cambridge tourist guide pdf

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You never forget your first visit to Cambridge. The essence of the city is no better summed up than in the words of the beloved, late Cantabrigian Julia Child: "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."

This is a place where no one blinks if you're having the time of your life while changing the world. Where else can you rub tweedy elbows with status-quo-challenging scholars, drop into a hypnotic African drumming dance class, or scoot into a bar for the best bacon-topped burger of your life? (Seriously, you'll dine well here in the land of cult-worthy restaurants.) No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, Cambridge's scene teems with eclectic energy. When you have nearly four centuries' worth of compounded history and the gorgeous Charles River to wake up to, everyday, each moment in the city is worthy of joy—curious, infectious, slightly mischievous joy.

We're just around the bend from Boston, in close walking or subway-ing distance. See what thousands of Cantabrigians call home sweet home. After all, Cambridge is a place where all are welcome to pledge geekdom to anything (and everything). Bauhaus architecture, antique bikes, craft cocktails, sriracha pickles, glass-blowing, international law, post-rock cover bands—knock yourself out, whatever it is.

Here, there's plenty of great minds, but more importantly, good times. Our forefathers would be most proud, don't you think?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the “squares” everyone talks about in cambridge.

In the European tradition, the “Squares” of Cambridge are charming neighborhoods rich in fine dining, eclectic shopping, theaters, museums and historical sites.  Each square is a vibrant, colorful destination with a personality all its own, offering a unique selection of everything from restaurants, shopping and music to technology and innovation.

WHERE IS HARVARD SQUARE?

If you can see Harvard University, the Harvard Coop, and the Harvard “T” station, you’re standing in it! World famous for its extensive collection of cool boutiques, sidewalk cafes, snappy jazz and palpable energy, Harvard Square is festive until the wee hours any night of the week.

WHERE IS THE PUBLIC RESTROOM IN HARVARD SQUARE?

There is a public toilet located in MacArthur Park near Church Street. The facility is a stand-alone gray kiosk located on the sidewalk. 

WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER SQUARES?

To learn more about the unique neighborhood personalities around each corner of Cambridge, check out the brief descriptions of the other neighborhoods in our Visit section under Neighborhoods.

WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE?

It’s not only wrong to try to contain Cambridge to just a list of “things to do”—it’s impossible! The real allure lies in discovering the city’s character—artsy, diverse and undeniably intellectual. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Cambridge.

IS IT HARD TO PARK?

There are many public parking lots and garages in and around Cambridge There are also one- and two-hour metered street parking spaces throughout the city, but all non-metered parking spots on Cambridge city streets are for resident parking only and require a permit.

HOW CAN I GET THERE WITHOUT A CAR?

The best way to see Cambridge is to utilize the public transit system. The Red Line subway serves as the quick (5 minutes!) and easy link between Boston and Cambridge with stops in Kendall Square, Central Square, Harvard Square, Porter Square and more.

IS CAMBRIDGE A SAFE PLACE TO VISIT?

Considered one of the safest cities in the country, Cambridge’s culture is founded on the ideals of inclusiveness and diversity. It is a welcoming, vibrant, active community teeming with students, visitors and residents of every ethnicity, age group and gender preference—all in just over six square miles.

Cambridge Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: August 6, 2024

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 and 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

🏆 Top 3 tours in Cambridge

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• Cambridge walking tour with optional access to King’s College Chapel
• Cambridge guided punting tour
• Cambridge historic walking tour

Cambridge travel guide – Visiting Cambridge FAQ’s

Cambridge is one of England’s most beautiful cities and a fantastic destination, no matter what time of year you plan to visit.

During the summer, Cambridge is the perfect destination to try punting. Look at the river and enjoy views of the bridges and university buildings as you meander.

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, the biggest folk festival in Europe, is held annually from June to July.

Cambridge’s main sights and attractions can be seen in a day, making it the perfect day trip from London .

The city’s main attractions and sights are within easy walking distance, making Cambridge a great destination for exploring on foot.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend joining a guided wa lking tour ( I recommend taking a tour which includes access to King’s College Chapel)

Both cities have their 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 for 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.

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 ebook 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 minutes to 1 hour 50, depending on the route
• London St Pancras International to Cambridge is the quickest route.

Cambridge is 55 miles from London and takes over an hour and 30 minutes to reach 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, parking is expensive, so we recommend using the  Park and Ride scheme . There are five locations around the city where you can park your car and catch a bus .

🚙 Considering a road trip around Scotland? Not sure if you’re up to driving in the UK? We recommend using a Tripiamo guide to familiarise yourself with it before your journey. Previous UK Travel Planning users have said this has made them feel much more comfortable getting behind the wheel. Find out more in our guide to renting a car in the UK 🚗

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.

One Day in Cambridge Itinerary (coming soon) with 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!

Accommodation in Cambridge

We have stayed in Cambridge twice over the past few years to spend additional time exploring this beautiful English city. As we were travelling by train, we chose the Centennial Hotel located near the train station (which gave us the option of catching the bus to the centre or a 20-minute walk)

Located near Cambridge Railway Station and opposite the University Botanic Gardens, the recently refurbished Centennial Hotel is a budget-friendly option with historic charm.

This comfortable hotel is conveniently located a 15-minute walk from the University Colleges and city centre hotspots and is on bus routes.

Book the Centennial Hotel

• Gonville Hotel >> 4 star | 5-minute walk from the historic centre | 2 restaurants
• Westminster College >> Centrally located | Free WiFi | Private parking
• Hotel du Vin Cambridge >> Grade II Listed | 5-minute walk from city centre | French bistro
• University Arms, Cambridge >> Central location | 192 rooms & suites | Parker’s Tavern
• ibis Cambridge Central Station >> 24-hour front desk | On-site coffee shop | Near attractions

🏨 Find more special stays in our Accommodation Guide for England.

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

• 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.

Two recommendations (you can find more in our itinerary planners), but we had a fabulous Sunday roast at the Cambridge Chophouse. And a visit to Cambridge is not complete without a drink and a meal at the Eagle Pub! (see below why this historic pub is a must!)

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

These include

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

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.

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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.

Table of Contents:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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 .

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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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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Cambridge top tourist attractions city travel maps

City centre detailed street travel guide with must-see places, sights & landmarks to visit - cambridge top tourist attractions map.

Maps of best attractions in Cambridge, England

Cambridge maps will guide you to the best destinations in this fascinating city. It is best known for the second oldest (after Oxford) university in the UK. Cambridge brings many images to mind: the breathtaking view of King's College Chapel from across the river Cam, the rich intricacy of Gothic architecture, students cycling to lectures, and lazy summer punting on the River Cam. The city is mostly pedestrian-friendly: most sights can be easily reached on foot and much of the central area is traffic-free. Your visit to Cambridge would not be complete without there being something for the whole family. Enjoy an exciting introduction to the natural world at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, enjoy an insight into the history of aviation in times of war and peace at the Imperial War Museum, With the help of our maps you will be able to reach all desired destinations. You can find the detailed locations of the must-see sights including Cambridge University, Fitzwilliam Museum, Kings College, Trinity College, River Cam punting, Bridge of Sighs, St John’s College, Mathematical Bridge Scott Polar Research Institute, Round Church, Anglesey Abbey, Wimpole Hall, Orchard Tea Garden - just click on a selected map to access a high resolution version that can be downloaded and printed; or saved onto your mobile device.

Cambridge University campus, departments, colleges, birds eye 3d aerial interactive medieval view - Cambridge top tourist attractions map

You can view, download or print a full, high resolution (detailed, large) version of this image by clicking on the plan itself

Hop-on hop-off double decker City Sightseeing open top bus & River Cam boat punting cruises - Cambridge jpg map

Interesting sites, best museums, top colleges, popular shopping centres in two days - Map of Cambridge tourist attractions

Official Stagecoach public transport network transit system bus stops & rail line train station - Cambridge free city map

Visitor Information Centre & Kiosk, car parks, hotel accommodation list - Cambridge printable sightseeing map

Explore best destinations one day walking trip route itinerary for prospective students - Cambridge large scale map

Great cycle bike routes & fun things to do with family & kids , A-Z list of faculty colleges - Cambridge interesting places map

Free virtual map of famous travel attractions (Botanic Gardens, Christ's, St John's, Trinity, Fitzwilliam Museum) - Cambridge map with mus - ee sights

Cambridge (England, UK) town centre major historical buildings of interest, colleges, schools, churches - Cambridge detailed travel map

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Favourite pubs worth visiting review - Cambridge tourist guide map

What to see, where to go, what to do, main central pedestrian area spots - Cambridge main tourist attractions map

Interesting lanes and passages tour diagram - Cambridge map of things to do

Map of top 10 attractions in Cambridge

The typical top ten attractions are listed below. You can find the detailed locations of these places on the maps above.

• Walk around the Cambridge University colleges (King's, Trinity, St John's, Jesus, Magdalene and many more)
• Take a boat tour on the River Cam, also known as Punting in Cambridge
• Enjoy art and history (for free!) in the Fitzwilliam Museum
• Have a cup of tea in the Orchard – Tea House amongst Apple trees
• Marvel at the natural beauty in the University Botanical Gardens
• Explore Scott Polar Research Institute
• Visit the unique Round Church
• Climb to the top of the Great St Mary's Church
• Brush up your on your knowledge in the science and technology museums: the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Museum of Zoology, the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, the Museum of Classical Archaeology
• Enjoy art: Kettle's Yard art gallery, Cambridge Arts Centre, Cambridge Arts Picture House

What are some interesting facts about Cambridge?

Affiliates of Cambridge University have won around 100 Nobel Prizes covering all six disciplines.

Oxford has received fewer Nobel Prizes but it has produced more prime ministers than Cambridge.

One of the most famous rock'n'roll bands of all time formed in Cambridge: Pink Floyd. Syd Barrett was brought up in the city. Roger Waters, the other co-founder, later went to Cambridgeshire High School for Boys with him.

Oliver Cromwell is buried in an unmarked grave close to the doors of the Sidney Sussex College Chapel

The University of Cambridge was officially started in 1209 by an association of scholars who came from Oxford. There are rumours that these scholars where in trouble with the law in Oxford and made a run for it to Cambridge (not something that Cambridge people care to admit or are particularly proud of).

The University Library has 29 million books and receives a free copy of every book published in the UK every year. However there has been a recent agreement between it, the British Library and Oxford's library that between them they will carry every book ever written. The reason for this is of course that storage is starting to get out of hand.

All staircases are alphabestised in Trinity College but there are no J's. The reason being that St. John's is their arch rival.

The first official game of football with rules we would recognise was played on Parker's Piece, the big public park in the middle of Cambridge. It was played in 1848 between the City and the University. City won 2-1 with a late goal from a young Ryan Giggs.

The mathmatical bridge which crosses the river Cam was designed by Isaac Newton and is held together only by gravity with no nails, screws or fixings. Years later, students took it apart to try to understand how it worked, but couldn't put it together again without screws and nails!This is the story told to tourists, because although the bridge is wonderful, Isaac Newton died 22 years before it was built!

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Cambridge Travel Tips

Last Updated: August 31, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

The 8 Best Hostels in London

How to Spend a Week in London

The 9 Best Walking Tour Companies in London

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Lady’s Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cambridge

Today I want to share my self-guided walking tour of Cambridge, England with you. This university city to the north of London is a beautiful place to explore. With its stunning colleges, expansive green spaces, bustling shopping streets, and bucolic River Cam, there’s a lot to see on a walk in Cambridge. My self-guided route and map will show you the best of it.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cambridge

From the awe-inspiring architecture of King’s College to the riverfront scenery along The Backs, Cambridge is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK .

Whether you love heritage buildings or punting along rivers, shopping at markets or exploring museums, Cambridge has something for everyone.

If you’re taking a Cambridge day trip or have a longer time to spend in Cambridge , you’ll be able to discover a lot in this part of Cambridgeshire.

I’ve been here many times over the years and each visit has shown me more of the city’s big attractions and hidden spaces. I hope my walk helps you enjoy discovering Cambridge as much as I have.

If you want a guided tour, you can see some good options on the GetYourGuide website . I’ve taken many tours with them over the years and I’ve always had a good experience. You can book one here .

Cambridge Walk

My self-guided walking tour of Cambridge starts in Cambridge Market Square. It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to get to from the train station, coach and bus stops, and on foot from other parts of the city.

If you want to, you can spend a bit of time exploring the market or getting something to eat before you begin.

You can also admire Great St Mary’s, the University Church, Cambridge. It sits right next to the market and has a tower with great views of the city. They’re worth seeing if you’re up for a climb.

When you’re done browsing the market and taking in the views, start your Cambridge walk by going around the church on St Mary’s Street and Senate House Hill.

From there, head south past King’s College Chapel on King’s Parade. As you go, you’ll see lots of shops and restaurants on your left and the beautiful buildings of King’s College on your right.

Continue along the road when the shops end and King’s Parade becomes Trumpington Street. Here you’ll pass The Corpus Clock, Corpus Christi College, and St Catharine’s College.

When you reach Silver Street, turn right and continue your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge past Queens’ College Chapel as you make your way to the River Cam.

When you reach it, you’ll see the famous Mathematical Bridge on your right and a punting station on your left.

If you want to, you can take a break from the walk to go punting on the river. If not, continue your Cambridge walk by going straight on Silver Street and across the bridge.

When you’ve passed Queens’ College, turn right onto the pathway between Silver Street and Queens’ Road. It will take you around to The Backs.

These grassy areas along the River Cam are great places to soak up the sun and watch the punts go by. Feel free to stop and sit for a while to take it all in.

When you resume your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge, continue along The Backs until you reach The Avenue.

Turn right on The Avenue and walk through the Trinity College greens and across Trinity Bridge, continuing through the lawns until you reach the college buildings.

Turn left when you get to them and admire the Wren Library (you can visit and see the stunning 17th-century interior if it’s open). Then retrace your steps and continue straight along the path until you reach Garret Hostel Lane.

Turn left on Garret Hostel Lane and walk down the narrow street until you reach Trinity Lane. Turn left on Trinity Lane and follow it as it turns right. This is one of the most beautiful streets in Cambridge, so make sure to have your camera ready.

When you reach Trinity Street, turn left and follow it as it becomes St John’s Street. Along the way you’ll pass shops, cafes, and the beautiful buildings of Trinity College and St John’s College.

When you reach Bridge Street, admire the unique 12th-century Round Church on your right before turning left to walk to the river.

While you go, you’ll pass by restaurants and shops on one side and more buildings from St John’s College on the other. Don’t miss pretty Portugal Place on your right, either.

When you reach Magdalene Bridge, there are more opportunities for punting. You can stop to get out on a boat, or continue your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge by turning around to retrace your steps along Bridge Street.

Continue past The Round Church and Sidney Sussex College as Bridge Street becomes Sidney Street. Then turn right on Green Street. Here you’ll pass by more of Cambridge’s shops and restaurants as you make your way to Trinity Street.

When you get to Trinity Street, turn left, then take another quick left onto Rose Crescent. This pedestrianized street has everything from restaurants with outdoor seating to a Harry Potter-themed shop.

When you reach the end of Rose Crescent, you’ll be back in the market square where you started. Your self-guided walking tour of Cambridge ends here.

Walk Details

Map of the first half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/mEWWy9G6BLQyVh2b9

Map of the second half of the walk: https://goo.gl/maps/9kGTF37PNz8Rpi4L9

Further afield: Newnham College , Emmanuel College , Ely , Essex

I hope my self-guided walking tour of Cambridge has made you want to get out and discover this part of Britain. It’s one of the best cities in England and there are a lot of great things to do in Cambridge . Happy walking!

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Cambridge Tourist Attractions Maps | City Tours Map

While Cambridge may be known for being home to the top universities and colleges in England, the city has also a strong cultural vibe. It’s a great place to attend music festivals, pop-up food events, concerts, and other exciting happenings. If you love the outdoors, then you’ll surely have a great time exploring the parks and river in this charming city.

Cambridge is a pedestrian-friendly city, which means most sights can be accessible on foot. Unlike the other major cities in England that has their own metro system, Cambridge has none. Therefore, you can’t expect to find a Cambridge Metro Map. But there are also buses that travel on some parts in Cambridge. To find out the routes of these buses, do check out our free printable copy of the Cambridge transport Map.

For tourists who want to see the famous attractions of Cambridge, our Cambridge Tourist Sightseeing Map will surely benefit you. This map will tell you how to reach the Cambridge University Botanical Garden, Fitzwilliam Museum, and the Mathematical Bridge. If you’re into nature, do check out The Backs, a beautiful grassy park with river on the side.

As mentioned, Cambridge is a pedestrian-friendly city so exploring it on foot is the best way to go. For this, you can refer to our free printable copy of the Cambridge Walking Tour Maps. Travelers with kids may be able to benefit from the open bus tours in the city. If you want to know where these bus tours will take you, our Cambridge Hop on Hop Off Tour map will be useful for you.

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https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/08/20/gcse-results-day-2024-number-grading-system/

GCSE results day 2024: Everything you need to know including the number grading system

Thousands of students across the country will soon be finding out their GCSE results and thinking about the next steps in their education.   

Here we explain everything you need to know about the big day, from when results day is, to the current 9-1 grading scale, to what your options are if your results aren’t what you’re expecting.  

When is GCSE results day 2024?  

GCSE results day will be taking place on Thursday the 22 August.     

The results will be made available to schools on Wednesday and available to pick up from your school by 8am on Thursday morning.  

Schools will issue their own instructions on how and when to collect your results.   

When did we change to a number grading scale?  

The shift to the numerical grading system was introduced in England in 2017 firstly in English language, English literature, and maths.  

By 2020 all subjects were shifted to number grades. This means anyone with GCSE results from 2017-2020 will have a combination of both letters and numbers.  

The numerical grading system was to signal more challenging GCSEs and to better differentiate between students’ abilities - particularly at higher grades between the A *-C grades. There only used to be 4 grades between A* and C, now with the numerical grading scale there are 6.  

What do the number grades mean?  

The grades are ranked from 1, the lowest, to 9, the highest.  

The grades don’t exactly translate, but the two grading scales meet at three points as illustrated below.  

The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of grade A, while the bottom of grade 4 is aligned to the bottom of grade C.    

Meanwhile, the bottom of grade 1 is aligned to the bottom of grade G.  

What to do if your results weren’t what you were expecting?  

If your results weren’t what you were expecting, firstly don’t panic. You have options.  

First things first, speak to your school or college – they could be flexible on entry requirements if you’ve just missed your grades.   

They’ll also be able to give you the best tailored advice on whether re-sitting while studying for your next qualifications is a possibility.   

If you’re really unhappy with your results you can enter to resit all GCSE subjects in summer 2025. You can also take autumn exams in GCSE English language and maths.  

Speak to your sixth form or college to decide when it’s the best time for you to resit a GCSE exam.  

Look for other courses with different grade requirements     

Entry requirements vary depending on the college and course. Ask your school for advice, and call your college or another one in your area to see if there’s a space on a course you’re interested in.    

Consider an apprenticeship    

Apprenticeships combine a practical training job with study too. They’re open to you if you’re 16 or over, living in England, and not in full time education.  

As an apprentice you’ll be a paid employee, have the opportunity to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and get time set aside for training and study related to your role.   

You can find out more about how to apply here .  

Talk to a National Careers Service (NCS) adviser    

The National Career Service is a free resource that can help you with your career planning. Give them a call to discuss potential routes into higher education, further education, or the workplace.   

Whatever your results, if you want to find out more about all your education and training options, as well as get practical advice about your exam results, visit the  National Careers Service page  and Skills for Careers to explore your study and work choices.   

You may also be interested in:

• Results day 2024: What's next after picking up your A level, T level and VTQ results?
• When is results day 2024? GCSEs, A levels, T Levels and VTQs

Tags: GCSE grade equivalent , gcse number grades , GCSE results , gcse results day 2024 , gsce grades old and new , new gcse grades

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