Cambridge is known mainly for its academic prowess and bustling tourism, however, there is also a huge sports presence within the city. Every March, the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race takes place on the Thames. The July Races over in the neighbouring Newmarket are a highlight in any equestrians calendar. The local Cambridge Polo Club has welcomed royals and celebrities alike over the years. In this blog we have highlighted the best places to go in Cambridge to watch the Six Nations this February and March.
The Six Nations
Honestly, it would be pretty rare to walk around the streets of Cambridge in January without seeing any Six Nations advertising, as it is everywhere! For those of you who don’t know what it’s about, don’t worry we’ve included a quick guide. That’s right, we are here to help.
The Six Nations is an annual international Rugby competition, starting in the first weekend of February, with six European nations partaking in the championship. The Six Nations are England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales. Each team plays every other team once (a total of fifteen games) and the winner is decided based on which ‘union’ has the highest number of match points with the other unions placed in descending order in relation to the match points awarded. So, all clear?
The current champions are Ireland who won the Six Nations in 2023. England and Wales are the two unions who have the most titles, with 39 each. With 15 games to watch, you really have the perfect opportunity to visit all the best places to go in Cambridge to watch the Six Nations.
Cambridge Rugby
Those who are die-hard rugby fans will be pleased to know that Cambridge is home to an abundance of Rugby Clubs, with the three most notable being; Cambridge Rugby Union Football Club; University of Cambridge Rugby Union Football Club; and Shelford Rugby Club.
The University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are playing against each other for Varsity on the 2nd of March at StoneX Stadium in North London. Nail-biter.
Best places to go in Cambridge
Cambridge Tap- Located just opposite John Lewis, Cambridge Tap has lots to offer daily. During the Six Nations, they will be showing all the games and with great pub food on offer. You can’t go wrong popping in for a game! Just remember to book a table to secure your space. And, if the team you are supporting win big, you won’t have to walk far to Revolution to celebrate!
Cambridge Brewhouse- Somewhere pulling out all the stops for the Six Nations is Cambridge Brewhouse. Not only will they be broadcasting all the games, but you can also pre-order buckets of drinks to your table. They have buckets of Wine, Sol and Peroni on offer. Furthermore, you can win a trip to Dublin, with flights, hotel and a visit to the Guinness storehouse included. What is not to love about this?!
The Tivoli- Offering a newly covered rooftop ‘match zone’, the Tivoli has got hosting the Six Nations right. Similar to Cambridge Brewhouse, you can pre-order your drinks. The Tivoli offers a great selection of food, with burgers from Steak and Honour and 14-inch tear-and-share pizzas. After the game, you can test your sporting prowess by challenging your mates to a game of mini golf or shuffleboard.
The Champion of the Thames- Next… The self-proclaimed ‘traditional old boozer’ is situated on Kings Street just along Cambridge Brewhouse. This dog-friendly watering hole sets the cosiest atmosphere to watch the game. For those who want more unique beer, this is the place to be. In 2022, The Champion of the Thames, beat 3,100 other Greene King pubs to win Pub of the Year.
The Dobblers Inn- Another option – a local tavern, The Dobblers Inn is the ideal place to watch the Six Nations, with five screens at their disposal.
The Grain and Hop Store- Lastly, this option is housed in a former factory overlooking Parker’s Piece, The Grain and Hop Store has a large open space to watch sports TV.
Credit: Cambridge Brewhouse
Punting in Cambridge
Whichever you choose, you are in for a treat. You cannot go wrong! How to unwind after the excitement of the game? Next on your list is punting!
A trip into town wouldn’t be completed without an outing down the River Cam. We noticed the University of Cambridge’s Rugby team out on the punts a few weeks ago, so what better way to celebrate the Six Nations than a jaunt punting down the beautiful River Cam. As always, you cannot go wrong with punting.
Our 50-minute return trips take you past some of the best architecture that Cambridge has to offer. During your tour, you will see seven colleges and nine bridges. These include The Bridge of Sighs, Kings College Chapel, and the Mathematical Bridge. Of course, we recommend booking your tours in advance. This ensures the absolute best rates!
As always, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. Although the office closes at 17:00, we open up a at 09:00 every morning of the week. So, we are always there to answer your questions. Booking early also helps secure your preferred time slot, especially during peak times. Don’t miss out! Our friendly team is happy to assist with any specific requests or accessibility needs. Plus, with Cambridge’s ever-changing weather, planning ahead ensures a smoother experience. We’re here to help make your visit unforgettable, so reach out anytime!
