Cambridge is idyllic for families. Though it’s technically a college town, you won’t have to worry about rowdy students – most days and even nights Cambridge is quiet and has a rural feel to it.

Introduce your family to the traditional sport of Cambridge: punting! A punt is simply a flat-bottomed boat propelled by a long pole, and it is very easy to learn to maneuver one; this punt company even has a useful online tutorial with pictures. Once you've grasped the basics, punting down the river Cam can be a peaceful way to spend a lazy afternoon with the family. Most punts can hold two adults and three children easily, and many punt-hire companies offer life jackets, although the water is very shallow, making them unnecessary for all but small toddlers. Playgrounds and parks line the river in many areas, especially the upper parts, so your kids can get out and play when the adults’ arms get tired.

Public pools are another place to take your family. Most pools, notably the Parkside swimming pool, have locker rooms equipped with baby changing tables. Actually, most of Cambridge caters toward families: stores such as Boots Chemist (a brand name pharmacy) have automatic doors to facilitate entry for strollers (or as the Brits call them, prams).