Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority: More than 4,000 young people set to benefit from Mayor’s Day Out

The Mayor's Day Out initiative has officially begun its 2026 programme, with Mayor Paul Bristow joining pupils from Hardwick and Cambourne Primary School on their visit to the Museum of Zoology in Cambridge.  

The scheme is designed to remove financial barriers that prevent schools from accessing cultural and natural attractions across the region, as well as inspire the next generation to discover places they have not visited before. 

Backed by £100,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the initiative will support 158 class groups on educational visits. More than 4,000 pupils will take part, giving thousands of young people the opportunity to explore the region's rich heritage through real‑world learning experiences. 

The programme aims to make school trips more accessible by covering travel and entry costs. Schools across the region have been invited to apply, and venues across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are encouraged to join the scheme. 

Participating venues will receive digital badges as part of the Region of Learning initiative, encouraging families and residents to visit and learn more about the area's history, heritage and landscape. Young people will also be able to earn their own digital badge to mark their participation in the Mayor's Day Out programme. 

So far, 73 schools have signed up, visiting 21 destinations. The scheme is project managed by Cambridgeshire County Council. Schools and venues interested in taking part in the 2026/27 programme can contact Matthew Gunn at cm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.  

The Mayor's Day Out also supports the wider ambition to strengthen the local visitor economy by inspiring families to discover and champion the fantastic attractions on their doorstep. 

Paul Bristow said:  

“I created this scheme to give children and young people enriching learning experiences beyond the classroom by removing the financial barriers that often limit school trips. I'm delighted to see the hugely positive response to the Mayor's Day Out and the opportunities it creates for our region's young people. 

“I will continue to champion our region's cultural and natural attractions, by helping young people connect with its history, heritage and landscape and supporting our local visitor economy.”