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  • Unique Cambridge

From making your own gin with one of the world’s most innovative distilleries, to trying the best of the Cambridge food scene – here are some uniquely Cambridge experiences to seek out during your stay

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What's On

Something for all in Cambridge

Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, music fan, or science devotee, Cambridge has something for you. Home to festivals and events all year round, we invite you to explore the latest and greatest this buzzing cultural hub has to offer.  

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Featured Events

Supper club-Lasagna night

Supper club-Lasagna night

Supper club pop up events-3 course dinner BYOY

  • 27/03/2024 - 27/03/2024

The Lost Eggs Easter Trail

The Lost Eggs Easter Trail

Enjoy an egg-citing Easter Trail at Cambridge University Botanic Garden.

  • 28/03/2024 - 14/04/2024

An Introduction to Lino Printing with Zoe Ansari

An Introduction to Lino Printing with Zoe Ansari

In this day workshop, you will learn the basics of lino printing and the skills to get you started so you can print at home with simple tools and materials.

  • 30/03/2024 - 30/03/2024

Easter Sunday Lunch at Parker’s Tavern

Easter Sunday Lunch at Parker’s Tavern

Join us for our Easter special Sunday lunch in Parker's Tavern.

  • 31/03/2024 - 31/03/2024

Future Karaoke: Polar Expedition

Future Karaoke: Polar Expedition

A showcase of new poems and stories inspired by objects from the Scott Polar Museum.

  • 03/04/2024 - 03/04/2024

LUISA OMIELAN 2024 UK TOUR: ‘BITTER’

LUISA OMIELAN 2024 UK TOUR: ‘BITTER’

Luisa Omielan is a comedic force of nature. The first stand-up to receive a BAFTA Breakthrough accolade, with four consecutive smash hit shows, she is credited with creating 'genre-defining' one- woman shows. Most recently, a self-produced special called 'God is a Woman'. With over a dozen sell out runs at Soho Theatre and star of Live at the Apollo. Twice nominated at Melbourne International Comedy Festival for best show - where her Thigh Gap routine has been viewed over 50 million times. She's been described as masterminding 'one of the biggest stand-up hits of the decade' with her debut 'What Would Beyonce Do?!' Her show Politics For Bitches spawned a BBC3 series. In 2024, Luisa will return with a brand-new touring show: Bitter.

  • 04/04/2024 - 04/04/2024

The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage 2024: Masters of Imitation

The Sixteen Choral Pilgrimage 2024: Masters of Imitation

Celebrating the art of imitation, our 2024 Choral Pilgrimage explores music from the master of parody, Orlande de Lassus, alongside works by Josquin, Casulana and Bob Chilcott.

  • 05/04/2024 - 05/04/2024

Spring Fabric Printing Workshop

Spring Fabric Printing Workshop

Join us on Saturday 6th April for a Spring Fabric Printing workshop with Lovely Lydia.

  • 06/04/2024 - 06/04/2024

Cambridge Bead Fair

Cambridge Bead Fair

Beads and pearls for the home jewellery maker. Many new semi precious imported into the UK last year. Free entry and refreshments!

  • 07/04/2024 - 07/04/2024

Spotlight Productions presents ‘The Addams Family’ musical comedy

Spotlight Productions presents ‘The Addams Family’ musical comedy

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Spotlight Productions would like to proudly present the musical comedy 'The Addams Family'. You can catch one of the four show-stopping evening performances at Hinchingbrooke Performing Arts centre from the 10th - 13th April 2024. Ticket price & showtime’s tbc.

  • 10/04/2024 - 13/04/2024

Big Deal Comedy Club – Cambridge

Big Deal Comedy Club – Cambridge

Welcome to the Big Deal Comedy Club. -where laughter takes centre stage, and your night out is a Big Deal!

  • 12/04/2024 - 12/04/2024

Beginners Floristry Taster Workshop

Beginners Floristry Taster Workshop

Looking for a general overview of floristry and have no idea what course you really need or want to do? Our popular one day beginners floristry taster is designed to introduce you to floristry with lots of practise during the day.

  • 13/04/2024 - 13/04/2024

Vivaldi Four Seasons

Vivaldi Four Seasons

Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to Wimpole Parish Church to perform one of the most famous pieces of baroque music ever written, Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

  • 14/04/2024 - 14/04/2024

Daoiri Farrell – Extraordinary Irish Folk Musician

Daoiri Farrell – Extraordinary Irish Folk Musician

‘Daoirí Farrell is singlehandedly spearheading a resurgence of the authentic in Irish folk music…he is rightly in demand all over the world.’ Irish Music

  • 15/04/2024 - 15/04/2024

The Ghostly Gift of Miss Constance Couper

The Ghostly Gift of Miss Constance Couper

An original play by Sean Lang, performed by Combined Actors of Cambridge. Enjoy an intriguing tale of mysteries and ghosts that spans the centuries from the French Revolution, through Edwardian England and 1960's Oxford. A haunting story of ghosts, intrigue, time travel – and murder.

  • 16/04/2024 - 20/04/2024

Exploring David Parr’s Painting with Mary Kempski

Exploring David Parr’s Painting with Mary Kempski

Join Mary Kempski for a talk on David Parr’s Painting exploring his historic painting technique, the pigments and materials he used and how his vision was achieved.

  • 17/04/2024 - 19/06/2024

Textile Jewellery Workshop with Tanvi Kant

Textile Jewellery Workshop with Tanvi Kant

Join artist Tanvi Kant for a vibrant textiles workshop to rework a variety of fabric remnants. You will learn how to make intricate fabric cords and transform them into tactile jewellery.

  • 20/04/2024 - 20/04/2024

New Music: Eliza McCarthy, piano

New Music: Eliza McCarthy, piano

Join us for this year’s New Music concert series, programmed by our New Music Curator Tom McKinney. For the third concert, pianist Eliza McCarthy will take to the Kettle’s Yard Steinway.

  • 25/04/2024 - 25/04/2024

Annie Dressner “I Thought It Would Be Easier” Spring Tour

Annie Dressner “I Thought It Would Be Easier” Spring Tour

"Dressner is able to paint visceral images and transport the listener to the world of the song." - American Songwriter 

  • 27/04/2024 - 27/04/2024

English Touring Opera: Manon Lescaut and The Rake’s Progress at Cambridge Arts Theatre

English Touring Opera: Manon Lescaut and The Rake’s Progress at Cambridge Arts Theatre

English Touring Opera returns to Cambridge Arts Theatre this May with their Spring 24 tour, featuring two new ETO productions, Puccini's Manon Lescaut and The Rake's Progress.

  • 01/05/2024 - 04/05/2024

Alice by Heart

Alice by Heart

‘Alice by Heart’ is a beautiful new musical dealing with first loves, grief, sexual awakening and overcoming life’s many obstacles. It is set during the height of World War 2 within the London Underground, and Wonderland is used as a form of escapism. This show is presented by the 3rd year musical theatre students as a part of the ARU Graduate Showcase, and the creative team include Pippa Duffy, Katy Graham-Clare and Ryan Murphy. This is a show to not be missed! Come and join us in Wonderland!

  • 02/05/2024 - 04/05/2024

Bare Jam “Genre Mashing Collective”

Bare Jam “Genre Mashing Collective”

Bare Jams are a Bristol/London-based genre-mashing collective consisting of Ollie (Vocals/Guitar), Sam (Drums), Dave (Bass), Seb (Trumpet), Jake (Sax).

  • 03/05/2024 - 03/05/2024

Block Printing with Kate Owens

Block Printing with Kate Owens

Explore pattern in this one-day textile printing workshop with artist, Kate Owens. This workshop is perfect for both complete beginners and anyone who’d like to develop their print practice.

  • 04/05/2024 - 04/05/2024

Wedding Venue Open Day

Wedding Venue Open Day

We are again, opening our doors to all the couples to be for an evening of Wedding Inspiration! If you’re recently engaged, or are one of the lucky few to have already booked your wedding with us, then this is an event you don’t want to miss out on. Here’s What’s On Explore Our Manor House and Grounds See Our Wedding Venue in Full Swing Meet Cambridgeshire’s Top Suppliers Meet The Team Tour Our Bedrooms No need to book a ticket, just gather your friends and family and get ready for an evening filled with exciting wedding inspiration! We can’t wait to meet you there.

  • 06/05/2024 - 06/05/2024

Creative Opera Workshop – sing, move and devise!

Creative Opera Workshop – sing, move and devise!

This exciting and engaging workshop will be co-led by William Kerley and Jessie Maryon Davies. During the three-hour workshop, we will be exploring the art and creativity of singing in an opera chorus.

  • 11/05/2024 - 11/05/2024

Cambridge Beer Festival 2024

Cambridge Beer Festival 2024

180+ real ales, 80+ ciders, international beer, mead, wine, and cheese. Food from 7 stands. CAMRA's longest running festival, and one of the largest.

  • 20/05/2024 - 25/05/2024

Waterbeach Colts Beer Festival

Waterbeach Colts Beer Festival

3 day beer festival with live music, entertainment and street food raising funds for Waterbeach Colts Football Club

  • 24/05/2024 - 26/05/2024

The Cambridge Fringe Festival

The Cambridge Fringe Festival

An annual comedy extravaganza that captures the essence of artistic diversity, innovation, and expression.

  • 25/05/2024 - 26/05/2024

New Music: The Hermes Experiment

New Music: The Hermes Experiment

Join us for this year’s New Music concert series, programmed by our New Music Curator Tom McKinney. The Hermes Experiment will be the last concert of the series, offering an exciting finale in the Kettle’s Yard house.

  • 30/05/2024 - 30/05/2024

The Cambridge Club Festival

The Cambridge Club Festival

Dance, Disco, Discover. A feel-good festival weekend with Chaka Khan, Jessie Ware, loads more live music, family fun, street food, comedy, DJs & more.

  • 07/06/2024 - 09/06/2024

Summer Garden Bouquet workshop

Summer Garden Bouquet workshop

Learn to create a fabulous huge handtied bouquet using the most gorgeous summer flowers on our special garden summer bouquet workshop.

  • 15/06/2024 - 15/06/2024

Think Firstly of Your Walls: Inspirations Behind David’s Designs at David Parr House

Think Firstly of Your Walls: Inspirations Behind David’s Designs at David Parr House

Join former William Morris Society Trustee and Arts Society Lecturer, Fiona Rose for a talk about the inspirations behind David Parr’s designs.

  • 19/06/2024 - 19/06/2024

Shakespeare at the George – Hamlet

Shakespeare at the George – Hamlet

Discover the story of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, a Shakespearian tragedy punctuated by dark humour, with mystery and conspiracy in abundance

  • 25/06/2024 - 06/07/2024

Dido and Aeneas

Dido and Aeneas

Eboracum Baroque are delighted to return to the idyllic surroundings of King’s College Fellows’ Garden in Cambridge for a performance of Purcell’s classic opera, Dido and Aeneas.

  • 06/07/2024 - 06/07/2024

STANFORD SINGING BREAK at Queen’s College

STANFORD SINGING BREAK at Queen’s College

Come and sing choral music by Charles Villiers Stanford in the magnificent setting of Queens’ College, Cambridge, in an exclusive weekend course to mark the centenary of the composer’s death

  • 12/07/2024 - 14/07/2024

Summer School  2024

Summer School 2024

Discover and explore your creative talents! Spend some quality time learning a new skill or expanding the skills you already have at our Summer School for adult learners. You'll find some inspiring choices with something for everyone to kick off the summer, with workshops including: Guitar, Indian Cookery, Italian for holidays, Weaving, Drawing, Textiles, Upholstery, Dog Training, Skills Boot Camp and much more.

  • 22/07/2024 - 26/07/2024

Cambridge Folk Festival 2024

Cambridge Folk Festival 2024

Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the longest running folk festivals in the world. Held each year since 1965 it attracts around fourteen thousand people, many of whom return year after year.

  • 25/07/2024 - 28/07/2024

Magic of Thailand Festival in Cambridge

Magic of Thailand Festival in Cambridge

A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Parker's Piece is brought to you by Magic of Thailand.

  • 03/08/2024 - 04/08/2024

Cambridge Country Show

Cambridge Country Show

The Cambridge Country Show - The Show with something for everybody

  • 10/08/2024 - 11/08/2024

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at National Trust Wimpole Estate

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at National Trust Wimpole Estate

Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s best-loved romantic comedy!

  • 16/08/2024 - 16/08/2024

Beauty and the Beast at Wimpole Estate

Beauty and the Beast at Wimpole Estate

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company this summer for a brand-new telling of this classic fairy tale. This rollicking new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast is perfect for all the family!

  • 17/08/2024 - 17/08/2024

MURDER:STAGED – LIVE

MURDER:STAGED – LIVE

Following the success of Crime Viral's sell out UK serial killer tour - research psychologist and psychopathy expert Cheish Merryweather will be bringing to the stage for the very first time - MURDER:STAGED - LIVE

  • 24/01/2025 - 24/01/2025

List your event

Visit Cambridge is the official Destination Management Organisation for the city of Cambridge and the surrounding area. We promote our beautiful city and its attractions across the world, bringing over 7.6 million visitors to the area annually worth over £2 billion, a figure which is growing by 3.5% every year. We would love to promote your local event or business on our website.

WHY YOU SHOULD LIST

Did you know.

Telegenic Cambridge has served as a backdrop for many films and TV series, from the obvious – such as Chariots of Fire, The Theory of Everything and ITV’s Grantchester – to the more unexpected, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

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View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River

Why we love Cambridge

A hub for innovation and creativity housing the University of Cambridge, an institution dating back more than 800 years, the city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history and architecture. Take a punt on the River Cam to see the city from a unique perspective, or test your balancing skills on a stand-up paddle board for an adventurous way to see the sights. 

Create lasting memories exploring idyllic Cambridge. Get into hustle and bustle of the city’s ever-changing market stalls, pick up tasty international street food, and climb up St Mary’s Church for panoramic views of Cambridge and beyond. 

Cambridge Distillery

Cambridge, England

Cambridge Distillery, Grantchester

Gin master class

Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, the Cambridge Distillery is a glorious setting for gin tastings and cocktail-making lessons. Discover a world of flavours at this award-winning distillery – from Japanese gin blended with yuzu and sansho pepper, to the rich earthiness of Italian truffle gin.

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Grafham Water Centre

A paddling adventure

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this Graham Water Centre has adventures for all ages. Look out for art, craft and music workshops on selected days, such as the twice-yearly Grafham Jazz weekends.

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Market Square in Cambridge

Explore Market Square

Tuck into eclectic street food in Cambridge’s bustling market . Find vintage vinyl’s, jewellery and local produce as you explore the ever-changing market stalls that open daily. 

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Two feet inside a boat; punting on a river

Enjoy a punt

Hit the water aboard a chauffeured punting tour , hear of the tales of former students and marvel at the stunning architecture of the iconic university buildings.

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Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Blooming flora at the Botanic Gardens

With tropical greenhouses and British wild flowers, wander through the blooming gardens of Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for a slice of nature in the city. 

Things to do in Cambridge

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Green Street

Fancy some retail therapy? Head to Green Street, which runs between Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College.

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People walking along Green Street

Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied.

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

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Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge offer year-round interest and inspiration to visitors of all ages.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Cambridge Literary Tours

Countless writers, poets and novelists have lived in Cambridge – and these tours follow in their footsteps.

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The Fitzwilliam Museum

Featuring over 500,000 artworks and artefacts from around the world, this university museum is a joy to explore.

Rear view of man standing looking at portraits in a gallery

Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, this is a glorious setting for gin tastings and cocktail-making lessons.

Cambridge Distillery, Grantchester

Grafham Water Centre

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Grafham Water Centre

Cambridge Film Festival

From grassroots comedy to provocative documentaries, this festival screens the best independent and arthouse films.

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Cambridge Film Festival

Cambridge bike hire

With its leafy riverside routes and abundant cycle hire, Cambridge is a joy to explore by bike.

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Cycling in Cambridge

Garden House

This Cambridge restaurant specialises in simple, sustainable and oh-so fresh cuisine – all of which is locally sourced.

Garden House Cambridge

Garden House Cambridge

Punting on the River Cam

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge

Cambridge Gin Laboratory

From mixology workshops to gin distilling, this amazing venue is a must-visit for all cocktail lovers!

Cambridge Distillery/Keith Heppell

Cambridge Gin Laboratory

Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

For an adventurous activity that everyone can enjoy, check out this action-packed climbing centre.

Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Pride Cambridge

Fill your trip with the music, colour and fun of Pride – and celebrate all-things LGBTQIA+.

Cambridge Pride

Cambridge Pride

Featured things to do

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Join a scholarly tour

From tales of famous students including Isaac Newton, to stories of student pranks join a guided tour and discover Cambridge’s scholarly excellence alongside city secrets.

Cambridge Pride

Party on at Pride Cambridge

While this annual festival is renowned for its raucous parties and amazing club nights (of which there are plenty!), its roots lie in activism – so don’t miss the loud-and-proud Parade.

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Be amazed by art

For a journey through ancient art and antiquities head to The Fitzwilliam Museum, boasting collections from around the world travel from Ancient Egypt to 20th Britain.

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Benets Cafe in Cambridge

Christmas in Cambridge

Wrap up warm and discover Cambridge’s North Pole – full of festive cheer, fun-fair rides, an ice rink and seasonal stalls.

Places to stay in Cambridge

A trendy enclave packed with cool cafés and interesting shops, a hang out for those who love independent gems, and hip places, vintage dens and proper coffee.

Round Church Street

Close to all the main sights, this residential area is just a short walk from the city centre.

City Centre

The beating heart of the city, home to many famous colleges, as well as museums, shops and restaurants.  

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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Picadilly Circus underground station

The Broads is a breath of fresh air, beautifully webbed with lakes, fens and rivers.

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A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

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Bury St Edmunds

Suffolk’s foodie town offers more than its tantalising flavours, from its historic ruins of Abbey St Edmund to stunning parklands.

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St. Edmundsbury Cathedral and Ruins of Abbey in the summer

Known as the City of Stories, create your own narrative as you explore Norwich’s huge array of historic and modern day attractions.

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Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum

Getting to Cambridge

Cambridge is 30 miles (48 kilometres) from Stansted Airport which serves more than 140 global destinations and 38 miles (61 kilometres) from London Luton Airport .

The direct train from Stansted Airport to Cambridge takes around 30 minuets with Greater Anglia . Coach travel is also available from Stansted to Cambridge, taking around 40 minuets with National Express .

The faster trains from London Kings Cross to Cambridge take around 50 minutes with Great Northern trains, hourly services from London Liverpool Street with Greater Anglia take slightly longer.

If you’re travelling through Cambridgeshire, join the longest Busway in the World on the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway which connects Cambridge with surrounding areas such as St Ives, Huntingdon and Trumpington.

Getting around

Once you’re in Cambridge, the best way to explore is on foot, although there are a wealth of reliable public transport options too. If you decided to see the spectacular Ely Cathedral, trains north from Cambridge to Ely take 15-20 minutes. For an alternative way to see the iconic university and its striking architecture, hop aboard a hire punt along the River Cam, choose a chauffeured tour or try your hand at punting. 

Stagecoach East provides regular services in central Cambridge and to the surrounding towns and villages.

If you want to discover the city at your own pace or visit places near Cambridge, exploring by bike is a great option. There are several bike hire companies and cycle tours.

Cambridge’s main attractions and things to do can all be easily explored by foot , and several companies offer guided walking tours.

Want to know more?

Head to VisitCambridge for insider tips from those in the know.

Get to know the real Cambridge with these can't miss spots

Joe Bindloss

Oct 2, 2021 • 9 min read

St Johns College Cambridge

Medieval magnificence flows through the streets of Cambridge and many activities are free © Cristian Bortes / EyeEm

Medieval magnificence flows through the streets of Cambridge like the lilting waters of the River Cam, which meanders past the ‘backs’ of such legendary seats of learning such as King’s College, Trinity College and Peterhouse.   

Viewed from a gently gliding punt, or on foot from the tangled lanes that sneak between the colleges, Cambridge is exceptionally beautiful, and arguably more accessible than Oxford, thanks to its manageable scale and lower tourist profile. It’s also great fun, with historic pubs, student-oriented places to eat, picnic-friendly college greens and the ever-nostalgic charm of punting on the river. 

There’s loads to see and many things are free, but it pays to make a plan before you arrive. Here are some tips for the top things to see and do in Cambridge. 

Note: due to Covid, many colleges have restricted entry to pre-booked visitors, or closed to non-students, but you can still view these lavish establishments from outside. Things can change quickly, so check the latest advice before you visit. 

King’s College Chapel 

an ornate ceiling and church organ

Flamboyantly finished in carved Gothic flourishes, King’s College dominates the centre of Cambridge. With advance booking, you can experience the full grandeur of the 16th-century college chapel , whose extravagant wood-carving and stained glass is only exceeded by the world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling towering overhead. 

The chapel was founded by Henry VI, but it took a further five English monarchs to complete this extraordinary monument (look for Henry VIII’s carved initials inside, added during the final stages).The stained glass is original–Oliver Cromwell reputedly ordered it spared during the English Civil War out of nostalgia for his own college days.     

Trinity College 

The largest Cambridge college, Trinity is wrapped around an enormous quadrangle that emerges dramatically as you step through the college’s monumental Tudor gateway (with its stern statue of Henry VIII, holding a table leg rather than sceptre after a student prank). Grand gothic architecture rises on all sides, and the college’s famous Wren Library has original copies of works by Shakespeare, Newton and Swift. 

Check the latest on their opening policy; if the interiors are closed to non-students, you can still view the dramatic frontage and the rear of the college from a punt on the Cam. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Interior of the FitzWilliam Museum

The Fitz is a museum to rival anything in London, Edinburgh or Oxford. This was one of the first public art museums in Britain, displaying treasures accumulated by Viscount FitzWilliam in the 18th-century, alongside a treasure trove of more recent acquisitions. Egypt, Roman Britain and ancient Cyprus are particularly well represented, as are ancient and modern ceramics and glassware. Upstairs are paintings by da Vinci, Rubens, Picasso and other big brush-wielders.  

Take a punt along the Cam

Okay, so it’s unashamedly touristy, and fairly costly, but hiring a punt for a gentle glide on the Cam is one of the best ways to admire the medieval city. From the punt stations at Mill Lane and Quayside, you can swoosh past the backs of the colleges and view the genteel reality of student life behind the college’s lavish facades. 

En route, you’ll pass under a string of elegant college bridges, from Christopher Wren’s graceful stone construction at St John’s College to the flimsy-looking Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College. Take your pick from self-poled punts or chauffeur-driven boats with a waterborne tour; Scudamore’s is the biggest operator. For a change of pace, head upstream to the picture-postcard suburb of Grantchester, a favorite student escape.  

River Cam near Kings College in the city of Cambridge

Browse the latest from the University Press 

The University Press bookshop on Trinity St is a monument to knowledge, and a great place to get a feel for the latest high-brow thinking to come out of the Cambridge colleges. University publications cover everything from climate change and genetics to gender identity and social reform; even reading the dust covers of the latest tomes will leave you measurably better informed.

Gonville & Caius College

With the unusual distinction of having been founded twice (hence the double name), Gonville & Caius is one of the best colleges to view from outside. Three magnificent gates–known as Virtue, Humility and Honour–invite students into the college, and usher them onward to graduation at the adjacent Senate House, via the occult-looking Porta Honoris. If you’re totting up famous alumni, this was the alma mater of Crick and Watson and Stephen Hawking. 

Have a pub debate 

the exterior of the Eagle pub at dusk

Some of the mysteries of the ages were solved over pints in Cambridge’s public houses, and you can still listen in on some serious intellectual discussion today. Favored watering holes include the Eagle , where Crick and Watson talked over the structure of DNA till the wee hours, and the hipster-friendly Cambridge Brew House , with brews on tap from the on-site microbrewery. 

Watch sunset from the Varsity roof terrace 

The boutique Varsity Hotel emerges unexpectedly from the backstreets north of the centre, and its open-air Roof Terrace bar is undisputedly the best spot in the city to watch the sunset. With a cocktail in hand, you can look out over a sea of church spires and college turrets, but book ahead; space is in demand on any warm weekend evening. 

Go to the Footlights

Cambridge’s ADC Theatre is the home stage of Footlights , the university’s student legendary comedy club. The troupe has been putting witty students on stage since 1883, turning out such heavyweights of comedy as Richard Ayoade, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Miriam Margolyes, Emma Thompson and the Monty Pythons. Check the websites for upcoming events.  

Great St Mary’s Church 

Facing off against the opulent chapel of King’s College, Great St Mary’s Church may not win the battle of the chapels, but it does offer dizzying views over the college quarter from the top of its 113ft (38m) tower. A leg-straining climb up a narrow spiral staircase will deliver you to the rooftop, with vertiginous views directly over King’s College, the Senate House and Gonville & Caius College.

Have a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies 

You haven’t been to Cambridge until you’ve stepped in for a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies . Generations of students have gathered here for a carb hit between lectures, and their buns are drowned in sticky syrup and jam-packed with spices and currants. Eat in, or grab some neatly boxed to go and retreat to one of the college greens.  

Pedal the backstreets 

Cambridge University

Generations of Cambridge students have navigated the streets by pedal power, and it’s easy to join them by hiring a bike in town or at the train station. To recharge after a scoot around the city, drop into Espresso Library , just east of Parker’s Piece green, which lures in bikers with the aroma of strong coffee and wholesome world food offerings.  

Kettle’s Yard 

Some museums keep the art at arm’s length, but not Kettle’s Yard . Previously the home of a curator from London’s Tate Gallery, this fascinating museum is full of lived-with artworks, from paintings and sculptures to found objects, scattered around lived-in spaces. Big names like Henry Moore and Miro are represented, but it’s the work by less well known artists that sticks in the memory.  

Take a pub and food crawl along Mill Road 

No matter where you are, student life means pub crawls followed by a kebab or curry and Mill Road is where these sessions usually stagger to a halt. Start off in a town pub and drift slowly eastwards as the evening wears on, then browse the inexpensive Asian and Middle Eastern eateries on Mill Road.

Have a packed afternoon tea

It says something about the demographic of the university intake that packed afternoon teas are a thing. For an elegantly boxed selection of buns and sandwiches to munch daintily on a picnic blanket at Jesus Green, head to Harriet’s Cafe Tearooms on Green Street and pretend you’re pausing for a sugar hit before rushing off to a debate.  

Go church hopping

the rounded exterior of a church

As well as the college chapels, Cambridge is studded with interesting medieval churches, many with famous pedigrees. Little St Mary’s is a popular stop for its familial links to US president George Washington, but the wonderfully arcane-looking Round Church is more atmospheric. One of only four round medieval churches in Britain, it was built by a mysterious order of monks after the First Crusade and it hides one of the clues to the location of the Holy Grail...okay, we can’t back that up, but if it turned out to be true, we wouldn’t be surprised. 

Have a splash at the Jesus Green Lido 

There are far too many punts about for the Cam to be suitable for swimming, but the Jesus Green Lido comes a close second best. This unheated, open-air pool offers a similar jolt-you-awake experience to river swimming, and it’s been welcoming locals and visitors since the 1920s. On sunny days, the sun-bathing spots around the pool are in heavy demand. 

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Like Kew Gardens in miniature, Cambridge’s botanic garden is a chlorophyll-filled wonder. Most make a beeline for the tropical greenhouses with their steamy collection of palms and ferns, but it’s the back paths, hidden clearings and secret spaces in between the planted beds that make the gardens so special. With kids in tow, it’s a great spot for a game of hide and seek. 

St John’s College  

The Bridge of Sigh at Saint John's College

Every Cambridge college has a list of famous alumni as long as a punting pole, but the honors list at St John’s is particularly cosmopolitan. William Wordsworth, William Wilberforce, former Indian PM Manmohan Singh and writer Douglas Adams all studied here. As well as a full hand of stately college buildings, the college is famous for its medieval Bridge of Sighs, a masterpiece of stone tracery that often forms the focus for college pranks.  

Cruise the college museums 

Assuming they’re open to non-students (check first), the university’s museums are a fabulous resource for anyone craving an instant education. College museums cover everything from archaeology and anthropology to zoology and the history of science itself, but perhaps the stand out is the Polar Museum , devoted to the likes of Scott of the Antarctic, Roald Amundsen and Ernest Shackleton, with original items from polar expeditions.     

Detour out of town to the Imperial War Museum  

You’ll have to day trip out of Cambridge to reach the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, but it’s worth it for an epic spread of military history, much of it of the aeronautical variety. Britain’s largest aircraft collection covers everything from famous WWI and WWII fighters and bombers (Hurricanes, Spitfires, Lancasters and the like) to a retired Concorde. Check the website for upcoming events; many aircraft here still take to the skies for annual airshows. 

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The 21 best things to do in Cambridge right now

Here on a day trip or a weekend, there are endless things to do in Cambridge, from museums to boat rides

Sure, Cambridge might be known for its very, very famous community of very, very clever people, but there’s much more to this gorgeous, compact English city than its globally-renowned uni.

Apt for exploration by punt, bike or foot, Cambridge boasts heaps of fascinating museums,  restaurants and cultural stuff like comedy, theatre and live music. Plus, architectural marvels and lush greenery abound, making this not just a fascinating place but a darn romantic one, too. This is a city to really, properly savour. Here are the best things to do in Cambridge right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best  restaurants in Cambridge 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs in Cambridge 🚣 A perfect day in Cambridge

This guide was recently updated by Miriam Balanescu , a writer based in Cambridge.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines .

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What to do in Cambridge

Punt down the river

1.  Punt down the river

What is it?  Cambridge’s most famous pastime (apart from reading loads of books) and  o n e of the best ways to see the city. The good news is you don’t even need to work your own arm muscles.

Why go?  To get within sniffing distance of Cambridge and not go punting is like going to Pisa and not seeing the leaning tower. The brave and the skilled do the stick-bit themselves, but if you’re a first-timer, book a gondolier-like guide to navigate the River Cam for you.

See modern art masterpieces at Kettle’s Yard

2.  See modern art masterpieces at Kettle’s Yard

What is it? The most homely art gallery you’ll ever come across (because it used to be someone’s home).

Why go? Kettle’s Yard was once the residence of Jim and Helen Ede. Thanks to Jim’s job as a curator at the Tate Gallery, the couple filled their home with artworks by famous names like Barbara Hepworth and Joan Mirò. Then, in an act of extreme generosity, the Edes gave it all to Cambridge University. You can now visit it and see the art lovingly arranged around the house, which still feels like a home.

Find the new Footlights at the ADC

3.  Find the new Footlights at the ADC

What is it? This student-run theatre isn’t your typical am-dram set up: it’s where Sue Perkins, Emma Corrin and Tom Hiddleston first trod the boards, so you might witness a star in the making.

Why go? With multiple shows on a week in term time, catch dramatic monologues and cutting-edge comedy at a budget price. There are often classics like ‘Grease’ on the programme, but try to get a ticket for one of the Footlights’ original sketch shows for a proper Cambridge night out.

4.  Try unusual ice-cream flavours at Jack’s Gelato

What is it? An ice-cream shop like no other. Since popping up on Bene’t Street in 2010, the tiny dessert shop has become a big draw for locals and tourists alike.

Why go? Jack’s Gelato has all your fave regular flavours, but that’s not why you should visit. Highlights have included marmalade, panettone and rooibos gelato, and white peach sorbet. To dodge the queue, a second much-less-busy branch opened in 2023, five minutes away on All Saints Passage. If you can’t get enough – and we wouldn’t blame you – pint tubs are available via their website to enjoy at home. 

Browse the ever-changing market stalls

5.  Browse the ever-changing market stalls

What is it? Grab lunch with the locals at the tightly packed street-food stalls in the centre of town.

Why go? There are some great restaurants in the city, but if you want to try something cooked right in front of you, this is your best bet. Think Chinese pancake wraps, posh Scotch eggs, veggie Brazilian fare and unbeatable mac and cheese. 

See art and antiquities at The Fitzwilliam Museum

6.  See art and antiquities at The Fitzwilliam Museum

What is it? Cambridge’s first-rate art and antiquities museum where you can marvel at objects from around the world.

Why go? The Fitzwilliam is owned by Cambridge University and, like Oxford’s Ashmolean, is a treasure chest of a museum. Unlike the supersized British Museum in London, the Fitzwilliam is home to enough diverse trinkets, ornaments and paintings to make you marvel, but not enough to give you brain-overload. Plus, it’s free entry.

Eat a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies

7.  Eat a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies

What is it? A cinnamon-spiced treat somewhere between a cake and a pastry, made by a century-old bakery – which happens to be a Cambridge institution almost as hallowed as the university itself.

Why go? Ignore the London-hailing name – you haven’t really been to Cambridge until you’ve tasted this bakery’s revered, irresistibly sticky raisin-studded bun. (They’ve been making them since 1920 and churn out over 200,000 of them every year.) Even though the buns are all anyone seems to talk about, Fitzbillies’ offerings don’t stop there – they do a pretty darn good brunch and lunch too.  

Immerse yourself in greenery at the Botanic Gardens

8.  Immerse yourself in greenery at the Botanic Gardens

What is it? Some 40 acres of gorgeously green (and pink and yellow and red…) botanic gardens owned by Cambridge University, where you can earnestly study horticulture or snooze on the lawn.

Why go? Cambridge’s botanic gardens are an Arcadian paradise hidden behind a fairly nondescript entrance at the station end of town. What sets them apart from other city gardens is the woodland vibe. Lose yourself in a maze of lush foliage and leave all your troubles behind.

Explore King’s College Chapel

9.  Explore King’s College Chapel

What is it? The stunning gothic chapel that dominates the centre of Cambridge. It’s a must-visit, even if church-spotting isn’t your sport.

Why go? Every festive season, the BBC’s Christmas Eve carol service is recorded in King’s College Chapel, giving sherry-filled adults the chance to embarrassingly cry over the first crystalline bars of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’. Relive this tradition with a visit inside the breathtaking chapel itself, which boasts housing the world’s largest fan vaulted ceiling – then head round the corner for drinks at The Eagle . 

Watch a gig at Cambridge Junction

10.  Watch a gig at Cambridge Junction

What is it?  An independent arts venue where you can see comedy, music, theatre, spoken word, movies and more. 

Why go?  The Cambridge Junction must be one of the UK’s best music venues. It makes some canny programming choices, is run by a friendly team and offers everything from alternative rock and folk to one-off Edinburgh Fringe previews from top stand-ups.  Don’t miss its incredible monthly queer night Club Urania, which always has a stunning line-up of performers but most of all is just a really nice place to be.

Grab a drink at The Maypole

11.  Grab a drink at The Maypole

What is it? Only the best pub in the whole of Cambridge, where you can choose from an unrivalled array of beverages, with separate menus dedicated to Belgian beers, gins and whiskeys.

Why go? The Maypole is a few paces away from the ADC and it’s where most actors, crew and audiences head post-show. It’s also one of a handful of freehouses in the city, meaning it has a seemingly endless selection of real ales on tap and local brews. Take your pick from its impressive range of tipples – from chocolate stouts to cherry blossom gins – and listen in on some thespian gossip.

Unearth vintage treasures along Mill Road

12.  Unearth vintage treasures along Mill Road

What is it?  A long, street art-splashed road to the west of the city that encompasses quaint terraces and cool independent shops.

Why go?  You’ll find vintage shops galore along Mill Road, so if you’re looking for some ’70s-style homeware or an offbeat addition to your wardrobe, spend an afternoon browsing to your heart’s content. Vinyl nerds should head to  Relevant Records  for secondhand LPs and new releases (and some great coffee). If it’s food you’re after, Italian deli  Limoncello  may well have the best Mediterranean snacks in East Anglia.

Discover the university’s world-class polar research at Scott Polar Research Institute Museum

13.  Discover the university’s world-class polar research at Scott Polar Research Institute Museum

What is it? A niche museum that’s all about Cambridge University’s world-class polar research. 

Why go? Fancy yourself a bit of an explorer but only ever manage to take day trips around the UK? Well, the Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute will introduce you to genuinely intrepid (and cold) historic explorations of far-flung corners of the globe, all from the comfort of Cambridge. Free entry.

Tour the city on two wheels

14.  Tour the city on two wheels

What is it? Cambridge is well known for its sheer barrage of bikes. Because of this, the city is well set up for riders, and locals on foot are used to dodging wayward wheels.

Why go? Given its modest size, Cambridge is best navigated by bike. There are loads of places to hire them from, and you can lock them just about anywhere. There are plenty of cycle lanes – sometimes so well-hidden that a pack of bikes seem to come out of nowhere, so keep an eye out. Cambridge really is a cyclist’s paradise.

Feed your inner bookworm at Heffers

15.  Feed your inner bookworm at Heffers

What is it? Sure, it’s a bookshop, but what a bookshop. It's perhaps better described as a palace of literature.

Why go? If there’s a city in the UK where a person shouldn’t have to apologise for being a bit of a geek, it’s Cambridge. Feed your inner bookworm until it bloats and blossoms into a beautiful butterfly at Heffers, the oddly named bookshop where browsing and buying are both a pleasure.

Order cocktails at Bar 196

16.  Order cocktails at Bar 196

What is it? The go-to spot to sip a roasted coconut daquiri al fresco while watching the world go by. 

Why go? From its handwritten menus to the unusual (and slightly unsettling) picture collages on the loo walls, this cocktail bar has gained cult status among Cambridge locals. Its extensive drinks list is a mix of familiar favourites and twists on old classics – with the bar staff happy to whip up pretty much any drink on request. In summer, you might have to fight for a prime seat on the pavements of Mill Road, where you can feel Parisian as the sun sets over Mill Road bridge. And, in winter, this bar’s dimly lit interior is a great place to cosy up.

Cross the mathematical bridge

17.  Cross the mathematical bridge

What is it ? A bridge in Queens’ College that looks curved but is made entirely of straight timbers. It’s so clever that Oxford copied it, but you should see the original.

Why go? Perhaps you never realised you wanted to see a great feat in mid-eighteenth-century architecture, but you should. The design for this bridge was dreamed up by engineer James King – though tour guides love to spread the rumour that this bridge was originally designed by Sir Isaac Newton. Legend has it that nothing but the wooden beams held it up, but after the wood rotted and no one could remember what exactly Newton had done, they had to rebuild it with nails. While sadly not true, for definite Newton-related landmarks head down the road to Trinity College to see the fabled tree responsible for the scientist’s theory of gravity. 

Catch a glimpse of The Corpus Clock

18.  Catch a glimpse of The Corpus Clock

What is it?  A very large and bizarre clock designed to make you fear the incessant ticking away of each moment on earth. Just don’t head here if you actually need to know the time.

Why go?  The Corpus Clock is on the front of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. It’s less a clock (although it is accurate every once in a while) and more of an art piece. The marvellously creepy insect straddling it appears to ‘eat’ time – a reminder that we don’t have as much of it left as we think.

Climb to the top of Great St Mary’s

19.  Climb to the top of Great St Mary’s

What is it? A panoramic view of the city, 123 steps up.

Why go? St Mary’s is next to the marketplace, meaning it’s easy to get to, and you’ll have plenty of energy left for the steep but manageable climb to the top. And boy is the view worth it. The church is even older than the university – with the foundations built as early as 1010 (fun fact: King Henry VII donated 100 oak trees to construct its roof). Want to learn more history? Then have a go on the building’s interactive touch screens.

Visit the Centre for Computing History

20.  Visit the Centre for Computing History

This venue will be temporary closed for September 2023. 

What is it? A museum full of vintage electronics, including everything from a mammoth microprocessor to Pac-Man. 

Why go? If you came to Cambridge to geek the hell out, you might as well do it properly. Get in a metaphorical time machine and remind yourself of the days before iPhones and Alexas. We bet you’ll love it, because who isn’t obsessed with the ‘90s? Gen Z, prepare to have your minds blown.

Go behind-the-scenes on a university tour

21.  Go behind-the-scenes on a university tour

What is it? A student’s eye view of the world-famous university, giving visitors an insider’s introduction to its most beautiful nooks and crannies.

Why go? As a city, Cambridge is pleasingly compact and easy to navigate on foot. The same is true of the university, which dominates the centre. Take a stroll through and around the institution with those who know it best as a guide: real-life Cambridge students.

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Things to do in Cambridge: Great St. Marys Church Cambridge

27 Things to do in Cambridge England: A Detailed Guide + Tips & Map!

Last updated: December 16, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 4 Comments

In today’s post, we’re going to share with you all our favourite things to do in Cambridge. As you’ll find out, there’s something for everyone in this compact city!

Located a 1-hour journey north of London, Cambridge is one of the UK’s most well-known university cities.

With a history dating back to the 1st century AD, there’s a great deal to see here to fill up at least a day of your time, and Cambridge is a popular place to visit as a day trip from London. From traditional pubs to punting trips to awesome museums and gorgeous old churches and colleges, Cambridge has something for everyone.

We’re also going to share our tips for how to get around Cambridge, where to stay in Cambridge, tips for getting here and away, and the best time of year to visit Cambridge. Let’s get started.

27 Things to do in Cambridge UK

As you’ll see from this list, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cambridge, from ancient English pubs to fantastic museums and gorgeous colleges.

We’ve included what we think are some of the best attractions in Cambridge, and hopefully you’ll find plenty of ideas for your trip to the city.

Kings College Chapel Cambridge

Visit the Cambridge University Colleges

Founded in 1209, Cambridge University is the second oldest university in the English speaking world (Oxford university is the oldest, see our guide to visiting Oxford here) . The University itself consists of 31 colleges, each of which provides accommodation and manages the entry and tuition of their students.

The 31 colleges are divided into the “old” colleges, which were founded between 1284 and 1596, and the “new” colleges, founded between 1800 and 1977.

Emmanuel College Cambridge

No visit to Cambridge is complete without visiting at least some of the Cambridge Colleges. We’ve already mentioned the King’s College Chapel and the Wren Library of Trinity College, but we wanted to include a few more of our favourite colleges that you can visit.

You can explore many of these on your own, or you can take a walking tour of the Cambridge Colleges , where you will learn from a Cambridge graduate all about life at the colleges, as well as lots of history and information.

Please do note that all of the colleges in Cambridge are places of work and study, so always abide by the rules and behave with respect and courtesy to those who live and work here. If in doubt as to whether a college is open, we recommend stopping at the porters office, which will be at the entrance to the college, where you can ask for information.

Trinity College Cambridge

Trinity College in Cambridge is one of the largest colleges in the city. It was founded by King Henry VIII in 1546, and attendees included Isaac Newton, Lord Byron, and Betrand Russell, to name but a few. Trinity College has in fact produced 33 Nobel prize winners to date, more than any other Cambridge or Oxford college.

Speaking of Newton, it is oft speculated that the tree in the Great Court is the famous tree that inspired his theory of gravity. This is in fact incorrect – the actual tree is an apple tree, which can be seen at Woolsthorpe Manor , some distance north of Cambridge.

Wren Library Cambridge

Highlights of a visit to Trinity College include seeing the Great Gate, the Great Court, and the Clock Tower, as well as the Wren Library.

You can visit the aforementioned Wren Library free of charge. For access to the Great Court and Chapel, there’s a small entrance fee of £3 at time of writing, payable at the visitors booth in the Great Gate. Opening  days and hours vary depending on the time of year. See more on the official website here .

Christ’s College Cambridge

Originally founded as God’s House in 1437, Christ’s College was refounded under its present name in 1505.

Christ’s College was where Charles Darwin and John Milton studied, and it is consistently amongst the top performing colleges in Cambridge in terms of academic standards.

Christs College Cambridge

The college is open to visitors, with highlights including the original 15th century buildings and round lawn of the First Court, the Great Gate entrance on St. Andrews Street, and the Fellow’s Garden.

The Old Library though is our favourite reason for visiting Christ’s College. This library is home to over 50,000 rare printed books, largely acquired through generous donations. Book include first editions of the works of alumni John Milton and Charles Darwin, as well as many other treasures.

The Old Library is open from 2pm – 4pm on Tuesdays and Thursday, with visits outside of these hours possible by appointment. The college itself can be visited throughout the year 7 days a week from 9am to 4pm, and access is free. You can see more about visiting in general here , and visiting the old library here .

Pembroke College

Pembroke College was founded in 1347, making it the third oldest college of Cambridge University. It has stunning buildings, but it is perhaps best known for its gardens, which are beautiful.

Pembroke College Cambridge

Other highlights include the chapel, and visitors are welcome to wander the grounds, although other than the chapel you cannot enter the other buildings.

Pembroke College is free to visit, and is open year-round from 10am – 5pm, with the exception of examination times. It’s also included on various walking tours of Cambridge, such as this one which also includes punting. See more about visiting here .

St. John’s College Cambridge

Founded in 1511, St. John’s College has produced ten Nobel Prize winners, seven UK prime minsters, twelve archbishops, two princes and three Saints. Attendees include Douglas Adams, author of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (my favourite book!), William Wordsworth, and Paul Dirac.

St John's College Cambridge

It’s a beautiful college to visit, with a stunning chapel, the famous 1831 Bridge of Sighs, and extensive gardens.

St. John’s is well setup for visitors. There’s a signed self-guided walking tour that runs around the main sights of the college, including the iconic Bridge of Signs across the River Cam. You can download an accompanying leaflet for the walk from the official website here .

There’s a fee to visit St. John’s College, which is £10 per adult. The grounds are open to visitors year round (except from 25th Dec – 2nd Jan), from 10am – 5pm March – October, and 10am – 3.30pm the rest of the year. See more on the official site here .

St John's College Cambridge

This was just a slice of some of the many colleges that you can visit in Cambridge. You could easily spend a day or more in Cambridge just visiting these stunning properties! You can also stay in some of the colleges outside of term time – see our guide to where to stay in Cambridge towards the end of the post for more information.

Finally, if you are visiting Cambridge with educational or research purposes in mind, you can also get access to some of the college’s rich archives. Some of these have public visiting hours but for many you need to book an appointment.

For example, if you are researching Winston Churchill , you might want to visit the large collection of documents from the Churchill era (1874-1965) available at Churchill College.

Take a Walking Tour

If you want to get a good overview of the history of Cambridge and see some of the many highlights of the city, then a great way to do this is to take a walking tour. There are a number of different tours available, and we’ve highlighted some of our favourite options here.

  • A Cambridge University Walking tour with a Graduate . This tour takes you to a number of the Cambridge Colleges, and as you are led by a graduate of the university, you’ll get to learn all about what life is like when you are a student here. A similar tour is also available as a private tour .
  • A Cambridge University and City Highlights guide . Led by a qualified Cambridge green badge tour guide, this private tour covers the highlights of the city as well as a number of the colleges, giving you a great overview of the city. A similar tour is available as a group tour here .
  • A combined Cambridge Punting and Walking tour . This tour combines two popular activities into one tour, and includes a guided punting experience as well as a tour of Cambridge. Both of these activities are with Cambridge Alumni, and the walking tour covers the highlights of the city as well as a number of the colleges.

If you’d rather see the city by bus, you might consider buying a ticket for the sightseeing bus. You can buy tickets for the Cambridge hop on hop off bus here .

St John's College Cambridge

Scott Polar Research Institute

The Scott Polar Research Institute , also known as the Polar Museum, is a museum dedicated to the north and south poles of our planet.

As with many of the other museums in our guide to Cambridge, it is a part of the University of Cambridge museums consortium – of which there are eight in total in Cambridge. Each museum has a different focus and content, and they are all worth visiting!

The Scott Polar Research Institute is named for and in memorial to Captain Robert Scott, often referred to as Scott of the Antarctic. Scott was a British naval officer and explorer who died on an expedition to the South Pole in 1912.

The expedition successfully reached the pole, becoming the second team ever to do so, but all the members of the team passed away on the return leg.

Cambridge Polar Museum

Today, the Scott Polar Research Institute, which was established in 1920, performs two main functions – it’s a research base for a wide variety of Arctic and Antarctic research programmes, and it is the home of the Polar Museum.

The museum houses numerous artifacts and displays relating to both the Arctic and Antarctic regions. They cover the history of polar expeditions as well as the history, geology, and wildlife of the two regions themselves.

It’s a fascinating museum, with objects including the last letters written by Scott, and is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in our planet’s Poles, and exploration in general. The museum is open daily from 10am – 4pm, Tuesday – Saturday, and is free to visit (donations greatly appreciated).

They also host special events including talks, and special exhibitions. See the official website for more.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is dedicated to art and antiquities, and was established in 1816 using the art collection  bequeathed to the University by Richard Fitzwilliam. In 1848, the museum relocated to its present building, the beautiful Founders Building.

A highlight of this building is the entrance hall, which was designed by Edward Middleton Barry.

Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge

The Fitzwilliam Museum has a wide range of items on display, ranging from 16th century musical manuscripts to paintings by J.M.W Turner, as well as Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, and art from China, Japan and Korea.

There’s also an extensive collection of coins.

The museum is fairly large with a lot to see, although you can also just visit and take in the highlights if you prefer. Entry is free (donations are appreciated), and the museum is open 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Saturday, and midday – 5pm on Sundays. It’s closed on Mondays. For more on what’s on and up to date opening times, see the official website here .

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is where you’re going to come if you want to learn all about geology. Established in 1728, this is the oldest of the University of Cambridge museums, which is appropriate given that the subject matter will take you on a 4.5 billion year journey through the history of the earth!

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences Cambridge

The museum has in its collection over 2 million specimens, which include fossils, minerals, and rocks, and which cover the majority of the lifespan of planet earth. As you would imagine, not all of this can be displayed at once, but there is a great deal to see and learn here.

The museum is open every day except Sunday. From Monday to Friday, it’s open from 10am – 1pm, and 2pm to 5pm. On Saturdays it’s open from 10am – 4pm. It’s free to visit, and you can see more about what’s on display here .

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

The fourth museum on our list, and dating from 1884, is the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology . This museum is all about the history of people and the objects made for and used by people throughout the ages.

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Cambridge

The ages in this case span a couple of million years and about a million artefacts, so there’s plenty to see and learn about here if you’re curious about where we came from and how we got to where we are today. It covers archaeology which is local to Cambridge as well as world archaeology, and there’s also a whole floor on anthropology.

Highlights of the collection include the Haida Totem pole, as well as Roman and Anglo Saxon artefacts from Cambridge and surrounds.

The museum has free admission, and is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10.30am – 4.30pm, and Sunday from noon – 4.30pm. See the official website for more.

Museum of Zoology

If you are interested in the natural world, then you’ll want to make a stop at the Museum of Zoology . This is a part of the University of Cambridge’s Department of Zoology, which owns around two million specimens – thousands of which are on display at any one time.

Museum of Zoology Cambridge

From the 22 metre long fin whale in the entrance area, through to elephants, insects, and molluscs, the museum has specimens on display which span the entire animal kingdom. There are also historically important items, including specimens discovered by Charles Darwin and Alfred Wallace, originators of the Theory of Evolution.

We think this would make a great museum visit for families in particular. There are Zoologists Clubs for different age groups, which run events throughout the year and have free membership. The museum also runs talks on various topics throughout the year, and there are rotating exhibitions.

Entry is free, with the museum open from 10am to 4.30pm Monday – Saturday, and noon to 4.30pm on Sunday. See more on the official website .

The Centre for Computing History

The father of computers, Charles Babbage , studied Mathematics at Cambridge in the early 19th century. Babbage would go on to design the “Difference Engine”, which is generally regarded as being the first computer ever to be designed.

As such, it is appropriate that Cambridge is home to the Centre for Computing History , a museum which is home to a collection consisting of over 24,000 items relating to computers and computing history. These include books, vintage computers, memorabilia, game consoles and even mobile phones.

This is definitely an excellent museum for those of you with an interest in computing, and there are loads of interactive and hands on exhibits to keep you entertained. It reminded us a bit of the Computer History Museum in California . The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am – 5pm, and there’s a small fee to visit.

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

As should be apparent by now, Cambridge has a museum for pretty much every interest! The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is another of the University of Cambridge’s eight museums, and this one focuses, as the name makes clear, on the history of science.

The museum houses a great many objects such as scientific instruments, models, pictures, and prints, which are used to relate the history of science. These cover a wide variety of scientific disciplines.

Whipple Museum cambridge

The collection is based upon the artefacts donated to the University of Cambridge by Robert Stewart Whipple, a 19th century scientist who grew up with a father as a scientist, and who spent his life creating (and collecting) scientific instruments.

Highlights of the objects on display include a copy of Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica , Charles Babbage’s Difference Engine No 1, and some of Charles Darwin’s microscopes. These scientists were giant’s in their fields, responsible for some of mankind’s greatest scientific achievements, and being able to see first hand the tools and books they used and wrote is a wonderful experience.

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is currently closed as it is undergoing refurbishment, and is scheduled to reopen in April 2019. See the official website for more information.

Kettle’s Yard

For 20th century and contemporary art, you’ll want to head to Kettle’s Yard . This is found in the former home of Jim and Helen Ede, which consisted of four cottages that were merged into one unique property.

The property has been largely left laid out in the informal style of the Ede’s, and much of the art on display is from their art collection. When they lived in the house, they would regularly hold open house tours to students of the university, and when they left Cambridge for Edinburgh, they gave the house and art collection to the University, which has been running it as an art museum ever since.

Entry is free, and the house is open from 11am – 5pm Tuesday – Sunday. Note that whilst it is free to visit, the house operates a timed ticketing system to manage visitor numbers. These are available from the house itself, or you can book them online up to a month in advance here , which we would recommend doing if you want to be sure to visit.

Cambridge Science Centre

If you’re visiting Cambridge as a family or with kids, you may want to head to the Cambridge Science Centre . Whilst technically a museum, this is really a hands-on interactive learning centre where children and young people can find out all about what makes the world work.

Cambridge Science Centre

As well as the permanent exhibition, which includes content on everything from how cells work to how we survive in the present day, there are interactive shows and activities available throughout the day. Levers can be pulled, buttons can be pressed, and anyone with a love of science will have a great time here.

The Cambridge Science Centre is open Tuesday – Sundays from 10.30am – 5pm in school holidays, and has varied opening hours during term time. See more on opening hours and admission fees on the official website here .

Museum of Cambridge

By this point you might be wondering if there’s anything apart from museums to see in Cambridge. Or, you’re thrilled at the wealth of knowledge awaiting you, and struggling to decide which to visit.

Whichever side of that divide you fall on, this is the last museum in our list!

Museum of Cambridge

The Museum of Cambridge  is found at the northern end of the city, and focuses on the history of Cambridgeshire, specifically over the last 300 years. This is the place to come if you want to learn everything about what has helped shape Cambridge into the city it is today.

It’s set in a former 17th century coaching inn, giving it a very authentic setting, and has objects covering everything from social history to toys, art and clothing.

There’s a small fee to visit the Museum of Cambridge, and it’s open all week, although on Mondays, visits are by guided tour only. You can see the opening times and further information on their website .

Corpus Clock

The Corpus Clock is an incredible gold plated, 1.5 metre wide time piece and art installation. You’ll find it at the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street on the side of the Taylor library.

Corpus Clock Cambridge

The clock involved over 200 people and the project to create it cost over a million pounds. It takes the form of a large golden disc, atop which sits a huge grasshopper, which is known as the Chronophage. This is Greek for “time eater”, which is appropriate, as the grasshopper appears to eat the seconds as they tick by.

The clock is accurate, but as it moves erratically, it’s only truly accurate once every five minutes. Still, you’re not here to tell the time (which is challenging as there are no hands or dial to read, and so you need to understand the LED layout), you’re here to appreciate a marvel of clockmaking, which was named as one of Time magazines best inventions of 2008.

The clock is free to visit and runs year-round. It’s also often included on walking tours such as this one .

Great St. Mary’s Church Tower

If you want to get a great view of Cambridge, we recommend heading to Great St. Mary’s Church , where for a small fee you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

The church is in the heart of the old part of the city, surrounded by cobbled streets and colleges, and is directly across from Kings College Chapel. As you would imagine therefore, the views from the roof are among the best you’ll get in Cambridge.

Great St. Marys Church Cambridge

Of course, the church itself, which dates from the 15th century and is a listed building, is also worth spending time visiting. It’s the university church of the University of Cambridge, and is home to the University Organ and University Clock.

The church also plays another role in Cambridge university life. All university undergraduates must live within three miles of the church, and university officers must live within 20 miles of it.

The Church is open Monday – Saturday from 10-5.30pm (4.30pm in winter), and 12.15 – 5pm on Sundays (4pm in winter). Tickets for the tower can be purchased at the gift shop, after which it’s a 123 step climb to the top up a narrow winding medieval staircase! See more on the official website .

Castle Mound

It’s time for some of the other highlights of Cambridge, of which there are many. We’ll start off with Castle Mound, which is just across from the Museum of Cambridge.

This mound is all that is left of what was once a fairly formidable castle which dated back to the 11th century, and which was built following the Norman invasion in 1066 to control the route from London to the north of England.

Castle Mound Cambridge

Over the years the castle saw various uses, including being used as the city gaol. However, much of the stone was incorporated into the construction of other buildings in Cambridge, including the colleges, and all that is left is the grassy motte.

This is still worth visiting though, as from the top of the motte you can get nice views across the city, and this is a popular spot to come to watch the sunset.

King’s College Chapel

If there is one building which symbolises Cambridge, it would be King’s College Chapel . This is the chapel of King’s College.

A chapel, in case you were wondering how a chapel differs from a church, is usually a place of worship that is a part of a large nonreligious institution. This is why most colleges have chapels.

Whilst chapels are often relatively small, this is absolutely not the case with King’s College Chapel, which is a large and seriously impressive structure.

Kings College Chapel Cambridge

Built in the Perpendicular Gothic style of English architecture in the 15th century, King’s College Chapel is a fantastic building that needs to near the top of your to-do list in Cambridge.

It has the largest fan vault in the world, spectacular stained-glass windows, and a rood screen that was funded by Henry VIII as part of his wedding celebrations for Anne Boleyn.

The chapel is still in active use, and it is the home of the King’s College Chapel choir. It’s possible to visit here and watch both mass and concerts, and the acoustics are excellent.

If you’ve ever watched the BBC’s Christmas programming, there is always a broadcast of a solo performer singing Once in Royal David’s City live from the chapel.

Kings College Chapel Cambridge

King’s College Chapel has an entrance fee, with tickets available from the King’s College visitor centre, which is opposite the chapel and college grounds. Tickets can also be purchased online here , to save you from queuing on the day. You can also take a tour which includes King’s College like this .

The ticket gives you access to the chapel and the grounds of the College. The chapel is open every day of the week, but opening times vary depending on the time of year. You can see prices and full opening hours here .

Wren Library

The Wren library is arguably the most impressive of all the college libraries at Cambridge. It was designed and built for Trinity College by Sir Christopher Wren, who also designed London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The two storey library consists of a single long room. The bookshelves go up to the height of the first floor, above which the huge windows allow light to pour in. This was the first library to be designed with windows large enough to allow for sufficient light in for reading.

Wren Library Cambridge

At the end of each bookshelf you’ll find the bust of a noted author, as well a a limewood carving by Grinling Gibbons, whose work can also be found at Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace, and who was generally regarded as the finest wood carver in England.

Inside the library there is a section of display cases containing some of the libraries most notable books and manuscripts. These include Isaac Newton’s first edition of Principia Mathematica , which has Newton’s handwritten notes for the second edition, A.A. Milne’s manuscripts for Winnie the Pooh and the House at Pooh Corner , and an 8th century copy of the Epistles of St. Paul , to name but a few.

The library is still very much a working university library, and as such access is carefully managed to as not to disturb those using it for academic purposes. Visiting hours are limited to 12-2pm, and visitors are restricted to 15 at a time. Photography is not permitted inside.

It’s free to visit though, and there’s a small souvenir shop where you can pick up postcards, although this is cash only.

Note – as of April 2023 the Wren Library is closed to the public. Check the official website here for more information and to see if it has reopened.

One of the most popular activities to do in Cambridge is to go punting. If you’re not sure what that means, a punt is a type of flat bottomed boat, and punting involves pushing yourself along the river using a long pole to propel yourself.

Punting River Cam Cambridge

Punting is a lot harder than it sounds as we know from experience. So whilst you can hire a punt yourself and give it a go, we’d generally recommend that if you actually want to see some sights, you might prefer to take a tour with someone who knows what they are doing.

There are a variety of punt tour operators in Cambridge, with the majority offering tours of between 45 minutes and an hour – like this one with the Traditional Punting Company . Your punter will normally give you commentary about what you are seeing whilst also doing all the hard work, meaning you get to sit back and enjoy the unique views of Cambridge from the river.

Mathematical Bridge

Built in 1749, this famous Grade II listed wooden footbridge is a popular sight in Cambridge. Its unique construction give it the impression of being an arched bridge, but the reality is that it is built entirely from straight timbers.

This clever engineering design is why the nickname “ Mathematical Bridge ” has stuck.

Mathematical bridge Cambridge

The Mathematical Bridge is in Queen’s College, so to visit the Bridge you need to visit the college during its public visiting hours and  pay the visitors fee, which is £3.50 at time of writing. You can see the opening hours of the college and visitor information here .

In our opinion though, the best view of the Mathematical Bridge is to be had from a punting tour, which will take you directly under the bridge. You can also get a more distant view from the Silver Street road bridge, just a little to the south on the river.

Have a Pub Lunch

One of the fascinating things about visiting Cambridge is the sense of history that seems to permeate the air here – particularly a history of scientific achievement. You can literally visit the places where some of science’s biggest discoveries were made and unveiled.

In the case of the Eagle pub in Cambridge, you can both sit in the same place where Watson and Crick announced their findings on DNA, and enjoy a tasty pub lunch.

The Eagle pub Cambridge

Of course, there are lots of places to have a great pub lunch. The Eagle is pretty special though, other than it’s connection with Watson and Crick. First, it’s arguably the oldest operating pub in the city, having opened in 1667. It also has a room known as the RAF room, where the graffiti of World War II airmen covers the walls.

Classic pub lunch fare in Britain includes dishes like steak and ale pie, fish and chips, gammon steak and eggs, or sausage and mashed potato.

We had an excellent pub lunch and pint of ale here, and you might want to come here or find another great pub in the city to do the same.

Cambridge Botanical Garden

Covering an area of 40 acres just to the south of the city centre, the Cambridge University Botanical Garden is a lovely place for a stroll.

Opened to the public in 1846, today the garden is home to a wide variety of plants and trees, which cover both British and international variants. There are large glasshouses which contain over 3,000 species, as well a a pretty fountain.

Cambridge Botanic Garden

The garden is open year round, and there are self-guided trails you can take to explore the various collections on display. Opening times vary depending on the month, with the garden normally opening at 10am. At time of writing there’s a £6 fee to visit, with concessions available. See more on the official site here .

Cambridge Market

Found right in the heart of Cambridge at the Market Square, next to Great St. Mary’s Church is Cambridge Market . An outdoor market has been held in this location in the city since the Middle Ages!

Great St. Marys Church Cambridge

Today, there’s a wide variety of products on sale, from books and clothes to food, plants and mobile phone accessories.

The market operates Monday – Saturday from 10am – 4pm. On Sundays, there’s an arts and craft market, which also includes organic produce sales.

The Round Church

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre , more commonly known as the Round Church, is a 12th century stone built Parish church found in the centre of Cambridge on Round Church street.

The Church is managed by and is the home of Christian Heritage, and is one of only four medieval round churches still in use in England.

Round Church Cambridge

The church has an exhibition about the history and influence of Christianity on education and science, as well as a film about the history of Cambridge, and a display on the history of the church itself.

The church is open to visitors, and there’s an admission fee, which at time of writing is £3.50. It’s open every day except Sunday from 11am – 4.30pm.

The Christian Heritage charity also runs guided walking tours of Cambridge, which focus on Christian history, and which depart from and can be booked at the Round Church visitor center, or on their website here .

Map of Things to do in Cambridge

To help you visualize our recommendations for things to do in Cambridge, we’ve put them all in map. You can see this map on Google maps here .

visit on cambridge

Tours to Cambridge

Cambridge is a popular city to visit as part of a tour – either as a day trip from London, or on a multi-day tour of the UK. Here are a few options to consider, including tours of the city.

  • A full day tour to Cambridge with departure from London, which includes transport and a guided tour of the city followed by free time to explore. This is another version of this tour .
  • This full day tour to Oxford and Cambridge from London, which includes round trip transport and a guided tour of both Oxford and Cambridge. This will let you get a taste of both university cities. Another version here . Tours are also available from Oxford
  • A five day tour through the heart of England and Wales , which includes time in Cambridge, as well as other highlights such as York, Stratford upon Avon, the Peak District, and Snowdonia

As you can see, there are a number of tour options, and we’re sure you’ll find one to suit your specific requirements.

When to Visit Cambridge

Cambridge is a good city to visit year round, with lots of both indoor and outdoor attractions. It is likely to be most busy during the summer months of July and August, and quieter in the off-season months like November and January.

One of the big attractions in Cambridge is of course the colleges, and these are active places of study. As such, they may close or have limited access for examinations.

St John's College Cambridge

The majority of exams take place in between April and June, however exams can occur at other times, and if there is a particular college you want to see, you will definitely want to check their website to see if they have any visitor restrictions due to exams.

Also be aware that some colleges are rarely or almost never open to the public so be sure to check if there is one you particularly want to visit.

If you’re visiting Cambridge for the day, we’d advise checking opening days for any attractions you are keen to visit. In particular, many of the museums in Cambridge are closed on Mondays for example, so you might want to avoid visiting Cambridge on a Monday if you want to visit these museums.

How to Get Around Cambridge

Cambridge is an easy city to get around on foot. From the train station to the city centre is around a 15 – 20 minute walk, although there are also buses, taxis, and Uber available.

If you think you’ll be taking the bus a few times in Cambridge, you might consider buying a day ticket . For £4.50 (at time of writing), you’ll get unlimited rides for one day across the centre of the city and immediate surrounding area on Stagecoach buses, including everywhere on our things to do list.

Tickets can be purchased on the bus, with both cash and contactless payments accepted.

Cambridge Sightseeing bus

Another option of course is to take the Hop on Hop off bus . Tickets for these open top double decker buses will give you 24 hour riding privileges, which includes an audioguide, and the route stops at the majority of the highlights in the city. Buy your ticket here in advance .

How to Get to Cambridge

Cambridge is a well connected city which is easy to get to from other parts of the UK. From London, the best way to reach Cambridge is to take the train. Trains depart multiple times an hour from Kings Cross station, with journey times varying between 50 and 80 minutes.

We advise buying your ticket in advance here to get the best prices.

Cambridge train station

It’s also possible to take the bus to Cambridge, however from London this will usually take a couple of hours, so we’d advise taking the train where possible. You can check bus times and prices here .

The nearest airport to Cambridge is London Stansted, from where you can take the train or bus to Cambridge.

How Long to Visit Cambridge For?

We’d suggest spending at least a full day in Cambridge if you can.

However, as you can see from our list of things to do in Cambridge, there’s is a great deal to see and do. So whilst visiting Cambridge on a day trip is both a popular and viable option, if you stay for two or three days you will easily be able to fill your time.

Fitzwilliam Museum Cambridge

Where to Stay in Cambridge

If you choose to visit Cambridge for longer than a day, you’ll want somewhere to stay. Cambridge has a wide variety of accommodation options, from hostels to hotels.

We’ve gone through and picked out some of the best options in Cambridge across a range of budgets to help you find the right place for you.

  • YHA Cambridge . If you’re looking for a hostel in Cambridge, this YHA is found between the train station and the town center. Accommodation ranges from dorm beds to private en-suite rooms.
  • Cambridge City Mill – a great value aparthotel found between the city centre and the train station. Offers free wi-fi, and a variety of en-suite rooms, perfect for a family
  • A & B Guesthouse – a well reviewed good value guesthouse for those of you looking for more of a B&B type experience. Rooms have tea/coffee making facilities, it’s found between the city center and the train station, and breakfast is available
  • The Waterman – this traditional Cambridge pub is found just north of the city centre, and offers well-rated en-suite accommodation. There’s on-site dining, and breakfast is also available.
  • Christs College  – if you want to stay at a College, this is a good option, although note that you can only book for certain times of the year outside of term time
  • The Gonville Hotel  – this is a well reviewed 4* hotel just south of the city centre. It offers free bike hire, on-site dining, en-suite rooms with tea/coffee making facilities, and breakfast is available
  • University Arms Hotels – part of the Autograph Collection, this 4* hotel in the city centre has lovely rooms, an excellent location, and all the facilities you would expect, from ensuite rooms to a fitness centre, bar, on-site restaurant and complimentary WiFi.

As well as the above, during summer and school breaks it is possible to sleep in the dormitories of some of the university colleges, such as  Christs College .

Hopefully this gives you some ideas for where to stay in Cambridge. Take a look at all the options, from apartments to hotels, here .

Kings College Chapel Cambridge

Further Reading

That’s almost it for our detailed guide to visiting Cambridge in the UK. Before you go though, we wanted to share some more of our UK content to help you plan your trip here.

  • If you’re staying in London, you should check out our 1 day London itinerary , 2 day London itinerary , 3 day London itinerary and 6 day London itinerary , which will give you plenty of ideas for how to fill your time in the UK’s capital city
  • We have a guide to visiting Oxford from London , as well as a guide to taking a day trip to Stonehenge from London
  • Cost is often a key factor when planning a trip. See our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK to help out
  • If you’re planning on renting a car in the UK, we have some tips for driving in the UK to help out. We also have detailed one week and two week UK road trip itineraries
  • We also have guides to many other cities in the UK, including things to do in Bristol , things to do in Edinburgh , things to do in Portsmouth , and things to do in Glasgow , to name but a few.
  • If you’re interested in a guide book for your trip to Cambridge, we can recommend the Rick Steves England book  or the Cambridge Greater than a Tourist guide

And that’s it for our guide to things to do in Cambridge! As always, we’re happy to hear your feedback and answer your questions – just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

A detailed guide to things to do in Cambridge, including visiting Cambridge Colleges, punting, museums and more! Also has tips on getting here, where to stay and more! #travel #uk #cambridge

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There are 4 comments on this post

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Kwok Fung Au Yeung says

6th March 2023 at 2:12 am

Wren Library is close to public

Laurence Norah says

8th April 2023 at 8:27 pm

Thanks for letting me know! We always recommend checking opening hours and times before visiting any attraction as they can close for various reasons. I hope you still enjoyed your time in Cambridge 🙂

Linda Watt says

5th April 2021 at 6:14 am

The beautiful Cambridge American Cemetery, with its visitor center that tells the story of the air war that was critical to the Allied victory in WWII, is so worth a visit!

Very helpful article on Cambridge, by the way!

5th April 2021 at 11:48 am

Thank you very much, and thank you also for that tip Linda! We haven’t made it to the Cambridge American Cemetery but it sounds very interesting – we’ll definitely check it out on our next visit to Cambridge 🙂

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On the Luce travel blog

A weekend in Cambridge: 2-day Cambridge itinerary

Posted on Last updated: October 1, 2022

How to spend a weekend in Cambridge: Discover the best things to see, do, eat and drink in Cambridge in a two-day itinerary featuring this university city’s colleges, museums, punts and parkland.

* This site contains affiliate links , where I get a small commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

A weekend in Cambridge: 2-day Cambridge itinerary

There’s long been a rivalry between the great British university cities of Oxford and Cambridge. And after living in Oxford, I thought I knew where my loyalties lay – and who to cheer for in the boat race. But my first trip to Cambridge started to sway me.

Like Oxford , Cambridge has a fascinating history, beautiful buildings, punts on the river, cobbled streets and enough museums and libraries to feel like you’re getting cleverer by osmosis. But the river running past the colleges adds an extra level of prettiness that had me considering switching allegiances. So if you’re planning a visit, here’s my 2-day Cambridge itinerary to help you plan the perfect weekend in Cambridge.

How to spend a weekend in Cambridge

King's College, University of Cambridge

Friday evening

Check into your accommodation then start your weekend in Cambridge with a pre-dinner drink on the Varsity Hotel’s Roof Terrace . It has a 360º view over the college rooftops which you can enjoy with a cocktail, mocktail, wine or beer. Or in winter or if the weather’s bad, head one floor below to SIX brasserie and bar, whose views are almost as good.

Then have dinner at the Cambridge Chop House . This historic corner building looks out onto King’s College Chapel. The menu focuses on traditional British comfort food, and it’s a favourite with meat-lovers for its 28-day aged steaks and pork chops. But you’ll also find a few fish and vegetarian options – and they have gluten- and dairy-free menus.

The River Cam on the Backs, Cambridge

Saturday morning

Start the day at the heart of Cambridge – its university. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 by a group of scholars from its famous rival Oxford, who set up a new university after a dispute with Oxford locals. Since then it’s become one of the world’s most prestigious universities, educating 14 British prime ministers and 47 heads of state.

Get a glimpse into Cambridge student life with a tour of its colleges. The university is made up of 31 independent colleges, where students live and study. Most of them are open to visitors to take a look around at least part of the time – though opening times vary, and can be limited during exam periods, so check in advance.

The fan-vaulted ceiling of King's College Chapel in Cambridge

The University’s three big-hitters are King’s, Trinity and St John’s, but don’t discount the smaller colleges which each have their own stories and secret spots. King’s College is famous for its Gothic Chapel, which has a rare fan-vaulted ceiling and huge stained-glass windows. It’s got fantastic acoustics and you can hear the chapel choir sing during services .

Trinity is the largest and wealthiest college. It’s home to the Wren Library , designed by Christopher Wren in 1676 and housing historic books like Isaac Newton’s notebook and the manuscript of Winnie-the-Pooh (normally open 10.30am–12.30pm on Saturdays but currently closed to visitors – check their website for the latest on reopening).

Inside the quads of Trinity College, Cambridge University

St John’s has beautiful grounds, and is where you’ll find the Bridge of Sighs. It’s also where a lot of the film The Theory of Everything , about Stephen Hawking’s life, was filmed (although in real life he actually studied at Trinity Hall). Or if you want to get an insiders’ view of Cambridge life, you can take a tour the colleges * with a past student.

Stop for lunch at the Michaelhouse Café , in a converted medieval church. The daily menu features simple, fresh food like soups, sandwiches, homemade quiches and cakes. Then grab an ice cream from Jack’s Gelato – they have a whole range of constantly changing flavours, from strawberries and cream to Chelsea bun or roasted banana.

St John's College on a weekend in Cambridge

Saturday afternoon

You can’t visit Cambridge without getting out on the water in a punt. The River Cam runs through the centre of the city, and one of the most scenic stretch is known as the Backs. This is where seven of the colleges back onto the river, and you get a great view of their buildings, bridges and well-manicured grounds as you sail by.

Scudamore’s are Cambridge’s oldest punt hire service and run a range of different tours. You can take a 45-minute private or shared tour * with a chauffeur giving a guided commentary, or hire a hire a punt for up to six people and do it yourself.

Punts on the River Cam

Some of the highlights of the backs are the views of King’s College Chapel and the Wren Library. You also pass a string of bridges, including the Bridge of Sighs (named after the bridge in Venice) and the Mathematical Bridge, which was designed in the 18th century and looks like an arch despite only being made up of straight pieces of wood.

Finish the day off with a view of Cambridge from above at Great St Mary’s Church . It’s known as the University Church and over the last thousand year it’s seen riots, royal visits and even been burnt down and rebuilt. It also has one of Cambridge’s best views if you climb up the 123-step spiral staircase to the top of the church tower.

Punting past the Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge

Then head to The Eagle pub on Bene’t Street , which has been serving drinks since 1667. The pub was where scientists Crick and Watson announced they’d discovered DNA in 1953. And when you’re at the bar, look up and you’ll see the RAF ceiling, where pilots coming back from the Second World War signed their names and squadron numbers.

Finally have dinner at The Oak Bistro , a friendly, independent bistro on the site of an old coaching inn with a courtyard garden that’s perfect for summer evenings. Their menu features British and European dishes like pan-fried sea trout, aubergine parmigiana and confit duck leg. There’s also a diverse wine list with some unusual options.

Punts on the River Cam in Cambridge

Sunday morning

Start the day with a morning walk or cycle ride into Cambridge’s parks and meadows. Cambridge has a higher proportion of cyclists than anywhere else in the country, and its 80 miles of cycle routes (and lack of hills) make it a good place to join them. You can hire a conventional bike or a motorised ebike if you want to take it easy.

Grab a picnic before you leave – or stop for lunch afterwards – at Aromi . This Sicilian café is a little taste of the Mediterranean in Cambridge, using authentic Italian ingredients to make tasty sourdough pizzas, focaccias, paninis and creamy cannoli.

Exploring Cambridge by bike and punt

You can head south along the river on a 2.5-mile route to nearby Grantchester, which has been made famous by the detective series of the same name that’s set in the village during the 1950s. The route runs south out of Cambridge across Skater’s Meadow and through the peaceful Grantchester Meadows flood plain where you’ll see cattle grazing.

Or take the 6.6-mile route east to Waterbeach, which runs through Midsummer Common and along the banks of the River Cam, past canal boats and rowers. And if you want to go further afield you can also download cycle route maps from the local council website .

Paths through Midsummer Common in Cambridge

Sunday afternoon

After lunch, head to the Fitzwilliam Museum , a stunning building that houses art and antiquities from around the world and is free to visit. It was built in 1848 to house the vast collection of objects that Viscount Fitzwilliam had bequeathed to the University of Cambridge. And today it has over half a million objects in its collections.

Take a wander around some of the galleries – there’s an a eclectic range of exhibits to choose from, including Egyptian tombs, Turner’s watercolours, Michelangelo’s bronze sculptures, Virginia Woolf’s hand-written manuscript and a suit of armour for a horse.

The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge

Then finish off your weekend in Cambridge in genteel style with afternoon tea at Fitzbillies , whose original branch is located on Trumpington Street near the museum. This Cambridge institution is famous for its extra sticky, spiced Chelsea Buns. They’ve been made to the same recipe since 1922, and they now produce over 160,000 of them each year.

They also do a traditional afternoon tea of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and mini cakes and macarons, which you can have with or without a glass of Champagne. And there are vegan and gluten-free versions available too.

Fitzbillies Café in Cambridge

Map of things to do in Cambridge

Map of things to do on a weekend in Cambridge

The details

How to get to cambridge.

Cambridge is 50–90 minutes from London by direct train *, depending on which station you depart from – there are frequent services from London Kings Cross, St Pancras, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Blackfriars and City Thameslink stations.

If you’re driving, Cambridge is around 60 miles (1.5 hours’ drive) north of London. Overnight car parking is available at the Grand Arcade (CB2 3QF), Queen Anne Terrace (CB1 1ND), Grafton East (CB1 1PS) and Grafton West (CB1 1HE) car parks.

Or if you want to avoid the city centre traffic you can use the Park and Ride car parks on the edge of the city at Milton, Madingley Road, Trumpington, Newmarket Road and Babraham Road. Parking is free, you just pay for the bus in and out of the city.

Trinity College Chapel, Cambridge

The nearest airport is London Stansted, 27 miles to the south. It’s a 30-minute drive away or direct trains from Stansted Airport to Cambridge also take 30 minutes.

Getting around Cambridge

Cambridge is easy to get around on foot. If you want to explore by bike you can hire them from Rutland Cycling at Cambridge train station, with a choice of standard bikes (£15.99 for four hours) or electric bikes for a power boost (£24.99 for four hours).

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, generally known as The Round Church

Where to stay in Cambridge

Splash out on a luxury stay at The Varsity *, tucked between St John’s and Magdalene colleges on the banks of the River Cam. It has stylish, boutique-style rooms in the modern main building, named after different colleges, with balconies on the higher floors. There’s also a spa and restaurant in a 19th-century warehouse conversion next door.

The University Arms * is Cambridge’s oldest hotel, in a former coaching inn dating back to 1834. It’s been recently redeveloped with a huge 192 rooms and suites, painted in Cambridge Blue with leather-padded desks and bookshelves to give it that collegiate feel. There’s also an aromatherapy spa and Parker’s Tavern brasserie and bar.

Or get a taste of Cambridge student life with University Rooms , who rent college accommodation out to visitors. There’s a mix of double, twin and single rooms with shared bathrooms or en-suites, some with breakfast included. Availability is mainly in the Easter and summer holidays, with rooms available to book two–three months in advance.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Cambridge?*

Cambridge punt tour

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How to spend a weekend in Cambridge: Discover the best things to see, do, eat and drink in Cambridge in a two-day itinerary featuring this university city’s colleges, museums, punts and parkland | Things to do in Cambridge | Cambridge weekend guide | Cambridge travel guide | Cambridge itinerary

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Monday 23rd of September 2019

Thanks for this program Lucy! I'm french, and visited my boyfriend in Cambridge ...30 years ago, and I'll come again with my daughter for her 20th birthday, in November, I'm so excited! As I only remember of Saint Mary's church, your post is very very helpful:)))) On Sunday morning, if it's raining, can we go walking and shopping? Are shops open on Sunday? Many thanks:))) Pascale

Hi Pascale, yes most shops will be open on a Sunday from 10am-4pm so you should be fine – have a great trip!

The Sunrise Dreamers

visit on cambridge

The Best 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Things To Do (2024)

Planning a 1 day Cambridge itinerary in 2024? Cambridge is an incredibly historic city with interesting museums, picturesque streets, charming boat rides and plenty of great restaurants! Spending one day in Cambridge is the perfect day trip from London and an easy getaway to a cosy walkable city. Let’s plan your Cambridge 1 day itinerary!

Cambridge is located just north of London in the United Kingdom and is well-known for it’s reputable University of Cambridge . Browsing around the buildings that date back to 1209 is one of the best things to do in Cambridge on a day trip or more.

The streets of the city are incredibly beautiful with both mainstream and local shops spread out throughout the wandering lanes. The iconic Kings College and River Cam are the most popular spots in the city and definitely worth a visit during any Cambridge itinerary .

Although the city is small, there’s honestly too much to see with 1 day in Cambridge but it’s the perfect day trip from London or nearby cities. One day is also enough time to experience the main highlights!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to plan your 1 day Cambridge itinerary with the best things to do, how to get around and a few food recommendations . There’s also some activities that cost money and you can also book in advance.

The Best 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Things To Do (2023)

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Quick Tips for a 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

  • Currency  – Pound Sterling GBP (compare your own currency  here )
  • Cuisine  – British with a variety of cuisines  (Chips, pies, Indian, Chinese & pizza)
  • Apps  – GoogleMaps, Uber,  Booking.com  &,  Hostelworld
  • Where to stay – YHA Cambridge – Book your stay here !
  • Power Voltage  – Plug G, 240V

Visiting more of the UK ? We have itineraries to York , Edinburgh , Brighton , the Scottish Highlands and hiking in Snowdonia !

Activities to book in advance:   Cambridge Punting Tour & Cambridge University Tour !

Best time to visit Cambridge

Cambridge is a year-round destination that experiences all four seasons. However, we recommend visiting Cambridge between April and October when the days are longer and there’s more chance of warmer weather.

July and August are the busiest months to visit Cambridge due to the summer holidays, although it’s usually the best weather. Christmas is also a great time to visit for festive decorations around the city! We visited in September and the UK had a mini 30°C heatwave!

Also check for  bank holiday weekends , as these days can get very busy with most of the country off of work.

How to get to Cambridge

Cambridge is located in Eastern England very close to the capital city, London! There are excellent transport links into the city and we highly recommend getting the train from London.

  • By train:  Trains to Cambridge take you to  Cambridge train station  which is only a 20-minute walk to the city centre.
  • By bus:  Check out Megabus, National Express and FlixBus for journeys around the UK. Although they’re not as fast as trains, they’re usually a lot cheaper!
  • By vehicle:  Cambridge has free parking overnight, but you’ll likely have to pay for parking unless you park somewhere residential. Park at Queen Anne Terrace Car Park or use the Park & Ride .
  • By flight: London Stansted is the best international airport to arrive at for a trip to Cambridge.

The best way to get to Cambridge from London is by train ! Head to London King’s Cross station to get a direct train to Cambridge in less than 1 hour. There are also other trains from around the city, but it’s best to catch the underground or bus to King’s Cross. We have a travel guide on how to spend 4 incredible days in London !

How to get better prices for trains in the UK?   Book your train tickets in advance ! Advance singles save so much money compared to a normal off-peak return. Also if you’re from the UK, check if a Railcard is worth it and you’ll save 1/3 of your fare!

1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Best Things To Do

Now we’re going to share the best things to do in Cambridge during a one day itinerary. Feel free to mix these activities around depending on the weather.

We’re writing this Cambridge itinerary starting from the train station which is only 20-25 minutes from the city centre.

See the Corpus Clock

As you walk into the city from the train station, you’ll pass by a variety of cafes, restaurants and shops before seeing the most unique clock in Cambridge.

The Corpus Clock is a large golden clock with a grasshopper sitting on top . There are no hands or digital numbers, but the time is shown with swirling LED lights. The grasshopper opens its mouth every 30 seconds and it’s also known as the time eater.

The Cambridge physicist Stephen Hawking revealed the fascinating clock to the public in 2008 and now it’s a popular place to take a photo in Cambridge!

The iconic Corpus Clock

Visit the Eagle

Right around the corner from the Corpus Clock is the famous Eagle Pub. We noticed a few Guided Historic Walking Tours around this area of Cambridge, as there’s a lot of history to learn!

As well as being one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge , The Eagle Pub  was the place where Francis Crick and James Watson announced their discovery of DNA (double helix structure DNA).

They were both researchers and scientists at Cambridge University . It’s one of the best scientific discoveries of the 20th century and they won a Nobel Prize in 1962.

Honestly, if you didn’t research what to do on your 1 day Cambridge itinerary, you would easily walk passed this Greene King pub . Although there is a sign to celebrate and remember the day the scientists discovered the ‘ Secret of Life’ .

Go on a Punting Tour

As you’re getting started with learning about Cambridge, it’s time to explore the beautiful River Cam and take a boat trip!

Once you head to the waterfront, you’ll notice lots of companies offering punting tours . You can book online in advance to guarantee a spot or find a boat when you arrive.

A punting tour is one of the best ways to see the famous colleges of Cambridge and your guide will tell you interesting facts as you float past. We recommend joining a shared Punting Tour instead of hiring your own, as it looks so hard! Our guide told us a lot of people fall in.

The boats used for punting are long and wooden with flat bottoms! The punter uses a pole to push the boat along in the river and it’s a work of art! Cambridge is the most popular place in the UK to go punting !

Punting on a Cambridge day trip

Visit Wren Library

Next on your Cambridge 1 day itinerary, visit the Wren Library (part of Trinity College). The Wren Library is notable for its extremely invaluable books such as Isaac Newton’s text and the first manuscript of Winnie the Pooh . It’s also home to the oldest manuscript of Shakespeare’s plays.

The library has very short opening hours usually around lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm. It has been closed for 3 years from 2020 until late 2023, but it’s finally open to visitors as of September 2023.

As a big fan of Winnie the Pooh, it was incredible to see A.A. Milnes’s early work from 1926 and it’s actually the only piece that you’re not allowed to photograph. Milne was also a student at Trinity College (Cambridge University).

The library is also free to enter ! A lot of monuments and buildings cost money to enter in Cambridge.

Visiting the Wren Library during a 1 day Cambridge Itinerary

Grab lunch in Cambridge

There are many great places to eat in Cambridge! We recommend grabbing a bite from the local market in the centre of the city or taking a short walk to Urban Butterfly or The Tipsy Vegan .

At Cambridge Market Square , you can find Africfood , noodles, falafel and juices! This 1 day Cambridge itinerary is pretty packed, so you’ll want to take some time to rest before starting your afternoon!

Climb to Great St Mary’s Tower

Right next to the market is an Anglican church named Great St Mary’s . Visiting the church is a beautiful experience, but the main reason to visit is to see scenic views of Cambridge from the University Church Tower .

There are 123 steps leading to the top with a viewing platform. The church is free to enter and it’s £6 to climb the tower. Check the website for updates.

Explore Cambridge University

Cambridge University is one of the best and oldest universities in the world , ranking amongst well-known schools such as Oxford, Harvard and Stanford. It was established back in 1209 after Oxford University.

There isn’t just one building at Cambridge University , in fact, they’re spread out all over the city. The historic beauty of the buildings and colleges is one of the main reasons visitors come to Cambridge on a day trip from London.

Explore Cambridge University

What are the colleges at Cambridge University?

Cambridge is a ‘ collegiate university ‘ made up of 31 colleges with different subjects, facilities and funding. When applying to the university, a student chooses a college to be accepted and that’s the college they will study with, live and also eat!

Some colleges also have different admittance rules such as Wolfson, Hughes Hall and St.Edmund’s only accept students over the age of 21. Newnham and Murray Edwards only accept female students, and Kings College used to only admit boys from  Eton College  until 1865.

The best way to learn more about the colleges and history of the university is on a Cambridge University Walking Tour ! The most popular colleges to visit are Kings College, Trinity College, Queens College and Pembroke College .

Visit Kings College if you only have 1 day in Cambridge

After your morning punting tour , you will have seen King’s College Chapel and the grounds surrounding it. The chapel is one of the oldest surviving buildings at the university and it has an incredibly unique ceiling.

The fan vault ceiling in the chapel took 3 years to create and it’s the reason why the chapel is so popular along with its well-known choir. Tickets are around £13 to enter.

King's College

King’s College Bridge is also one of the most photogenic spots on your Cambridge 1 day itinerary.

Eat a famous Chelsea bun

Head over to Fitzbilies Cafe during your Cambridge day trip to try one of their famous Chelsea Buns. This lovely artisan bakery creates the most syrupy and soft Chelsea buns we’ve ever tried! Fitzbillies have been going since 1920 and you can find two of them in Cambridge city.

The famous Cambridge Chelsa Bun

We also recommend Jack’s Gelato for their amazing ice creams! They had three vegan flavours when we visited, including dark chocolate!

Wander the beautiful streets of Cambridge

Amongst all of the history during your Cambridge 1 day itinerary, Cambridge is still a city with mainstream shops and beautiful cobbled streets. Our favourite streets in Cambridge are:

  • Rose Crescent
  • Trinity Lane
  • Green Street
  • Portugal Place
  • Orchard Street

Cambridge is full of photogenic streets as the city dates back so far. There’s also cute bunting along some of the streets in the summer months.

Rose Crescent in Cambridge

If you like the sound of Cambridge, check out Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh !

Visit the Round Church

Close to Portugal Street is the Round Church built in 1130. There are only four Round Churches in the UK and Cambridge is home to one of them. The architecture inside is remarkable and a great place to visit if you’re a fan of medieval times. There’s a small fee to enter.

The Round Church

See the views at Castle Mound

Located on the west side of River Cam , Castle Mound is another great place in Cambridge to see panoramic views of the city . The best part is, it’s free!

It only takes 1 minute to reach the top of the mound and you can see faint remains of Cambridge Castle that was built around 1068.

The best time to visit is at sunset , but on a 1 day Cambridge itinerary, there may not be a sunset while you are visiting.

Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum

There are numerous museums in Cambridge, too many to visit with 1 day in Cambridge! However, if you’d like to visit one, we recommend the Fitzwilliam Museum .

It’s a free museum to enter and it’s filled with Egyptian, Greek and Roman history along with huge oil paintings from all over the world. The building itself is pretty impressive and you can easily get lost in the maze of artefact s!

Fitzwilliam Museum

Find the Old Bicycle Shop

The Old Bicycle Shop is another place to visit on your one day in Cambridge and it’s also on the way back to the train station.

It’s actually now a restaurant serving delicious food, but its name comes from its past. The Old Bicycle Shop used to be named Howes Cycles and it’s been said that Charles Darwin bought a bicycle from here back in the 19th century .

You can really see the transition from the retro bike shop it used to be!

Explore the Botanical Garden

As you get closer to Cambridge train station you’ll notice a huge park called Cambridge University Botanic Garden . If you have time left on your 1 day Cambridge itinerary, visit the gardens for a lovely stroll.

The garden is filled with beautifully unique plant species and you can visit all year round, although summer is when the flowers are most colourful!

We ran out of time during our Cambridge itinerary because there’s so much to cover, but it was on our list! Now it’s on our list for our next Cambridge day trip from London!

Spending one day in Cambridge exploring the streets!

Stem & Glory is a great option if you’re looking for dinner in Cambridge.

Alternative ideas for a Cambridge 1 day itinerary

Although we’ve created a jam-packed Cambridge one day itinerary, there’s always going to be more things to do in the city! Here’s a few more ideas if you have more than one day in Cambridge or some extra time!

  • Polar Museum
  • Walk over the Mathematical Bridge
  • University of Zoology
  • Relax on the Jesus Green – a beautiful park near the river!
  • Visit more colleges at Cambridge University
  • Kettle’s Yard – an art Gallery!

Where to stay in Cambridge

The best area to stay in Cambridge is in the  Cambridge City Centre ! Cambridge is small, so anywhere within a 20-30 minute walk is a good place to stay.

YHA Cambridge £-££ – One of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Cambridge, near the train station – Find YHA on Booking.com here !

Gonville Hotel ££-£££ – This high-quality hotel is in the centre of Cambridge –  Book Gonville Hotel here on Booking.com !

University Arms, Autograph Collection ££-£££ – Another luxury hotel in the heart of Cambridge –  Book here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in Cambridge

There are some incredible places to eat around Cambridge, here’s a few of our recommendations:

  • Stem & Glory ££ – are a well-presented plant-based restaurant near the train station in Cambridge!
  • Tipsy Vegan ££ – The perfect place for lunch after Punting or for evening drinks.
  • Fitzbillies £ – Famous Chelsea buns! yes, there’s a vegan option!
  • Urban Butterfly £-££ – A delicious vegan cafe in Cambride!
  • Africfood £ – At the local market in Cambridge!

Finding the best food in Cambridge

How to get around Cambridge

Cambridge is a walkable city , so it’s easy to get around! There are multiple bus routes and even two train stations if you are staying overnight in the city. A Punting Tour is another great way to spend 1 day in Cambridge browsing some of the best sights from the water!

What to do in Cambridge at night

  • Go on a Ghost Punting Tour
  • Visit Cambridge Observatory (October to March)
  • Relax, drink and dine at The Tipsy Vegan restaurant
  • Have a cocktail at the Hidden Rooms
  • Head to a pub!

How many days in Cambridge

Cambridge is a small city and it’s definitely possible to spend 1 day in Cambridge seeing the main highlights and learning about the history of the city. We recommend spending at least one day in the city, as an afternoon or half a day would be too rushed.

It’s also a great idea to spend a weekend in Cambridge as there’s enough activities to keep you busy! Most of the colleges cost money to enter, so bear that in mind when creating your Cambridge day trip.

If you’re staying more than 1 day in Cambridge, consider taking day trips to other cities in the UK such as a visit to Norfolk , Peterborough and Northampton.

What to pack for a 1 day in Cambridge

Here’s a few travel essentials that we bring on our trips, especially in the UK!

  • A reusable water bottle  – a must when travelling anywhere!
  • Wireless earbuds  – the best for long journeys in the UK.
  • Comfortable day backpack  – this one has so many compartments for organising!
  • Portable power bank  – charge your phone on the go.
  • A compact umbrella  – another must-have when visiting the UK.
  • A raincoat  – for the unpredictable UK weather.
  • Packing cubes  – if you’re staying more than one day in Cambridge, these are so helpful.
  • A padlock  – for any lockers.

Cambridge itinerary

Planning a 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary

Here are some helpful links to plan your Cambridge one day itinerary:

  • Check for any  public holidays  on your date of visit ( Find out when the public holidays are )!
  • Book your train tickets in advance  on  Trainline !
  • If you’re taking the train, double-check for train strikes!
  • Get Travel Insurance –  Find out more here !
  • Book your accommodation on  Hostelworld here  or on  Booking.com here !
  • Where to stay in Cambridge:  YHA Cambridge – Book your stay here !

More guides in the  United Kingdom :

The Best 1 Day York Itinerary: Things To Do (2024)

  • Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh
  • The Best 1 day Highlands Road Trip from Edinburgh
  • How to Climb Yr Wyddfa from Pen-y-Pass: Snowdon
  • Top 20 Best Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh, Scotland
  • A Weekend in Brighton – 8 Great Things To Do
  • Browse more  English   or  Scottish  posts!

Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! –  SafetyWing  Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing  is a flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world –  Find out more here!

That’s the end of our  The Best 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Things To Do (2024) ! Enjoy your one day in Cambridge and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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1 day Cambridge itinerary in the United Kingdom - travel guide

Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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13 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, England

Looking for the best things to do in Cambridge, England ? Take a stroll through this quaint city’s streets for incredible architecture and rich history.

I loved visiting Cambridge when my brother lived there. This charming English city is a popular day trip from London and is well worth a visit .

After many visits, I’ve compiled this list of the best things to do in Cambridge , whether you’re just here for the day or for a longer visit.

Top Things to Do in Cambridge

1. visit king’s college chapel.

King’s College Chapel is the iconic building you’ll probably see on all of the Cambridge souvenirs. this is the chapel of King’s College in the University of Cambridge, but it is open to the public.

This chapel is a beautiful example of Perpendicular Gothic English architecture, with large windows and straight vertical and horizontal lines everywhere.

Inside, you’ll be able to see an exhibit on the history of the College, the world’s largest fan vaulted ceiling, and the Adoration of the Magi painting by Peter Paul Rubens.

Outside, you can walk through the wildflower meadow on the back lawn and see the Xu Zhimo stone, commemorating the Chinese romantic poet, in the memorial garden.

See King’s College Chapel on this Cambridge University tour.

2. See the Corpus Clock

The Corpus Clock has been a Cambridge icon since it was unveiled in 2008. Invented and designed by Corpus Christi College alum Dr. John C. Taylor, the gleaming gold clock has no hands or numbers with which to tell the time.

Instead, look for the slits cut into the clock face, which are lit from behind by LEDs. The inner ring represents the hour, the center ring represents the minute, and the outer ring represents the second.

The ripples on the clock represent the Big Bang that formed the universe. On top is the “Chronophage” time-eating monster that resembles a grasshopper. When the hour is struck, a hammer hits a wooden coffin. A Latin inscription beneath the clock reads “The world and its desires pass away”.

3. Go punting on the River Cam

If you only have time for one thing to do in Cambridge, I recommend punting the River Cam .

“Punts” are flat-bottomed boats designed for use on small or shallow rivers. “Punting” is the act of boating on a punt, where the “punter” propels the boat by pushing off the river floor.

Punting has been a popular activity in Cambridge since the early 1900’s, and there are more punts on the River Cam than on any other river in England.

Because the Cam runs through the backs of the colleges (the “College Backs”), it’s a popular activity for tourists who get to experience punting and see the private colleges all at the same time.

Most punting tours last about 1 hour, and you’ll get to see views of King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, the dormitories of Trinity college, and the Mathematical Bridge.

Book your Cambridge punting tour here.

4. Have a drink at The Eagle

Duck into The Eagle , a historic pub that has been around since 1667 and has seen some great things.

James Watson and Francis Crick regularly lunched here. In 1953, they announced to fellow pub patrons that they had discovered the structure of DNA.

During WWII, this pub was also a favorite of RAF and American airmen. You can still see where these airmen graffitied the ceiling of the pub.

5. Go shopping in Market Square

There have been markets at the Historic Market Square since the Middle Ages.

Independent traders and crafters still continue to set up stalls here. You can shop for fresh food, ingredients, art, plants, clothes, jewelry, books, music, and more.

Market Square has sellers every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.

6. See the Mathematical Bridge

Stop on Silver Street to get a great view of the Back of Queens College and of Mathematical Bridge.

Mathematical Bridge is so named in part due to a lot of legends misrepresenting the structure as being built by Newton or being put together without screws (neither of which are true). But more likely it’s due to the bridge being made with all straight boards creating an arch.

In other words, Mathematical Bridge was made using math (as if other bridges aren’t built using math!). The official name for the bridge is actually Wooden Bridge.

7. See the Bridge of Sighs

The Bridge of Sighs was built in 1831, and it links the New Court with the older Third Court of St. John’s College. The bridge is named after the one in Venice , even though they look nothing alike; they only thing they have in common is that they’re covered bridges.

To see the Bridge of Sighs, you’ll either have to pay to enter St. John’s College where you can get a view from Kitchen Bridge. Or you will need to take a punting tour , which offers the best vantage point as you boat beneath the bridge.

It is said that the Bridge of Sighs was Queen Victoria’s favorite.

8. Visit Newton’s Apple Tree

Sir Isaac Newton is known for discovering gravity, with the story that his discovery came while sitting under an apple tree when an apple fell on his head.

The apple tree in Cambridge outside the main gate of Trinity College isn’t the actual tree (that one is in Newton’s childhood home of Woolsthorpe Manor), but it is a descendent, grafted from the original “Flower of Kent” apple tree.

Newton attended Trinity College at Cambridge University in 1661. Newton’s apple tree was planted here in 1954 to honor the scientist.

You aren’t allowed on the grass to get up close to the tree, but you can still view it at any time and take pictures.

9. Eat a Chelsea Bun at Fitzbillies

Fitzbillies is one of the best places to eat in Cambridge .

The original Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street has been a staple of Cambridge since 1920 when it became the cake-shop of choice for locals.

People would line up for a taste of their Chelsea buns, a currant bun flavored with lemon peel, cinnamon or other mixed spices, and they still do. A smaller, second branch of the bakery opened on Bridge St. in 2016.

10. Climb the Cambridge Castle Mound

William the Conqueror and his Norman conquest of England is the reason for so many castles around the country. And he didn’t leave Cambridge out of his castle-building frenzy. Though there’s not much left of the former stronghold that was Cambridge Castle, you can still admire the site.

On Castle Street, just past The Castle Inn, is the site of Cambridge Castle , now just a mound and some memories.

But a climb to the top of Castle Mound gets you to the highest point in the city and gives you picturesque views of Cambridge.

11. Have a drink at the Cambridge Wine Merchants Wine Bar

Looking for a classy place to sip wines in Cambridge?

At Cambridge Wine Merchants Wine Bar , you can shop wines, beers, and spirits, plus you can have a light lunch of cheese plates, deli platters, scotch eggs, and more along with a glass or bottle of wine while you sit and watch Cambridge city life go by.

Choose from a menu of reds, whites, sparkling, Champagne, rosé, sherry, and even beer, cider, gin, and whisky.

12. Take a University of Cambridge Tour

Take a University of Cambridge Tour to see one of the world’s most famous universities.

On this tour , a university student will guide you around the campus, giving you insider information on Trinity College, King’s College, and Corpus Christi College. You’ll see the historic halls where Sir Isaac Newton, C.S. Lewis, and John Harvard once walked.

You can pay to enter many of the colleges on your own as a visitor, but the best way to see them is definitely on a guided tour!

Book your University of Cambridge Tour here.

13. Lakenheath RAF Base

During World War II, RAF Lakenheath served as a decoy airfield while the neighboring Mildenhall airfield was operational. False runway lights and plywood aircraft lured German forces away toward Lakenheath.

Because of this, Lakenheath was bombed on five separate occasions, but Mildenhall was safe.

The U.S. Air Force assumed administrative control of the base in 1951, and now Lakenheath and Mildenhall are the two main U.S. Air Force bases in the UK.

The 48th Fighter Wing that calls Lakenheath its home has flown 18 different aircraft since activating in 1941. The base has three of these 18 — an F-4 Phantom II, an F-111 Aardvark, and an F-15 Eagle — displayed near the Post Office. Another, an F-100 Super Sabre, sits by Gate 1.

Note: The RAF Lakenheath tour program has been suspended for 2024. They hope to resume offering tours at a later date.

Things to Do in Cambridge Map

Ready to explore these top things to do in Cambridge, England? Use the map below to help plan out your trip!

I hope you have a wonderful time seeing all that Cambridge has to offer!

Top Cambridge Tours

  • Punting Tour in Cambridge
  • Alumni-Led Cambridge Uni Tour w/opt King’s College Entry
  • Historic Cambridge: A Guided Walking Tour

Where to Stay in Cambridge

  • Where We Stayed: Graduate Cambridge
  • Top Hotel: The Varsity Hotel & Spa
  • Great Value: Holiday Inn Express Cambridge
  • Unique Stay: University Arms Hotel

More Things to Do in Cambridge, England

Find even more fun things to see and do in Cambridge. Check out these posts for inspiration:

  • Free Things to Do in Cambridge, England
  • Visiting Cambridge Castle in Cambridge, England
  • Where to Eat in Cambridge, England
  • Christmas in Cambridge, England

Ready to visit Cambridge, England? Plan your trip with these tips.

  • Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
  • Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Cambridge using Booking.com.
  • Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.

What are your favorite things to do in Cambridge, England? Let me know in the comments!

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Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta? , a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

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UK Travel Planning

Cambridge Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Cambridge Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for one of the most famous university cities in the world. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Cambridge!

Plan your visit to Cambridge

Located 55 miles north of London is the city of Cambridge. Home to one of the world’s most famous and prestigious universities this ancient seat of learning, and historic city, is smaller and more compact than Oxford.

Spend the day exploring some of its 31 architecturally stunning colleges, famous museums, or take to the river for a spot of punting. Read on for Cambridge travel tips and advice to help you plan your visit.

What you will find in this complete Cambridge Travel Guide

Map of Cambridge

When is the best time of year to visit cambridge, how many days do you need in cambridge, what is the best way to explore cambridge, which city should i visit – oxford or cambridge, by train from london, by car from london, take a tour from london to cambridge, attractions and things to do in cambridge, accommodation in cambridge, tickets, tours & attractions in cambridge, books to read before visiting cambridge, enjoy your visit to cambridge.

UK AND LONDON TRAVEL PLANNING

Cambridge travel guide – Visiting Cambridge FAQ’s

Cambridge is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a wonderful destination whatever time of year you plan to visit. During the summer months, Cambridge is the perfect destination if you would like to try punting. Take to the river and enjoy views of the bridges and University buildings as you meander along.

Cambridge is one of the UK’s driest cities so with luck you should have a pleasant and dry day whatever time of year you choose to visit.

The Cambridge Folk Festival which is the biggest folk festival in Europe is held annually in June-July.

It is possible to see the main sights and attractions of Cambridge in a day which makes it the perfect day trip from London .

The city’s main attractions and sights are within easy walking distance which makes Cambridge a great destination to explore on foot. We recommend joining a guided walking tour to make the most of your visit.

Both cities have their own unique charms and are worth a visit.

Cambridge is a smaller city than Oxford. There is less to do and see but it is a beautiful and easy city to explore in a day.

Oxford is the larger city and has lots of things to see and do so could easily fill 2 days if you wish to explore all its colleges and museums. It is also the perfect destination to visit if you are considering a road trip to the Cotswolds. If you are a Harry Potter fan head to Oxford where you will find several film locations used in a number of the movies. Read more about visiting Oxford in my Oxford Travel Guide .

As I have mentioned both cities are doable day trips from London by train. If you only have one day and want to see both cities take this Oxford & Cambridge Day Tour from London.

Oxford and Cambridge colleges to choose from when visiting the best of Cambridge travel guide.

What is the best way to travel to Cambridge from London?

For timetables and tickets we recommend the trainline . Take the train to Cambridge for the day or incorporate it into your UK train travel itinerary.

Tip – If this is your first time catching a train in the UK read our complete guide to UK train travel which includes all the information you need to know to make travelling around the UK by rail a relaxing and stress-free experience.

  • Distance from London: 55 miles
  • Time taken by train: 50 mins to 1 hour 50 depending on route
  • Leave from: London St Pancras International to Cambridge is the quickest route

Cambridge is located 55 miles from London and will take over an hour and 30 minutes from London by car. Unless you are planning to visit from London and head to other destinations in the UK we recommend taking the train!

If you do plan to drive to Cambridge you will find that parking is expensive so we recommend using the Park and Ride scheme . There are 5 locations around the city to park your car and catch a bus into the city.

We recommend these day tours to Cambridge from Get Your Guide.

  • City and University Tour including King’s College – Visit the iconic landmarks of Cambridge University and enter the famous King’s College Chapel. Enjoy a walking tour with a Cambridge University student and see the world behind the institution’s closed doors.
  • Exclusive Chauffeur: London to Cambridge and Woburn Abbey – Enjoy the luxury and comfort of your own private chauffeur whisking you out of London to beautiful Cambridge and Woburn Abbey. Discover the beauty of the English countryside on this exclusive private tour.

Click the links for more information about the best things to do in Cambridge and an itinerary for your day including visiting the Fitzwilliam Museum, going for a punt on the River Cam, exploring Cambridge’s Colleges (each an architectural marvel) such as St John’s King’s College and much more!

Punting along the river Cam in Cambridge

One day in Cambridge Itinerary

Aerial view of the English city of Cambridge as seen in our Cambridge Travel Guide.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAMBRIDGE

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

Mathematical bridge in Cambridge.

There are numerous walking tours (and punting tours) of Cambridge available.

  • University Punting and Walking Tour – Discover the beauty of Cambridge on a combined 90-minute walking tour and 50-minute punting cruise along the River Cam.
  • Guided Walking Tour of Historic Cambridge – Take a two hour guided tour of historic Cambridge with an accredited Cambridge Green Badge guide. The fun and family-friendly tour will show you the city’s stunning buildings and tell you about its many famous names.
  • Cambridge University Guided Walking Tour with a Graduate – Get an insight into life at one of the world’s most elite universities on a 1.5-hour historical walking tour of Cambridge University with a graduate guide. Visit some of the most famous colleges, such as Clare College and Trinity College.

Cambridge University and the river Cam.

Cambridge is proud of its literary heritage and connections with many famous authors who have studied or taught at one of its colleges. To fully appreciate and enjoy your visit to Cambridge we recommend reading some of their works.

These include

  • William Wordsworth
  • Sylvia Plath
  • E.M.Forster
  • Zadie Smith
  • Sebastian Faulks
  • Stephen Fry
  • Salman Rushdie
  • Margaret Drabble
  • Joanne Harris
  • Nick Hornby

This guide will have provided inspiration plus practical information to help plan your visit to Cambridge. You will find more inspiration and ideas to help plan your travels around England in these travel guides:

  • Devon Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)
  • Liverpool Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary & map)
  • York Travel Guide (including essential travel tips, itinerary + map)
  • Peak District Travel Guide
  • Lake District Travel Guide
  • 10 virtual tours of famous landmarks in the UK

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has lots of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Cambridge Travel Tips

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

Cambridge University, Cambridge

Cambridge is an iconic English city home to some of the country’s best universities, parks, museums, and theatrical productions. It’s a lively small city with a young student population that keeps things affordable.

Like Oxford , life here revolves around the university, but there are many other things to do here as well. I enjoyed the museums, wandering around the parks, and embracing the relaxed pace of life (there are only around 125,000 people here compared to the almost 10 million in London!).

Since Cambridge is just a few hours from London , the city is a popular day-trip destination, however, I enjoyed it enough that I would recommend it for at least a night since there’s so much to do here.

This Cambridge travel guide can help you plan your visit to this fun, beautiful, and historic destination.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Cambridge

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Cambridge

People punting down the river with the buildings of Cambridge University in the background in Cambridge, England

1. Visit the colleges

Founded in 1209, Cambridge University is an architectural marvel made up of 31 colleges. The school’s Kings and Queens Colleges have the most beautiful buildings, while Corpus Christi, St. Johns, and Trinity have iconic, stunning quads. Pembroke has buildings from every century since its foundation in 1347, while Newnham College has stunning gardens and gorgeous architecture. Spend some time wandering the university.

2. Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum

Founded in 1816, the Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge. It has more than half a million works of art, including masterpiece paintings and historical artifacts, with origins ranging from ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities to modern-day art. Some highlights include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso. Admission is free.

3. Visit Great St. Mary’s Church

This university church is home to some of the best-preserved English architecture in the country. Constructed in the 15th century, this Late Gothic church offers excellent panoramic views of the city from its bell tower at the top of 123 steps. Admission is free and the bell tower costs 6 GBP. The award-winning Michaelhouse Café located inside the medieval chapel within the church offers breakfast and lunch 7 days a week.

4. Go punting and see the Backs

Punting is a classic Cambridge sport that involves pushing a wooden boat with a pole (instead of rowing with oars). Punting is the only way to see the Cambridge Backs, a picturesque area along the River Cam named for the view of the (literal) backs of the nearby colleges (Magdalene, St John’s, Trinity, Trinity Hall, Clare, King’s, and Queens’). Punting along the tranquil, tree-lined river is also the best way to take in the sights of some of Cambridge’s most famous landmarks such as King’s College Chapel, The Wren Library at Trinity College, and the Bridge of Sighs. Guided tours start at 20 GBP but can be as much as 100 GBP depending on the type of tour and season. Make sure you only book with a licensed operator. Renting your own boat costs around 20-35 GBP.

5. Shop at Cambridge’s market square

Since the Middle Ages, vendors have been selling their wares at Cambridge’s market square in the center of town. Open daily from 10am-4pm, you can find everything from second-hand clothing and bikes to cheap eats and local produce. Even if you don’t purchase anything, walking the aisles is a nice way to spend some time taking in the city and people-watching.

Other Things to See and Do in Cambridge

1. take a free walking tour.

Cambridge is a great place to walk around for a few hours, admiring the beauty of the parks, river, and old historic buildings. A free walking tour is the best way to get the lay of the land and see the main sights (it’s how I start all my visits to a new city). Footprints Walking Tours has the best free walking tour in the city. It lasts a couple of hours and includes all the main highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Botanical Garden of Cambridge University

For a quiet afternoon, head to the Botanical Gardens. John Stevens Henslow, the mentor to Charles Darwin, created the gardens for research purposes in 1831. Today, the gardens boast over 8,000 plant species from around the world. Hang out in the Woodland Garden and Lake, or visit the Glasshouse Range, a series of buildings with themed environments, including deserts and tropical rainforests. The Winter and Autumn Gardens are seasonal glasshouses that are especially colorful during the right months! Admission is 7.50 GBP.

3. Attend a lecture

It’s possible to attend one of the university’s lectures if you plan ahead by looking at the list of public talks on the university’s website. They have lectures on everything from molecular science to the global learning crisis to archaeological mysteries. Talks are usually free and operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.

4. See a show at the ADC Theatre

To take in the local art scene, attend an amateur performance at the ADC (Amateur Dramatic Club) Theatre. The university’s playhouse is entirely student-run, offering productions by students and other local theatrical groups. In operation since 1855, ADC is the oldest university playhouse in the country and has been the launching point for the careers of countless famous actors and comedians. Tickets are 7-16 GBP depending on the show and day of the week.

5. Attend the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival

Every summer over the course of six weeks, more than 25,000 people gather to see different Shakespeare plays performed in the gardens of the various colleges. Arrive early as the good spots fill up quickly (there are only 200 seats on a first-come, first-served basis). There’s also a picnic area if you want to bring a blanket and a snack to enjoy before the performance. Tickets are 18 GBP per performance.

6. Watch a rowing race

Cambridge is renowned for its rowing club. All colleges have their own clubs, which compete with one another in regular races. Besides punting, this is the most popular activity in town. Watch a race from the river’s edge or grab a pint and sit outside at the riverside pub, The Plough to cheer on the athletes.

7. Visit Anglesey Abbey

Less than 7 miles (11 kilometers) outside of Cambridge, Anglesey Abbey is a stunning Jacobean country house with colorful gardens and a working watermill. Originally built in 1600 (but extensively remodeled in the early 1900s), the interior consists of medieval vaulting, 17th-century paneling, and rooms full of antique furniture and books. Two of the main highlights are the pair of Tudor royal portraits, including the earliest likeness of Henry VIII. In the early spring, a carpet of white snowdrops blooms across the 100 acres of gardens, making for a scenic stroll. You can tour the watermill, the house, and the grounds for 15 GBP.

8. Tour Wren Library

While at Trinity College, be sure to stop at the Wren Library to see its impressive collection of 55,000 books — all of which were published before 1820. A.A. Milne’s original Winnie the Pooh is here as Milne and his son, Christopher Robin, were graduates from Cambridge. Named for famous architect Christopher Wren (whose masterpiece is St. Paul’s Cathedral in London), the building was completed in 1695 and is an important piece of history itself. Visiting is free, though it is currently closed to tourists due to COVID.

9. Explore the Polar Museum

If you’re interested in learning about the world’s earliest explorers, visit the Polar Museum (part of the Scott Polar Research Institute). It was founded in 1920 as a memorial to explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who famously died with his team in 1912 on his return trip from the South Pole. There are photographs, archival videos, ship models, drawings, paintings, and even the last letters written by Scott during his final journey. It’s free to visit.

For more information on other cities in England, check out these guides:

  • Bath Travel Guide
  • Brighton Travel Guide
  • Bristol Travel Guide
  • Liverpool Travel Guide
  • London Travel Guide
  • Manchester Travel Guide
  • Oxford Travel Guide

Cambridge Travel Costs

Street scene with a historic Tudor-style building in the background in Cambridge, England

Hostel prices – Cambridge currently has one hostel. A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 20 GBP per night. Currently, due to COVID, you can only book private rooms, which cost around 59 GBP per night. Free Wi-Fi is included, and there is a bar on-site as well as self-catering facilities.

If you have a tent, there are campgrounds outside the city with basic facilities that cost between 15-20 GBP per night for a tent pitch without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel costs 50-60 GBP per night (70-80 GBP in high season). Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea maker, TV, and AC.

When university is not in session (and when there is no pandemic), you can book a room to stay at one of the colleges. Prices vary but expect to spend around 75 GBP per night (although prices can be as low as 55 GBP and as high as 100 GBP).

Airbnb is available around Cambridge, with private rooms costing 65-90 GBP per night while an entire home or apartment costs 90-140 GBP. Prices are slightly higher in the summer months. There are much cheaper options further out in the countryside if you have a car.

Food – While British cuisine has evolved in leaps and bounds due to immigration (and colonialism), it’s still very much a meat and potatoes country. Fish and chips remain a popular staple for both lunch and dinner while roasted and stewed meats, sausages, meat pies, and the quintessential Yorkshire pudding are all common options as well. Curry (and other Indian dishes, such as tikka masala), are super popular too.

Since there are so many college kids in the city, there are a lot of budget food options here. Lunch specials cost around 8 GBP, and you can get a deli-style sandwich for around 5 GBP. If you have an appetite, don’t miss the heaping portions of Jollof (a rice dish that’s popular in West Africa) at Africfood’s food stall in Cambridge Market for 9 GBP.

Dinners out cost between 11-20 for a main dish. A burger at a pub costs 12-15 GBP. But, since Cambridge is a student town, there are often cheaper specials and happy hours away from the touristy areas of Sidney Street, Fitzroy Street, and Bridge Street.

For a multi-course meal and a drink in a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay closer to 30 GBP. Fast food like McDonald’s costs around 6 GBP for a combo meal.

Beer is around 5 GBP while a latte/cappuccino is 3 GBP. Bottled water is around 1.50 GBP.

Buying your own food at a grocery store costs 40-55 GBP for a week’s worth of groceries. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat. The best places to buy cheap groceries in the UK are Lidl, Aldi, Sainsbury’s, or Tesco.

Backpacking Cambridge Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Cambridge, expect to spend about 55 GBP per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, walking and taking public transportation, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, and doing mostly free activities like free walking tours and free museum visits. If you plan on drinking, add another 5-10 GBP to your daily budget.

A mid-range budget of 150 GBP per day covers staying in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eating out for most meals, having a few drinks, taking the occasional taxi, and doing more paid activities such as going punting or visiting the botanical garden.

On a “luxury” budget of 245 GBP or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you might spend more and some days you might spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in GBP.

Cambridge Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Since Cambridge is a student-oriented city, you can find lots of ways to cut corners on your budget. Here are my top tips for saving money when you visit Cambridge:

  • Attend a lecture – Attending a free lecture at the university is well worth it. You can experience what the students do and be immersed in the academic world for an afternoon. Check the university’s website for the official public talks to play student for the day!
  • Walk in the parks – The parks are mostly free here (the Botanical Garden charges a small entrance fee) and are a great place to relax. Bring a book, pack a snack, and lounge the day away!
  • Take a free walking tour – If you want to get a better feel for the city, be sure to take a free walking tour. They only last a couple of hours and are a great way to engage with the city’s history. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide!
  • Visit the Visitor Information Centre – Pop into the Visitor Information Centre as they often have discounted tickets for punting and other activities around the city. They can let you know what’s happening and show you how to save money.
  • Stay with a local – If you’re on a budget, use Couchsurfing to get free accommodation. It’s a great way to cut costs while connecting with a local. Many students are away in the summer, however, so be sure to apply early.
  • Bike or walk everywhere – Cambridge is not a large city so you can pretty much walk or bike everywhere. Skip taxis and public transportation if you’re on a budget.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Cambridge

Cambridge only has one hostel; everything else is a budget hotel or a guesthouse. With limited budget accommodation, you should book early. Here are my suggested places to stay:

  • YHA Cambridge
  • A & B Guest House Cambridge Ltd

How to Get Around Cambridge

View over the rooftops of Cambridge, England

Public transportation – Cambridge is pedestrian-friendly and you can pretty much walk everywhere. However, there’s also a bus available if you need to go further afield.

City bus fares cost 1-3 GBP per ride depending on how far you go. An all-day pass is 4.50 GBP.

Additionally, London is only an hour away from Cambridge by bus or train, making it easy to plan a day or weekend trip to the university town. Flixbus has tickets for as little as 4 GBP, but the timings are pretty anti-social (think midnight or later). National Express has options for around 21 GBP but you have to change at Heathrow.

Expect to pay anywhere between 8-29 GBP for a train that is quicker and more direct (trains leave from Liverpool Street, Kings Cross, and St Pancras and take 50 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on which station you leave from). Note: buying in advance can lower prices significantly.

Bicycle – Renting a bike is a great way to explore the outer areas of the city. Full-day rentals (8 hours) cost around 15 GBP.

Taxi – Taxis start at 2.80 GBP and go up 1.75 GBP per mile. Since prices add up fast, I suggest skipping the taxis if you can.

Ridesharing – Uber is available here, however, since you can walk everywhere and the bus is super affordable, I suggest skipping the rideshares.

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 18 GBP per day for a multi-day rental, however, you definitely don’t need one to explore the city. I’d only suggest a car rental if you’re traveling around the region. Just remember that driving is on the left and that most vehicles have manual transmissions.

When to Go to Cambridge

Like London, Cambridge can be rainy and foggy year-round. Summer is the hottest time of year, with temperatures averaging 20°C (68°F) between June and September. This is also Cambridge’s peak travel season, so expect bigger crowds and inflated prices (especially during festivals and events).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons, with milder temperatures and moderate rainfall. The atmosphere in town is upbeat, as the school year is in full swing. Prices are also lower, so you can afford to splurge a little more.

Winter can be very cold, with temperatures hovering around 6°C (43°F). December and January can be rainy, so be sure to pack lots of layers if you visit during this time.

How to Stay Safe in Cambridge

Cambridge is one of the safest cities in the UK. But like anywhere, it’s good to keep your wits around you — especially after a fun night out. If you keep your valuables secure and use common sense, you won’t have any trouble here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Everywhere around the university is generally quite safe. It gets seedier if you venture into the King’s Hedges or Arbury areas, but even in those places, you’re unlikely to get into much trouble.

While scams here are rare, if you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you do experience an emergency, dial 999 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Cambridge Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Cambridge Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling England and continue planning your trip:

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

The 14 Best Things to Do in Bristol

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in London: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 8 Best Hostels in London

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

70+ Free Things to Do in London

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Cambridge

15 BEST Places to Visit in Cambridge (2024)

Cambridge is a great travel destination for anyone who’s interested in history, architecture, and wants to enjoy them in a modern, vibrant city.

When you travel to Cambridge, you’ll marvel at its medieval, atmospheric streets that still manage to embrace contemporary culture and progress. And you’ll find so many amazing places to visit in Cambridge that you might struggle to choose between them.

Cambridge isn’t on many people’s bucket lists. This means that you might struggle to find interesting places to visit in Cambridge. To help you find the attractions and landmarks that you’re interested in, we’ve created this comprehensive list.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Cambridge:

These are the best places to visit in cambridge, faq on the best places to visit in cambridge, final thoughts on the coolest places to visit in cambridge.

Round Church Street, Cambridge

Round Church Street

Round Church Street is located just outside the City Centre and is one of the first residential neighbourhoods in Cambridge to be found next to the universities. While staying there, you will be within walking distance from all the main central sights, which makes it an area of choice if you are visiting Cambridge for the first time.

  • Visit Saint John College, its chapel and the Bridge of Sighs
  • Go for a picnic in Jesus Green Park

There are just too many cute narrow, cottage lined streets in this magical borough. Before scrolling any further down the page, check out where to stay in Cambridge and be sure to grab the best accommodation on one of these lovely lanes before someone else beats you to it.

visit on cambridge

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#1 – King’s College and King’s College Chapel – A great place to see in Cambridge if you love architecture

King's College and King's College Chapel

  • The views from the lawn of this Cambridge must-see are simply stunning.
  • If you’re visiting Cambridge during the school term, make sure you take the chance to see the King’s College Choir at Evensong.

Why it’s so awesome: These buildings were founded in 1441 by Henry VI and the grounds are simply stunning. They were once home to famous alumni including Rupert Brooke, Lord Keynes, and Horace Walpole and have become one of the most popular attractions in Cambridge for tourists.

What to do there: This is a still working college, so you might have to share the grounds with students depending on when you visit. The views are simply stunning, with lawns that reach all the way down to the river and provide a scenic and relaxing area to study. Also worth checking out is King’s College Chapel, with spectacular stained glass windows, a 16th-century organ screen, and an altarpiece by Ruben, known as the Adoration of the Magi.

#2 – Fitzwilliam Museum – A great place to visit in Cambridge if you are alone/traveling solo

Fitzwilliam Museum

  • Cambridge has been a center of learning and culture for hundreds of years, and this long history is reflected in the Fitzwilliam Museum.
  • The building itself is a masterpiece, and what’s inside measures up.

Why it’s so awesome: This museum contains some of the most stunning antiquities, pottery collections, and manuscripts you’ll ever see. It’s a varied mix that includes exhibits from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian times. The art gallery is also amazing, with works by masters like Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Turner, and Rubens.

What to do there: Take a couple of hours out of your schedule when you travel to Cambridge to experience some of its art culture. Check out your favorite artists and perhaps find some new ones as you wander the beautiful halls of this historic and architecturally significant building.

#3 – Cambridge University Botanic Gardens – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Cambridge

Cambridge University Botanic Gardens

  • This garden stretches across 40 acres and includes more than 8,000 species of plants.
  • The gardens were first established in 1831, and the variety of plants they contain have made them a Cambridge must-see.

Why it’s so awesome: Established in 1831, this garden contains plants from across the world. It’s a lovely and peaceful place in the middle of the city, great for plant enthusiasts as well as anyone who needs a break from the city. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a victorian style Airbnb close by so you can visit this lush green haven more than once.

What to do there: If you visit on a Sunday, there’s a free guided tour you can take through the gardens. Otherwise, you can wander along the many trails or explore the glasshouses. And when you’re done with the gardens, make sure you visit the Garden Café for a snack and browse the Botanic Garden Shop.

#4 – Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey

  • A National Trust property that’s become one of the most important landmarks in Cambridge.
  • The home contains spectacular tapestries and an amazing art collection.
  • 114 acres of parkland surround the house, so make sure you head out to explore them afterwards.

Why it’s so awesome: Anglesey Abbey was refurbished in 1926 and is now one of the best places to visit in Cambridge to see fine art and furnishings. The tapestries in this collection include pieces by Soho, Gobelin, and Anglesey and the art collection includes Constable’s The Opening of Waterloo Bridge. The building’s grounds are also incredible and include lots of attractions to entertain the kids.

What to do there: Check out the artwork and the tapestries before heading out to explore the grounds. If you have the family with you, take them to the Wildlife Discovery Center, where they can watch birds and bugs in their natural habitats. And afterwards, visit the historic water mill, the Lode Mill.

#5 – Queen’s College – One of Cambridge’s coolest historical sites!

Queen’s College

  • A historical building that contains other important landmarks in Cambridge.
  • The building was founded in 1448 and is an incredibly complete example of a medieval building.

Why it’s so awesome: Queen’s College was originally built under the patronage of Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI. However, it was refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Henry IV. The building is remarkably complete, more than any other medieval building found in Cambridge’s colleges. It also contains several other buildings and features that are worth seeing for yourself and make this one of the best points of interest in Cambridge. Maybe you’ll get lucky and find a medieval-style Airbnb close by too.

What to do there: From the moment you walk beneath the magnificent gateway leading to the First Court, you’ll feel as if you’re back in medieval times. Make sure you explore the building before heading down to the Mathematical Bridge, which extends over the Cam to the College Gardens. The bridge was reconstructed in 1902 and is made without using a single nail. You should also spend some time exploring the Cloister Court, The Pump Court which includes the Erasmus Tower, and the Victorian Chapel.

#6 – Cambridge Junction

Cambridge Junction

  • An independent arts venue where you’ll see the best music, theater, movies and more.
  • This is one of the best UK music venues outside of London, so make sure that you check out what’s on while you’re in the city.

Why it’s so awesome: If you love the arts, then you need to check out this venue when you travel to Cambridge. The Cambridge Junction hosts the best independent art exhibits and shows in the city, including movies, music, comedy, theater, and spoken word.

What to do there: Check out what’s on at this venue while you’re in the city and show up to anything that sounds interesting. Pay particular attention to the music shows, because they will probably be among the best that the UK has to offer.

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#7 – Scott Polar Research Institute Museum – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Cambridge

Scott Polar Research Institute Museum

  • Learn more about famous explorers at this niche museum.
  • If you’re fascinated by the idea of seeing foreign lands, then learn about the men who did it first.

Why it’s so awesome: There’s something intriguing about the first explorers and that’s exactly what this museum explores. The Polar Museum traces the history of Cambridge University’s world-class polar research teams. So, you’ll be able to picture what it was like to explore uncharted, icy territory from the comfort of a warm room.

What to do there: This museum is free, so it’s a great way to fill a slow afternoon and learn something at the same time. Explore the exhibits and learn about history’s most amazing explorations. You’re sure to walk away from this Cambridge must do with a deeper appreciation for the bravery of those early explorers.

#8 – Heffers book shop – One of the most underrated places to see in Cambridge

  • A palace of a bookstore for book geeks and anyone looking for that rare tome.
  • You can also buy other items at this shop like maps and unusual souvenirs.

Why it’s so awesome: It might sound strange to say that you need to visit a bookshop when you’re visiting Cambridge, but this isn’t like other bookshops. Plus, you’re in Cambridge, which means that you should indulge your inner book nerd and browse the shelves.

What to do there: This is a bookstore that seemingly has no end, so you’ll need a while to explore. Look for forgotten stories by your favorite author or that hard to find tome that you’ve been looking for forever. Or, if you’re like most bookworms, just enjoy being in an environment that includes so many possibilities for something great to read!

#9 – Lammas Land – Awesome place to visit in Cambridge with kids!

Lammas Land

  • A popular park and play area for kids in the southwest of the city.
  • There are lots of activities for kids of every age in this park.
  • Parents will enjoy the green space and the chance to get away from the city as well.

Why it’s so awesome: When you’re visiting Cambridge, you might want to take the chance to enjoy some green space and let the kids run around. And this is the perfect place to do it. Lammas land contains a paddling pool, tennis courts, and a play area. It’s also close to the river so you can go punting once the kids are done with their playtime.

What to do there: Grab a packed lunch and take the kids to the park for the afternoon. There are a range of amenities for kids of all ages including springies for the younger children and climbers and a space net for the older crowd. There’s also a shallow paddling pool for hot days. And when you’re done with your picnic, head over to the river to go punting, which is a Cambridge must do.

#10 – Great St. Mary’s Church

Great St. Mary’s Church

  • The tower at this church is one of the most famous places to visit in Cambridge for romantic proposals!
  • The views from the tower are spectacular as well, a good way to see an overview of Cambridge.

Why it’s so awesome: St. Mary’s is both a parish and a university church and was built in the 15th century. The exterior is beautiful and imposing, but it’s the interior that really shines, with stunning galleries that were added in 1739. There’s also a smaller church attached known as Little St. Mary’s, with incredible stained-glass windows.

What to do there: Explore the interior of the church before heading up the 123 stairs to the tower. You’ll want to bring your camera with you to take advantage of the amazing views from up there. Afterwards, head down to Little St. Mary’s to check out the stained-glass windows.

#11 – Midsummer House – One of the most romantic places to visit in Cambridge!

Midsummer House

  • A Michelin starred restaurant surrounded by the banks of the River Cam.
  • You’ll need to make a booking to get into this restaurant, as it’s one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.

Why it’s so awesome: Acclaimed chef and owner Daniel Clifford first opened this restaurant in 1998 and it’s considered to be one of the best in Cambridge. It’s also incredibly romantic, with its views over the River Cam on Midsummer Common. The menu is based on seasonal produce and dishes that bring out the natural flavor of the food, which is why it must be a part of your Cambridge itinerary.

What to do there: Make a booking to ensure that you get a table and have a romantic night out with a loved one. Dress up and prepare yourself for a gourmet menu in lovely surroundings.

#12 – The Orchard Tea Garden – Cool place to see in Cambridge with friends!

  • This is an atmospheric and historically significant tea garden located in the small village of Grantchester.
  • You can walk from Cambridge to Grantchester along the River Cam.

Why it’s so awesome: The walk from Cambridge to Grantchester is a Cambridge must do on its own. When the weather is good, the path along the River Cam is a great way to get some exercise and work off what you’re about to eat. The Orchard Tea room is incredibly famous in the city and has for a long time. Over the years, famous celebrities such as Alan Turing, Rupert Brooke, Stephen Fry, Virginia Woolfe, George Bernard Shaw, Stephen Hawking, and Sir David Attenborough have all eaten there.

What to do there: Take the walk along the river to Grantchester as long as the weather is good. The tea garden is a particularly good place to eat in spring when you can sit amongst the blossoms of the fruit trees. You can even take a punt there and cross off another item on your Cambridge itinerary at the same time. Once you’re in Grantchester, spend the day exploring the tiny, historic town before you head back to Cambridge.

visit on cambridge

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#13 – Cambridge General Market

  • Located in the heart of the city in Market Square, this is the heart of activity during the day.
  • The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

What to do there: If you’re looking to buy some souvenirs or fresh produce, this is the best place to do it. The quality of the goods at this Market are amazing and includes meat and fish, books, clothing, sweets, crafts, and refreshments.

What to do there: Show up during the day to enjoy the atmosphere and grab some bargains! This historical market includes great food as well as clothing, a tailor, and flowers, so just show up and see what catches your eye.

#14 – Grafton – A great place in Cambridge if you love to shop!

  • A large selection of stores in the middle price category.
  • This is one of the hotspots in Cambridge if you’re looking for souvenirs that won’t break the bank.

Why it’s so awesome: Grafton is one of the oldest shopping centers in town and it was recently renovated. You can get everything at this complex, from souvenirs to electrical goods and clothes. There are also some shops with clothing and toys for children as well as a large food court where you can get a snack after you’ve had enough browsing.

What to do there: If you’re looking for something specific when you travel to Cambridge, chances are that you’ll find it at this shopping complex. The prices are good and won’t break the bank and you can head to the food court when you get hungry.

#15 – FoodPark – A must-see for foodies!

  • Home to Cambridge’s popular food truck scene and one of the best places to eat in Cambridge.
  • No matter what type of food you like, you’ll find something to tantalize your tastebuds at this park.
  • This isn’t technically a place, as the food trucks move around constantly.

Why it’s so awesome: Food trucks are a great way to eat because they provide easy, cheap food and access to a range of cuisines. FoodPark prides itself on gathering the best trucks in the business and getting them to night markets or to regular parks where you can enjoy the dishes they offer.

What to do there: Whether you like burgers, ice cream, vegetarian food, pizza, or anything else, you’ll find a food truck that sells it. The trucks move around the city, but they can be found at night markets and train stations. So, find out where they’re located on the day you’re in the city and show up for a cheap, delicious meal.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Cambridge

What places are free to visit in Cambridge?

There are free guided tours of Cambridge University Botanic Gardens every Sunday, or you could visit the Scott Polar Research Institute Museum.

What can you do on a day out in Cambridge?

Cambridge is a old historical town. If you only have a day here, you should check out King’s College and King’s College Chapel, Great St. Mary’s Church and Queen’s College.

What different activities can tourists do in Cambridge?

Lammas land and Heffers book shop are just two different activities you can do in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge worth visiting?

Cambridge is one of the most historical and important cities in the UK. If you have the time to visit, it is definitely worth it.

England is a modern, forward looking country, which is why people often forget that it has a long and sometimes tangled history. But this history is one of the most interesting things to explore when you’re traveling in Cambridge. With this list as your guide, you’ll be able to visit all the top attractions while you’re in the city, and perhaps find a few hidden attractions on your own!

visit on cambridge

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sophie Steinebach

Sophie Steinebach

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One Day In Cambridge Itinerary – Top Things To Do In Cambridge, England

If you know one thing about the city of Cambridge in England, that will probably be the fact that it is home to one of the most famous universities in the world. And sure enough, the University of Cambridge is quite a sight to behold, but it would be a mistake to spend your whole day on it. The city really has a lot to offer, and thanks to its university there is a very special vibe permeating its streets. Plan your visit to Cambridge with the help of this itinerary and you will discover an absolutely fascinating place with an incredibly captivating history. Enjoy!

One day in Cambridge Itinerary

Cambridge Itinerary Video Preview

What’s the best time to visit Cambridge, England?

When it comes to the weather, the best time to visit Cambridge is summer . The temperatures are warm, but usually not too hot, so you can enjoy your day out. Keep in mind that you will encounter typical British weather here, so rain is to be expected. Spring usually sees less rainfall, although this is, of course, accompanied by lower temperatures.

Cambridge

As for the events you can visit in Cambridge, Strawberry Fair is a festival dedicated to music and arts that is held on every first Saturday in June. Then there’s also the Big Weekend, with loads of musicians and games for everyone to enjoy. Cambridge Folk Festival is another big event around here, and all of the festivals mentioned here have a long and proud history, too. There are many other events throughout the year too, but even if you aren’t lucky enough to visit during one, you will still have an amazing time during your one day in Cambridge.

Cambridge

A few facts about Cambridge

The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 and as such is the third-oldest university in the world – only Bologna and Oxford are older! There are approximately 24,500 students there, which means that approximately 20% of the city’s population (125,000) are students!

The city itself started out as a Roman settlement Duroliponte in the first century AD.

Cambridge Rooftops

Cambridge is also home to what is today the most popular sport on Earth: the first game of football, also known as soccer in the US, was played right here in Cambridge! Not only that, but the rules created by the Cambridge University Football Club were adopted by the English Football Association and became the first official rules of the game.

Pink Floyd members Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and David Gilmour all come from Cambridge.

Obviously, the city is named after the River Cam that flows through it, but long ago, Cambridge was known as Grantabridge, and the Granta is actually a source of the Cam.

Cambridge Bridge

At the moment, the University of Cambridge has 121 Nobel Prize winners. More will follow in the years to come, you can be sure of that!

Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity as a student of Cambridge.

More than one half of people living in the city use a bicycle as a mode of transport on a regular basis. You may want to rent one to blend in or just keep an eye out for cyclists if you decide to walk.

One day in Cambridge Itinerary

Y ou are in Cambridge, one of the most famous university cities in the world! Given the city’s long history and the incredible impact its university has had on the whole world, you have a lot to see and explore during your one day here. Don’t worry; this itinerary has got you covered and you will be able to experience this amazing place in its full glory. Let’s get started!

Start with King’s College…

If there’s one place you have to visit when exploring Cambridge University, it has to be King’s College . Founded by King Henry VI in 1441, this place has a long and glorious history, but it also looks stunning too, with the sprawling lawns and wonderful architecture surrounding it.

King’s College

However, coming here and not visiting King’s College Chapel would be a huge mistake because this piece of architecture will take your breath away. The ceiling, the stained windows, the altar made by Ruben… the church is exquisite in every sense of the word and an absolute must when in town.

King’s College Chapel

… and move on to Queen’s College

The next stop on your one day in Cambridge is, naturally, Queen’s College . Apart from being so very well preserved and beautiful, this college has quite a lot to offer if you’re the exploring type. The wonderful gateway, the Erasmus Tower , the Cloister Court and many other places like that will make time simply fly by.

Mathematical Bridge

But the biggest attraction of Queen’s College is the famous Mathematical Bridge . Built in the middle of the 18th century and thanks to the laws of geometry, the bridge looks curved although it was made completely out of straight wooden planks. It is quite a feat of engineering, so much so that there is a copy of the bridge in Oxford.

Explore Fitzwilliam Museum

Just a bit south of Queens College stands Fitzwilliam Museum , a very respected institution within whose halls you have plenty to see. There are items here originating from all the most important ancient cultures such as Greece, Rome and even Egypt. But there are also works from some of the most illustrious artists inside, including the likes of Rubens, Rembrandt and others.

Fitzwilliam Museum

It’s worth mentioning that just east of the museum is Parker’s Piece , the venue of the very first official football match ever played, so if you’re a sports enthusiast, you might want to take a look. In any case, do make some time and visit the museum – it will be well worth it!

Parker’s Piece

Enjoy the Botanic Garden

After all that walking, you may want to visit a more serene place where you can recharge your batteries a bit. Cambridge University Botanic Garden has been around for almost two centuries (since 1831) and has plants from literally all over the world.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

You are free to roam around on your own as much as you want, and you will surely see some amazing things in the process, but it should be noted that there are free guided tours organized every Sunday. A wonderful place to visit on a sunny day.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Choose a nice place for lunch

You will probably be quite hungry by now, so it’s time to sit down and grab a bite to eat. And in a town as vibrant as this one, you have plenty of excellent choices. The Oak Bistro absolutely belongs to this category, and its charming walled garden adds so much to the whole experience. Of course, the food is excellent too, with plenty of British dishes available. Tu Casa Tapas Restaurant is a much more easy-going place where you can relax and enjoy this delicious Spanish finger food.

Street of Cambridge

Little Petra might be a gem waiting to be discovered, though, and Jordanian food and drinks certainly sound like a very interesting lunch choice. But there are many other options around – steakhouses, Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants… plenty to choose from. So, do go and explore a bit; not only will you get to know the city a bit more, but you also might find an excellent eatery.

Climb St. Mary’s tower

Once you’re done with your lunch, it’s time to burn those calories! For that, head to St. Mary’s church , an absolutely beautiful piece of architecture with an imposing tower. Yes, you can climb that tower, a feat that will reward you with an incredible view of the city.

View form the St Mary Tower

However, what really makes the church stand out is its interior which is just jaw-droppingly beautiful, especially the galleries that were added in the 18th century. This is a real gem, no doubt about that, but don’t forget to visit Little St. Mary’s , either – it’s right next to its bigger sister and boasts some of the most beautiful stained windows you have ever seen.

Punting is extremely popular in the city, and for anyone who’s here to spend one day in Cambridge, it’s a fantastic way to see places that would otherwise probably stay hidden.

Punting

You simply hop on a punt and flow down the River Cam and just enjoy the scenery a bit. It may remind you of Venice and its gondolas a bit, but punting for pleasure started in Cambridge at the beginning of the 20th century. It’s a fantastic idea if you’re in town with your significant other, but larger groups can also easily fit on a punt and enjoy the ride. You can book the tour here .

Mathematical Bridge

Plan out a lovely evening

After a day like this, you deserve to relax and unwind in the evening. Restaurant recommendations have already been mentioned (but you’d do well to explore on your own!), and you have plenty of options here for a delicious dinner, but what if you fancy a drink? 196 makes excellent cocktails, for example, while The Elm Tree is considered by many to be the best pub around, although The Free Press would certainly have something to say about that.

But if you really want to end your day in Cambridge in a memorable way, head to Cambridge Junction for a show! Music, theater, comedy and much more can be found there, and you will really have a great time no matter what you choose. It’s a whole new way to get to know the town.

Where to stay in Cambridge?

Gonville Hotel

Gonville Hotel

Gonville Place, Cambridge, CB1 1LY

When it comes to hotels in Cambridge, Gonville Hotel is at the very top. The interior is beautiful and luxurious, plus the rooms are fantastically equipped, with a range of free toiletries, coffee machines and plenty of other details that make your stay here nice and comfortable. A spa and a wellness center are also a part of the hotel’s offer, there’s car parking for the guests, pets are allowed, and you will be located just a few minutes’ walk away from the historic center. All in all, great location and a great stay!

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The Fellows House Cambridge

The Fellows House Cambridge, Curio Collection by Hilton

33a Milton Road, Cambridge, CB41UZ

Apart from having a very British name, The Fellows House Cambridge has a whole lot of other things that will make your stay here quite pleasant. You can relax in the pool or in the sauna, sit down for a nice drink in the bar or munch on one of several breakfast options. The rooms are all very well equipped, and some even come with a whole kitchen! The interior is absolutely lovely and gives you a warm feeling of comfort, there is a garage under the hotel, and you can get to the city center in about 15 minutes. A hotel very much worth the price!

The Regent

41 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1AB

The Regent is an aparthotel that provides an excellent value to every guest, and its apartments’ modern take on the classic interior is bound to leave a very positive impression. You will find a kitchenette in each of them (with a Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine!), and the building itself is a very charming Georgian building located right in the center of Cambridge. So, it’s ideal for sightseeing. Add to that the incredibly kind and helpful staff, and you get a place that is bound to help you feel welcome in this city.

Madingley Hall

Madingley Hall

Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ, 

It wouldn’t be much of a student city without a hostel, now would it? Madingley Hall is an absolutely wonderful place to stay at because it’s surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens. Not only that, but we’re talking about a house from the 16th century here! It has a terrace bar, free parking, coffee and tea-making machines and plenty of other stuff to offer. And while you’re not in the city center here, the heart of Cambridge can be reached in 15 minutes by car.

Day trips from Cambridge

While the city of Cambridge is quite beautiful in and of itself, it also provides several amazing opportunities to organize wonderful day trips. There’s something for everyone here, from old cities rich with cultural heritage and marvelous architecture to stunning nature where you can enjoy a day far away from the buzz of everyday life.

Norwich was an important city in the Middle Ages, and you will be able to see why when you visit it. A huge number of historical places have been incredibly well preserved, including Norwich Castle and Elm Hill, one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful street in the UK. A stroll through Norwich will take you back in time, and coming here is an amazing day trip from Cambridge to take.

Thetford Forest

If you’re looking for a destination where you can spend an active day out, Thetford Forest is just perfect. It’s a huge man-made forest that’s been declared a national forest by the government. You can hike, ride a bike or even go horseback riding, and the charming town of Thetford is also nearby whenever you need a break.

Woburn Safari Park

Approximately one hour from Cambridge is an amazing safari park. I bet you didn’t expect to find elephants, rhinos, lions and other animals like that in this part of the world! There’s a Road Safari and a Foot Safari you can take, and they both offer amazing opportunities to see some truly fascinating animals. Definitely a day trip you won’t soon forget!

This is the most obvious choice on the list, but if you’ve never visited it, spending one day in London is nothing short of magical. You can take a ride on the London Eye, walk along the Thames, see Big Ben, check out Westminster Abbey, visit numerous museums and so much more. And all that less than an hour and a half from Cambridge!

Extra tips for visiting Cambridge

  • As always when visiting England, be mindful of the weather and pack accordingly
  • Many surrounding villages are connected to Cambridge via cycling paths, so you can enjoy a scenic bike ride and explore charming places at the same time.
  • Thinking of coming to Cambridge by train? That could be a great choice because the railway station is very close to the city center and is well connected by buses to other parts of the city.
  • If you’ve read the whole article up to this point, you know that a car isn’t a necessity around here. Still, if you have one with you, you’ll be happy to know that parking is extremely cheap – you can park for 1 GBP per hour!
  • Since Cambridge is a university city, you might want to consider coming here when the students are on a break. There are few people in the city, and you can even get a student room as accommodation if you’re looking for something simple.

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Cambridge Day Trip: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

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If you’re planning a Cambridge day trip, you’re in for a treat! I’ll say this time and time again, but Cambridge is one of my favourite cities in the UK. It’s also right around the corner from where I live, so I’ve been able to visit over and over again and really explore the city in depth.

However, many visitors to the historic city do so as a day trip from London or elsewhere in the UK. So, I’ve put together the perfect itinerary so you can see the best of Cambridge in a day. 

Is Cambridge worth a day trip?

100% yes, Cambridge is worth a day trip. I live less than an hour from the city and take a day trip to Cambridge multiple times a year. I love sightseeing in Cambridge. It’s a great place to act like a tourist for a day and explore sights that I’ve seen countless times before but never seem to lose their charm.

Inside King's College Chapel

If you’re a first-time visitor to Cambridge, you can quite easily fall in love with it. It’s much calmer than London and much prettier (in my opinion). I also love how green it is and how stunning the architecture is. It’s pretty easy to spend a day in Cambridge and you’ll most likely end up wishing you had more time!

🡺 I recommend this day tour of Cambridge ! 🡸

How do I spend a day in Cambridge?

I won’t lie to you – there are quite a lot of things to do in Cambridge . Whether you want to visit the historic colleges, explore the river, or go for a walk in one of the many parks and green spaces that surround the city, there are many things that you can do during your stay.

It’s a city rich in history and culture, but with so many things to do it can be hard to know where to start.

Punts along the river in Cambridge

For a day trip to Cambridge, I’d recommend staying in the city’s centre. The colleges are Cambridge’s top attractions and the beautiful River Cam also runs right through the middle of the city.

As well as this, you can explore the market stalls, museums, and much more in the city centre. Plus, it means you don’t need to travel far the get around, as this entire itinerary can be done on foot.

The perfect Cambridge day trip itinerary

So whether you make this trip by car or as a train trip from London ; whether it’s your first time in Cambridge or your fourth, here’s my perfect itinerary for spending a day in Cambridge.

9:00 – Visit King’s College

Cost : £14.50 per adult on weekdays and £15 on weekends

Start your day trip to Cambridge at the city’s most famous attraction. King’s College is easily one of Cambridge’s top attractions. Located in the heart of the city, the beautiful building has hosted many prestigious figures, such as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Charles.

Kings College Chapel in Cambridge

When you arrive, you’ll first explore the main college and then walk around to the exterior and the grounds. You can see a range of different things including paintings, sculptures and architectural features around the building. It’s great for getting an idea of what Cambridge’s life was like in the past. 

My personal favourite part of visiting King’s College is the chapel and the grounds outside. The view across the river of the collage and the interior of the chapel is stunning.

🡺 Book a Kings College tour with punting here! 🡸

10:00 – See the Corpus Clock

Cost : Free

Located right next to King’s College, the Corpus Clock is a beautiful piece of engineering. Also known as the Grasshopper clock, it was designed by artist John Taylor and given to Corpus Christi College in 2008.

The Corpus clock in Cambridge

It’s a really eye-catching feature of the college and is worth seeing if you’re in Cambridge. It also has an interesting symbolism with the grasshopper representing the passing of time. 

10:15 – Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum 

This is one of my favourite places to visit in Cambridge and a great stop if you love history. 

One of the best things about the Fitzwilliam Museum is that it’s completely free to visit. It’s one of the best free things to do in Cambridge and it honestly shocked me when I first visited because of how interesting it was. I fully expected to be charged to visit a place like this!

The Fitzwilliam Museum on Cambridge

The building itself is also beautiful with towering columns outside and a grand staircase inside the entrance hall. Then, there are lots of interesting exhibits from artistic paintings to artefacts from ancient Egypt. 

All in all, it might take you a couple of hours to properly look around the museum (longer if you want to read all the information). It’s well worth it and one of the best museums in Cambridge.

13:00 – Head to the Market Square for Lunch

Cost : Depends on what you purchase!

The Market Square in Cambridge is one of the best places to stop for food – in my opinion of course! There are so many wonderful places to eat in Cambridge, but if you want a great selection and a range of stalls that are all very close to one another, you can’t go wrong with street food. 

Paella at Cambridge Market

Every time I visit the Market Square in Cambridge, I get something different. You can choose from authentic Spanish paella, Thai noodles, Greek souvlaki, Indian curries, Brazilian stews, and much more. It’s a treat for the tastebuds and a great stop for lunch. 

Fun Fact : Some people actually travel from surrounding towns specifically to try the food here – one lady told me she’s travelled an hour to visit one of the Market stalls!

14:00 – Climb Great St Mary’s Church for Views over the City

Cost : £6 for adults and £4 for children

For the best views in Cambridge, you have to climb this tower. Located right next to Kings Collage and Market Square, this is the next stop on your Cambridge day trip itinerary. The inside of the church is beautiful in itself, but the views from the top are some of the best you’ll see of King’s Collage. 

The view from St Mary's Church is one of the best things to see on a Cambridge day trip

There’s a very tight winding staircase you’ll need to climb to reach the top of the tower. This isn’t too bad as it’s only 123 steps, but can still get you a little out of breath. But the views from the top are well worth it.

Top Tip : The staircase is too narrow to let people up and down at the same time so there is a traffic light system in place here. You have to wait for the light to go greet before you can start climbing down the tower again to let those coming up reach the top. 

15:00 – Explore Trinity College and Wren Library

Cost : £5 per adult for the guided tour

Another of Cambridge’s beautiful colleges (and trust me, there are plenty) Trinity is a stunning building. The architecture is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles, but the highlight for me was Wren Library. The college was built in 1546 and was founded by Henry VIII.

Before you leave Trinity, be sure to check out the Chapel with its stained glass windows, which are absolutely stunning. Also, although the college itself requires a guided tour ticket to enter, the Wren Library is completely free and definitely one of the best free things to do in Cambridge . 

This absolutely beautiful library contains many world-famous books such as Isaac Newton’s Principia Mathematica or Charles Darwin’s Origin Of The Species.

You can also explore exhibitions on display about college life in Cambridge over the last few hundred years to find out more about campus history. Easily one of the best things to do on a Cambridge day trip, the College and the Library are must-sees.

16:00 – Visit St John’s College

Cost : £12 per adult

Just a 1-minute walk from Trinity College, St John’s College is one of the oldest and most famous colleges in Cambridge. Founded by Lady Margaret Beaufort, Queen Elizabeth I’s godmother, some of the best academics in the world, such as Stephen Hawking, have studied within its walls.

St John's College is a must see during a Cambridge day trip

The college offers a range of things for visitors including tours around its grounds (I suggest booking ahead), lectures from leading professors, concerts at its chapel, or their free evensong events. It’s another of Cambridge’s prettiest architectural gems and well worth a visit.

17:00 – Go Punting on the River Cam

Cost : Rent a punt from £32, go on a group guided tour from £20, or go on a private tour from £79

Finally, finish your Cambridge day trip with a sunset punting trip on the River Cam. Possibly one of the most iconic things to do in Cambridge you simply cannot visit the historic city without adding this to your itinerary. 

Punting on the River Cam

The river meanders through all sorts of picturesque spots – with both town and university buildings lining its banks. You’ll pass the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, the Backs, Kings College, and many other top sights in Cambridge.

Plus, if you pick the guided tour option , you’ll also learn a few facts about the city on the way!

It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and is available all year round as well, so don’t be put off if you’re visiting Cambridge in the colder months. The punters simply wrap you up in a blanket and provide warm drinks to keep you toasty.

The view of the Bridge of Sighs from a punting tour in Cambridge

Punting is one of my favourite things to do in Cambridge. It’s not only a fun activity but also allows you to explore this stunning city from an entirely different perspective and is the perfect way to end your day in Cambridge.

🡺 I recommend this punting tour in Cambridge ! 🡸

If you have more than a Cambridge day trip

If you’re lucky enough to be spending more than one day in Cambridge, here are some other wonderful ways you could spend your time.

1. Go for Brunch

Cambridge is a city known for good food – brunch being pretty high on the list! Featuring some of the best restaurants in the entire country, including the Michelin-starred Midsummer House, it’s a must to enjoy some of England’s favourite meals.

Avocado on Toast brunch

Known for their delicious and creative avocado toast dishes, speciality coffees, yummy homemade pastries such as the walnut brownie, and pizza weekends,

I recommend Hot Numbers for brunch in Cambridge. You’ll find two venues, one on Trinity Street and the other on Gwydir Street.

Also, be sure to check Fitzbillies as they sell the best and stickiest Chelsea buns in the city!

2. Wander the Streets

One of the top things to do in Cambridge is to simply wander the historic streets. Cambridge has many beautiful, winding alleys, cobbled pathways, and picturesque lanes in the centre of this busy city.

Some of the prettiest streets in Cambridge include Rose Crescent, Orchard Street, Trinity Lane, and Senate House Passage. My personal favourite is Trinity Lane as it’s lined with turrets from the adjoining colleges and has a lovely Tudor feel.

Cambridge streets

As you wander the streets, you’ll pass many of Cambridge’s most iconic sites. For example, if you walk through Trinity Lane towards Trinity College, then make your way to King’s Parade before heading out past Clare College on St John Street (a gorgeous cobbled lane) and onto Gonville Place, there is a beautiful row of Georgian houses overlooking Parker’s Piece.

England doesn’t get more beautiful better than this!

3. View the Mathematical Bridge

One of the most beautiful bridges in Cambridge, the Mathematical Bridge is a photographer’s dream.

You will almost certainly pass by it on a punting tour of Cambridge , but you can also see the bridge on foot by walking to the bridge on Silver Street – that was where the photo above was taken and is one of the best views in the city.

The Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge is a must-see during a Cambridge Day Trip

The bridge was designed in 1748 by William Etheridge and built a year later. It is made entirely out of straight timbers, which is strange considering its arched shape. The clever engineering is what ultimately gave it its name.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there are always lots of tourists here, so it might not be ideal if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.

However, I love this spot because the views are just gorgeous – plus there’s plenty of space to get creative with your photography techniques on both sides.

4. Visit the other museums

Cambridge has a lot of museums . And if you have more than a Cambridge day trip, it’s well worth checking out some of the other museums in the city. These include:

  • Kettle’s Yard – a unique art museum inside former houses, 
  • The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences – a museum of geology located on the University of Cambridge’s Downing Street Site,
  • The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology – Another Cambridge University Museum, you’ll find a fantastic collection of antiques and archaeology here from around the world.
  • The University Museum of Zoology – A museum dedicated to the zoology research of the University of Cambridge.
  • The Museum of Cambridge – A folksy museum dedicated to the history of the city of Cambridge itself.

5. Take a trip to the surrounding villages

I love exploring little villages and the areas surrounding Cambridge are home to some of the prettiest towns and villages in England . I particularly love Grantchester, St Ives, and Fenstanton, but there are lots of places here to see. 

The Red Lion Pub in Grantchester

You can wander through the villages themselves, explore the nearby nature reserves and go for a walk, or head to the pubs for a drink and a bit to eat. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon and a wonderful way to see the outskirts of the city.

How to get to Cambridge

Cambridge is an easily accessible city from many places around the UK. Here are some of the easiest ways to get there. 

The city is located around 60 miles north of London and will take about 2 hours to drive there from the capital. However, driving to London can mean a fair bit of traffic. 

It’s also worth mentioning that parking in Cambridge isn’t cheap. I’ve paid over £20 for 4 hours before, so I advise against parking in the main city centre car parks like the Grand Arcade or the Grafton Centre.

If you are planning on driving, either use Queen Anne’s Terrace car park which is a little cheaper, or use the park-and-ride service . 

By Public Transport

Cambridge is well-connected by train. Direct trains run regularly from London King’s Cross and Liverpool Street stations. The journey from London King’s Cross takes around 50-60 minutes. 

If you’ve flown into the UK and need to get to Cambridge, there are also plenty of easy ways to do this. The nearest major airports are London Heathrow (LHR) and London Stansted (STN).

From Heathrow, you can take a train to London King’s Cross or Liverpool Street stations and then transfer to a train to Cambridge. From Stansted, there’s a direct train to Cambridge.

You can also easily get to the city by bus. National Express provides long-distance bus services to Cambridge from a range of cities in the UK including Birmingham and Bristol .

🡺 Book your train tickets to Cambridge here! 🡸

Is Oxford or Cambridge better for a day out?

Both Oxford and Cambridge are historic and beautiful cities with rich cultural and academic traditions and there’s usually a lot of competition between the two. 

Oxford is known for its stunning architecture, including the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and various colleges. It’s also somewhat more historic, with the Ashmolean Museum and the Oxford Castle. Plus, if you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’ll love it as so many Harry Potter filming locations are in Oxford. 

Christ Church, Oxford, England

Cambridge also boasts impressive architecture, including King’s College Chapel, the Mathematical Bridge, and various beautiful college buildings. It’s famous for punting on the River Cam which is a popular and picturesque activity, especially in the summer months .

Plus, the market square in the city centre is vibrant, with a variety of shops, cafes, and street performers.

Beautiful university buildings in Cambridge

When trying to choose between the two, I’d consider your interests. If you’re more inclined towards Harry Potter and diverse museums, Oxford might be more appealing. If you’re interested in punting, the great outdoors, and gorgeous architecture, Cambridge might be a better fit.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Cambridge for a Day

Overall, I think Cambridge is the perfect UK day trip. It’s a compact city, meaning you can explore most of it on foot and see many of the popular attractions within a day. Yet, it’s also diverse enough that you could come back time and time again.

It’s also an incredibly interesting city with lots to see and do from history to natural attractions, and also plenty of places surrounding the city for you to explore. Overall, it’s one of the best cities in the UK and a Cambridge day trip will not leave you disappointed.

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BREAKING: Trump’s criminal trial over alleged hush money payments will begin on April 15

42 people rescued in northwest Mexico after mass kidnappings by criminal groups

MEXICO CITY — Mexican authorities said they rescued 42 hostages, including 18 children, from criminal groups Saturday after a wave of kidnappings in Sinaloa state, where more than 600 special force troops were sent to beef up security.

Sinaloa Gov. Rubén Rocha said an intensive operation by police and military forces was still trying to find 24 more people who were kidnapped.

Kidnappings en masse took place Friday in different areas of the La Noria region, outside Sinaloa’s capital city of Culiacan. Members of criminal groups made hostages of at least three families, local public security chief Gerardo Mérida said.

Federal authorities sent special forces troops to Sinaloa to search for the missing people. An additional 300 soldiers and a National Guard battalion are also operating in the area.

Local authorities have not said who was behind the mass kidnappings, which took place one day after three people were killed in the state’s Badiraguato region.

Culiacan and other cities in the state have been  the scenes of violent incidents in recent years , with killings by members of the powerful Sinaloa cartel.

What Kate Middleton Told Her Children About Her Cancer Diagnosis

"It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them," the Princess of Wales shared.

prince george, princess charlotte and prince louis start lambrook school

The Princess of Wales also released a video message, in which she speaks about her health for the first time, and the impact her diagnosis has had on her three children: Prince George , Princess Charlotte , and Prince Louis .

"As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment," she says in the video message. "But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be ok. As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal; in my mind, body and spirits."

Later in her message, Kate says, "We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment."

This echoes what Kensington Palace said in January, when they shared news of her abdominal surgery. "The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate," the Palace said in a statement. "She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private."

T&C understands that the children going on their Easter break factored into the decision for Kate to reveal her diagnosis now, as Prince William and Kate wanted to be able to tell their children at a time that was right for them, and to allow them to process the news before it was shared publicly.

A Palace spokesperson further said today about her cancer diagnosis that they "will not be sharing any further private medical information. The Princess has a right to medical privacy, as we all do."

preview for The Royal Kids are Too Cute

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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Engineering household robots to have a little common sense

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About five photos of a robotic experiment are collaged together. A robotic arm uses a spoon to pick up red marbles and place in a bowl. A human hand pushes and pulls the robotic hand. Marbles are scattered on the table and are also being poured into the new bowl.

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About five photos of a robotic experiment are collaged together. A robotic arm uses a spoon to pick up red marbles and place in a bowl. A human hand pushes and pulls the robotic hand. Marbles are scattered on the table and are also being poured into the new bowl.

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From wiping up spills to serving up food, robots are being taught to carry out increasingly complicated household tasks. Many such home-bot trainees are learning through imitation; they are programmed to copy the motions that a human physically guides them through.

It turns out that robots are excellent mimics. But unless engineers also program them to adjust to every possible bump and nudge, robots don’t necessarily know how to handle these situations, short of starting their task from the top.

Now MIT engineers are aiming to give robots a bit of common sense when faced with situations that push them off their trained path. They’ve developed a method that connects robot motion data with the “common sense knowledge” of large language models, or LLMs.

Their approach enables a robot to logically parse many given household task into subtasks, and to physically adjust to disruptions within a subtask so that the robot can move on without having to go back and start a task from scratch — and without engineers having to explicitly program fixes for every possible failure along the way.   

“Imitation learning is a mainstream approach enabling household robots. But if a robot is blindly mimicking a human’s motion trajectories, tiny errors can accumulate and eventually derail the rest of the execution,” says Yanwei Wang, a graduate student in MIT’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). “With our method, a robot can self-correct execution errors and improve overall task success.”

Wang and his colleagues detail their new approach in a study they will present at the International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR) in May. The study’s co-authors include EECS graduate students Tsun-Hsuan Wang and Jiayuan Mao, Michael Hagenow, a postdoc in MIT’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro), and Julie Shah, the H.N. Slater Professor in Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT.

Language task

The researchers illustrate their new approach with a simple chore: scooping marbles from one bowl and pouring them into another. To accomplish this task, engineers would typically move a robot through the motions of scooping and pouring — all in one fluid trajectory. They might do this multiple times, to give the robot a number of human demonstrations to mimic.

“But the human demonstration is one long, continuous trajectory,” Wang says.

The team realized that, while a human might demonstrate a single task in one go, that task depends on a sequence of subtasks, or trajectories. For instance, the robot has to first reach into a bowl before it can scoop, and it must scoop up marbles before moving to the empty bowl, and so forth. If a robot is pushed or nudged to make a mistake during any of these subtasks, its only recourse is to stop and start from the beginning, unless engineers were to explicitly label each subtask and program or collect new demonstrations for the robot to recover from the said failure, to enable a robot to self-correct in the moment.

“That level of planning is very tedious,” Wang says.

Instead, he and his colleagues found some of this work could be done automatically by LLMs. These deep learning models process immense libraries of text, which they use to establish connections between words, sentences, and paragraphs. Through these connections, an LLM can then generate new sentences based on what it has learned about the kind of word that is likely to follow the last.

For their part, the researchers found that in addition to sentences and paragraphs, an LLM can be prompted to produce a logical list of subtasks that would be involved in a given task. For instance, if queried to list the actions involved in scooping marbles from one bowl into another, an LLM might produce a sequence of verbs such as “reach,” “scoop,” “transport,” and “pour.”

“LLMs have a way to tell you how to do each step of a task, in natural language. A human’s continuous demonstration is the embodiment of those steps, in physical space,” Wang says. “And we wanted to connect the two, so that a robot would automatically know what stage it is in a task, and be able to replan and recover on its own.”

Mapping marbles

For their new approach, the team developed an algorithm to automatically connect an LLM’s natural language label for a particular subtask with a robot’s position in physical space or an image that encodes the robot state. Mapping a robot’s physical coordinates, or an image of the robot state, to a natural language label is known as “grounding.” The team’s new algorithm is designed to learn a grounding “classifier,” meaning that it learns to automatically identify what semantic subtask a robot is in — for example, “reach” versus “scoop” — given its physical coordinates or an image view.

“The grounding classifier facilitates this dialogue between what the robot is doing in the physical space and what the LLM knows about the subtasks, and the constraints you have to pay attention to within each subtask,” Wang explains.

The team demonstrated the approach in experiments with a robotic arm that they trained on a marble-scooping task. Experimenters trained the robot by physically guiding it through the task of first reaching into a bowl, scooping up marbles, transporting them over an empty bowl, and pouring them in. After a few demonstrations, the team then used a pretrained LLM and asked the model to list the steps involved in scooping marbles from one bowl to another. The researchers then used their new algorithm to connect the LLM’s defined subtasks with the robot’s motion trajectory data. The algorithm automatically learned to map the robot’s physical coordinates in the trajectories and the corresponding image view to a given subtask.

The team then let the robot carry out the scooping task on its own, using the newly learned grounding classifiers. As the robot moved through the steps of the task, the experimenters pushed and nudged the bot off its path, and knocked marbles off its spoon at various points. Rather than stop and start from the beginning again, or continue blindly with no marbles on its spoon, the bot was able to self-correct, and completed each subtask before moving on to the next. (For instance, it would make sure that it successfully scooped marbles before transporting them to the empty bowl.)

“With our method, when the robot is making mistakes, we don’t need to ask humans to program or give extra demonstrations of how to recover from failures,” Wang says. “That’s super exciting because there’s a huge effort now toward training household robots with data collected on teleoperation systems. Our algorithm can now convert that training data into robust robot behavior that can do complex tasks, despite external perturbations.”

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How to see the penumbral lunar eclipse, March's full moon

Astronomy fans can check out a unique Worm Moon this month as March's full moon rises during a penumbral lunar eclipse.

March's full moon will reach peak illumination at 1 a.m. ET on Monday, but it will appear full through Tuesday morning, according to NASA . The Old Farmer's Almanac details specific moonrise times for different ZIP codes across the United States. 

As the full moon rises during the late evening of March 24 into the early morning hours of March 25, it will travel through the Earth's penumbra — the faint outer part of its shadow — creating a penumbral eclipse. 

What is a penumbral eclipse and where will it be visible?

The  penumbral eclipse is one of three different types of lunar eclipses. There's also the total lunar eclipse and the partial lunar eclipse.

The penumbral lunar eclipse will be visible to all of North and South America, according to NASA. It's easy to miss if you don't know it's happening.

During the eclipse, the moon will dim very slightly for a few nighttime hours. The moon will start entering the Earth's shadow at 12:53 a.m. ET. It will reach the point of greatest eclipse at 3:13 a.m, with 96% of the moon in partial shadow. The moon will exit the shadow at 5:32 a.m.

The next lunar eclipse, a partial eclipse, will take place on Sept. 18. It will be visible in parts of the Americas, Europe and Africa. Astronomy fans won't see a total lunar eclipse until March of next year. 

Why is March's full moon known as a Worm Moon?

Full moon names often come from seasons, historical crops and the behavior of certain animals. The " Worm Moon " moniker may have come from the earthworms typically found as spring nears, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac. The name may also refer to worms, or beetle larvae, coming out from bark as trees thaw from the winter.

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This year, March's full moon is also known as the Paschal Full Moon because it will be the first full moon of spring.

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May's full moon, the Flower Moon, reaches peak illumination on May 23. 

March's full moon

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