travel cambridge

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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

70+ Free Things to Do in London

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

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.

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.

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!

One day in Cambridge Itinerary

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CAMBRIDGE

Find more special stays in my Accommodation Guide for England.

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 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.

12 Top Things to Do in Cambridge, England

Gowned students attending their graduations and freshers whizzing past the grand college facades on their bikes—the university is Cambridge's lifeblood. But the city has a strong local vibe too, with streets full of independent shops, pop-up food events, music and movies, microbreweries, and a tribe of artisan food trucks. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the ancient fenland and sparkling river are perfect for exploring.

Walk the Hallowed Halls

Few places in the world have created as many notable graduates as Cambridge University . Whether you’re visiting for a week or a weekend, make sure to see some of the 31 colleges. Not all are open to the public—and those that are still close for exams and events—so check at the porter’s lodge when you arrive.

King’s College Chapel is the jewel in the university’s crown. The stained-glass windows alone took 30 years to install, and the fan-vaulted ceiling is a jaw-dropping feat of building and design.

At Magdalene, visit the Pepys library, a feature of the college since 1724. As well as Pepys’s diaries, the library has a copy of the Canterbury Tales from 1483, and an almanac believed to be signed by Francis Drake.

At Trinity, visit the 343-year-old Wren Library, a vast store of knowledge and history, some of which dates back to Anglo-Saxon times. Don’t miss the handwritten notebook of poems belonging to Milton among the items on display.

Other highlights include Trinity College Chapel , which has a light-filled antechapel full of marble statues of the college’s alumni including Alfred Tennyson and Isaac Newton.

Discover a Classic English Country House

Around an hour by train or 30 minutes by bus is Audley End House , one of the best surviving Jacobean mansion houses in Britain. Built for entertaining royalty including James I, it has an opulent interior, with 18th-century furnishings and old master paintings, and sweeping grounds designed by Capability Brown.

There are plenty of ingredients here for a great day out and lots for children to enjoy, including a reconstructed Victorian kitchen and scullery, a working stable block, and costumed characters bringing the history to life.

Voyage Into the Deep

The Museum of Zoology 's collection dates back to 1814 and contains some astonishing items, including a skeleton of a 10,000-year-old elephant-sized sloth, and a 146-million-year-old fossilized bird. Specimens Darwin collected during his voyage on HMS Beagle are also on display. Cleverly designed to capture visitors’ imagination, whale skeletons float in mid-air and shoals of fish are projected on the ceiling, as if you are at the bottom of the sea. Reopened by Sir David Attenborough in 2018 after a 4.1 million pound redevelopment it will delight both children and adults. Admission is free.

Take to the River

Peacefully winding its way through the city, the River Cam is one of Cambridge's main assets. Tourists punt along the "backs" for views of the colleges across manicured lawns, but this can be pricey and crowded. Instead, hire a kayak or a canoe and paddle to Grantchester. The two-hour journey takes you alongside woodland and water meadows, and you might spot a heron, pheasant, or an otter. Take out British Canoeing membership, and you can paddle as far as Ely in around four hours.

Scudamore ’s at the bottom of Mill Lane rents out canoes and kayaks. Granta Moorings at the Mill Pond rents out canoes. All rivercraft can be hired by the hour, for the whole day, or for longer.

Do Some Retail Therapy

Cambridge has many independent shops where you can find unique clothes, artwork, and gifts. Stop by ethical jewelry pioneer Harriet Kelsall on Green Street to see some of her goldsmiths working on commissions. Swing by the Cambridge Satchel Company in St Mary’s Passage for colorful bags that have been featured in Vogue. Have a look around Cambridge Contemporary Art on Trinity Street, which sells ceramics, glassware, prints, and paintings—some of them by local artists.

Honor Fallen Heroes

During World War II, thousands of Americans served in some of the riskiest missions of the war, including the Battle of the Atlantic and the aerial bombing of Germany. Nearly 4,000 of them are buried at Cambridge’s Madingley American Cemetery —more than a quarter of them from the legendary eighth air force. The only American World War II military cemetery in Britain, it has a 472-feet-long stone "Wall of the Missing" memorial to another 5127 missing veterans. In the visitor's center, an exhibition brings the story to life. Admission is free, and guided tours can be arranged. Get there on the Citi 4 bus.

Channel Your Inner Explorer

Excavations around Cambridge have uncovered everything from Iron Age hill forts to Bronze Age burial grounds. Many of the findings are on display in the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology —as well as objects from far-flung corners of the earth.

On the ground floor, don’t miss the Trumpington Cross , a gleaming gold and garnet cross found at an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Trumpington Meadows, on the body of a 16-year-old girl. On the first floor, you’ll find a 26-foot totem pole from the Queen Charlotte Islands, and a dugout canoe, used for explorations of Papua New Guinea, which is suspended from the ceiling because it’s so long. Admission is free, and there’s also a small shop with gifts inspired by the collections.

Eat Your Way Around the World

Away from the colleges in the Victorian part of the city, Mill Road is packed full of interesting restaurants and foodie shops. Dine at Lagona for authentic Lebanese cuisine, Athithi for Indian food, Vanderlyle for all things seasonal and plant-based, and Tradizioni for inexpensive Italian. As well as restaurants, you’ll also find Chinese, Korean and Middle Eastern supermarkets stocking huge tubs of curry paste, jars of kimchi, zaatar spice, tinned jackfruit, giant olives, goat cheese, and even specialties like kibbeh.

Go On a Church Crawl

Cambridge is full of old churches charting centuries of history. Great St. Mary’s on Senate House Hill is where the university first delivered lectures before the colleges were built. Climb the 114-foot tower for spectacular views of King’s Parade and the market. St. Benet’s , which will celebrate its 1,000-year birthday in 2020, has a Saxon tower from 1020, which is the oldest structure in the city. On Bridge Street, the Norman Round Church is one of only four similar-shaped churches in the U.K.

Ignite Your Curiosity

If you like weird and wonderful objects, you'll love the Whipple Museum . Dedicated to the history and philosophy of science, the museum’s collection includes one of Darwin’s telescopes and a particle accelerator from 1936. There are shining instruments for mapping the skies, intricate astrolabes (models of the universe), sundials, and globes. One of the oddest items on display is an E-meter, used by the Church of Scientology to supposedly read thoughts. Housed in a 400-year-old building on Free School Lane, the main hall has a rare Jacobean open timber-beamed roof. You can see the whole collection in a couple of hours and admission is free.

Try a Local Tipple

Courtesy of Cambridge Gin

As well as experiencing a gin boom, in recent years, England has seen the popularity of its wines and beers blossom. Cambridge is no exception; there is a small but dynamic craft beer scene, and several distilleries and vineyards in the area.

Gin lovers should head to the Gin Lab on Green Street for a gin cocktail made with gin created by the award-winning Cambridge distillery in Grantchester. Oenophiles can open a bottle of English sparkling wine at the Bridge Street Wine Bar , or pay a visit to Chilford Hall vineyard in Linton. For local beer try the Cambridge Brew House , a lively pub-cum-microbrewery, or Calverley's , which has a taproom on weekends.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Cambridge is surrounded by countryside and villages. Cycle or walk the Fen Rivers Way , running for 50 miles to Kings Lynn through the Fens—ancient marshes dotted with farms and full of wildlife. Walk the Lodes Way, an eight-mile track through the Lodes, man-made waterways used to transport goods in medieval times. Or take the Wimpole Way through Anglo-Saxon villages to the 18th-century Wimpole Estate . Bikes can be hired from Rutland Cycling or City Cycle Hire for a day, a week or longer.

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

Suggested Itinerary: Three to Six Days in the East of England

The Best Staycation in Every State

20 Best Things to Do in Dublin

Dover Castle: The Complete Guide

The 12 Best Things to Do in Oxford

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

20 Best Things to Do for Free in Dublin, Ireland

The Top 20 Things to Do in England

Top 18 Things to Do in the Midlands of England

The 15 Best Destinations to Visit in Paraguay

York Minster Facts and Figures

Top Things to Do in Minneapolis-St. Paul in the Winter

25 Best Free Things to Do in the United Kingdom

The Top 19 Things to Do in Atlanta

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

Oct 2, 2021 • 9 min read

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 

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

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.  

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 

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 

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

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  

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. 

You May Also Like: 

Bards and Roman baths: best places in England The 8 most dramatic hikes in England Top 9 road trips in England  

Explore related stories

Feb 26, 2024 • 10 min read

These 16 cities, parks and other incredible sights encompass the breadth, beauty and vitality of England.

Jan 20, 2023 • 4 min read

Apr 13, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 27, 2015 • 4 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read

17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cambridge, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Famous the world over for its university, Cambridge lays claim to having one of the highest concentrations of preserved historic buildings anywhere in England.

Most of this architectural splendor is centered around Cambridge University's 31 colleges , each rich in tradition. The first of these "schools" was established in the 12th century by immigrant scholars from Paris, and the first college, Peterhouse, was founded in 1284.

Long before the university was founded, Cambridge was already an important Norman fortification. Although its castle was short-lived, Castle Mound can still be seen near Shire Hall and affords great views over the city. The city remains to this day an important market town. Market Hill, originally the center of Cambridge's ancient wool trade, still serves as the location of the city's busy marketplace.

Despite its medieval character, Cambridge is a thoroughly modern town that hosts a variety of top-notch cultural events throughout the year. These include the Midsummer Fair , over 800 years old and held in the same location on Midsummer Common; the famous Cambridge Folk Festival , one of the largest and longest running in Europe; and the world-class Cambridge Film Festival .

It's also popular for its numerous green spaces. These include the 25-acre Parker's Piece , famous as the birthplace of modern football, and the Victorian-era Christ's Pieces , known for its lovely ornamental trees and flowerbeds.

For more sightseeing ideas in one of the most popular places to visit in England, be sure to read our full list of the top tourist attractions in Cambridge.

See also: Where to Stay in Cambridge

1. The Fitzwilliam Museum

2. explore the river cam, 3. king's college and king's college chapel, 4. queens' college and the mathematical bridge, 5. cambridge university botanic garden, 6. great st. mary's church, 7. the round church, 8. trinity college, 9. anglesey abbey, gardens, and lode mill, 10. museum of archaeology and anthropology, 11. peterhouse college, 12. pembroke college, 13. corpus christi college, 14. st. john's college, 15. museums of cambridge, technology, and science, 1`6. the polar museum at the scott polar research institute, 17. the national horse racing museum, where to stay in cambridge for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in cambridge, england.

The most famous museum in Cambridge, The Fitzwilliam should be included on everyone's must-see list of tourist attractions. This masterpiece of architecture contains a magnificent collection of English pottery and china, as well as Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities. It's also known for its rare illuminated manuscripts.

The exceptionally fine art gallery has works by Hogarth, Gainsborough, and Turner, as well as Impressionists and Dutch Masters of the Baroque including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Rubens. There's also a great café on-site, along with a gift shop.

Address: Trumpington Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk

One of the most popular things to do in Cambridge is to spend time exploring the River Cam , which runs through the heart of the city. You can cross the Cam in a number of places that offer great views of the river.

One of the most picturesque spots is the Silver Street Bridge . From here, you'll get some excellent photos of the famous Mathematical Bridge one side and over the docked punting boats, or "punts," toward Landress Green and Sheep's Green .

Follow the riverside path, and you'll also find the Punt Lift Rollers , an interesting spot where you can watch crews and eager tourists portaging their vessels from one body of water to another.

Some of the best views, though, can be had from the water itself, as the Cam passes extremely close to some of the most attractive college buildings. In addition to fun chauffeured tours where a crew member, usually a student, does the punting for you, rentals are also available by the hour for those wanting to go it alone.

Founded in 1441 by Henry VI and the earliest of the royal foundations, King's College is worth visiting for the huge expanse of lawn extending down to the river and King's Bridge . Here, you'll enjoy lovely views of the Backs , the various college grounds along the riverside. Distinguished alumni includes writer Horace Walpole, poet Rupert Brooke, and economist Lord Keynes.

A must-see here is King's College Chapel. Renowned for its 12-bay perpendicular-style interior, as well as its breathtaking fan vaulting by John Wastell (1515), it's a must-see in Cambridge.

Also worth checking out: the lovely tracery on the windows and walls; the spectacular 16th-century stained-glass windows; the lavishly carved 16th-century wooden organ screen and choir stalls; and the altarpiece, Rubens' Adoration of the Magi (1634).

Hot Tip: If visiting during term time, be sure to attend Evensong to hear the world famous King's College Choir in action.

Address: King's Parade, Cambridge

Official site: www.kings.cam.ac.uk

Founded in 1448 by Andrew Dockett under the patronage of Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, Queens' College was refounded in 1465 by Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV. It has the most complete medieval buildings of all Cambridge's colleges, including the magnificent gateway leading to the red brick First Court, dating from the period of foundation.

Other Queens' College sites to visit include the wooden Mathematical Bridge. This 1902 reconstruction leads over the Cam to the lovely college gardens, and is so called because it was built without nails, relying for its strength on meticulous calculation.

Also worth seeing are Cloister Court (1460) with the President's Lodge, a handsome half-timbered building, and Pump Court. Here, you'll find the Erasmus Tower above the rooms, occupied by Erasmus when he taught Greek here (1511-1514).

Walnut Tree Court (1618), Friars Court with the Erasmus Building (1961), and the Victorian chapel (1891) are also worth seeing.

Address: Silver Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.queens.cam.ac.uk

Covering an area of some 40 acres, a visit to Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a must-do for gardening enthusiasts. Established in 1831, the garden showcases an impressive collection of more than 8,000 species of plants from across the globe.

Be sure to spend time wandering through the garden's many glasshouses and trails, something that can be done as part of a guided tour, which are free on Sundays. Afterwards, visit the Garden Café and Botanic Garden Shop.

Be sure to check out their website for news of upcoming events and festivals.

Address: 1 Brookside, Cambridge

Official site: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx

Great St. Mary's Church is both a parish and university church. Built in the 15th century, it has a fine interior, its galleries being added in 1739 at a time when university sermons, given by great scholars, attracted huge congregations. The tower, erected in 1608, is famous for its views over Cambridge.

Also worth a visit is Little St. Mary's. Known as St. Mary the Less , this Anglican parish church is famous for its many fine stained-glass windows.

Another important church, the Gothic Revival Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs, one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in Britain, was built in 1885 and houses a rare statue of the Virgin Mary.

Location: Senate House Hill, Cambridge

Better known as the Round Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of only four Norman round churches left in England. Built in 1131, its rectangular chancel was added in the 15th century.

This is one of the prettiest small churches in England. Visitors can get the most from their visit by joining an informative guided walk that includes the church and its surroundings. While best booked in advance, you can also purchase tickets in the Round Church Visitor Centre subject to availability.

Address: Round Church Vestry, Bridge Street, Cambridge

Official site: https://roundchurchcambridge.org

Established in 1546 by Henry VIII, Trinity College was created by the merger of several older colleges, including Michaelhouse and King's Hall. Beyond King Edward's Gate (1418), parts of the old King's Hall buildings are still identifiable.

Trinity Great Court is the largest court in Cambridge and was laid out around 1600. A passage leads into Nevile's Court (1614), with its chapel and statues of distinguished scholars. Wren's Library , designed by famed architect Sir Christopher Wren and added later, is notable for its old oak bookcases and fine lime woodcarvings.

Trinity has more distinguished former members than any other college. These include statesmen Austen Chamberlain, Stanley Baldwin, and Nehru; poets and writers such as George Herbert and Edward Fitzgerald; philosopher Bertrand Russell; and scientist Isaac Newton. Edward VII and George VI also attended Trinity.

From New Court, or King's Court, take the bridge over the Cam for its beautiful view of the Backs. A magnificent avenue of limes leads to the College Grounds .

Location: Trinity College, Cambridge

Official site: www.trin.cam.ac.uk

Although built in the 12th century, Anglesey Abbey was refurbished in 1926 and came to be known as a house of fine art and furnishings. Now a National Trust property, this spectacular home contains numerous tapestries by the likes of Gobelin, Soho, and Anglesey. There's also an art collection featuring Constable's The Opening of Waterloo Bridge .

Be sure to spend time enjoying the surrounding gardens and 114 acres of parkland. These impressive grounds include the Wildlife Discovery Area , where younger visitors can watch birds and bugs in their natural habitats, and the Lime Tree Lookout .

Afterwards, visit the historic water mill, known as the Lode Mill. Here, you can watch the grindstones do their job. Be sure to check the attraction's website for news of special events.

Address: Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill

Developed by Cambridge University in 1884, the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology holds an important collection of prehistoric material and artifacts dealing with social anthropology. Collections have been gathered from around the world and include pieces from Africa and the Orient, with a focus on the visual and classical arts.

Of particular note is the Pacific collection, taken mainly from Cook's explorations, and other research projects made by notable British anthropologists. Regular educational programs for kids and adults are held throughout the year (check their website for details).

You'll also want to visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences , too. This fascinating museum houses the university's geology collection, including some two million minerals, rocks, and fossils. Highlights include numerous meteorite specimens, as well as the Beagle Collection consisting of fossils and rocks gathered by Charles Darwin between 1831 and 1836. The museum also offers a wide variety of family activities and kids' programs.

Also of interest is the newly refurbished University Museum of Zoology . Highlights of this recently renovated Cambridge attraction include a large collection of scientifically important zoological material.

Address: Downing Street, Cambridge

Official site: https://maa.cam.ac.uk

The oldest, and also one of the smallest, of Cambridge's colleges, Peterhouse was founded in 1284. Its historic hall and storeroom on the south side of Old Court are the earliest of the original 13th-century buildings. Among those who studied here were Cardinal Beaufort, chemist Henry Cavendish, and poet Thomas Gray.

Check out the Peterhouse Chapel, a focal point of the college for more than 700 years. Worth seeing are the stained-glass windows (imported from Munich in the 1850s) and the 17th-century altar window. For a truly memorable experience, enquire about Peterhouse's summer accommodation rentals.

Official site: www.pet.cam.ac.uk/

Pembroke College was founded in 1347 by the Countess of Pembroke but has been greatly altered since. The chapel (1665) is famous as architect Christopher Wren's first work and was later extended in 1881.

Pembroke has produced many bishops and poets, the most celebrated being Edmund Spenser (1552-99). Reformist bishop Nicholas Ridley, burned at the stake in Oxford, and statesman William Pitt also took their degrees here. A visit usually includes seeing the grounds and the chapel.

Official site: www.pem.cam.ac.uk

Corpus Christi College was founded in 1352 "by the townspeople for the townspeople." Its oldest section, Old Court , dates back to 1377, although it has since been restored.Notable features include the library, which contains many valuable manuscripts collected by Matthew Parker, Archbishop of Canterbury (1550).

Also worth noting is the adjoining St. Benet's Church , which was the original college chapel and is notable for its late Saxon tower.

Dramatists Christopher Marlowe (1564-93) and John Fletcher (1579-1625)are among the best-known alumni of the college. The college is available for summer accommodations, and has become popular for events such as weddings.

Official site: www.corpus.cam.ac.uk

St. John's College was founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. A richly ornamented gateway opens into First Court, a fine example of Tudor architecture. The dining hall of 1519, known simply as " The Hall ," was enlarged with later buildings in 1826 and has an excellent hammer beam roof, beautiful paneling, and some fine portraits.

The Combination Room has a splendid plaster ceiling with festoons of vines. Second Court, built in 1602, is exceptionally attractive with its mellow brickwork, while Third Court includes the Library (1624).

Among the many notable members of St. John's were dramatist Ben Jonson and poet William Wordsworth, who described his college rooms in his famous Prelude . Also visit the college's exquisite chapel, as well as the famous Bridge of Sighs . Built in 1831, this enclosed bridge leads over the Cam into New Court and the College Grounds.

Location: St. John's Street, Cambridge

Official site: www.joh.cam.ac.uk

One of the most popular museums in Cambridge, the Museum of Cambridge has displays and exhibits focusing on the everyday lives of the local people from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Located in the old White Horse Inn , the museum features an extensive collection of artifacts, including coinage, costumes, medals, toys, and medicine. It also contains numerous interesting artworks.

Also worth visiting, the Cambridge Museum of Technology focuses on the county's industrial past. Housed in a Victorian pump house, the museum displays a working steam winch once used to haul ashes along a narrow gauge railway, plus a variety of other engines and a collection of antique printing equipment.

The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is also worthy of a visit for its fascinating collections of old scientific artifacts, including instruments and prints dating back as far as the 17th century.

Official site: www.museumofcambridge.org.uk

Located in the historic Scott Polar Research Institute ( SPRI ) building on Lensfield Road, the Polar Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the exploration of the Earth's polar regions. In addition to its collections of photos, documents, and artifacts relating to epic polar expeditions by the likes of Captain Robert Scott, you'll also find maps and other display materials that provide interesting facts about the North and South Poles.

One of the top free things to do in Cambridge , the Polar Museum is also home to an impressive collection of art relating to the exploration of the polar regions.

Address: Lensfield Road, Cambridge

Official site: www.spri.cam.ac.uk/museum/

Just 13 miles east of Cambridge, the market town of Newmarket has been a center of English horse racing since 1174. Horse fans will enjoy visiting the National Horse Racing Museum on the picturesque High Street. Exhibits relate to the history of the "sport of kings," still one of the most popular sports in Britain.

The collection includes paintings of famous horses and jockeys, old saddles, tack, and trophies. There are several stables actually in the town, not to mention the famous racecourse and training "gallops" close by.

Address: 99 High Street, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire

Official site: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk

With the university's 31 colleges filling the entire center of Cambridge, there isn't much space left for hotels. But you'll find a few amid its historic buildings, with more just outside the ring of streets that encircles the center. Here are some highly-rated hotels in Cambridge:

Luxury Hotels :

• Overlooking a broad park near the River Cam and the colleges, with plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance, the large rooms at The Gonville Hotel are well located for exploring Cambridge.
• Walk along the Cam and to the historic sites from The Varsity Hotel & Spa , a boutique lodging with a rooftop terrace, near Trinity and Magdalene colleges.
• The name Hilton Cambridge City Centre says it all, right in the center surrounded by historic colleges, restaurants, and shops. The modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Regent Hotel rooms overlook a park near the colleges and River Cam or busy Regent Street's shops and restaurants.
• The neighboring boutique-style Lensfield is also about halfway between the train station and the city center.

Budget Hotels:

• You can walk through the park to city center colleges from Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road , or there's a bus stop right in front; underground parking is free.
• There's also a bus stop at Ashley Hotel , or you can walk across the river and over Midsummer Common to the center in about 20 minutes. Rooms here have safes, coffee and tea-making, and free Wi-Fi.
• For lodgings with history, choose a student room with a full English breakfast and Wi-Fi included in Christ's College Cambridge , founded by the mother of Henry VII in 1505 and the college of Charles Darwin.

More on England

Adventures of Alice

Cambridge Day Trip: The Perfect 1 Day Itinerary

Sharing is caring!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Similar Posts

4 Days In Athens, Greece: The Perfect First-Time Itinerary

The perfect itinerary for spending 4 days in Athens, Greece. It covers where to stay, what to go and a couple of day trips from the centre.

23 Prettiest Towns and Most Beautiful Villages in England

There’s so much more to England than London! For the perfect British getaway, here are the 23 most beautiful villages in England!

22 Best Day Trips From London By Train or Car

Looking for the best day trips from London? Here are the top options, either 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, or more from the British capital.

3 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect 72-Hour Itinerary

A city riddled with canals, history and tiny houses; Amsterdam is a wonderful European break. Here’s how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam.

24 Very Best Things to do in Pula, Croatia (2024)

From the famous Amphitheatre to a medieval fortress perched on a hilltop, these are the 23 best things to do in Pula, Croatia.

10 Best Things to Do in Llandudno, Wales

From the fascinating Great Orme to the bustling Llandudno Pier, these are the 10 best things to do in Llandudno, Wales.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

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

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Map of things to do 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.

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).

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?*

Save for later

You might also like

10 great UK weekend break ideas

A weekend in Oxford: 2-day Oxford itinerary

London film locations: A self-guided walking tour

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!

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 2.3 By cycle
• 2.4.1 Park and Ride
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Colleges
• 4.2 Parks and gardens
• 4.3 Museums and galleries
• 4.4 Churches
• 4.5 Further out
• 5.1.1 Events
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Country pubs
• 10.3.1 Café chains
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12 Stay safe
• 14.1 Laundry
• 14.2 Gyms and swimming pools
• 14.3 Places of worship

Cambridge is a university city in Cambridgeshire in England . It is a city of crocuses and daffodils on the Backs, of green open spaces and cattle grazing only 500 yards (450 m) from the market square. Cows sometimes wander into the market area, since they are not fenced in. The Cambridge of Brooke, Byron, Newton and Rutherford, of the summer idyll of punts, 'bumps', cool willows and May Balls is worth seeing.

Understand [ edit ]

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.

Cambridge manages to combine its role as an historic city with a world-renowned university and, since the 20th century, an internationally acknowledged centre of excellence for technology and science. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. They chose the quiet town of Cambridge as a suitable location for study. In the 17th century Cambridge University educated many of the founders of an American university called Harvard, which is also in a place called Cambridge (named after the English university). Cambridge University has many famous alumni, including: mathematicians such as Sir Isaac Newton, scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin, philosophers such as Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein, and writers such as John Milton and Lord Byron. It was the site of Rutherford's pioneering work in nuclear physics, and Francis, Crick, and Watson's DNA work (see the Eagle pub below). Cambridge academics have won more Nobel Prizes than those of any other university in the world. The rumour that just one college, Trinity, had more Nobel prize-winners than France, however, is false.

The city is surrounded on all sides by heritage villages, towns and ancient monuments (such as Ely and Peterborough ), all within easy travelling distance. Like Oxford, Cambridge was spared from the German carpet bombing that devastated many other British cities during World War II, and is thus one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the UK

More than 6 million visitors come to Cambridge every year to savour the delights of the historic city. The city itself is quite compact with many of the main attractions in easy walking distance. Cambridge is an ideal base for exploring some of the gentlest (read flattest; good for leisurely walks, poor for hills with viewpoints) and most unspoilt countryside in England.

• Visit Cambridge tourist information.

Get in [ edit ]

Cambridge is around 50 mi (80 km) north of London . Two railway routes connect Cambridge with the capital, with additional routes to towns and cities throughout the East of England and the Midlands . Several major routes including the M11 motorway connect the city with other UK destinations.

By plane [ edit ]

Cambridge is around 30 mi (48 km) from 51.885 0.235 1 London Stansted Airport ( STN  IATA ) . You can fly into Stansted from destinations throughout Europe , the Middle East and North Africa , and domestic destinations including Belfast , Edinburgh , Glasgow and Newquay . A large number of routes are operated by Ryanair and Jet2.com .

You can travel from Stansted Airport to Cambridge by train, which takes roughly 35 minutes. Trains are operated by CrossCountry (towards Birmingham New Street) and Greater Anglia (towards Norwich), both part of the National Rail network. You can also travel from Stansted to Cambridge using National Express coaches - routes 727, 728, 767 and 777. There is a Car Rental Village at Stansted Airport , where drivers can hire a car from several companies including Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Other airports with links to Cambridge includeː

• 51.4775 -0.461389 3 London Heathrow Airport ( LHR  IATA ) - Flights from most major international airports, including in cities throughout Africa , Asia , Europe and North America . Direct National Express coaches to Cambridge - routes 727, 728 and 788. Rail routes includeː   ELI   to Farringdon then Thameslink to Cambridge;   ELI   to London Liverpool Street then Greater Anglia to Cambridge; or,   PIC   to King's Cross St Pancras then Great Northern / Thameslink to Cambridge.
• 51.147222 -0.190278 4 London Gatwick Airport ( LGW  IATA ) - Flights from international airports throughout Europe and North America. Direct Thameslink trains connect Gatwick with Cambridge, which run at least twice per hour throughout the day.

By train [ edit ]

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Both railway stations are on the National Rail network. You can book "PlusBus" tickets from any National Rail ticket retailing website or at station offices for a combined rail and bus ticket. Find out more onː PlusBus.info

You can get direct trains to Cambridge from several London stations, includingː

• Farringdon ( Interchangeː   CIR     H&C     MET     ELI   ) - Fast services by Thameslink .
• Finsbury Park ( Interchangeː   PIC     VIC   ) - Fast and stopping services by Great Northern and Thameslink .
• King's Cross ( Interchangeː   CIR     H&C     MET     NOR     PIC     VIC   ) - Express, fast and stopping services by Great Northern and Thameslink , including the "Cambridge Cruiser" non-stop route, which takes between 40 and 45 minutes.
• Liverpool Street ( Interchangeː   CEN     CIR     H&C     MET     ELI     OGD   ) - Fast and stopping services by Greater Anglia .
• London Bridge ( Interchangeː   JUB     NOR   ) - Fast services by Thameslink .
• St Pancras International ( Interchangeː   CIR     H&C     MET     NOR     PIC     VIC   and   EUS   ) - Fast services by Thameslink .
• Tottenham Hale ( Interchangeː   CEN     CIR     H&C     MET   ) - Fast and stopping services by Greater Anglia .

You can also catch direct trains to Cambridge from London Gatwick Airport ( Thameslink ) and London Stansted Airport ( CrossCountry or Greater Anglia ).

There are also regular, direct trains from destinations further afield, includingː

• Birmingham New Street ( Interchangeː   1   ) - Fast services by CrossCountry .
• Brighton - Fast services by Thameslink .
• Ely - Fast and local services by CrossCountry , Greater Anglia , Great Northern .
• Ipswich - Local services by Greater Anglia .
• King's Lynn - Local services by Great Northern .
• Leicester - Fast services by CrossCountry .
• Norwich - Local services by Greater Anglia .
• Peterborough - Fast and local services by CrossCountry and Greater Anglia .
• Stevenage - Fast and local services by Thameslink and Great Northern .

By cycle [ edit ]

Cambridge is famous for its cycling culture and you can travel into the city by bike from the surrounding towns using signposted routes. National Cycle Network Route 11 connects Saffron Walden, Duxford and Waterbeach with Cambridge using local roads. National Cycle Network Route 51 connects Huntingdon, St Ives and Newmarket with the city centre. The route - part of NCN51 - between St Ives and Cambridge is traffic-free, next to The Busway into Cambridge North. A different traffic-free cycle route connects the village of Fenstanton with Girton, next to the A14 dual-carriageway.

You can hire bikes fromː

• 52.198021 0.11272 9 City Cycle Hire , 61 Newnham Road, Cambridge, CB3 9EY , ☏ +44 1223 365629 . ( updated Dec 2023 ) Off Fen Causeway in Newnham, west of the city.
• 52.203594 0.121044 10 Primo Cycles , Grand Arcade, 10 Corn Exchange Street, CB2 3QF , ☏ +44 1223 307655 . ( updated Dec 2023 )

You can also hire Voi e-bikes [dead link] using an app within the set zone. Check the app for riding and parking details.

Remember to follow local riding rules. You must not cycle on the pavement (sidewalk) unless blue signs or road markings specify otherwise. Cycling on the road is almost always allowed, even where there are adjacent cycle lanes. One-way street rules apply to cyclists, unless signs specify otherwise. Cyclists must stop at red traffic lights, but bike-only green lights allow riders to leave early. Always lock your bike with a solid lock. If your bike is stolen, you can report it to Cambridgeshire Constabulary by phone on 101 or online .

By car [ edit ]

Other routes into Cambridge includeː

Park and Ride [ edit ]

You can park free of charge at five Park and Ride sites on the outskirts of Cambridge, then travel into the city centre. Return bus journeys into the city centre start from £3. Check the pricing on the Park and Ride website .

The Park and Ride sites areː

By bus [ edit ]

You can get to Cambridge by coach from destinations throughout the UK and Europe.

National Express coaches from several destinations, includingː

• London Stratford (̩490)
• London Victoria (490)
• London Heathrow Airport (727, 728, 788)
• London Luton Airport (788)
• London Stansted Airport (727, 728, 767, 777, 788)
• Birmingham (777)
• Great Yarmouth (727)
• Leicester (767)
• Norwich (490, 727, 728)
• Nottingham (767)

Flixbus operates coaches to Cambridge from UK and international destinations. Some coaches call at Cambridge Trumpington Park and Ride only, rather than the city centre. Destinations includeː

• Amsterdam Sloterdijk (UKN601)
• Antwerp (UKN601)
• Paris Bercy Seine (UKN603)
• Utrecht (UKN601)
• London Stratford (UKN603)
• London Victoria (UK006)
• Birmingham (UKN603)
• Leeds (UKN601)
• Leicester (UKN601)
• Manchester (UKN603)
• Nottingham (UKN601)
• Sheffield (UKN601)
• Stevenage (UK006)

There are local buses from nearby destinations, includingː

• Bedford ( Stagecoach 905 - Change at Bedford for Stagecoach X5 to Oxford)
• Ely ( Stagecoach 9/X9 )
• Haverhill ( Stagecoach 13/X13 )
• Huntingdon ( The Busway B , The Busway C - Change at Huntingdon for Stagecoach 904 to Peterborough)
• Newmarket ( Stephensons 11 , Stephensons 12 )
• Saffron Walden ( citi 7 )
• St Neots ( Stagecoach 905 )

Get around [ edit ]

Cambridge is mostly pedestrian-friendly: most sights can be easily reached on foot and much of the central area is traffic-free. Some of the pavements are shared use between pedestrians and cyclists; this can catch you out unless you watch out for it. Cambridge walking directions can be planned online with Google maps & other websites & apps. Students and locals often use bikes to get around and hiring a bike is a viable alternative to simply walking.

You can also opt for a hop-on, hop-off open-top sightseeing bus which provides commentary in several languages. The sightseeing bus passes the railway station, American Cemetery, and many of the historic colleges, but as the city centre is pedestrianised, it can approach the more central colleges on only Sundays.

There is little need to use the local bus services unless you are staying in a far-flung area of the city, but they are clean and efficient if you need to. Citi buses cost between £1 and £2 for individual cash fares within Cambridge City (change is given but drivers may refuse large denomination notes), contactless payments are available on most buses, but just tell the driver your destination as you board and take your ticket from the machine. The dominant bus operator is Stagecoach but Whippet also operate buses within the city and offer day tickets for their buses only. There is a multi operator bus day ticket available for £8 which you can purchase on the bus services of any participating operator. If you are arriving in Cambridge by rail, Plusbus tickets offer good value.

Cambridge City Council discourages car use. Parking charges are high and although the hated rising bollards are now gone they have been replaced by bus gates and lanes which are monitored by cameras and fines are issued to unauthorised vehicles passing through them.

Uber ride-hailing is available, and there are many taxi companies in Cambridge.

• Panther Taxis , ☏ +44 1223 715715 .  
• Camtax , ☏ +44 1223 313131 .  
• Camcab , ☏ +44 1223 704704 .  
• Hyfly Taxis , ☏ +44 1223737300 , [email protected] . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• NLG Airport Transfers ( NLG Trading ), 1 Hadleigh Court , ☏ +447762052568 , [email protected] . 24 hours . £90 . ( updated Jul 2023 )

See [ edit ]

Colleges [ edit ].

Cambridge University consists of a number of semi-independent colleges, many central, some up to 3 mi (4.8 km) from the town centre (traditionally measured from Great St. Mary's church). The following are a good selection for sightseeing. Most of the colleges within the central area are worth a look, if you have the time.

Some colleges charge for entrance. It can be expensive, around £5 per person or more. If you're friends with a student, they're allowed to bring a visitor in for free. Colleges are typically closed to visitors during the University exam period, at the end of May and the first week of June.

Please remember to be respectful when visiting the colleges. They are students' homes for much of the year, and the workload and pressure at the University can be immense. Do not enter buildings you are not explicitly invited to, do not stare into people's windows, and be polite when taking photographs; be especially discreet in the libraries. Always remember that the colleges' role is first and foremost that of academic institutions; they are not there for tourists, and it is rude to do anything which impedes or inconveniences the people who live and work in them.

Parks and gardens [ edit ]

• 52.2051 0.1117 13 The Backs . The gardens by the river behind various colleges. Heading downstream from King's you can pass through the gardens of Clare, Trinity and St John's Colleges (which has the "Bridge of Sighs").  
• 52.2021 0.1281 16 Parker's Piece . One of the best known open spaces in Cambridge. In the centre of the city, it is bordered by Park Terrace, Regent Terrace, Parkside and Gonville Place.  
• 52.2061 0.1251 17 Christ's Pieces . In the centre of the city, it is bordered by the bus station, Christ's College, Emmanuel Road and King Street. It is of typical Victorian park design with tree lined avenues. The formal seasonal bedding displays planted in the 'petal beds' near Emmanuel Road, provide all year round colour. There are also large ornamental shrub beds around the perimeter to add further year round colour and interest.  
• 52.19847 0.116597 18 Coe Fen . A beautiful, semi-wild green near the centre of the city, but far enough out to be quiet. Less manicured than some of the college gardens and parks around Cambridge, but nonetheless a great space to be in the summer with cows roaming and the Cam running through.  

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

• 52.21081 0.11474 26 The Museum of Cambridge ( formerly: Cambridge Folk Museum ), Castle Street . M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM . The only local social history museum in Cambridge and is the most comprehensive collection representing life in the South Cambridgeshire villages. Housed in an old Coaching House, the museum is home to some 20,000 objects representing the history of local life away from the University. Staffed by volunteers which may cause unscheduled closures, phone to confirm if required. Standard £6, students & 16-17 £4.50, -16 free . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• 52.2051 0.1073 28 The University Library , West Road . M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-4:30PM . Exhibition of treasures and highlights from the Library's world-class collections of manuscripts and printed books. Two major exhibitions are held each year (roughly January to June and September to December): check website for details.  

Churches [ edit ]

The history of Cambridge is entwined with that of the Church of England. The colleges (see above) all have chapels which can be visited, but town churches also offer a rich insight into the history of the town and university, and are usually free. Even if you aren't interested in places of worship, they are well worth a few minutes attention and are peaceful places to enjoy.

• 52.215381 0.139775 35 St. Andrew's, Chesterton , Church Street, CB4 1DT , ☏ +44 1223 306150 , [email protected] . A walk from town, but with an impressive (if somewhat faded) medieval Doom painting around the chancel arch, showing the Judgement and giving worshippers good reason to pay attention to the sermon.  

Further out [ edit ]

• Further north see Ely for Stretham Old Engine and Wicken Fen.

• 52.177 0.096 41 Grantchester : "The women there do all they ought, the men observe the Rules of Thought...." - Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) was in Berlin when he wrote this semi-comic paean to the village. It's 3 miles south and upstream from Cambridge, a pleasant afternoon stroll or punt. The Church of St Mary and St Andrew (C of E) dates from 12th century, with several distinguished figures in its graveyard. There are thatched cottages, several pubs, and the famous Orchard Tea Gardens , open daily 10AM-6PM. The orchard was planted in 1868; in 1897 a group of student visitors asked if they could take tea there rather on the lawn, and this became a fashion. Brooke took up lodging at The Orchard in 1909 and attracted a glittering coterie: They love the Good, they worship Truth, they laugh uproariously in youth . . . Continue upstream to the pool below the weir at the confluence of the Cam and Brook. This was frequented by Europe's most famous "wild swimmer" Lord Byron.
• 52.205 0.082 42 Bourn Windmill , Caxton Rd, Bourn CB23 2SU ( Off A1198 ), ☏ +44 1223 243830 . 13/14 May and then five Sundays between May and September 2023 (see website for details) . A medieval post-mill, probably the oldest mill in Britain. It's at risk of collapse and stabilisation is under way; it will be open for a few days in 2023. £3 adult, £1 child . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Do [ edit ]

• Explore the backs. It's free, and gives you a real flavour of the city. You can walk through King's College, onto King's Parade, a beautiful row of exclusive shops. You can also experience the backs by punt which is extremely popular.
• Punting . 9:30AM-dusk daily. If anything is stereotypically 'Cambridge', this is it. Punting involves propelling a flat bottomed boat with a long wooden pole (quant) by pushing a pole against the shallow river bottom. For the full effect, take strawberries and Champagne to quaff as you glide effortlessly down the river. You can either travel along the famous College Backs or head out towards the village of Grantchester. Guided tours are also available from around £20.00 per person on the day. Save by booking online at ( Traditional Punting Company , Let's Go Punting , Rutherford's Punting Cambridge , Scudamore's and Cambridge Chauffeur Punts . If you're up for more of an adventure, try it out for yourself on a self-hire boat (typically about £30/hour for an entire punt, so can be a lot cheaper if you are part of a group). Punting to Grantchester (upriver) takes about an hour and a half for an experienced punter or tour, and the complete journey takes much longer for first-timers. Along the Grantchester route there are riverbanks on the way for mooring up with meadowland suitable for picnics (Note that pranksters have been known to push unattended punts out into the river.)
• Walking tours. Guided walking tours are available all year round with a range of walking tours to choose from. These tours can be tailored to suit group interest with the central tourist office . There is also the option to experience Cambridge virtually with some University Colleges providing their own tours. These include King's College and St John's College with a
• Rowing . Cambridge is renowned for rowing on the Cam. All colleges and some schools have their own clubs, and there are over half a dozen large 'town' clubs. There are a number of regattas and head races on the river throughout the year, though the highlight in the rowing calendar on the Cam is the annual bumping races. For College crews, the 'May' bumps are in June, for the local clubs, this normally is the fourth week in July. Over four evenings of racing (Tuesday - Friday), eights attempt to gain higher position by catching the crew ahead of them before being 'bumped' by the crew behind. Races take place downstream (north) of the city, between the A-14 road bridge and the railway bridge at Stourbridge Common, and are best viewed from the towpath alongside the river, or from the Plough pub in Fen Ditton, both accessible by foot from the town centre - words of warning though - if on the towpath side, be careful for the massive number of bikes that accompany the crews racing, if in the pub, you may not get a seat, and beer prices are at a premium.
• Cycling . Rent a bicycle and bike the mostly flat terrain around Cambridge. Popular destinations are Grantchester (3 km), American Cemetery (5 km), along River Cam towpath to Milton Country Park (5 km), Wicken Fen (12 km), Duxford Imperial War Museum especially during air-shows (15 km) and Ely (23 km). (More trips)
• Football: 52.21225 0.15421 1 Cambridge United , Newmarket Rd CB5 8LN , ☏ +44 1223 566500 . United play soccer in League One, the game's third tier. Their home ground Abbey Stadium (capacity 8000) is two miles east of city centre. ( updated Jun 2021 )
• Cambridge RUFC were promoted in 2023 and now play rugby union in the RFU Championship, their second tier. The home ground is Grantchester Road, capacity 1250.
• Cambridge University RUFC plays the annual Varsity Match against Oxford but doesn't play in a regular league.
• Play tennis for free for up to 45 minutes at a city-council tennis court . No need to book – just bring racquets and balls. Parktennis runs free social games at Jesus Green most Saturdays at 10–11AM.
• Play table tennis for free at Ping Pong Parlour [dead link] in the Grafton Shopping Centre (balls and bats provided), or on an outdoor table .
• 52.213 0.184 2 Cambridge Ice Arena , Newmarket Road CB5 8AA , ☏ +44 1223 848830 . Tu-Su . This rink has public skating, ice hockey, curling, figure skating, and lessons. ( updated Feb 2022 )
• 52.2117 0.1185 3 Lets Go Punting , Landing Stage, Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AG , ☏ +44 1223 651659 , [email protected] . 9AM - dusk . Independent punting company offering private and shared punting tours in Cambridge. Tours last 45-50 minutes along the college backs. From £20 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• 52.21199 0.118867 4 Traditional Punting Company ( Punting Cambridge ), Landing Stage, Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ , ☏ +44 1223 782306 , [email protected] . 9AM - dusk . The Traditional Punting Company offers the best punting in Cambridge, where you'll see the world-famous College Backs in the heart of the city. Expert chauffeurs will guide you along the River Cam, entertaining you with Cambridge’s inspiring history and secrets of the city over the last 800 years. Tours last 50 minutes and are a return journey. Shared Tours from £20, Private Tours from £79 . ( updated Mar 2022 )

Arts [ edit ]

• 52.20433 0.11972 5 Cambridge Corn Exchange . The city's centre for arts and entertainment.  
• 52.20851 0.11998 6 ADC Theatre , Park Street . The University's playhouse. Hosts student and local amateur productions. Look out for performances by Footlights , this has been the training ground for many famous comedians. Tickets £4-10 .  
• 52.19071 0.13591 7 Cambridge Junction , Clifton Road ( close to Cambridge railway station. Bus Stagecoach #3 ). Artistic centre offering club nights, gigs, and new theatre, comedy, and dance. Ticket prices vary depending on the show/gig. ( updated Aug 2023 )
• 52.20286 0.12349 8 Arts Picture House , 38–39 St Andrew's St . Various foreign and art-house films (see the current listing ). A more conventional selection can be found at the large multiplex at the Grafton Centre as well as the Light Cinema at Cambridge Leisure Park in Hills Road. ( updated Jan 2017 )
• 52.20442 0.1187 9 Arts Theatre , 6 St Edward's Passage . Hosts a varied mix of professional drama, dance and opera including touring productions and an annual pantomime.  

Events [ edit ]

• Cambridge Summer Music Festival . Perhaps the most romantic way to appreciate the magnificent architecture of the many College Chapels is to hear a concert performed in their marvellous acoustics. Cambridge Summer Music offers world class performances in the well-known Chapel of King's College as well as many of the city's hidden gems.  
• Midsummer Fair . (mid-June), Midsummer Common.  
• 52.2102 0.1295 10 Strawberry Fair . On Midsummer Common in early June.  
• Festival of Ideas . (October–November) A festival of free events celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences.  
• Cambridge Literary Festival ( Spring and winter ). Twice yearly literary festival with talks, readings and events featuring local and national literary figures.  
• Mill Road Winter Fair ( First Saturday in December ). Annual community festival based around the city's Mill Road featuring music, parades, food and art organised by local residents. The whole road is closed off just for the day.  

Learn [ edit ]

Most lectures are only open to members of the university; however, a variety of public talks and lectures are organised:

• Cambridge University public lectures and seminars
• Cambridge Video & Audio
• Trinity Public Lecture Series
• Darwin College lecture series
• Madingley Hall Public Lecture Series

There are a large number of summer schools, mostly English language, but also some offering tuition in a wide range of other subjects.

It is also possible for members of the public to attend residential summer schools within the University, such as Lite Regal Education

Work [ edit ]

Cambridge University students aren't allowed to work during term-time, so there are often possibilities for punting, hotel services, bar or waitering work for foreign nationals. Those from outside the EU require a work permit, see the Work section of United Kingdom for more details.

There are also the Science Park and Business Park located around the city limits which are home to many global gaming, digital, technology, bio-tech and pharmaceutical companies.

Buy [ edit ]

King's Parade has numerous souvenir shops and gift shops with Cambridge (and London) branded merchandise. Scour the charity shops down Burleigh Street, Regent Street and Mill Road for bargains. Book collectors will find many shops especially Trinity Street. The market square in the centre of town has a general market Monday to Saturday with fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes, books, bicycle repair, tea and coffee, fast food and clothes, and a more arts-and-crafts oriented market on Sunday with pottery, ceramics, prints, clothing, etc. The surrounding streets and the nearby 52.20398 0.12181 1 Grand Arcade and 52.20488 0.12085 2 Lion Yard shopping centres have most of the common retail names and many individual shops to cater for most needs. The 52.20624 0.13469 3 Grafton Centre has all the usual high-street shops in a mall and surrounding streets.

M&S Food (part of the Marks and Spencer department store chain) have a mini-supermarket that sells high-quality sandwiches, prepared meals, snacks and other groceries - usually at a high price. The main supermarket in the city centre is Sainsbury's on Sidney St. which stocks a full range of groceries and everyday products as well as alcohol and cigarettes. There are many more supermarkets including large Tesco (Chedder's Lane & Yarrow Road), Asda, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose superstores as well as a large Aldi discounter on the edge of the city.

• 52.20504 0.11791 4 Ryder & Amies , 22 King's Parade , ☏ +44 1223 350371 . "The University Store" sells Cambridge University merchandise.  
• 52.20372 0.12262 5 John Lewis , 10 Downing Street , ☏ +44 1223 361292 . Large department store.  
• 52.20439 0.11775 6 Primavera , 10 King's Parade , ☏ +44 1223 357708 . High quality contemporary art & crafts.  
• 52.20581 0.1181 7 Cambridge Contemporary Art , 6 Trinity Street , ☏ +44 1223 324222 . More art & crafts.  
• 52.20778 0.11888 8 Cambridge Cheese Company , 4 All Saints Passage , ☏ +44 1223 328672 . Excellent selection of cheese and delicatessan counter.  
• 52.20568 0.11804 9 Cambridge University Press Bookshop , 1 Trinity Street , ☏ +44 1223 333333 . Only sells CUP books, but it is the oldest bookshop site in the country - books have been sold there since at least 1581.  
• 52.20707 0.11823 10 Heffers , 20 Trinity Street , ☏ +44 1223 568568 . Large bookshop, with academic sections. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 52.20563 0.14503 11 Beehive Center , on the A1134 ( by foot about 10 minutes east of the Grafton Centre ). A series of shops including Asda, DW Sports Fitness, TK Maxx, Next Home & Dreams. Further up Newmarket Road at the Cambridge Retail Park, there are several additional large stores like Tesco, Sports Direct and Curry's PC World. ( updated Aug 2019 )

Eat [ edit ]

Cambridge has a good range of eateries, as well as a daily market next to Great St Mary's Church where there are maybe 10-15 food stalls. Many of these offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, all for reasonable prices (a falafel wrap, for example, is £4-5).

Budget [ edit ]

• 52.205987 0.118135 1 Michaelhouse Cafe , Trinity St ( inside St. Michael's Church ). M-Sa 9:30AM-5PM . Beautiful cafe serving excellent sandwiches, salads, hot dishes, and soups. Desserts as well. Vegetarian options always available. Lunch served until 3PM. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.206928 0.121208 2 Tatties , 11 Sussex Street . Busy cafe serving jacket potatoes and sandwiches. Very popular with students around lunch time. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.20436 0.123469 3 Savinos , 3 Emmanuel Street . Authentic Italian coffee bar. Best espresso and cappuccino in town. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.202345 0.119245 4 Trockel, Ulmann & Freunde , 13 Pembroke St . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.200238 0.136601 5 The Garden Kitchen , 82 Mill Rd . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.206358 0.132373 6 Cafe Oriental Dumpling Bar , 9 Burleigh St . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.201078 0.134441 7 Zis Piri Piri , 36A Mill Rd . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 52.203902 0.117669 8 The Cambridge Chop House , 1 King's Parade, CB2 1SJ , ☏ +44 1223 359506 . Su-Th noon-10:30PM; F Sa noon-11PM . Good British cuisine in a great location, real ale (well kept!), attentive service, fixed lunch & (early) dinner menu (2 course). Booking recommended. £30-40 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.200185 0.126719 9 De Luca Cucina & Bar , 83 Regent St , ☏ +44 1223 356666 . Su 10AM-9:30PM; M-Th 11AM-11PM; F Sa 11AM-midnight . Great little Italian/British Fusion Restaurant with reasonable prices and great staff! ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.202026 0.118068 10 Fitzbillies , 51 Trumpington Street , ☏ +44 870 1413505 . Su noon-5:45PM; M-Sa 9AM-9:30PM . Fitzbillies is a Cambridge institution serving refined food for lunches and dinners, as well as heavenly tea and pastries in the afternoon. Don't forget its adjacent shop selling the best pastries in town, amongst which you will find the world famous Chelsea Bun! They also have a smaller branch at 36 Bridge Street, which is often less busy. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.200654 0.119726 11 Little Rose , 37 Trumpington Street , ☏ +44 870 141 3579 . Su 10AM-9:30PM; M-Th 9AM-10PM; F 9AM-10:30PM; Sa 10AM-11PM . Gastro-pub style food. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.199182 0.113659 12 Sala Thong Thai Restaurant , 35 Newnham Road , ☏ +44 870 141 3666 . Daily noon-2:30PM, 6PM-10:30PM . This small place serves simple tasty Thai food with good service. £20-30 . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.204951 0.129526 13 Luk Thai at the Cricketers , 18 Melbourne Place , ☏ +44 1223 778871 . M-Sa noon-1PM, 5:30PM-11PM; Su noon-1PM, 5:30PM-10PM . Average price: £15-25 per person for starter, main, dessert and drinks . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.210498 0.1153 14 Thanh Binh , 17, Magdalene St, CB3 0AF , ☏ +44 1223 362456 . Very good Vietnamese food in a pleasant atmosphere. No alcohol license, but you can bring your own; there is a good wine shop just over the bridge 50 m away. ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.210141 0.117531 15 Tipsy Vegan , 6-8 Quayside, CB5 8AB ( Close to Magdalene Bridge over River Cam ). Good quality vegan bar-restaurant with outdoor area. Tables can be booked online. ( updated Aug 2023 )

Pubs [ edit ]

Many pubs in Cambridge also serve good food at reasonable prices, for example:

• 52.203941 0.118113 16 The Eagle , Bene't St . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.202344 0.139284 17 Cambridge Blue , 85-87 Gwydir St . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.200351 0.139801 18 Kingston Arms , 33 Kingston St . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.214412 0.124734 19 Portland Arms , 129 Chesterton Rd . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.208846 0.118133 20 The Mitre , 17 Bridge St . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 52.213921 0.124341 21 Restaurant 22 , 22 Chesterton Road, CB4 3AX , ☏ +44 1223 351880 . Set in a converted Victorian house near the river. Serves up quality seasonal food from a monthly changing menu in an intermate dining room. Booking essential. Larger private room up stairs for parties of approx 12. One Michelin Star since 2023. £100+ . ( updated Feb 2023 )
• 52.212119 0.128312 22 Midsummer House , Midsummer Common , ☏ +44 870 1416395 . Tu-Th 7PM-9:30PM; F Sa noon-2PM, 7PM-9:30PM . Midsummer Common. By far Cambridge's finest restaurant and one of only ten British restaurants to have earned two stars from the Michelin guide. £100+ .  
• 52.200047 0.128819 23 Cotto Restaurant , Gonville Hotel, Gonville Place CB1 1LY , ☏ +44 1223 302010 . Tu-Sa 9AM-3PM and Th-Sa from 7PM. . The twice-Gold Medallist at the Chef's Olympics, Hans Schweitzer has amassed an impressive repertoire of culinary skills, including training as a Confiseur and Chocolatier in Switzerland and Paris. He is considered the best chef in Cambridge. A contemporary, restaurant, convenient if you are near Parker's Piece, Anglia Ruskin University or the Grafton Centre.  

Drink [ edit ]

Charming pubs and peculiar drinking traditions abound. Cambridge has a colossal number of pubs, over 110 at the last count. For specialist and obscure spirits and wines check out Bacchanalia, Vinopolis or any of the Cambridge Wine Merchants stores.

• 52.20234 0.13924 1 The Cambridge Blue , 85 Gwydir Street . A friendly pub with a large garden and good range of real ale.  
• 52.19892 0.13905 4 The Devonshire Arms , 1 Devonshire Rd, CB1 2BH ( Mill Road end ), ☏ +44 1223 318 610 . Good selection of Milton Brewery beers. Good menu. Friendly, and handy for the station. ( updated Aug 2021 )
• 52.2048 0.13044 7 The Free Press , 7 Prospect Row . Mobile phone use is not allowed, making this a pleasant quiet pub. Pub terrace.  
• 52.19968 0.11376 8 The Granta , 14 Newnham Road . A large terrace looks out on the river and surrounding nature. Popular during the summer, this pub serves excellent food, and rents out punts and canoes.  
• 52.20035 0.13976 9 The Kingston Arms , 33 Kingston St, Cambridge CB1 2NU , ☏ +44 1223 319414 . Underrated old-fashioned free house with friendly atmosphere, open later than other Cambridge bars (2AM weekends, drinking-up time generally half an hour).  
• 52.19933 0.13514 10 The Live and Let Live , Mawson Road . A small and very friendly place with an excellent selection of real ales.  
• 52.20967 0.11924 11 The Maypole , 20A Portugal Place, CB5 8AF . A Cambridge institution, still independent and it's noticeable in its style and management. Smart pub, heated outdoor area. Enormous range of alcohol, perhaps slightly higher prices than the local average, but only slightly and it's worth it for the atmosphere. Late opening, last call's at 1 on weekends but boot-out's a good hour later. ( updated Jan 2020 )
• 52.19468 0.13776 13 Old Ticket Office , Cambridge Railway Station, CB1 2JWT ( Just to the right as you come out of the railway station ), ☏ +44 1223 859 017 , [email protected] . M-W noon-11PM, Th-Sa noon-midnight, Su 10AM-11PM . Friendly bar with outdoor seating just next to the station, mostly commuters. Very comfortable seats, live train times on screen. City Pub Co. bought and renovated the former ticket office in 2018 and it's been very successful, with a handful of regulars despite being on the outskirts of town. Wide range of craft beers (more than 30!) and gins (more than 20), wines and cocktails. Extensive hot food menu and takeaway pastries. Pint £4-9 (high abv) . ( updated Oct 2019 )
• 52.20427 0.11919 15 The Pint Shop , 10 Peas Hill, Cambridge, CB2 3PN , ☏ +44 1223 352293 . M–W noon-11PM, Th F noon-midnight, Sa 11AM-midnight, Su 11AM-11PM . Known for their selection of craft beer on tap. ( updated Aug 2019 )
• 52.20293 0.12387 16 The Regal , St Andrews Street . Formerly a cinema, the Regal is the largest pub in the city and according to some, Europe. Offers a broad range of drinks including cheap ales you´d expect from a Wetherspoon´s chain pub, plus music and a rowdy dance floor in the evenings.  
• 52.21097 0.14633 17 The Wrestlers , 337 Newmarket Road . A bit of a walk from the City Centre, but great real ales and some of the best Thai food in town.  

Country pubs [ edit ]

Grantchester is home to four pubs - 52.180404 0.09557 18 the Red Lion . ( updated Aug 2021 ) and the Green Man are closest to the river bank, and the Rupert Brooke and Blue Ball are to the right (Cambridge direction) along the main street of the village.

• 52.1834 0.2218 19 The Six Bells , 9 High Street, Fulbourn, CB21 5DH ( No 1 Citibus to Fulbourn. Last stop. ), ☏ +44 1223 880244 , [email protected] . 11:30AM-11PM . Typical British country pub. Grade II-listed building with thatched roof and large beer garden. Beer festival and musical events in the summer months. Bar food and restaurant. ( updated Jan 2022 )

Clubs [ edit ]

• 52.20638 0.12066 20 Vinyl ( The Place ), 22 Sidney Street . Affectionately known as 'Life' (its previous name) to students.  
• 52.2044 0.12011 21 Lola Lo , 1 Guildhall chambers, Guildhall Place . Three separate areas over four floors.  

Cafes [ edit ]

• 52.20453 0.11817 22 Indigo Coffee House , 8 St. Edward's Passage (central) . A tiny cheerful place with excellent coffee and bagels!  
• Savinos , Emmanuel Street . Italian coffee bar. The best place in town where you can relax drinking a true and delicious Italian coffee or if you are hungry you can try a tasty Italian baguette with ingredients imported from Italy. While you are chilling out with your drink you can read Italian newspapers or listening to Italian music.  

Café chains [ edit ]

You'll also find all the usual coffee chains:

• 52.20482 0.11785 23 17 King's Parade , ☏ +44 1223 327 789 . M-F 7AM-8PM, Sa-Su 7:30AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20609 0.11977 24 11 Market Street , ☏ +44 1223 307 728 . Daily 7AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20409 0.11276 25 SU1, St. Andrews Street ( Grand Arcade, next to John Lewis ), ☏ +44 1223301406 . M-F 6:30AM-8PM; Sa 7AM-8PM; Su 8AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.19455 0.13664 26 Station Road , ☏ +44 1223 355309 . M-F 6:30AM-8PM; Sa-Su 7AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20665 0.13033 27 22 Fitzroy Street , ☏ +44 1223 359656 . M-F 7:30AM-6PM; Sa 7:30AM-6:30PM; Su 8:30AM-6PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• ( inside the Grand Arcade on the first floor ), ☏ +44 1223304746 . Daily 7:30AM-6PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20686 0.13147 28 39 Fitzroy Street , ☏ +44 1223301357 . Daily 7AM-7PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20133 0.12737 29 38/40 Regent Street , ☏ +44 1223354941 . Daily 7AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20133 0.12536 30 Christs Lane , ☏ +44 1223305291 . Daily 7AM-7:30PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20949 0.14485 31 New Market Road , ☏ +44 1223313819 . Daily 7AM-8PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.19952 0.15756 32 Brooks Rd , ☏ +44 122321401 . M-Sa 7AM-6PM; Su 9AM-4PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• Costa ( inside the Grand Arcade on the ground floor ). M-Sa 7:30AM-7PM; Su 8AM-6PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.1949 0.1369 33 Station Square . M-F 7AM-7PM; Sa 7:30AM-6PM; Su 8:30AM-6PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20582 0.11972 34 22 Market Passage . M-Sa 7:30AM-7PM; Su 8AM-4:30PM . ( updated Nov 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

There is a range of options for accommodation in the city, although not so many for the budget traveller. In addition to guesthouses and hotels, there is a youth hostel and the option of staying in one of the rooms in a college. These rooms can be old with fantastic original features; they're a great base from which to explore the city. Outside of term, these will often be rooms which students have vacated for the holidays. Colleges can be contacted directly for information on accommodation in college, or they can be booked through UniversityRooms.

• 52.19683 0.13547 1 Cambridge Youth Hostel , 97 Tenison Road ( near the railway station ), ☏ +44 1223 354601 , fax : +44 1223 312780 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM (luggage storage available) , check-out: 10AM . 99 beds in this YHA hostel in a Victorian town house. Basic but functional. 15 minute walk from centre. Meals available. from £22.10 (under 18), from £24.40 (adult) for bed on shared room. Private room for one person from £25.50 . ( updated Aug 2023 )

There are a number of guesthouses on Tenison Road, about 10 minute walk from the train station towards town.

• 52.19695 0.1352 2 A&B Guesthouse , 124 Tenison Rd , ☏ +44 1223 315702 . Nice clean, small rooms. Ensuite available. £70 double .  
• 52.10777 0.3574 3 Chequer Cottage B&B , 43 Streetly End, Cambridgeshire ( 14 mi (23 km) from Cambridge ), ☏ +44 1223 891522 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: 11AM . Luxury B&B, 4 Star Silver Award, King size en-suite room set in a beautiful country garden on the edge of the Roman Road. Price includes full English or continental breakfast and wifi.  
• 52.20518 0.12644 4 Duke House , 1 Victoria St CB1 1JP , ☏ +44 1223 314773 . Five rooms in elegant little B&B. HRH Richard Duke of Gloucester stayed here 1967-69 when he studied architecture at Magdalen. No children 1-10 or dogs. B&B double £140 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 52.1944 0.1656 5 Holiday Inn Express Cambridge , 15-17 Norman Way ( Coldhams Business Park ), ☏ +44 871 902 1605 . On outskirts of the town, standard rooms, reasonably good free breakfast.  
• 52.2371 0.11548 6 Holiday Inn Cambridge , Lakeview, Bridge Rd, Impington ( northern fringe of Cambridge, about three miles from the city centre ), ☏ +44 871 942 9015 . As well its accommodation, the hotel also has a restaurant and leisure facilities on-site.  
• 52.21665 0.12684 7 Home from Home Guest House , 78-80 Milton Rd , ☏ +44 1223 323555 . Good value, but quite a distance from the city centre.  
• 52.19794 0.12183 8 Royal Cambridge Hotel , Trumpington Street, CB2 1PY ( edge of the city centre ), ☏ +44 1223 351631 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . One of the oldest hotels in Cambridge and was once part of the world famous Addenbrooke's Hospital. Not to be confused with the Royal Cambridge Hotel in London, for which at one point a fairly full entry appeared on this page. £45-80 pppn .  
• 52.20002 0.12886 9 Gonville Hotel , Gonville Place CB1 1LY , ☏ +44 1223 366611 , fax : +44 1223 315470 , [email protected] . Friendly hotel with spa and fine dining, overlooking Parker's Piece. B&B double £190 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 52.20207 0.12519 10 University Arms Hotel , Regent St CB2 1AD , ☏ +44 1223 606066 . Grand old hotel overlooking Parker's Piece, part of Marriott franchise and made-over in Edwardian style. Great comfort and service. Assistance dogs only. B&B double £150 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 52.09956 -0.09249 11 South Farm ( 10 mi (16 km) southwest of Cambridge ), ☏ +44 1223 207581 , fax : +44 1223 208771 , [email protected] . Fantastic B&B.  
• 52.20327 0.12197 12 Hilton Cambridge City Centre ( formerly the Crowne Plaza ), 20 Downing Street , ☏ +44 1223 464491 . Within walking distance from King's College.  
• 52.21029 0.11804 13 The Varsity , Thompson's Lane, CB5 8AQ , ☏ +44 1223 306030 . Luxury riverside spa hotel in the centre. It is famous for its rooftop bar and terrace. No dogs. B&B double £200 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 52.216 0.207 15 Quy Mill Hotel ( Best Western ), Church Rd, Stow-cum-Quy CB25 9AF ( A14 junction 35, 5 mi (8.0 km) east of city ), ☏ +44 1223 293383 . Swish hotel and spa in a 19th C mill, good dining. No dogs. B&B double from £100 . ( updated Aug 2020 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Although Cambridge is one of the safer cities in the UK, you should use your common sense at night and be careful in badly-lit areas outside the city centre. As of 2019, pick-pockets are taking advantage of the throngs of tourists on King's Parade and the nearby shops; keep an eye on valuables. It is wise to be on your guard around Regent Street & St Andrew's Street after midnight with anti-social behaviour due to people leaving pubs and nightclubs.

Bicycle theft is an ongoing problem. If you have a bike, keep it locked up to a solid object with a strong lock (preferably a D-lock), as cycle theft is big business. There are cycle parking places with cycle stands to lock you bike to, in several places around the city centre and at the railway station. "Secure" covered cycle parking with CCTV surveillance and cycle stands is available in the lower section of the Park Street car park and at the Grand Arcade cycle park.

The city's police station is on Parkside which is next door to the city's fire station. The opening times of the enquiry office is every day 8AM-10PM and bank holidays 9AM-5PM. There are a couple of smaller stations in the nearby villages of Histon and Sawston. The opening time of the enquiry office is for Histon, Mondays; 4PM-8PM, Wednesdays to Fridays; 8AM - midday, with Tuesdays, weekends and bank holidays closed. For Sawston, it is Wednesdays to Friday; 1PM-5PM, Mondays, weekends and bank holidays closed. The non-emergency contact number is 101, calls are fixed rate of £0.15 on landlines and mobiles.

The city's Accident and Emergency department (Casualty department) is located at Addenbrooke's Hospital on Hills Road, south of the city centre.

Connect [ edit ]

As of July 2022, Cambridge has 4G from all UK carriers, and you might get 5G with EE, O2 or Three. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Cope [ edit ]

Laundry [ edit ].

• 52.21396 0.12561 1 Launderette , 12 Victoria Avenue . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.19783 0.14439 2 Monarch Launderette , 161 Mill Road . ( updated Nov 2023 )

Gyms and swimming pools [ edit ]

• 52.20111 0.13053 3 Kelsey Kerridge is the public sports centre on the south side of Parker's Piece. Entry is possible without membership. Next door is the large 52.2014 0.13095 4 Parkside public swimming pools.
• In summer it's worth visiting the 52.21308 0.12314 5 Jesus Green Lido , Britain's longest outdoor pool, on Jesus Green, Chesterton Rd CB4 3BD - +44 1223 302579. As of 2021, the Lido is open all year round.

All other gyms are private members only, including:

• 52.2104 0.11813 6 The Glassworks Gym & Spa ( Halfmoon Yard/Quayside ), ☏ +44 1223 305060 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20643 0.14819 7 Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing , 213 Cromwell Rd, CB1 3BA , ☏ +44 1223 859289 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.19394 0.16684 8 David Lloyd Gym , Coldham's Lane, CB1 3LH ( Coldham's Business Park ), ☏ +44 1223 401200 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.21765 0.12178 9 Chesterton Sports Centre , Gilbert Road CB4 3NY , ☏ +44 1223 576110 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.23196 0.14655 10 Revolution Health & Fitness Club , 24 Science Park, CB4 OFN , ☏ +44 1223 395675 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.18733 0.13493 11 Hills Road Sports & Tennis Centre , Purbeck Road, CB2 2PF , ☏ +44 1223 500009 . ( updated Nov 2023 )

Places of worship [ edit ]

• Many Anglican churches, including college chapels and Great St Mary's next to the market square.
• 52.21527 0.10946 12 Resurrection Lutheran Church , 25 Westfield Ln, CB4 3QS . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.2069 0.12952 13 Eden Baptist Church , 1 Fitzroy Street, CB1 1ER , ☏ +44 1223 361 250 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• Roman Catholic : 52.19891 0.12726 14 Our Lady & The English Martyrs , Hills Rd , ☏ +44 1223 350 787 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• Muslim : 52.2002 0.136 15 Abu Bakr Mosque , Mawson Road CB1 2DZ ( off Mill Road ), ☏ +44 1223 350 134 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.2095 0.11816 16 Jewish Synagogue , Thompson's Lane , ☏ +44 1223 354 783 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• 52.20809 0.13462 17 Cambridge Buddhist Centre , 38 Newmarket Road, CB5 8DT , ☏ +44 1223 577 553 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• Sikh : 52.22507 0.12855 18 Cambridge Gurdwara , Arbury Road, CB4 2JQ , ☏ +44 1223 591 469 . ( updated Nov 2023 )
• The local 52.21844 0.1217 19 Hindu community is active but, as of 2020, without a temple - +44 7909 528 091

Go next [ edit ]

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• Grantchester : Take a day trip to enjoy the countryside and have scones and tea at The Orchard . With a long history of famous patrons such as Rupert Brooke, Virginia Woolf, EM Forster and Bertrand Russell, taking tea in The Orchard is a well established tradition. This large garden planted with apple trees is perfect for lounging on a deck chair in the sun with a cup of tea and a scone for sustenance. Or head out by punt with a picnic hamper.
• Great and Little Gransden Glimpse the real England! Take a bus (30 mins or so, bus no. 18, or 18A ) from Drummer Street to the tiny ancient villages of Little and Great Gransden, which appear in the Magna Carta. Brimming with thatched cottage charm, horses and peaceful country walks, these villages offer escape into English village life. Pub food is available in both villages. Explore the ancient churchyards, the doll path in the meadow between them, and enjoy a leisurely hike around this tranquil village area. The Duncombe Arms in neighbouring Waresly serves excellent food, and offers BnB accommodation. Waresly is one- or two-hour walk from the riding stables at the bottom of Great Gransden. You could even join a horse trek. The undulating road offers wonderful views across farm land, and the ancient Waresly Wood, some of which is National Trust property. The 17th century open trestle post mill Windmill between The Gransden villages is unusually intact. It was last operational in 1912.
• Ely : Market town, with impressive Cathedral towering above the Fens (Ely used to be an island): regular trains and buses (9, X9, 12), or about two hours by cycle via NCN 51 to NCN 11.
• King's Lynn is well worth visiting for its wealth of architectural gems especially Nelson Street and Tuesday Market place. The explorer Vancouver came from here. Museums and churches and the largest brass in the country in St Mary's Church.
• Newmarket : Market town (in Suffolk), with a famous horse-racing venue, and everything horsey related including the National Horseracing Museum . Tu-Su 11AM-4:30PM (22 March - 30 October). Hourly trains and regular buses (10, 11, 12), or about two hours by cycle on NCN 51.
• Bury St Edmunds : Market town, with a brewery, cathedral and gardens. Hourly trains and regular buses (11)

• Previous Destinations of the month
• Has custom banner
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Has mapframe
• Maps with non-default size
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Has routebox
• Guide cities
• Guide articles
• City articles
• Cambridgeshire
• All destination articles
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

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.

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 .

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

Quick Tips for a 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary

• 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

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.

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

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. Find more tips for travelling in London in our travel guide.

• 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!

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 !

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

If you like the sound of Cambridge, spend 3 days exploring Edinburgh, Scotland !

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.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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
• Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh
• 1 day Highlands Road Trip from Edinburgh
• How to Climb Snowdon in Wales
• Top 20 Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh, Scotland
• Brighton Itinerary: Weekend Itinerary
• 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.

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!

LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!

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.

Similar Posts

Hiking the Caldera de Bandama in Gran Canaria

There are many beautiful hikes in Gran Canaria and the Caldera de Bandama is one of them! In this travel…

Top 50+ London Travel Tips to Know

London is one of the best cities to visit in the world, it’s got famous monuments, iconic film locations and…

2 day Brasov Itinerary: Best Things To Do In Brasov

Planning a 2 day Brasov itinerary? In this in-depth travel guide, we’ll show you all the best things to do…

Top 20 Best Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh, Scotland (2024)

Are you looking for vegan restaurants in Edinburgh? Here’s our vegan guide to all the best vegan restaurants and vegan…

5 Day Bulgaria Itinerary: Best Places to Visit (2024)

Are you planning a 5 day Bulgaria itinerary? With only a short time in the country, a route and travel…

Brighton Itinerary: 9 Great Things To Do in Brighton (2024)

Brighton is a fun and quirky city on the South Coast of the UK! It’s one of our favourite places…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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

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.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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!

• 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

• 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.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

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

• 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!

• 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

• 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!

• 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.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#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.

Get insured for your trip to Cambridge!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

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!

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

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Cambridge Office for Tourism

10 gardens to visit in cambridge.

Cambridge blooms with green spaces.

TUNE IN TO CAMBRIDGE’S LIVE MUSIC SCENE

Find live music in all corners of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT BOSTON CALLING 2024

The music festival returns to Harvard May 24–26.

10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge was named the Most Family-Friendly City in the U.S.

NEIGHBORHOODS

Those with a nose for adventure will be greatly rewarded, especially when it comes to exploring Cambridge’s friendly neighborhoods. Learn what makes each of them worth a stroll, in their own quirky and lovable ways.

NEIGHBORHOOD VIDEOS

Explore Cambridge's unique and eclectic squares through our destination videos. Beware! Watching our destination videos will make you want to visit Cambridge ASAP.

CAMBRIDGE IN 60 SECONDS

Ever wonder what there is to do in Cambridge? Well here's a glimpse: enjoy a colorful, energetic, and unique tour of Cambridge in just 60 seconds!

PICTURE CAMBRIDGE

What does Cambridge look like to you? Tag your Instagram photos with #picturecambridge; your snapshot may be featured on our homepage. We want to share what the city looks like through your eyes.

HISTORIC SITES

Cranking out historical significance since 1630, Cambridge is a timeless fount of architecture and artifacts—from the glorious 18th-century mansions of “Tory Row” to the geek-chic tributes on the Entrepreneur Walk of Fame.

VISITOR CENTER

Visit the Cambridge Visitor Information Center, located at 1374 Massachusetts Avenue, for maps, directions, information on local attractions plus recommendations for your visit to Cambridge.

Cambridge Insider

What's hot in Cambridge

Let's be friends

Customize a travel guide

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 22 best restaurants in Cambridge right now

From homely Italian caffs to swanky Michelin-starred fine-dining, these are the very best restaurants in Cambridge right now

Sure, Cambridge is known the world over for its architecture, its natural beauty and, obvs, its community of boffins. But did you know it’s also a foodie hotspot? Once you’re done punting down the Cam or pitching your way through the rooms of the Fitzwilliam, Cambridge has plenty of top-notch restaurants to choose from.  

Whether you’re in the mood for Italian pasta, Middle Eastern falafel or just some quintessentially English grub, Cambridge’s culinary choices boast fabulous scope and diversity. For when you’re done ticking off the city's best attractions and culture spots, here are all the refuel options you’ll need: the best restaurants in Cambridge right now.

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Cambridge 🚣 How to spend a perfect day in Cambridge 🏘️  T he best  Airbnbs 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 .

An email you’ll actually love

Best Cambridge restaurants

1.  The Old Bicycle Shop

What is it? Inventive British dishes served in what once was Britain’s oldest bike shop. 

Why go? If the name wasn’t enough of a hint, there are themed bits and bobs around the place, like the chain cog candle holders, which are a very nice touch. While the prices at The Old Bicycle Shop aren’t cheap, this is a great option for vegetarians and vegans. Forget boring old bean burgers, you can get things like za’atar-crusted tofu kebabs and wild mushroom and miso ramen here. Come for brunch, lunch or dinner. 

2.  Zhonghua Traditional Snacks

What is it? A tiny restaurant serving hand-made Chinese delicacies.

Why go? If you don’t mind cosying up with your fellow diners, this humble food joint serving – you guessed it – traditional snacks from China is indisputably one of the best places to grab lunch or dinner in the city (and it’s thankfully very easy on the wallet). Zhonghua Traditional Snacks is mostly famous for its dumplings but also have a mix of filled buns, noodles, and tasty desserts on the menu to choose from.

3.  Midsummer House

What is it? Hands down the fanciest place to eat in Cambridge. 

Why go? Midsummer House is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant right by the River Cam. It’s famous enough to have its own Wiki page, and its head chef is Daniel Clifford. If you can afford to go, it serves insanely pretty portions of French-inspired food. Midsummer House is where you go when nothing but pure decadence will do (and if you get an invite, all the better).

Time Out tip: Can’t quite fork out £230 per head for the evening tasting menu? The lunch menu is half the price. 

4.  Restaurant Twenty-Two

What is it? A Michelin-starred restaurant that’s perfect if you like your food served with a little drama.

Why go? Hidden behind the doors of a Victorian townhouse, don’t let Restaurant Twenty-Two 's unassuming building fool you – this place plates up dainty mouthfuls of mindblowing flavour concoctions, from confit red pepper tacos to charcoal pastry crammed with juniper ketchup. Expect delicate pastries theatrically placed atop bowls full of pinecones, or a side of blackberries dipped in liquid nitrogen.

5.  The Tiffin Truck

What is it? Cambridge’s answer to London ’s Dishoom.

Why go? Street food, curries and a healthy selection of lassis are on offer here, cooked up by the team from top Indian restaurant Navadhanya. The idea behind The Tiffin Truck is to bring the tiffin (a light meal that emerged in India as an alternative to the British afternoon tea) to Cambridge – you can even ask for your lunch packed up in a traditional stainless steel box, for a small deposit.

6.  Stem + Glory

What is it? A vegan-friendly restaurant where turning plants into food is something of an art form. 

Why go? These vegan-friendly folk have two premises in Cambridge. Stem + Glory's new King Street venue is the place to head when you’re in a rush but mustn’t miss your five-a-day. It’s healthy fast food where coffee and cake meets quinoa and carrots. Alternatively, book a table at Chesterton Road and take your time sipping vegan wine over food that’s nothing but good for you.

7.  Parker’s Tavern

What is it?  A gastropub that does classic British food with style and flair.

Why go?  At Parker’s Tavern you can expect your cheddar to be spiced up a little (with cayenne straws). This place is perfect if you’re looking for something British that’s slightly fancier than a chip-shop pie. The dishes are presented with care and attention. We’re talking swirls of balsamic around the goat’s cheese and a coronation chicken salad that looks like a finely pruned shrub.

8.  Pint Shop

What is it?  Fancy pub grub served in a Grade II-listed building that was once home to EM Forster.

Why go?  Onion and pork bhaji scotch eggs, charcoal-grilled burgers and buttered kale are the sort of things you’ll find on the menu here, but the drinks are where the Pint Shop really shines. The gin menu alone is three pages long and the whisky and wine menus aren’t far off. 

Time Out tip:  Keep an eye out for Pint Shop 's drinks board, which changes regularly and features breweries from all over the country.

9.  Bedouin

What is it? A vibrant North African restaurant loved by students.

Why go? If you’ve got creaky hips, this might not be the best restaurant in Cambridge for you. A visual feast of bright fabrics, Bedouin seats its diners down low on cushion-covered carved wooden furniture. Its affordable menu features well-seasoned, succulent tagines for you to top off with Algerian desserts.

10.  Trinity

What is it?  An oysters-and-champers venue that’ll give you a taste of the Cambridge high life.

Why go? Trinity , Cambridge – the restaurant not the college – is the sister of Varsity , another popular Cambridge jaunt to splash your cash in. Trinity specialises in meat and fish of the ‘pan-fried pigeon’ variety. Come here to celebrate finally passing your PhD with slippery, sexy seafood.

11.  Al Casbah

What is it?  A North African restaurant that mixes traditional and modern cuisine.

Why go?  Cosy up  at a candlelit table decorated with mosaic tiles and enjoy creamy hummus, some falafel or a tender lamb shoulder that falls apart when you nudge it. If you’re avoiding alcohol, Al Casbah  is the ideal dinner location – because they don’t serve any. Instead, there’s a selection of fresh juices: apple celery and parsley, anyone? Although the lamb is excellent, there are also plently of veggie options including ingredients like artichokes, halloumi and stuffed peppers.

12.  The Mill

What is it? The perfect punt-spotting pub for casual afternoon drinking.

Why go? No one spends any serious time in Cambridge without venturing down to the sinuous River Cam, either for a walk or a boat ride. Book a table at one of the most popular pubs in town The Mill for comfort food done the English pub way. 

Time Out tip: If the weather’s looking good, you can venture out onto the site of the former mill itself with your pint in hand.

13.  Limoncello

What is it?  A fairly swish deli-restaurant with one wall covered in plants. If you love classic Italian food, look no further.

Why go?  Fancy some truffle shavings on al-dente tagliatelle or an antipasti board? Love a pizza that’s never quite circular, with lovely uneven charring? This is your place. When the weather's warm, Limoncello  feels just like Tuscany – especially if you make use of the  flowery outdoor patio.  Saluti to that!

14.  The Petersfield

What is it? Cosy, stylish and does a top Sunday roast.

Why go? The Petersfield serves food throughout the week, but it scores particularly highly for its Sunday lunch. There’s not a soggy spud in sight here, and the sticky toffee pudding could feed three (or, you know, just one). Wash it all down with a pint of still cider.

15.  The Oak Bistro

What is it? A cosy Cambridge bistro, housed in a former historic coaching inn. 

Why go? The Oak Bistro ticks two boxes: it’s in central Cambridge and it offers outdoor seating. And not just any outdoor seating. One of the perks of eating here is enjoying its lovely walled garden. The menu is full of fine dining classics (halibut, beef and duck) and is perfect for people who like timeless dishes done well.

16.  The Punter

What is it? Well-loved shabby chic gastropub named after Cambridge’s favourite hobby.

Why go? Any stay in Cambridge will see you punting down river before you know it. So it’s no surprise they chose to name a pub after this honourable pastime, and it’s a good pub at that. The superb menu at The Punter has some pleasingly cheap bread-y options for poorer students, along with a few fancy steaks and other trad classics.

17.  The Senate

What is it? A lovely Mediterranean-influenced brunch and lunch spot in the tourist heartland. 

Why go? Just across the road from King’s College Chapel is The Senate, an unpretentious restaurant offering everything from morning eggs through to evening steaks.

Time Out tip: The Senate  is especially good as a lunch spot, with antipasti sharing boards and khobez flatbreads taking a ‘quick bite’ to the next level. Treat yourself to a gin and Earl Grey martini.

18.  Tamburlaine Restaurant at the Clayton Hotel

What is it? A snazzy restaurant and bar which is a great spot for an atmospheric pre-train meal. 

Why go? The Tamburlaine is a hop, skip and jump from Cambridge’s main station. Prop yourself up on a velvet sofa and indulge in porcini mushroom arancini and apple gyoza while admiring the Victorian wallpaper.

19.  The Rupert Brooke

What is it? An elegant pub in a pretty Cambridgeshire village.

Why go? Another Grantchester haunt (yes, it’s time to dust off those walking boots), The Rupert Brooke is the place to go if you want the leafy surrounds of Grantchester but something a little more upmarket than The Red Lion. You can get everything here, from breakfast, lunch and dinner to Sunday roasts and afternoon tea.

20.  The Clarendon Arms

What is it? Another superb Cambridge pub that does a proper Sunday lunch.

Why go? The Clarendon Arms  is home to the daddy of roasts. Succulent beef, lamb and veggie options are paired with creamy swede, broad beans, sweet shallots… and that’s before you get to the salted caramel and blondie cheesecake.

21.  Smokeworks

What is it?  Your best shout for American-style barbecue food.

Why go? Smokeworks has a no- bookings policy that’s perfect for rainy days when you get a sudden urge for something indulgent. The food is served on a large tray; the meat is glazed, the buns are brioche and the french fries are plentiful. It’s where to go for instant gratification, whether you desire a large salted caramel milkshake or a waiter to serve you every time you flick a switch on the wall (bizarrely, they offer a neon light-operated service).

22.  The Geldart

What is it?  An unassuming pub nestled among rows of cute Victorian terrace houses with special dishes served on hot rocks. 

Why go? With seating both indoors and out, it often has live bands playing in the corner, but the biggest draw has to be the hot stones. These will set you back the best part of a £20 note, but they come with two filling sides and mains like pork tenderloin and lamb neck skewers.

Time Out tip: If you’ve got a train to catch, The Geldart is a perfect place to eat, as it’s only a 20-minute walk away.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Inspiration

• 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

• Art & Exhibitions
• Comedy & Entertainment
• Family Friendly
• Cambridge Calendar Highlights
• List Your Event
• Museums & Galleries
• Universities & Colleges
• Theatres & Cinemas
• Parks & Open Spaces
• Walking & Cycling Routes
• Food & Drink
• Key Sites to Visit
• List Your Business
• Explore Cambridge's Colleges
• Accommodation
• Travelling into Cambridge
• Driving into Cambridge
• On Your Bike
• City Ambassadors
• Venue Finding Service
• Cambridge for Couples
• Dog-friendly Cambridge
• Family Fun in Cambridge

Welcome to our new website! If you are a local business and would like to add an event or business, please follow this link

• Plan Your Trip

Travelling To Cambridge

If you are coming from Stansted Airport to the South of the city, you can get the direct Cross Country train towards Birmingham and get off at Cambridge.

From London, there are two direct trains – the slower London Liverpool Street has more stops (1 hr 30 mins), which would also be suitable if you are coming from Shelford, Audley End, Bishops Stortford, parts of Essex and more. The popular fast train is direct from Kings Cross and takes around an hour.

From Suffolk the best train is the Greater Anglia service to Cambridge, starting at Ipswich and calling at Needham Market, Stowmarket, Elmswell, Thurston, Bury St Edmunds, Kennett and Newmarket.

Those traveling from the North of the city are best suited to take the Great Northern service from Kings Lynn to Cambridge, stopping at Watlington, Downham Market, Littleport, Ely, Waterbeach and Cambridge North.

Park & Ride

All Park & Ride buses are accessible for wheelchair users and those with buggies or pushchairs. They also feature free wifi, USB charging, and greener engines. Park & Ride is a great option for those wishing to skip the traffic in the city centre, and save money and time on parking.

Babraham Road

Babraham Road Park & Ride suits those needing to visit Addenbrookes and the city centre with its final stops being near The Backs, Grafton Centre and Parker’s Piece. This is easily accessible via the A1307 from locations such as Haverhill, Horseheath, Linton, Great Abington and more.

Trumpington

Easily accessed via the M11 and the A10, Trumpington services those traveling from Stansted Airport, London, Royston, Stevenage, Huntingdon and Peterborough.

Cambridge, Newmarket Road

This Park & Ride is suitable for people coming from Suffolk locations such as Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds on the A1303 or the A14, and those entering from the North via the B1047 from Horningsea and Waterbeach.

Madingley Road

Situated to the West of the city, Madingley Road is best for those traveling on the A1303 from locations such as St Neots, Bedford and Milton Keynes, and the M11 from Stansted Airport or London.

Parking in the city

Cambridge is connected to many locations via the A14, M11, A10 and the A428 from Cambourne, and if you are choosing to drive to the centre and park in town, there are multiple options.

Castle Hill, 15 min walk to centre (112 spaces)

• Monday to Sunday, 24 hours
• Ranges from £2.60 – £8.20, free between 7pm and 8am (9am Saturdays)
• First 3 hours free for Blue Badge holders

Grafton East, 15 min walk to centre (526 spaces)

• Ranges from £2.30 – £28.30, peak time charges apply
• Evenings and overnight: 80p per hour

Grand Arcade, in centre (953 spaces)

• Ranges from £2.50 – £30.40, peak time charges apply
• Evenings and overnight: £1.20 per hour

Find more information on parking and charges at the Cambridge City Council website .

Guided busway

The Cambridgeshire Guided Busway connects Cambridge, Huntington and St Ives and is the longest Busway in the world. It is a perfect way to avoid congestion coming in and out of the city.

It is situated to conveniently serve Peterborough, Yaxley, Sawtry, Huntingdon, St Ives and more from the North West and locations such as Royston, Melbourn, Foxton, Harston and Trumpington from the South.

Did you know?

Fancy a dip? A popular swimming spot in Cambridge is the Jesus Green Lido, which at 91 metres in length is one of the longest outdoor pools in Europe.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of travel in English

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio

travel verb ( MAKE JOURNEY )

• I like to travel but, then again, I'm very fond of my home .
• It's often quicker to travel across country and avoid the major roads altogether .
• Passengers without proper documentation will not be allowed to travel.
• The elderly travel free on public transport .
• We like to travel in the autumn when there are fewer tourists .
• The tragedy is that cultures don't always travel well, and few immigrant groups can sustain their culture over the long term .
• around Robin Hood's barn idiom
• baggage drop
• communication
• first class
• peripatetically
• public transportation
• super-commuting

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

travel verb ( MOVE )

• The objects travel in elliptical orbits .
• In 1947, a pilot flying over the Cascades saw nine metallic flying objects traveling at an estimated 1,200 miles per hour .
• The elevator traveled smoothly upward .
• White light separates out into its component wavelengths when traveling through a prism .
• As the material travels through the winding machine , excess liquid is squeezed out by rollers .
• Lead dust travels easily from hands to mouth and can't be seen .
• body English
• kinetic energy
• recirculate
• recirculation
• repair to somewhere

travel verb ( BREAK RULE )

• foul trouble
• free-throw lane
• free-throw line
• run-and-gun

travel noun ( ACTIVITY )

• They offer a 10 percent discount on rail travel for students .
• The price includes travel and accommodation but meals are extra .
• His work provided him with the opportunity for a lot of foreign travel.
• The popular myth is that air travel is more dangerous than travel by car or bus .
• Passes are available for one month's unlimited travel within Europe .
• break-journey
• circumnavigation

travel noun ( MOVEMENT OF OBJECT )

• It can be difficult to predict the travel of smoke from smouldering fires .
• The travel of the bullets and blood spatter showed that he was lying on the ground on his side when he was shot .
• This seemed to prove that light has a finite speed of travel.
• Striking the ball when the clubhead is already past the lowest point of its travel gives a slight overspin.
• The actuator then rotates its output shaft to the extremes of its travel.
• bring someone on
• non-competitor
• park the bus idiom
• play big idiom
• step/move up a gear idiom

travel | Intermediate English

Travel | business english, examples of travel, collocations with travel.

These are words often used in combination with travel .

Click on a collocation to see more examples of it.

Translations of travel

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

have your hands full

to be so busy that you do not have time to do anything else

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

Learn more with +Plus

• Recent and Recommended {{#preferredDictionaries}} {{name}} {{/preferredDictionaries}}
• Definitions Clear explanations of natural written and spoken English English Learner’s Dictionary Essential British English Essential American English
• Grammar and thesaurus Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English Grammar Thesaurus
• Pronunciation British and American pronunciations with audio English Pronunciation
• English–Chinese (Simplified) Chinese (Simplified)–English
• English–Chinese (Traditional) Chinese (Traditional)–English
• English–Dutch Dutch–English
• English–French French–English
• English–German German–English
• English–Indonesian Indonesian–English
• English–Italian Italian–English
• English–Japanese Japanese–English
• English–Norwegian Norwegian–English
• English–Polish Polish–English
• English–Portuguese Portuguese–English
• English–Spanish Spanish–English
• English–Swedish Swedish–English
• Dictionary +Plus Word Lists
• travel (MAKE JOURNEY)
• travel light
• travel (MOVE)
• really travel
• travel (BREAK RULE)
• travel (ACTIVITY)
• travel (MOVEMENT OF OBJECT)
• Business    Verb Noun
• Collocations
• Translations
• All translations

Add travel to one of your lists below, or create a new one.

{{message}}

Something went wrong.

There was a problem sending your report.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations
• Massachusetts

10 Best Places to Live in Massachusetts, According to Local Real Estate Experts

These are the best places to live in Massachusetts, from small towns to bustling cities.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

From spectacular Atlantic beaches to the lush Taconic Mountains, Massachusetts is packed with natural beauty and history that draw both tourists and locals to destinations around the state. Boston, Plymouth, Cambridge, and Salem are popular destinations for travelers seeking history, while others prefer to enjoy Massachusetts's nature and head to Cape Cod, the Berkshires, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard. As a major economic hub in the Northeast, Massachusetts also draws entrepreneurs for its favorable business environment ( U.S. News & World Report placed it first among the best states for business in the country) and excellent academic institutions, churning out highly skilled graduates.

Considering a move to the Bay State? Here are 10 of the best places to live in Massachusetts, according to local real estate experts.

"Brookline is one of the most sought-after towns in Massachusetts because of its proximity to Boston, excellent public school system, and exceptional real estate offerings," Dave Costello, managing director at Advisors Living/Luxury Portfolio International , said of the historic town located just four miles southwest of downtown Boston. Its residents have easy access to the city (via the Green Line subway) and some of its best universities and medical facilities like Boston College and the Longwood Medical Area. 

While homes in Brookline don't come cheap — the median value is around $1,100,732 — the town has one of the most diverse housing markets in the Boston area, Costello explained, ranging from suburban estates to condos. Neighborhoods like Chestnut Hill feature a classic blend of old and new homes, while "Coolidge Corner and Washington Square offer handsome row houses and renovated condos," he added.

benedek/Getty Images

Salem may have a reputation for being a spooky Halloween destination , but the town has much more to offer throughout the year. Affordable housing and proximity to Boston are just two factors that bring people here. The median home price is currently around $561,655. However, as Boston Magazine suggested, you should act fast as prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

The town's cityscape is characterized by historic buildings and residences as well as independent businesses. Salem has the second-deepest port in Massachusetts, which is good news for sailing enthusiasts (over 8,000 boats roam the waters of the Salem Sound).

Violet Smirnova/Travel + Leisure

With its world-class museums, universities, and sports teams, Boston is one of America's most vibrant cities, blending historic charm and modern amenities. "Natural treasures such as Boston Harbor, The Public Garden, and Charles River offer outdoor enthusiasts and families plenty to do on a warm summer day. During the winter, a snowy walk down the Commonwealth Avenue Mall, illuminated by thousands of holiday lights, is simply beautiful," Costello said.

Despite the high cost of living in Boston, its role as a major economic, educational, and cultural hub in New England attracts professionals from around the globe.

"Buyers looking to purchase in Boston should start their home search early in the year. Winter is a great time to become familiar with our market and prepare for the most active period of the year: the spring market," Costello explained.

Related: 30 Best Things to Do in Boston

vitpho/Getty Images

"Situated on the Charles River, Cambridge is known for its charming neighborhoods, historic architecture, and tree-lined streets. From the young to the young at heart, and spanning all cultures, Cambridge offers an enriching living experience that captivates its residents," Ali Joyce, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , said. Of course, Cambridge is also a major academic hub, home to several universities, including Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Cambridge has over 20 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and advantages. A favorite destination for tourists and residents is, of course, Harvard Square. For higher density and high-rise buildings, you might prefer Inman Square, Kendall Square, Central Square, and Porter Square, and for a more residential vibe, head west," Joyce suggested.

Provincetown

Martina Birnbaum/Getty Images

Located at the tip of Cape Cod , Provincetown is a place unlike any other. "We offer the unique charm of a small town, coupled with world-class entertainment, nightlife, restaurants, galleries, shops, and environmental beauty. We have a history steeped in maritime activity, theater, and the arts. Ptown, a common nickname for the town, thrives on its diversity and has long been a safe haven for the LBTQ community," Rob Tosner, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate, explained.

In the summer, the main drag, Commercial Street, buzzes with activity and events such as the annual Provincetown Portuguese Festival & Blessing of the Fleet and the Carnival Parade. The town is roughly divided into three areas — East End, Central, and West End — and you can find waterfront properties with ocean views in each of them.

The town is connected to Boston via a daily ferry service, which only takes about two and a half hours, and there's a small municipal airport, 10 minutes from downtown, serviced by Cape Air.

Bruce Wilson Photography/Getty Images

Last year, WalletHub ranked this charming spot just outside of Boston as the second-best small city in the country and first in Massachusetts, scoring top results in the education and health category. Thanks to the excellent schools, safety, and amenities, Lexington is an incredibly sought-after community, especially by families.

"Homes in Lexington are so popular, it doesn't matter the style! Fortunately, we have a lot to choose from between our historic colonials and Victorians to the mid-century moderns seen in the Peacock Farm to the quintessential New England Cape [style]," Kenda Coleman, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate, said. 

However, Coleman added that limited inventory is an issue, which, together with the high demand, is driving home prices up. Currently, the median value stands at $1,474,565, up 11 percent since last year.

This town of about 40,000 in western Massachusetts is famous for its top-ranking colleges, natural beauty (the town is at the heart of Pioneer Valley), top-notch dining scene, diverse population, and endless outdoor activities.

"It is very family-friendly, boasting a sought-after elementary-through-high school education system, as well as many other private school options," Karen Stiles Jones, an agent at William Raveis Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, added. "Amherst's property values have a history of remaining strong and are consistently a great investment."

She explained that the town is home to a wide variety of home styles, from historic residences built in the 1700s to contemporary homes with modern amenities. However, they all have one thing in common. "A lot of buyers like the uniqueness of our inventory. Many buyers say they don't want a 'cookie cutter' home," Jones said. 

And while Massachusetts's real estate market is one of the priciest in the country, homes in Amherst have a median value of about $480,519, over $100,000 lower than the state's average of $596,410.

Springfield

Springfield is a magnet for people seeking affordable housing (the median home value is $262,276, lower than the national average and the lowest of all markets on this list) and endless outdoor recreation. The state's third-largest city is home to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, and the expansive, 735-acre Forest Park. Plus, the city is just an hour away from the picturesque Berkshires.

"[Framingham] is a unique city where there are sections that encompass urban, suburban, and even rural living experiences," Scott Accorsini, managing director at Advisors Living/Luxury Portfolio International, explained, adding that the city is home to one of the largest Brazilian American communities in the country. 

Beyond the diverse communities and lifestyles available in the city, another major factor that has made Framingham a popular choice among newcomers is affordable housing. Unlike many other communities close to Boston, where the median home value reaches — and sometimes surpasses — the $1 million mark, median prices here currently stand at $608,815 .

"If you are looking to buy a property in Framingham, you can find anything from an urban-style condo to an equestrian farm," Accorsini explained, highlighting the neighborhood of Saxonville for its classic character.

Worcester is one of Massachusetts's largest cities, so it's an excellent option for those seeking big-city amenities without the high price tag of Boston's housing market (the city is only about an hour away). Worcester has a vibrant arts scene with many museums and performance arts venues, but it also caters to those who lead an active lifestyle, as the city is home to over 50 parks and 20 lakes and ponds.

The median home price in Worcester is $395,417, slightly above the national average but much lower than the median values for Boston or Massachusetts as a whole. The city is also No. 77 on U.S. News & World Report's list of best places to live in the country and 35th on the list of best places to retire.

UPS’s first eQuads based at mobile hub for last-mile deliveries around Cambridge

U PS’s just-opened ‘micro hub’ in Cambridge city centre is the delivery giant’s first in the UK and ushers in a new option for last-mile delivery to the city as electric-assisted four-wheeled cycles sustainably deliver packages for commercial and residential customers.

UPS (United Parcel Service) is a multinational shipping/receiving and supply chain management company founded in 1907. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it has more than half a million employees, and a fleet of more than 2,200 vehicles – of which more than 18,300 are alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles serving customers around the world. The UK operation includes more than 50 operating facilities, around 8,000 employees and 6,398 UPS access point locations across the UK.

That number has now gone up to 6,399 as deliveries are now under way from the new Cambridge hub. UPS’ first UK portable delivery unit - effectively a pop-up delivery hub - operates from a container that fits on the back of a truck. It not only supports UPS’s global sustainability goals of network decarbonisation, but also aligns with Cambridge’s Clean Air initiative – the citywide effort to reduce emissions in the city centre by promoting more sustainable methods for local deliveries.

The eQuads have been developed by Fernhay, an engineering consultancy founded in 2013 with the aim of reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion in cities. Fernhay has a facility on Barnwell Drive (near the Mercedes centre). The eQuads can use cycle lanes and dual-use pedestrianised zones, ensuring safe access to areas where cars and trucks are restricted.

The initial deliveries using the eQuads have been made from the UPS hub – basically a portable unit slightly smaller than a standard shipping container – at the RSPCA car park near Abbey Pool. There, the logistics of the delivery system for Cambridge were perfected, the eQuads charged and tested, and the mechanics of the delivery loading and unloading were perfected.

The UPS service revolves around three electric-assisted quadracycles – eQuads – based at the hub, offering zero-emissions urban deliveries to residential and commercial properties.

The eQuads will support with final-mile deliveries on routes previously used by two diesel vans and can use cycle lanes and dual-use pedestrianised zones, ensuring access to areas where cars and other vehicles are restricted.

A Fernhay spokesperson said: “Narrow and unobtrusive, our products fit through tight city streets to those locations which vans struggle to reach, each efficiently carrying up to 200kg.”

As well as UPS, Fernhay has developed products currently in use by clients on roads across Europe and the US which are being used by the Department of Transport, New York City Parks, Vorboss and FIN logistics.

Artur Drenk, director of sustainability, UPS EMEAI, said: “As cities worldwide adopt eco-friendly transportation measures, such as low-emission and zero-emission zones, we are at the forefront, aligning our operations with more sustainable solutions.

“The Cambridge hub is evidence of our dedication to serving customers and communities while reducing our footprint on the ground.”