Cambridgeshire

May-week -  during May Week (first week of June as explained previously in "Punting") and for most of the month of May (during exams) many of the colleges are closed to visitors.

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In the first half of June is a week known as May-week - a Cambridge chronological mystery. All university exams are over by then and the students want to relax with: parties, open-air drama's, rowing races on the river, all-night balls in the Colleges and general mayhem.  Most of the events are open to the public and free with the exceptions being the College balls (If you are tempted to go to a May-ball then only go to one in a college that sits along the 'Backs' (meaning that the college backs onto the river Cam). Suitable colleges are: Queen's, King's, Clare (special recommendation), Trinity Hall, Trinity, St John's and Magdalene. Do not expect to be able to buy a ticket on the day you visit - May Balls sell out months in advance,  if you wish to partake it is recommended that you speak to Select Events Tours weeks prior to your visit and be aware that the vast majority of participants will be between the age of 20-25.  Nevertheless, if you get a chance to attend a May Ball, definitely go!