Best Attractions near Riverside

Riverside follows the River Cam through Cambridge, providing a continuous waterside path used for walking, cycling and traditional punting. The setting combines open green banks with occasional bridges and boathouses. Visitors experience a flat, linear route that remains largely open to the sky and changes character with the seasons and time of day.

The Cambridge Museum of Technology occupies the 1894 Cheddars Lane Pumping Station, a scheduled monument on the River Cam. Visitors explore original Hathorn Davey steam engines, gas engines, boilers and waste destructor furnaces alongside exhibitions on Cambridge's 20th-century electronics industry. The compact riverside site offers self-guided routes through engine rooms and boiler house, with hands-on elements, a short film and outdoor picnic space overlooking the water. It provides a grounded alternative to the city's university attractions, suited to those interested in industrial history and local technology.

Cambridge Retail Park, located on Newmarket Road just six minutes from Cambridge city centre, offers a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience. With over 800 free parking spaces, it hosts a diverse range of stores including Lidl, Sports Direct, Homebase, Dunelm, and Sofology, alongside popular dining options like Nando’s, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks. The park combines convenience with variety, catering to lifestyle, food, tech, and sporting needs in a vibrant, accessible environment.

Cambridge Walking Tours offers immersive guided explorations of Cambridge’s rich history, iconic university colleges, and hidden gems. Based in Chesterton, these tours reveal fascinating stories and local insights, blending academic heritage with charming cityscapes. Ideal for history buffs and curious travelers, the tours provide a unique way to experience Cambridge’s cultural tapestry on foot.

An independent museum in east Cambridge dedicated to interactive computing and video-game heritage. Visitors explore working vintage machines, consoles and games from the 1950s onward in an open-plan industrial building. The emphasis is on hands-on use rather than static displays, with exhibits covering UK computing milestones including Acorn and the BBC Micro. The setting is functional and urban, suited to self-paced visits of two to three hours by families, enthusiasts and school groups. Nearby retail options supplement the small on-site café and shop.

Nestled along the River Cam in Cambridge, the Newnham Open Air Boat Club serves as the vibrant rowing hub for Newnham College members. Renowned for its pioneering role in women's rowing since 1893, this scenic riverside club offers a unique blend of historic tradition and active collegiate sport, set in a tranquil outdoor environment ideal for both competitive rowing and leisurely water outings.

Stourbridge Common is a large, scenic open space in northeast Cambridge, situated along the River Cam. Known for its rich 800-year history as the site of one of medieval Europe’s largest fairs, it now serves as a tranquil nature reserve and recreational park with riverside walks, diverse wildlife, and a children’s play area. The common combines natural beauty with cultural heritage, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with opportunities for walking, picnicking, and observing local flora and fauna.

A long-established social club on East Road serving Cambridge locals with live music nights, club socials and a friendly bar atmosphere. Housed in a modest brick-front building near the city centre, the club is known for themed evenings — from Motown and soul nights to pool and quiz nights — and a calendar of community-focused events that attract students, locals and regulars alike.

Vue Cinema Cambridge is a modern cinema located in The Grafton Centre, offering a vibrant movie-going experience with multiple screens, contemporary amenities, and a central location in Cambridge. It serves as a popular entertainment hub for locals and visitors alike, screening the latest films and special events in a comfortable setting.

The Grafton is a prominent shopping centre located in the heart of Cambridge, offering a spacious and diverse retail experience. Home to a wide range of stores including well-known brands like Boots, H&M, and Next, it caters to varied shopping needs from fashion to everyday essentials. Open daily with convenient access by car, bus, bike, and on foot, The Grafton blends modern retail with a welcoming atmosphere in a central city location.