Cambridge Central Library and Learning Centre

The building itself stops you in your tracks - all glass and modern angles right in the heart of Cambridge, opened in 2009 and it shows. Inside, it's genuinely impressive: five storeys of proper resources, from the collection upstairs to the learning spaces that actually feel welcoming rather than dusty and hushed. You get the usual library fare - books, computers, quiet reading areas - but what makes it worth a visit is how it's integrated into the city. The ground floor opens directly onto the street, so there's proper foot traffic and life happening around you.

Families find it useful, though it's not a playground. Kids love the dedicated children's section with its mix of books and activities, and the space is airy enough that you won't feel caged in. Researchers and students camp out here for hours, which tells you something about the facilities. If you're staying at one of the caravan sites nearby - Cherry Hinton is just 2.6 miles away - it's a solid rainy-day option or somewhere to orientate yourself with local information.

Free entry, which is the whole point. Allow an hour if you're just browsing, longer if you're settling in with a book. Wednesday opens until 7pm if you want an evening visit. It won't rival the university's colleges for atmosphere, but it's a genuine part of how Cambridge works rather than a tourist attraction, which somehow makes it more interesting.