Cambridge is among the most well-known cities in England due to its historic college and schools that date again to 1208. There are many great issues to do in Cambridge from punting alongside the River Cam to exploring the well-known “Backs” of the universities and visiting the numerous museums.
I first visited Cambridge on a faculty journey a few years in the past and immediately fell in love with the place. From the unbelievable structure on show throughout the town to the large array of fascinating museums, parks, gardens, and wonderful pubs and eating places, it’s a spot I am going again to time and again.
A few of Cambridge’s high locations to go to embody the historic King’s Faculty, the Polar Analysis Institute, and the Botanic Gardens. Town can be a fantastic place for foodies as a result of many wonderful cafes, bistros, bars, and eating places to check out. It’s someplace I often go for particular events and it’s nice for {couples}.
Finest Issues To Do in Cambridge
Under, you’ll uncover a large and diversified checklist of Cambridge sights to go well with all tastes, together with all the highest sights within the metropolis. There are issues to do in Cambridge for households, {couples}, solo vacationers, and everybody in between.
1. Take a Guided Strolling Tour of Cambridge
Cambridge is certainly a metropolis for strolling, and I’ve spent many comfortable days wandering by way of the historic metropolis streets, schools, and parks. Among the best issues to do in Cambridge, and the easiest way to get an introduction to the town, is to take a strolling tour with an area information.
You’ll get to be taught all concerning the lengthy historical past of the place and go to 5 of the universities and different well-known landmarks, such because the eleventh Century St Benet’s Church, the Cavendish Laboratory, and the historic Eagle Pub, the place biologists Watson and Crick announced their discovery of DNA.
The tour lasts for one and a half hours and units off from the Cambridge Gift Shop on Rose Crescent within the metropolis heart. The historic walking tour prices simply £20 per particular person.
2. Go to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
The fascinating Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is my favourite museum and probably the greatest free issues to do in Cambridge. Uncover the historical past of humanity by way of a sequence of fascinating shows, together with all the things from totem poles to Egyptian relics, Roman pottery, and way more.
The gathering contains many distinctive objects from cultures around the globe, from prehistory to trendy occasions. There are images on show in addition to visiting exhibitions, workshops, and a collection of up to date artwork to see. The museum is open Tuesday by way of Saturday from 10:00 am to five:00 pm and Sunday from 12:00 pm to five:00 pm (closed Mondays).
Together with the close by Fitzwilliam, that is positively one of many high locations to go to in Cambridge and I urge anybody visiting the town to spend a minimum of an hour discovering the fascinating collections discovered right here.
3. Go on a Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
One other wonderful option to get oriented is to take the 24-hour metropolis sightseeing hop-on, hop-off bus. Take pleasure in panoramic views of the town, River Cam, and schools whereas listening to a pre-recorded commentary that gives you with a historical past of the locations you go by.
The ticket is legitimate for limitless journeys inside a 24-hour interval and is the right option to get round if you wish to give your legs a relaxation. The route contains 16 stops across the metropolis and passes the well-known Jesus Lane, Fitzwilliam Museum, Market Road, and Botanic Gardens, amongst others.
The bus tour tickets price simply £16.50.
4. See the Well-known Backs of the Schools
The Backs actually refers to a few of the most well-known schools at Cambridge College that ‘again’ onto the river. Right here Trinity Faculty, Clare Faculty, King’s Faculty, and Magdalene Faculty, amongst others, again onto the River Cam and a big space of parkland.
That is considered one of my favourite locations within the metropolis and strolling alongside the Backs is among the nice issues to do in Cambridge for {couples} given the romantic environment. That is additionally the place to return when you’re seeking to seize some Insta pictures to remind you of your journey.
If it’s a pleasant day, I like to recommend choosing up some provides from one of many bakeries on the town and having a picnic beside one of the best views in Cambridge. As it is a public space it’s open 24/7 and also you don’t have to pay to stroll alongside the route. It’s additionally good to crisscross a few of the historic bridges over the river akin to King’s College Bridge.
5. Go Punting Alongside the Cam
Punting alongside the backs of the universities on the River Cam is among the greatest issues to do round Cambridge. Sit again and benefit from the views at a leisurely tempo as you’re transported alongside the river with a commentary out of your chauffeur.
You’ll get to go seven of essentially the most prestigious schools and journey again in time over 800 years as you be taught concerning the well-known alumni from Isaac Newton to King Charles, hear tales of scholar life, and see the town from a singular perspective.
This 45-minute punting expertise covers the size of the Cam and departs from the touchdown level at Scholars Punting Cambridge. Punting tour tickets price simply £25 for this exercise.
6. Take a Tour of the Schools with an Alumni
If you wish to study a few of Cambridge College’s most well-known alumni from a tour information learning at one of many esteemed schools, that is the tour for you. You’ll get to be taught all about scholar life from a graduate information and see the place luminaries akin to Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking began out their illustrious careers.
Wander across the hallowed halls of Trinity, King’s Corpus Christi, and Pembroke schools. See the King’s Chapel, Nice St Mary’s Church, and the Cavendish Laboratory the place 20 Nobel Prize winners studied.
This 90-minute tour contains entry into three of the universities (King’s, Pembroke, and Trinity), kicks off from King’s Parade, and finishes on the Eagle Pub. You’ll be able to e book on-line for the college tour tickets here.
7. Have a go at Rowing
There has all the time been a pleasant rivalry between the 2 college cities of Oxford and Cambridge, and one of many prime examples of that is the annual Boat Race. Groups from every college have been battling it out for supremacy since 1929.
You’ll be able to see precisely what these women and men are manufactured from by having a go at rowing a coxed eight boat, similar to those used within the race annually. This unique rowing experience is open to newcomers, as there’s an indoor coaching session on a rowing machine earlier than you hit the water.
The session lasts for simply over three hours and is an effective way to work off the entire scrumptious meals on provide on the metropolis’s eating places. Tickets price £66 per particular person, and teams are made up of groups of eight.
8. Go to the Scott Polar Analysis Institute
My lifelong dream is to go to Antarctica, however whereas ready to make {that a} actuality, the following smartest thing is the Scott Polar Research Institute and Museum within the coronary heart of Cambridge. Be taught all about my heroes, akin to Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, and their ill-fated journeys to the ice.
There are interactive shows that educate about life at probably the most excessive locations on earth. Find out about each the Arctic and the Antarctic by way of a sequence of shows, visiting exhibitions, images, and drawings spanning over 100 years.
The museum is open to guests from Wednesday to Saturday between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Audio guides can be found, and there’s an onsite store promoting souvenirs and clothes associated to the Arctic that helps fund the work of the institute. Entrance is free, however a small cost is requested for the audio guides.
9. Go to the Botanic Backyard
Cambridge is a metropolis with plenty of inexperienced areas, public parks, and its very personal botanical gardens only a fifteen-minute stroll from the middle of city. This is among the greatest issues to do in Cambridge for households, as there are many actions to maintain little ones engaged.
You’ll be able to stroll round at your personal pleasure, take a guided tour of the gardens, or have interaction in a few of the enjoyable issues to do on the College’s Backyard on the primary Saturday of every month. Hunt for chosen crops within the Glasshouse and uncover an array of flora from tropical to alpine and all the things in between.
Tickets price £8 for adults, and youngsters beneath 16 go free. The gardens are open each day from 10:00 am to six:00 pm. You’ll want to check the website to see what occasions are going down throughout your go to.
10. Store on the Cambridge Outside Markets
One of the crucial enjoyable issues to do in Cambridge is to discover the open-air markets. I really like shopping the stalls of arts and crafts, native produce, gourmand meals, and different knick-knacks. There’s been a market within the metropolis since medieval occasions on the historic market square within the coronary heart of Cambridge.
The city market is open day by day of the week (besides Christmas and New 12 months) from 10:00 am till 4:00 pm. When you’re caught for stuff to do in Cambridge, (which you actually shouldn’t be after studying this), it’s straightforward to whereas away a few hours merely shopping the stalls.
Only a brief stroll from the principle market sq. is the Trinity Street market within the backyard of All Saint’s church. It is a market particularly for artwork and crafts and different handmade items provided by native artists. Right here, you’ll discover all the things from handmade jewellery to pottery, sculptures, and work. Observe that the Trinity Road market is simply open on Saturdays, nevertheless.
11. Go on a Creepy Cambridge Ghost Tour
Among the best issues to do in Cambridge at evening is go on a spooky ghost tour of the town and study its ghoulish previous. You’ll absorb Market Sq., Magdalene Bridge, and Trinity Faculty, amongst different high landmarks.
Fairly than studying all concerning the prestigious alumni, you’ll as an alternative hear darkish tales concerning the hangman’s home, Oliver Cromwell, and different bloodthirsty figures from the town’s historical past.
The tour lasts for 90 blood-drenched minutes and prices £18 per particular person. It begins at Magdalene Bridge within the metropolis heart, and you’ll e book the ghost tour tickets here.
When you’re in search of extra spooky issues to do try these Jack the Ripper tours in London.
12. Go on a Cambridge Treasure Hunt
This interactive treasure hunt is an effective way to discover Cambridge and is very enjoyable for youths and younger adults. Remedy a sequence of clues through your smartphone and absorb a few of the high sights throughout the town from the well-known schools to historic buildings, landmarks, and a few hidden gems.
The great thing about this self-guided tour is that you are able to do it at your personal pleasure and tempo, and might begin and end everytime you like. The expertise prices £9.99 and also you’ll obtain a hyperlink to your cellphone that may be shared with everybody in your group. You’ll be able to e book the Cambridge treasure hunt tour here.
13. See Nice St Mary’s Church
Great St Mary’s Church is among the high sights in Cambridge together with the universities. It’s the largest church within the metropolis and dates back to 1205 with foundations relationship way back to 1010. Nonetheless, as the unique was destroyed by hearth in 1290 the present church dates again simply 500 years to 1519.
Nice St Mary’s, (GSM as it’s colloquially identified to tell apart it from Little St Mary’s – LSM), is positioned within the coronary heart of the town on King’s Parade. It’s a Grade II listed constructing and serves the Church of England diocese for Cambridge.
Among the best causes to go to the church is to climb the tower for beautiful views throughout the town skyline and schools. There’s additionally an onsite store and cafe, and companies are open to the general public. The tower is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Saturday.
14. Go to Duxford Imperial Battle Museum
As a baby, considered one of my favourite issues to do close to Cambridge was to go to the Duxford Aircraft Museum. It’s a part of the London Imperial Battle Museum and hosts the annual Duxford Air Present annually. I couldn’t depend what number of occasions I’ve been to Duxford, however it’s so much.
That is the largest air museum in Europe and is completely filled with all the things from Spitfires to a Concorde. Shows embody the American Air Museum, the Battle of Britain, and Air, Sea, and Land Warfare. It’s even doable to book your own flight experience and take to the skies.
Tickets price £26.35 for adults and £13.15 for youngsters and the museum is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm day by day. From Cambridge, it’s a nine-mile drive to the air museum alongside the M11, or you’ll be able to take the Myalls Coaches bus no 132 from Cambridge railway station.
15. Take a Cambridge and Oxford Tour from London
Among the best locations to go to close to Cambridge is the rival college city of Oxford (and also you’ll be capable to see for your self why I’m biased and imagine Cambridge is one of the best). An effective way to see Cambridge, in addition to Oxford, is to take a day journey from London.
This 10-hour tour departs from London’s Victoria Coach Station and contains strolling excursions of each cities. You’ll get to expertise all the main landmarks in each locations and see the well-known universities.
The tour contains all transport between London, Cambridge, and Oxford, and also you’ll have your personal host with a commentary on the historical past of the locations you go to. Tickets price £69 per particular person, and the university tour may be booked on-line.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Cambridge
Generally it’s tough to know the place to start out with so many issues to see in Cambridge, so I’ve put collectively some helpful itineraries that can assist you get essentially the most out of your journey. Whether or not you intend on spending a day, or for much longer within the metropolis, these guides embody all the highest vacationer sights in Cambridge.
1 Day in Cambridge Itinerary
Begin on the Scott Polar Analysis Institute and uncover the fascinating artifacts on show referring to polar exploration. Stroll to King’s Faculty Bridge and cross over the Cam, heading north alongside the Backs. Take within the magnificent views of the universities and embark on a tour with former college students.
Proceed alongside the River to the Galleria Restaurant for lunch overlooking the Cam, or have a picnic alongside the Backs (if the climate permits). Head to the All Saint’s Craft Market to browse and store for handmade items and native produce.
Make your approach right down to Market Sq. earlier than visiting the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology (make sure you go to the Roman and Egyptian sections). End up on the Tiffin Truck for a night of genuine Indian meals and cocktails.
2-3 Days in Cambridge Itinerary
Observe the itinerary for day one above, and for day two, add in a punting journey on the Cam. When you’re feeling extra energetic, have a go at rowing. Make use of the Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing in Cambridge bus to get round and discover one of many different museums, just like the Fitzwilliam.
To essentially become familiar with the town, take a strolling tour or treasure hunt the place you’ll get to see Cambridge off the overwhelmed path along with the same old landmarks.
1 Week in Cambridge Itinerary
With a whole week in Cambridge, you’ll actually get to know the town properly. Observe the above itineraries for days one to 3 and make sure you embody a few of the high eating places akin to Trinity (named after the college), the Tipsy Vegan, and, the Oak Bistro.
Embody journeys to the Botanical Gardens, climb the tower at Nice St Mary’s church, and spend a while shopping Cambridge’s historic marketplace for some treats to take dwelling.
You’ll be able to plan a day journey to the close by Imperial Battle Museum at Duxford and take into account this tour of both Oxford and Cambridge from London. With London so shut, you’ll be able to expertise a few of the high sights in Britain’s capital too.
The place to Keep in Cambridge
Because it’s a small metropolis, staying within the heart, near all the main locations to see in Cambridge is smart. These are just a few of one of the best locations to remain in Cambridge for vacationers.
Graduate Cambridge – Finest for {Couples}
The Graduate Cambridge is a classy but cozy lodge proper by the River Cam. It’s only a brief stroll from St Catherine’s Faculty, the Museum of Archaeology, and most of the high eating places within the metropolis. The rooms include a balcony, and there’s an onsite restaurant, bar, lounge, and backyard.
West Courtroom – Jesus Faculty – Finest for First-Time Guests
Do you know you’ll be able to truly keep at considered one of Cambridge’s historic schools? The comfy and spacious rooms at West Court embody floor-to-ceiling home windows and a balcony overlooking Cambridge College.
There are alternatives for personal or shared bogs and breakfast.
Gonville Lodge – Finest for Nightlife
The Gonville Hotel, a four-star lodge, is a five-minute stroll from the middle of city and all the highest issues to do in Cambridge. It’s near many bars, eating places, and nightclubs, and every bed room has its personal iPad put in with a valet system providing room service on the contact of a button.
Finest Eating places in Cambridge
I really like consuming out in Cambridge and it’s someplace I am going simply to have a meal (although I’ll often pop into one of many free museums first). Cambridge is among the solely locations in England the place you’ll additionally see plenty of avenue meals on provide, particularly on the markets.
Picnicking within the parks alongside the river can be a fantastic possibility for sunny, summer time days. Nonetheless, the restaurant scene within the metropolis is great, so listed here are just a few of my favourite locations to eat in Cambridge:
Galleria Restaurant
Galleria is a family-run restaurant that overlooks the river and affords unbelievable views out throughout the universities. The cooks delight themselves on mixing traditional dishes with a up to date twist (go for the pan-fried sea bass). Costs are very affordable for the situation with most mains beneath £20.
Trinity Restaurant
Named after the well-known school, Trinity Restaurant is positioned within the coronary heart of the town heart and affords a positive eating expertise with unbeatable service and an revolutionary menu and wine checklist. It’s not low cost, however it’s value each penny (starters round £16 and mains round £30). The pork stomach is to die for – belief me.
The Tipsy Vegan
I as soon as took my girlfriend to the Tipsy Vegan for her birthday (I’m not vegan, however she is) and each of us have been blown away by the meals and repair. Assume Mediterranean with a vegan twist (plus some unbelievable cocktails). The restaurant is true on the river and affords each indoor and out of doors eating.
The Tiffin Truck
The Tiffin Truck is a hip restaurant within the heart of city that serves up conventional Indian avenue meals/market dishes and drinks (the Indian cocktails are a must-try). This is among the coolest locations in Cambridge and is certainly value a cease when you’re in search of one thing a bit of out of the bizarre.
The Oak Bistro
The Oak is an enthralling bistro within the heart of city with a fantastic lunch possibility. From Tuesday to Friday, there’s a 3-course set lunch menu with a alternative of starter, predominant, and dessert for simply £22. It’s additionally a fantastic place for dinner with mains starting from £16 to £30. The menu is continental European delicacies.
Getting To Cambridge
Cambridge is conveniently positioned near London Stansted Airport with home and worldwide flights to many cities round Europe and past. Attending to Cambridge from the airport is straightforward with two Stansted Specific companies to the town each hour (journey time: 25 minutes).
Cambridge can be simply reachable from London by street and rail. Trains depart Liverpool Street station and take between one hour and 90 minutes. At simply 60 miles, it ought to take across the similar time to drive. Among the best methods to expertise Cambridge from London is to take a tour.
The middle of Cambridge and all the main sights, schools, eating places, and museums are inside straightforward strolling distance of one another, so there’s no want for a automobile as soon as within the metropolis.
Issues To Do in Cambridge: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Cambridge.
Cambridge is thought for its well-known college and schools which have seen alumni from Isaac Newton to Alan Turing, Stephen Hawking, British Prime Ministers, sports activities personalities, and a few of the best considering of our time. Town can be well-known for its annual boat race towards Oxford.
Cambridge is a unbelievable vacation spot at any time of yr as there’s a lot to see and do inside and outside. To get one of the best out of your journey, spring by way of to fall is an efficient time to go as you’ll be able to benefit from the metropolis parks, dine al-fresco subsequent to the river, and stroll across the historic collages.
Cambridge is certainly value visiting and is among the most nice cities within the UK. With so many wonderful sights just like the Scott Polar Analysis Institute, Fitzgerald and archaeology museums, and botanic gardens, there’s one thing for everybody.
Three to 4 days (i.e a protracted weekend) is the right period of time to spend in Cambridge to get essentially the most out of your journey. If planning on staying for longer then there are some wonderful day journeys close by like Duxford Air Museum, Oxford, and London.
Cambridge is taken into account one of many safest cities in Europe and there are not any areas which can be off-limits. Take typical precautions by avoiding dimly lit streets at evening and conserving valuables out of view.
Punting on the River Cam is among the hottest issues to do in Cambridge, as is visiting well-known schools like Trinity, Corpus Christi, and Magdalene.
Cambridge is an inland metropolis so there aren’t any seashores, nevertheless, seashores within the southeast akin to Walton and Frinton are reachable by prepare.
There are some unbelievable eating choices in Cambridge from vegan choices to positive eating and nation pubs. Cambridge can be well-known for its sausages flavored with ginger and nutmeg and Cambridge pudding.
In Closing
Now you understand what to do in Cambridge, which of those unbelievable sights or historic websites will you go to first? From exploring the traditional schools the place a few of the world’s best thinkers began out to punting alongside the river or having fun with positive eating at one of many high eating places there are many issues to see and do in Cambridge.
Cambridge might be my favourite metropolis within the UK, and it’s someplace I really like going again to repeatedly. I’m by no means caught for issues to do in Cambridge, because the city is bursting with a lot historical past, meals, and leisure that I can’t keep away for very lengthy.
