KEEPING IT LOCAL

IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR CAMBRIDGE FAMILIES

 

 

Photographer in Cambridge

Are you a Cambridge-based family?  Maybe, like me, you’re often on the look out for interesting places to visit, new things to do, or great new eateries that all the family can enjoy?  Perhaps you’re thinking ahead to February half term, or the Easter holidays, and what you can do to keep everybody entertained?  Well, look no further!  I’ve pulled together a collection of my favourite family-friendly, local Cambridge business – from shops and restaurants to activities and holiday clubs.  Check them out below: Cambridge families

1 – Wildly Curious Cambridge families

Based near the village of Bourn, Wildly Curious is a wonderful centre for all things adventurous outdoors.  Choose from bushcraft and archery clubs, school holiday survival skills days, and various bespoke children’s party experiences.  Suitable for children aged 8 and over.  So why not un-plug them from screens and get them outside to build their own campfire and cook some sausages!  Whilst you’re there, visit the farm’s fabulous coffee shop (where lots of the ingredients come straight from the kitchen garden). Pick up something for supper from Knibbs the butcher and see the array of animals in Puddleduck Paddock too!  For more info, visit https://www.wildlycurious.co.uk/

2 – Poco Kids

This gorgeous kids clothing boutique is well worth a visit.  Located on Magdalene Street, Poco Kids is a childrens’ wear retailer with a difference.  Offering fashion with a unisex feel for kids aged 0-12, the team has focused on good looks AND responsible sustainability.  All the brands available have been chosen not only for having great looking kids wear, but also because they care about the fabrics and production methods they use.  Look out for new collections from Bobo Choses and Repose AMS arriving late January 2019.  Order online at https://www.pocokids.com/ or visit the store in town. Cambridge families

3 – Shredder Skate School

At the Shredder Skate School, they teach children of all ages the joys of skateboarding and stunt scootering.  Based in the village of Burwell, Head Coach, Max, and his team of pro boarders offer a range of classes all over Cambridgeshire.  From beginners and Intermediate group classes, to holiday clubs, birthday parties and 1-2-1 tuition, your skate-mad child will get to learn everything they need to know safely and confidently.  They will even help you source and build your own amazing bespoke skateboard!   Visit https://www.shredderskateschool.co.uk/ for more information.

4 – Tradizioni Italian Restaurant

This family-run, small independent Italian restaurant is based on Mill Road.  If you’re looking for super-tastly authentic Italian pizza and pasta (just like their granny made), then this is the place to try.  Portions are generous and the atmosphere is informal.  Booking in advance is advisable if you have small children or be prepared to queue.  Perfect if your kids only want to eat Italian and you are bored stiff of the usual chain restaurants.  Closed on Sundays.  For a full menu, bookings, and ordering online, visit https://www.tradizionirestaurant.com/ 

 

5 – Hop and Peck Cambridge families

Hop and Peck are designers and makers of beautiful, hand crafted, wooden toys and items for the home.  Based near Saffron walden, they use oak, beech, and walnut to create pleasing and simple designs.  All are from fully sustainable forests.  They offer wooden toys on wheels, quirky egg cups, treat boards (inspired to encourage children to try new foods) and lots of gorgeous things for your home.  If you’re looking for a beautiful and unusual new baby gift, or a present for someone special, look no further! Order online at https://hopandpeck.co.uk/ , or find them in over 100 retail outlets across the UK, including Not On The High Street.

6.  Cambridge Cookery School

Since 2008, Cambridge Cookery School has been running cookery courses for every age and level of cook. Based at the former headquarters of Rattee and Kett stonemasons on Purbeck Road,  the school expanded in 2015 to include a dog-friendly cafe and Bistro.  During school holidays, they run courses for all ages of children.  During February half term, they are offering family courses for parents to attend with children in both Italian food and curry making.  Also on offer are traybake treats courses and cooking inspirations courses for teenagers.  Visit https://cambridgecookery.com/cook/classes/ to see what’s on offer for 2019.

7  Wildawood Forest School

Wildawood Forest School is set in five acres of woodland and has a beautiful stream running right through it.  Based near Newmarket, it is tucked away in safe and secure private grounds.  Perfect for slightly younger children, they offer holiday clubs and activities for home-schooled kids including:

  • den building
  • woodland craft
  • scavenger hunts
  • tool craft
  • outdoor cooking
  • mini beast hunting
  • mud sliding
  • puddle making
  • birdhouse building
  • storytelling

And much more!  They even have a spacious yurt with comfortable furnishings and a log burner, so there’s somewhere for children to stay warm and dry.  They can even curl up and have a nap if they want.  For more information and booking, visit https://wildawood.co.uk/.

8 – Rainbow Rocket

Rainbow Rocket is the first dedicated centre for bouldering in Cambridge.  Bouldering involves indoor climbing up to 4.5 metres (without ropes) above soft matting.  Located on Clifton Road, close to the station, they offer something for everyone – from complete beginners to experienced climbers.  All children over 8 can climb supervised by one of their instructors.  Alternatively, book onto one of their 12 week courses to improve your bouldering skills.  Visit https://rainbowrocket.cc/ for more information.

9 – Burwash Manor

This family-run farm has enough to keep everybody busy for the whole day!  A fantastic collection of independent shops now occupy two courtyards of converted farm buildings.  Choose from:

  • adults and children’s fashion
  • vintage and modern furniture
  • paints and home decor
  • fine wines and craft ale
  • a master butchers and delicatessen
  • fresh flowers
  • gifts and jewellery
  • art
  • haberdashery
  • Persian carpets
  • garden furniture
  • children’s toys and books  

Then there’s the delightful cafe with both indoor and outdoor seating.  The children’s play area keeps little ones busy!  Lastly, there are a number of different length walking and nature trails signposted throughout the 400 acre farm sight.  For more details, visit http://www.burwashmanor.com/

10 – Louisa French Photography

Louisa is a baby, child, and family photographer working throughout Cambridge.  Update your walls (and social media profile pictures) with some beautiful and vibrant new family portraits.  Her sessions take place outdoors, either at your home, or at a location you choose together.  Then relax and have fun together with your children, whilst she snaps away and captures beautiful portraits of your family that you’ll treasure forever.  For more informational about her photoshoots, seasonal mini shoots and gift vouchers, see https://louisafrenchphotography.com .

Do you know a great independent or family-run business in Cambridge that offers something amazing for local children and families?  If so, let us know, and post a comment with details below.  

Photographer Cambridge

MORE INFORMATION

Louisa Williams is a family photographer based near Cambridge and working throughout Cambridgeshire, Suffolk  and the surrounding areas.  If you’d like some beautiful family portraits, you can find more details about my family sessions here.  If you’re ready to book and would like to secure your session date, please drop an email to louisafrenchphotography@gmail.com.

Louisa also offers beginner’s photography tuition for parents.  Learn how to use your DSLR camera to take better photos of your children and family.  More information about her individual tuition can be found here.

FIND ME

Louisa French Photography

Cambridge Photographer

louisafrenchphotography@gmail.com