Looking for ways to keep entertained this May half term? Whether you’re local or visiting East Cambs for the week, there’s plenty to do right on your doorstep
From nature trails and time-travelling adventures to relaxed days out with tea and cake, here are some ideas to help you plan a fun, family-friendly half term break.
Butterfly trails and garden games at Anglesey Abbey
A half term visit to Anglesey Abbey is always an excellent plan, and this May, there’s even more reason to go. Inspired by the book “Ben Plants a Butterfly Garden”, their new family-friendly trail takes little ones on a mission to help butterflies and bees thrive.
Try your hand at wheelbarrow racing, planting seeds and feeding the caterpillars by throwing the beanbags into the targets. Pick up a trail map at the visitor centre then float and flutter your way around the trail, learning how to grow a butterfly garden of your own as you go. You can follow the signs and instructions around the gardens, which tell the story of Ben and his friends Worm and Ladybird, all beautifully illustrated by Alex Scheffler.
The trail will run from 24 May to 1 June. The trail is free (normal admission to Anglesey Abbey applies) and runs from 9.30am to 5.30pm every day throughout May half term.Trail maps available from the visitor centre.
Step back in time at Burwell Museum and Windmill
Burwell Museum is a hidden gem with loads to explore. The site brings local history to life with hands-on exhibits, beautifully restored buildings, and even a working windmill.
Kids can climb aboard old tractors, peek inside a Victorian schoolroom, and dress up in historical costumes. There’s usually something special on during school holidays too, so keep an eye out for family activity days, craft workshops or forge demonstrations from the blacksmith happening over the half term week.
The Museum is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays between Easter Sunday and the end of October.
Take to the water
If the sun’s shining, there’s nothing lovelier than a riverside wander. Try the Cawdle Fen Walk, which takes you along the River Ouse from Ely to Little Thetford, following an ancient trail that takes in open fenland, ledge-lined meadows and waterway wildlife.
If you’re looking for a slower pace, you can take a gentle stroll along the waterfront and watch the boats drift by, and should the fresh air make you peckish, the riverside boasts an excellent selection of cafes, restaurants and family friendly pubs for a delicious sit down dinner or an ice cream on the go.
Fancy something a bit more adventurous? Hannam’s Wake Hub offers wakeboarding, open water swimming, an aqua park and more. Suitable for kids 6+
Pack a picnic and get outdoors
Right next to Ely Cathedral, Cherry Hill Park is a great spot for a low-key half term day out. There’s plenty of space for a picnic, a good little play area for younger children, and beautiful views of the cathedral to enjoy while you lounge on the grass.
Alternatively, Jubilee Gardens provides the perfect link from the Riverside to the City Centre. The garden has open spaces for picnics and free play as well a toddler play area, water feature and bandstand. There are bug hotels, bird boxes and log piles situated throughout the gardens for curious explorers to discover.
Don’t forget to pop into Ely’s independent shops or markets beforehand to pick up local treats for your picnic basket!
Explore the great outdoors in East Cambs
Whether you’re out discovering butterflies in beautiful gardens or exploring the past in local museums, there’s lots going on across East Cambridgeshire this May half term. Don’t forget to check opening hours and event details before you go—and most importantly, have fun.