cathedral. The Almonry Restaurant is a good stop for lunch sitting beside the cathedral. Weather permitting you can sit in the garden. Punting on the river in Cambridge is a must. No need to book just walk up. (We even negotiate a price but I am usually with my sister who is a local).

Audley End house is also a good place to visit if you are in the area longer than a few days. (it is on the Cambridge to London Liverpool Street line). The house is about 1.5 miles from the station. You can walk it but I would just get a taxi (usually waiting outside the station). There are some gardens at Audley End, but they are not extensive, although the grounds are still very beautiful. Be aware, that the weather has been brutal this summer in South East England and much of the land/grass looks like straw. Not sure how the heat has damaged flowers etc and what the landscape will look like come September.

Margaret

Audley End

I was there today.

The Parterre was in top form (my wife didn't notice the quiet sprinkler and thought the rain had started early (it hadn't))

The borders were past their prime but still had a few flowers and lots of excellent foliage.

The small gardens near the back door of the house were in top form and full of butterflies (including one I'd never seen previously) and bees.

The Servants Hall Tea Rooms were spot on, very scrummy salads and tiffins.

Plenty of water in the Cam so the Cascade was in good nick, as were the Pond Garden although some duckweed in slower areas.

The lawns were dry but not looking blasted, the trees were almost all doing well - including the Redwoods.

The walled Kitchen Garden was in excellent shape, but some Dahlias looked slightly stunted.

All in all, a most enjoyable visit and well worth a stop.

Nigel,

So glad the gardens are still blooming after the recent heatwave.
I didn't have time to visit the house and gardens this year when I was over in June. I must admit, I do like to take my American guests to Audley End House. Such an impressive house and not one that's on the usual tourist radar.