places to visit around cambridge uk

• Attractions
• Traditional Art
• Second World War
• Horses & Heritage
• Wildlife Tour

OUR ATTRACTIONS

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Ely Cathedral

IWM Duxford

Henry Moore Studios & Gardens

Kettle's Yard

Shepreth Wildlife Park

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Raptor Foundation

The Stained Glass Museum

Saffron Walden

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.

• Things to do
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 21 best things to do in Cambridge right now

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

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

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

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

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

An email you’ll actually love

What to do in Cambridge

1.  Punt down the river

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

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

2.  See modern art masterpieces at Kettle’s Yard

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

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

3.  Find the new Footlights at the ADC

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

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

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

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

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

5.  Browse the ever-changing market stalls

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

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

6.  See art and antiquities at The Fitzwilliam Museum

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

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

7.  Eat a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies

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

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

8.  Immerse yourself in greenery at the Botanic Gardens

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

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

9.  Explore King’s College Chapel

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

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

10.  Watch a gig at Cambridge Junction

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

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

11.  Grab a drink at The Maypole

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

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

12.  Unearth vintage treasures along Mill Road

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

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

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

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

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

14.  Tour the city on two wheels

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

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

15.  Feed your inner bookworm at Heffers

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

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

16.  Order cocktails at Bar 196

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

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

17.  Cross the mathematical bridge

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

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

18.  Catch a glimpse of The Corpus Clock

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

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

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

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

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

20.  Visit the Centre for Computing History

This venue will be temporary closed for September 2023. 

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

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

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

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

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

[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

Things to See & Do

Discover what you can do in cambridge.

There’s something for everyone when it comes to entertainment in Cambridge. You can go punting on the River Cam, enjoy a picnic in the park, join a walking tour of the city or explore further afield from the seat of a bicycle following the excellent network of cycle paths in and around the city.

King’s College Chapel is celebrated for its choral services including the famous A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, broadcast live by the BBC to the nation and across the globe on Christmas Eve. If you have a chance to hear the sublime Choir of King’s College, you will be enchanted. Choral Evensong is sung here most days during term time, as it is in many other college chapels – all free and open to everyone.

As well as the free-to-enter University of Cambridge’s Fitzwilliam Museum, which houses world-class collections of art and antiquities spanning centuries and civilisations, and Kettle’s Yard, one of the country’s finest galleries and a major centre for 20th century and contemporary art, visitors will find a wide range of artworks, sculpture trail walks and galleries to appreciate.

Theatre lovers will delight in the range of performances on offer, from student theatre to touring and West End shows. Come summer, Cambridge is buzzing with al fresco performances of music in the parks and green spaces as part of the annual Summer in the City programme of events.

• The Fitzwilliam Museum houses a world-renowned collection of over half a million works of art
• An estimated 900,000 people go punting each year in Cambridge.
• Grab a pint at the Eagle Pub, the birthplace of the discovery of DNA and haven for WW2 airmen

Explore by category

King’s College and King’s College Chapel

King's College Chapel plays a central role in College life, as well as being the most instantly recognizable and iconic building in Cambridge.

Mathematical Bridge

The bridge was designed in 1748 by William Etheridge (1709–76), and was built in 1749 by James Essex the Younger (1722–84). I

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Plants from all over the world in one great garden, one great day out. Come on in and find out more.

The Backs is a picturesque area to the east of Queen's Road in the city of Cambridge, England, where several colleges of the University of Cambridge back on to the River Cam, their grounds covering both banks of the river.

Scudamore’s Punting Company

Founded in the early 20th Century, Scudamore's are Cambridge's original punting company.

Corpus Christi College

Corpus Christi College was founded in 1352. The College provides a stimulating academic and residential environment.

Great St. Mary’s Church

Come experience our world-famous panoramic views of Cambridge! Climb the 123 steps of the University Church tower and enjoy a 360° view on our newly-refurbished outdoor viewing platform.

Trinity College

Trinity College is an educational institution comprising 180 Fellows and more than 1,000 students. The College welcomes visitors to Great Court and the Chapel for most of the year.

Newton’s Apple Tree, Trinity College

This tree was grafted from the actual tree that led Isaac Newton to ponder the theory of gravity.

The Round Church

Explore the 900 year old Round Church. Discover the story of Cambridge through film, exhibition, guided walks, and historical tours.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

The Fitzwilliam Museum is the lead partner of the spectacular collections of the University of Cambridge Museums (UCM) and Botanic Garden.

All Things to See & Do ( 191 )

• Leisure Activities
• Local Nature Reserve
• House & Park
• Dog Friendly
• Gluten Free Options
• Independent
• Vegan Options
• Vegetarian Friendly

Abbey Leisure Complex

Abbey Leisure Complex offers an affordable array of facilities and activities including Swimming, Fitness Classes and Gym in Cambridge.

Academy of Ancient Music

Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) is an orchestra based in Cambridge with a worldwide reputation for excellence in baroque and classical music.

ADC Theatre

We are a department of the University of Cambridge, and are the oldest University playhouse in the country.

Alexandra Gardens

Playhouse and play area. Bowling Green and Pavilion.

Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey is a National Trust Property in the village of Lode.

Aqua Park Grafham

SLIP, SLIDE, SPLASH AND SHARE LAUGH OUT LOUD MOMENTS! The Aqua Park features a collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles is opening at Grafham. Show off your flips and tricks from the Flip or Flop and explore the course that features climbing stepping stones, big bounce balls, slides, and demolition balls making it the ultimate day out for groups, families, adults, children age 6+ and adrenaline junkies alike!

Arts Picturehouse

A stylish cinema with three screens and relaxed café-bar.

Audley End House and Gardens

Experience Victorian country life at Audley End House and Gardens

Bach to Baby

Bach to Baby brings you critically acclaimed concerts for baby and you! We bring our world-class musicians right to you for babies, tots and grown-ups.

Barnwell East local nature reserve

Barnwell East local nature reserve provides excellent walking throughout the year

Bells of St Clement’s

Have you ever wondered what Campanology is or how we ring the changes? Visit St Clement's church in Bridge Street for a unique experience.

Beyond Retro’s Massive Vintage Pop-Up Sale

Beyond Retro is making its grand debut in Cambridge this March, bringing you a MASSIVE collection of our globally-sourced, highly-curated vintage pieces- all at unbeatable prices! Join us for our exciting Massive Vintage Pop-Up sale starting on Thursday, March 21st, transforming the old Wilko space on Fitzroy St. into a six-week-long unforgettable vintage shopping experience. 

Big Deal Comedy

Cambridge's BIGGEST comedy club, hosting comedy nights in a Cambridgeshire venue near you!

Cambridgeshire's Award Winning Comedy Club, ensuring your night is unforgettable. “I’ve never laughed so much” - Carol, Cambridge “I will definitely be booking again” - Paul, Suffolk

Bramblefields local nature reserve

The reserve contains ponds, grassland and scrub forming habitat for birds, insects like butterflies and aquatic life. Newts and frogs can be found in the pond along with dragonflies and damselflies.

Did you know?

In 1958, a group of engineering students managed to hoist an Austin Seven car onto the roof of Senate House, with the help of some clever calculations. It took the university a week to remove it – and will surely go down in history as one of the boldest student pranks ever!

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

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.

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

The Best Staycation in Every State

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

20 Best Things to Do for Free in Dublin, Ireland

The 12 Best Things to Do in Oxford

20 Best Things to Do in Dublin

The Top 20 Things to Do in the UK

26 Free Things to Do in London, England with Kids

The Top 19 Things to Do in Atlanta

The 18 Top Things to Do in Meknes, Morocco

Stay Cheaper By Staying Close to - Not in - London

17 Best Things to Do in Spokane, Washington

Romantic Dublin, Ireland's Sights and Attractions

15 Best Things to Do in the Triangle, North Carolina

50 Best Free Things to Do in Washington, DC

The 25 Top Attractions in Rome, Italy

Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

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

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

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

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

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

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

27 Things to do in Cambridge UK

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

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

Visit the Cambridge University Colleges

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

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

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

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

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

Trinity College Cambridge

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

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

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

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

Christ’s College Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

Pembroke College

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

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

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

St. John’s College Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Take a Walking Tour

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

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

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

Scott Polar Research Institute

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fitzwilliam Museum

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

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

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

There’s also an extensive collection of coins.

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

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

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

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

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

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

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

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

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

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

Museum of Zoology

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

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

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

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

The Centre for Computing History

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

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

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

Whipple Museum of the History of Science

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

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

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

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

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

Kettle’s Yard

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

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

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

Cambridge Science Centre

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

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

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

Museum of Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

Corpus Clock

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

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

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

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

Great St. Mary’s Church Tower

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

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

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

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

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

Castle Mound

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

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

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

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

King’s College Chapel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wren Library

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mathematical Bridge

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

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

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

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

Have a Pub Lunch

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

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

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

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

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

Cambridge Botanical Garden

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

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

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

Cambridge Market

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

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

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

The Round Church

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

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

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

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

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

Map of Things to do in Cambridge

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

Tours to Cambridge

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

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

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

When to Visit Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

How to Get Around Cambridge

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

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

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

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

How to Get to Cambridge

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

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

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

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

How Long to Visit Cambridge For?

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

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

Where to Stay in Cambridge

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

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

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

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

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

Further Reading

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

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

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

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 4 comments on this post

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Kwok Fung Au Yeung says

6th March 2023 at 2:12 am

Wren Library is close to public

Laurence Norah says

8th April 2023 at 8:27 pm

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

Linda Watt says

5th April 2021 at 6:14 am

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

Very helpful article on Cambridge, by the way!

5th April 2021 at 11:48 am

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways!

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

The Sunrise Dreamers

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 .

Quick Tips for a 1 Day Cambridge Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

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

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

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

Best time to visit Cambridge

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

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

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

How to get to Cambridge

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

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

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

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

1 Day Cambridge Itinerary: Best Things To Do

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

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

See the Corpus Clock

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

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

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

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, check out Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh !

Visit the Round Church

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

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 (2024)
• Edinburgh Itinerary: The Best 3 days in Edinburgh
• The Best 1 day Highlands Road Trip from Edinburgh
• How to Climb Yr Wyddfa from Pen-y-Pass: Snowdon
• Top 20 Best Vegan Restaurants in Edinburgh, Scotland
• A Weekend in Brighton – 8 Great Things To Do
• Browse more  English   or  Scottish  posts!

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

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

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

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

2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Plovdiv (2024)

Planning a 2 day Plovdiv Itinerary? Welcome to our Plovdiv travel guide! We’ll show you the best things to do…

4 Day Istanbul Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Istanbul (2024)

Planning a 4 day Istanbul itinerary? Here’s our travel guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Istanbul. Spend…

20 Best Hikes in the UK: Beautiful UK Hiking Trails

Looking for the best hikes in the UK? In this guide, we’ll show you incredible UK hiking trails from popular…

Ultimate Vegan in Krakow Guide – The Best Vegan Restaurants

Krakow is an amazing city for vegans and vegetarians! There’s an option for everyone from vegan burgers to vegan polish…

22 Incredible Things to do in Tenerife in 2024

Tenerife is the largest island in the Canary Islands close to the continent of Africa. It’s home to beautiful volcanic…

3 Day Krakow Itinerary: Best Things To Do (2024)

Spending 3 days in Krakow needs to be on your 2024 bucket list! The beautiful cobbled streets around every corner,…

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.

26 Unique & Fun Things to do in Cambridge, England

Last Updated: July 6, 2023

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

There are some places in England that can command a vivid image with just their name alone. Cambridge, famed for its historic university, is one such place.

Imposing colleges. Scholarly tweed. Narrow longboats gliding effortlessly along the river.

These were all the dreamy visuals I had in my head for years, and when I finally got to see it for myself, I was beside myself to find out Cambridge is every bit as beautiful as I’d always imagined… although a lot more modern perhaps, and less sepia-toned than my dream sequence.

Perhaps most surprising of all however was the number of sights and things to do. Like in neighbouring Oxford , there’s a myriad of fun Cambridge activities to nerd out on, from ogling epic chapels and snooping around museums to discovering hidden portals whimsically scattered across the city.

So, read on for a list of unique and fun things to do in Cambridge, England. I think this list may just have you Googling Cambridge student applications.

Save this list of Things to Do in Cambridge for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. Admire King’s College Chapel

There are more than 31 different colleges making up the university city of Cambridge. Still, one of the most popular to visit is King’s College and the stunning chapel inside ranks high on any list of Cambridge attractions.

King’s College Chapel is absolutely mesmerizing, with beautiful stained glass windows and the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world. First constructed in the 15th century, this chapel is also a fantastic example of Perpendicular Gothic architecture, for any architecture buffs out there!

There are a series of informative displays within the chapel to tell you more about this stunning building’s history, which is also the oldest building on the King’s College grounds. You can even attend a service here for the full experience, complete with awesome choral performances.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  You need to book tickets to King’s College if you want to explore the chapel and college grounds. Tickets cost 10 GBP for adults (if you book online ) and 8 GBP for children.

2. Sail Under the Bridge of Sighs

There are a number of fun activities in Cambridge to take part in, but easily the most popular is going punting on the River Cam, which also enables you to sail under the Bridge of Sighs!

As part of St John’s College, the only way you can get up close to this pretty bridge is by visiting the college (which costs money) or via a punting tour, which also costs money but also allows you to see many impressive Cambridge sights from the water.

This Bridge of Sighs was modelled after the famous bridge of the same name in Venice, and connects two parts of St John’s College for students and faculty members. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in Cambridge, which isn’t surprising at all once you see it for yourself.

Constructed in 1831 in the Gothic Revival style, this gorgeous bridge is now a Grade I Listed building and a must-see while you’re in Cambridge.

3. Marvel at the Mathematical Bridge

There are actually two unique bridges to choose from if you’re looking for cool things to see in Cambridge, and the second one is the puzzling Mathematical Bridge that connects two sections of Queen’s College.

What makes this bridge so interesting is that it was apparently designed so that if it needed fixing, a single plank could be extracted (and later replaced) without causing any issues to the rest of the construction.

The original design dates back to the mid-18th century, although the bridge you can see today was rebuilt in 1905. Either way, it’s one of Cambridge’s most unique sights, and well worth a quick look.

4. Get the Best View at Great Saint Mary’s

One of the top things to do in Cambridge is to climb up top of Great Saint Mary’s church for incredible views across the city. Views that will make you physically pained that you don’t live here.

Parts of Great Saint Mary’s date as far back as the year 1010 and it became the Cambridge University Church when scholars arrived from Oxford in 1209. Much of the original church was destroyed in a fire in 1290 but it was rebuilt from 1478 onwards.

The interior of Great St Mary’s is well worth a visit to see the two impressive organs and beautiful stained glass windows, but make sure you climb the 123 steps to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of Cambridge. That’s the real starring attraction here.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  Admission to the Tower costs 6 GBP per adult, and the last entry for climbers is 30 minutes before closing time.

5. See the Beautiful St John’s College Chapel

St John’s College is another Cambridge University College that contains a stunning chapel and this one is a must-visit if you plan on exploring one of the largest colleges in the city.

St John’s College was founded in 1511, although the chapel as it appears today was constructed between 1866 and 1869. There was actually an even older chapel from the 13th century on this site before Sir George Gilbert Scott designed the current chapel, which was inspired by the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

If you go inside you will see incredible stained-glass windows along with some wood panelling that was salvaged from the medieval chapel. It’s free to attend a service here but if you just want to come in for a look then you will need to purchase a ticket which costs 11 GBP for adults.

6. Learn About the Area at the Museum of Cambridge

If you want to discover more about the history of Cambridge and wider Cambridgeshire area then you should definitely visit the Museum of Cambridge.

This fascinating museum is located in a 16th-century former coaching inn, which is now a Grade II listed building. The museum also used to be called the Cambridge & County Folk Museum, so there’s still a nice focus on local nostalgic history, with many almost mundane items on display to show how people have lived in the area from the 1700s onwards.

While some of the displays focus on items such as vintage sewing machines and vacuums there are also some really interesting exhibits on local legends such as mole people!

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  Unlike many other Cambridge museums the Museum of Cambridge is not part of the university and therefore isn’t completely free to visit. It’s open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm (until 4pm on Sundays) and costs 6 GBP for adults. It’s free for children under the age of 16.

7. Spot Newton’s Apple Tree

Everyone knows the story of how Isaac Newton ‘discovered’ the laws of gravity when an apple fell off a tree and bonked him on the head, but did you know there’s a relative of that actual tree in Cambridge?

Isaac Newton attended Cambridge in 1661 but had to return to his childhood home in Lincolnshire when the plague broke out. The original apple tree is still located at his old home of Woolsthorpe Manor, but there’s an offshoot of that tree now growing outside Trinity College’s Great Gate, to the delight of many snap-happy tourists.

While you can’t walk onto the grass to get up close and personal with this tree, it still makes for a unique Cambridge photo opp!

8. Visit the Unique Round Church

One of the more unique things to do in Cambridge is to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of only four surviving round churches in England.

This church is also the second-oldest of all the buildings in Cambridge (St Bene’t’s Church is the oldest) and its round shape was inspired by the Circular Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and is believed to be on the site where Jesus was buried.

All four of England’s remaining round churches were built after the First Crusade of 1097, probably after the Crusaders saw Constantine’s original and came home inspired to make their own.

There’s a visitor centre inside the church where you can learn more about the building and its history. I admit the admission fee is quite steep, given the small size of the church, but if you’re interested in the church’s unique design and the history of Cambridge, then this is definitely a neat historical thing to do while exploring the city.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Round Church Visitor Centre is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am until 5pm. Entry costs 12 GBP for adults and it’s free for children under 13.

9. Enjoy Art at Kettle’s Yard

One of the best places to enjoy art and culture in Cambridge is Kettle’s Yard – a very cool art gallery that was once the home of Jim Ede, a former curator at the Tate.

Jim and his wife Helen converted four small cottages into one house where Ede displayed his personal collection of art and even gave visitors personal tours every afternoon. The Edes donated the house and art collection to the University of Cambridge in 1966.

Today the site displays a permanent collection of art as well as rotating exhibitions, and a robust calendar of live music events to enjoy.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  Kettle’s Yard is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am until 5pm. Entry is free, but you must book a free ticket in advance of your visit. 

10. Search for Cambridge’s Tiny Doors

Looking for something super quirky to do in Cambridge? Why not seek out portals to other worlds?

No – I haven’t lost it. I mean, maybe a little, but what I’m talking about here is a very real Cambridge activity that was one of my favourite things I did on my recent trip.

Scattered around Cambridge, you’ll find tiny doors which can be found hidden in the city’s most obscure nooks and crannies.

Also known as Dinky Doors, these quirky little sculptures started popping up around Cambridge in 2019 as a way to “defend against the daily onslaught of miserable miserableness.”

If you go to the website you can buy a guide to find all 14 doors that are currently dotted through the city, or you can just try to find them by yourself.

My favourites were definitely the two below: a tiny version of 10 Downing Street with purple tentacles bursting out and the steampunk teleport-o-matic which is hidden between two red telephone boxes!

11. Find the Cool Corpus Clock

One of the coolest things to see in Cambridge is the Corpus Clock, also known as the Grasshopper Clock, that’s located on the exterior of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College.

The clock face is made from a 24-carat gold-plated stainless steel disk and shows the time with slits that are backlit by LEDs, rather than the hands and numerals usually used on clocks.

Sitting on top is a sculpture of a Chronophage (Greek for time-eater) which actually moves its mouth and sometimes blinks, only adding to the weird factor.

This amazing clock was unveiled in 2008 by the renowned physicist (and Cambridge University alumna) Stephen Hawking. Make sure you stop by to check it out!

12. Admire Famous Art at the Fitzwilliam Museum

Keep scrolling this outrageously nerdy article, and you’ll soon see that there’s no shortage of museums to visit in Cambridge.

The most famous one however is probably the almighty Fitzwilliam Museum, an ideal destination if you want to see art by some of the biggest names in the business.

Founded in 1816 by Richard FitzWilliam (7th Viscount FitzWilliam), it’s home to one of the best collections of modern art and antiquities in western Europe.

Some of the magnificent pieces you can see include work by Van Gogh, Monet, Rubens, and Van Dyck, along with fascinating temporary exhibits throughout the year.

It’s not only art on display here though, there are also some great galleries showing armour from around the world (including armour for horses!), sculptures from ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt, as well as pottery and gorgeous fans.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Fitzwilliam Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am until 5pm and on Sundays (and Bank Holidays) from midday until 5pm. Entry is free.

13. Spot Famous Graves at Ascension Parish Burial Ground

Okay, it might seem a bit morbid to have a graveyard as a place to visit but hear me out!

The Ascension Parish Burial Ground is actually a really lovely and peaceful, rather overgrown graveyard that’s the final resting place for a number of notable University of Cambridge academics, including three Nobel Prize winners.

Some of the graves you’ll spot here belong to Sir John Cockcroft (who split the atom), Sir Frederick Gowland (who first identified the existence of vitamins) and Charlotte Scott (the first British woman to get a doctoral degree). Also, while Charles Darwin is buried in Westminster Abbey, two of his sons, two daughters-in-law and one of his granddaughters are buried here.

It’s also a rather ‘hidden’ spot in Cambridge, you can’t see it from any of the surrounding roads and it feels very remote once you’re surrounded by the trees and old headstones… so if you’re looking for something truly offbeat to do in Cambridge, this is it.

14. Go Shopping (and Eating) at Market Square

If you need a bit of retail therapy, or perhaps some culinary therapy, then head to Cambridge’s market square in the middle of town.

Unbeknownst to many, Cambridge was a market city before it became a university city, with stalls trading here since the Middle Ages.

Today the market is open nearly every day of the year (excluding Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day) selling all manner of art, plants, clothes, books, music, and more.

This is also an excellent spot for lunch, with plenty of food and drink stalls to sample, plus it’s all quite affordable. The market is open from 10am until 4pm and makes for a fun alternative to all the academic sights!

15. Frolic in the Cambridge Botanic Gardens

If you enjoy prancing around pretty gardens as much as I do then you’ll probably agree that visiting the Botanic Gardens is one of the best things to do in Cambridge.

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is used by the University’s Plant Sciences Department for teaching and research, but it’s also open for visitors to explore plant collections from around the world.

Spread out over 40 acres (16 hectares) there are some very interesting displays, such as carnivorous plants in the greenhouses, along with beautiful areas to relax.

In summer the lavender collection is delightful and in autumn the colours are incredible, but pretty much any time of year is nice to visit. There’s an on-site garden café to enjoy as well, although a highlight for many is the pretty water fountain located outside the greenhouses.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is open every day from 10am but closing times vary depending on the season (usually 4pm in winter, 6pm in summer and 5pm in October). Adult tickets cost 8 GBP while children under the age of 16 can visit for free.

16. Explore Mill Road

While most visitors to Cambridge come to see the historic university sights, if you want to get a feel for the more local side of the city, head to Mill Road.

Mill Road is quite a long road, extending from the city centre out towards the train station and it’s a popular residential neighbourhood.

Also sometimes called “the Notting Hill of Cambridge” there are many excellent vintage shops, bougie cafés and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Have a wander down Mill Road if you’re looking for some good coffee, window shopping or a good meal!

17. Have a Pint at The Eagle

While there are also some pubs on Mill Road, the most famous pub in Cambridge is The Eagle, located just around the corner from King’s College and the Corpus Clock.

Dating back to the 14th century, the Eagle has long been a popular watering hole for university staff and students. Francis Crick and James Watson, who discovered the DNA double helix in 1953, even made the announcement of their groundbreaking discovery at this pub – and there’s a golden plaque on the wall at the table where this apparently happened.

During WWII, hundreds of RAF pilots also left their mark by burning graffiti into the ceiling, which you can also see in the section of the pub where the DNA helix plaque is located. To get here, walk all the way to the back of the pub past the courtyard.

18. Play Old Games at the Centre for Computing History

There are many excellent museums in Cambridge, but one of the most fun is the Centre for Computing History.

This museum is all about the Information Age, the period which started in the 20th century and is also called the Digital Age or Computer Age. If you remember the days before computers this is a total blast from the past, with vintage computers, game consoles, manuals, magazines and other computer-related things on display.

Of course, the best part is being able to actually play some of the old computer and video games, from Pong to Ms Pacman and Pokemon. This would also be a great spot if you’re visiting Cambridge with kids, particularly if they’ve never before seen floppy disks or discmans!

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Centre for Computing History is open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am until 5pm during term time, and seven days a week during school holidays. Entry costs 10 GBP for adults and 7 GBP for children between 5 and 16.

19. See Cool Animals at the Museum of Zoology

Any list of the best free things to do in Cambridge includes a visit to some (or all) of the university museums spread throughout the city.

And if you like seeing dinosaur skeletons or other animal exhibits, then the Museum of Zoology is a great choice!

Many of the animal specimens on display here were collected by Charles Darwin himself and there are also plenty of animal skeletons to see, including plenty of dinosaurs.

One of the most amazing is the full-size finback whale skeleton hanging over the main entrance hall, but you could easily spend hours seeing examples of animals from all over the world.

If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the rest of Cambridge you can also download a very cool “ Cambridge Urban Safari Trail ” from the museum website.

This self-guided tour will take you to many of the main sites in Cambridge but with a focus on the numerous real and mythological animals that can be found on buildings all over the place.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  As part of the University of Cambridge’s museum consortium, the Museum of Zoology is free to visit. It’s open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4.30pm and on Sundays from midday until 4.30pm.

20. Learn About Geology at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

While you might not think a museum about rocks would be interesting, you’re missing out if you don’t visit the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences.

Not only is this the oldest museum in Cambridge, but it houses a huge collection of rocks, minerals, fossils and even meteorite specimens in a beautiful location.

Along with the geological items you might expect, I found the first geological map of the UK to be quite interesting, along with a number of dinosaur skeletons.

If you’re a total nerd who also thinks “geology rocks”, then you will be sure to love it here!

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is open Monday – Friday from 10am to 1pm and then 2pm – 5pm, as well as 10am-4pm on Saturdays. Entry is free.

21. Nerd Out at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Continuing our long list of nerdy things to do in Cambridge, I need to mention the Whipple Museum of the History of Science.

Hidden away in a university building, this museum showcases all sorts of interesting items that show how science has been studied through the ages, with an eclectic collection divided into numerous rooms and floors, from old scientific instruments and models to pictures, prints, photographs, books, and more.

The collection boasts a number of cool highlights, from Darwin’s microscope to one of the world’s first astrolabes.

My personal highlight however? The Victorian Parlour upstairs decorated with all sorts of unique globes. Take a wild guess why.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING: The Whipple Museum of the History of Science is open Monday – Friday from 12.30pm until 4.30pm. Entry is free.

22. Marvel at Beautiful Antiquities at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

If you’re more interested in human history than animals and rocks, head to the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, also called MAA.

(Like I said, Cambridge really has a museum for everyone).

This museum is particularly interesting if you want to know more about the local history of Cambridge, with the main hall dedicated to local archaeology and artefacts.

There are also archaeological and ethnographic artefacts from around the world on display, including items from Polynesia, Asia, New Zealand and Australia – such as four Gweagal Spears which can be traced back to James Cook’s first voyage to the South Pacific and a huge Maori Totem Pole from New Zealand.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am until 5pm and on Sundays from midday until 5pm. Entry is free.

23. Find Out About Robert Scott at the Scott Polar Research Institute

Captain Robert Scott was a British Royal Navy officer and explorer who unfortunately died on his return journey from the South Pole in Antarctica in 1912.

The Scott Polar Research Institute is a sub-department of Cambridge University’s Department of Geography which also contains a Polar Museum that’s well worth visiting. Inside this museum are a number of items relating to research in the polar regions of both Antarctica and the Arctic.

Some of the most interesting items on display include Scott’s final letters and the folding camera he used at the South Pole, although there are also other items about polar history, exploration, science, art and Arctic cultures.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Polar Museum at the Scott Polar Research Institute is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10am until 4pm. Entry is free.

24. Marvel at Colourful Statues at the Museum of Classical Archaeology

The Cambridge Museum of Classical Archaeology is part of the university’s Faculty of Classics and is filled with plaster casts of ancient Greek and Roman sculpture.

The fact that the statues and sculptures are not original doesn’t make them any less interesting though, as most of them date to the 18th century and are historical objects in their own right.

Visiting this museum is a great way to see some very famous statues without needing to feel icky about them being stolen from their place of origin.

It’s located a little bit out of the city centre in a rather nondescript building, and you may even find you’re the only one there! But if you want to do some drawing or just admire famous statues such as Laocoön and His Sons you shouldn’t miss it.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Museum of Classical Archaeology is open Tuesday – Friday from 10am until 5pm and on Saturdays (during term time only) from 2pm until 5pm. Entry is free.

25. Be Amazed at the Cambridge Museum of Technology

The last museum on this list isn’t part of the university museums (so it’s not free) but it is still really cool!

The Cambridge Museum of Technology is focused on industrial engineering and technology, housed inside a former sewage pumping and waste destructor station with a tall chimney stack dominating the skyline.

Visiting this museum lets you see a different side to Cambridge than that of the university buildings, as it is all about the industries that have made up the city’s heritage.

There are a number of interesting audio-visual displays, hands-on exhibits and fun activities for children inside the museum.

PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITING:  The Cambridge Museum of Technology is only open on weekends between 10.30am and 4pm. Adult tickets cost 5 GBP and tickets for children between 5 and 18 are 3 GBP.

26. Visit The Pickerel Inn

Lastly, if you’ve finally found that you’ve run out of stuff to do in Cambridge (or you’re just tired from ogling museums and need a break), why not stop at the Pickerel Inn for a drink?

The Pickerel Inn is the oldest pub in Cambridge, first licensed in 1608, although it has been modernised quite a bit since then. There are still some beautiful exposed beams and dark wooden detailing to give you a bit of the old atmosphere though.

This is an excellent spot for some traditional British pub grub, with classics such as fish and chips or pie and mash.

I also had one of the best pints of Guinness I’ve experienced outside of Ireland here, so make sure you at least get a drink! Our hotel bartender recommended this spot as the “best pub in Cambridge”, and while I need to do some more research before confirming that bold claim, it’s definitely a spot I can vouch for.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Cambridge?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more Cambridge recommendations to my list!

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

• Switzerland
• New York City
• The Bahamas
• Travel Tips
• Work With Us
• Russell (The Other One)
• Get to Know Us

12 Delightful Day Trips From Cambridge, England

Cambridge is one of my favorite cities in England.  It is picture-perfect, filled with history, and home to one of the most famous universities in the world.  Many tourists do a day trip to Cambridge from London because it is only an hour train ride away, but the city has so much to offer that it is worth staying longer.  

Consider making Cambridge the base for your trip, as this will allow more time to explore the greater area. There are a number of easy day trips from Cambridge that give you the opportunity to see other amazing places in England too.

Let me tell you more about the different options, so you can choose the one that is most aligned with your interests.

Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Please see disclosure for more information.

#3 Bury St. Edmunds

#4 thetford, #5 king’s lynn, #6 leicester, #9 stonehenge, #10 framlingham castle, #11 colchester, #12 harry potter studio tour, purchasing train tickets, trips from cambridge, expert tips for day trips from cambridge, places to visit near cambridge.

Cambridge is located in Cambridgeshire in the East Anglia region of England. Most people think of the region as mostly flat, but there are some hilly areas. Outside of a few reasonably-sized towns and cities, the area is mostly rural with a strong farming industry.  

The smaller cities and towns in England are often worth taking the time to explore. They still give you that sense of history and medieval architecture you get in London, but without the crowds, and you get a different perspective from what you might be familiar with from seeing London on TV!

Many of the destinations in this post can be reached by public transportation from Cambridge, but having a car does open up a few more options.  An additional perk is that most of the ideas I have listed also have attractions that are free to visit.

Norwich is the capital city of the county of Norfolk and now my adopted home. (You can read more about how I moved to England here. ) In medieval times, it was England’s second most powerful city.  The street plan and some of the city walls are still intact, making it a picturesque place to explore.

What to Do in Norwich

• Visit the Norwich Cathedral.  It’s one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England.
• Go inside Norwich Castle.  It was built as a Norman Royal Palace and was once a prison, now it’s also a museum with a wide range of exhibits including modern art, ancient Egyptian artifacts, and more.
• Go shopping.  The Norwich Market is one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in the country.  Note: The Norwich Market is closed on Sundays.  Also, leave some time to explore the Norwich Lanes which are full of quaint independent shops and restaurants. 
• See Elm Hill, with its Tudor-style buildings, is one of the prettiest streets in England.
• If the weather cooperates, the Riverside Walk along the River Wensum is peaceful and scenic.  
• For lunch, try Grosvenor Fish & Chips, the Lamb Inn, or the Bicycle Shop.

How to Travel from Cambridge to Norwich

It’s just a little more than an hour away from Cambridge by train.   Click here to check the schedule and prices .

Ely is one of the smallest cities in England, but definitely worth a visit for its Cathedral alone.  The name Ely comes from the Isle of Eels when the city was surrounded by water and marshland. Eels are still caught in the River Great Ouse and many still consider smoked eel a delicacy.

What to Do in Ely

• Stroll through the Jubilee Gardens.  It’s along the river on the way from the train station to the city center.
• Go inside the Cathedral .  It has a unique octagonal tower.  The architectural details are impressive and the damage done during the Reformation is evident.  They offer tours of both towers but you need to be able to climb the stairs.  You might recognize the Ely Cathedral from the crown when it stood in for Westminster Abbey on the wedding day of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Admission to the Cathedral is free on Sundays.  
• See the Stained Glass Museum inside the Cathedral.
• Visit the Ely Museum to learn the story of Ely from prehistoric times to the twentieth century.  The museum is housed in the city’s former jail.
• Stop by Oliver Cromwell’s House, it’s a short walk from the Cathedral.  He lived in this house for 10 years with his family and now it has been turned into a visitor center and museum.

How to Travel from Cambridge to Ely

It’s less than 20 minutes from Cambridge to Ely on the train. Click here to check the schedule and prices.

Bury St. Edmunds is a small city located about 30 miles east of Cambridge. It used to be a pilgrimage site where people would come to see the shrine to King Edmund who died in 869. Now, it is known for brewing (Greene King brewery) and a sugar processing factory.

What to Do in Bury St. Edmunds

• Visit the Cathedral. It’s unique because the church has been around hundreds of years but the tower was added in 2005.  It’s free to visit the church, but there is a charge if you want to do a guided tour or a tower tour.
• Take a walk around the Abbey Gardens.  The Abbey is now just ruins but it’s easy to see how magnificent it must have been. It was one of the richest and most powerful Benedictine monasteries in England. It’s free to visit the Abbey Gardens.
• Step inside Moyse’s Hall Museum.  It’s housed in a beautiful medieval building in the Market Place, with quite eclectic exhibits.  You can learn about the history of Bury, witchcraft, rare timepieces, and see paintings. The museum is popular with families.
• Browse the Bury St. Edmunds Market.  It’s smaller than the Cambridge or Norwich Market but you can still find some unique local products.  It’s open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Note: If you are lucky enough to visit during the Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market , be prepared for crowds!

How to Travel from Cambridge to Bury St. Edmunds

There are some direct trains to Bury from Cambridge that take about 40 minutes.  In some cases, it may take about an hour because you need to change trains in Ely.   Click here to check schedules and pricing.

Thetford is a small town about halfway between Cambridge and Norwich that is full of history.  It is probably best known as the hometown of Thomas Paine, one of the founding fathers of the United States and the author of Common Sense .  There is a nice statue of Thomas Paine on King Street with some of his most famous quotes.

Even before Thomas Paine’s time, Thetford was an important town.

What to Do In Thetford

• Explore the ruins of the Priory of Our Lady of Thetford.  It was one of the largest and most important monasteries in medieval East Anglia. Founded in the early 12th century, it was the burial place of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk for 400 years.  It is free to visit the Thetford Priory.
• Climb to the top of Thetford Castle.  It’s the second largest man-made mound in England.  Unfortunately, that’s all that’s left of the castle as it was largely destroyed in 1173 by Henry II.  Thetford Castle is free to visit.
• Visit the Ancient Museum and the Charles Burrell Museum to learn more about the town’s history.
• Say hi to Thomas Paine (well the statue)
• For lunch and/or a beverage check out the Bell across the street from the Thomas Paine statue.

How to Travel from Cambridge to Thetford

It takes about 45 minutes on the train to get to Thetford from Cambridge. Click here to check schedules and pricing.

King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 12th century.  The town’s heritage is reflected in the historic buildings and market places.

What to Do in King’s Lynn

• Go inside St. George’s Guildhall, the only surviving theatre where Shakespeare performed.
• See the beautiful King’s Lynn Minster.
• Explore the Lynn Museum to learn more about the history of the area including the Seahenge that is over 4000 years old.  You can also see artwork from Henry and Thomas Baines and Walter Dexter – who are from the area.
• Visit the Stories of Lynn Museum and learn more about the seafarers, explorers, mayors, and miscreants who have shaped King’s Lynn.
• Go inside St. Nicholas Chapel to see their famous angel roof.
• Visit True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum to learn what life was like for the old fishing community in King’s Lynn.
• Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at their historic park called the Walks

Read about more things to do in King’s Lynn .

How to Travel from Cambridge to King’s Lynn

It takes about an hour on the train to get to King’s Lynn from Cambridge. Click here to check schedules and pricing .

Leicester (pronounced Lester) is one of the oldest cities in England.  It is known for its connection to Richard III and it’s miraculous English Premier League win in 2016 .  Leicester is located in the East Midlands of England and lies on the River Soar, close to the eastern end of the National Forest.

The city is also known for Red Leceister, one of the best British cheeses .

What to Do in Leicester

• Go inside the Richard III Visitor Center to learn the moving story of the life, death, and discovery of King Richard III.  The center is located on the grounds where Richard III was buried 500 years ago.
• Visit the Leicester Cathedral to see Richard III’s tomb.  The church is 900 years old and has some beautiful stained glass.  It’s free to go inside Leicester Cathedral.
• Explore the New Museum.  It has a diverse collection including dinosaurs, art, and other rotating exhibits.  The New Museum is free to visit.
• Go to the National Space Center.  They have six interactive galleries, the UK’s largest planetarium, a unique 3D SIM ride, and a 42-meter tall Rocket Tower.  Note: The National Space Center is about a 40-minute walk from the train station. You can also take the 54 bus to Byford Road and it is a 6-minute walk from there.

How to Travel from Cambridge to Leicester

It’s a little less than two hours on the cross country train to get to Leicester from Cambridge.   Click here to check schedule and pricing.

Oxford is Cambridge’s rival University city located 85 miles to the southwest.  It’s easy to see why Oxford is known as the City of Dreaming Spires. Similar to Cambridge, the biggest attraction in Oxford is the University, and they even have a Bridge of Sighs too. 

What to Do in Oxford

• Tour the colleges!  Harry Potter fans will want to visit Christ Church College where some scenes in the movie were filmed or maybe do a Harry Potter tour.  
• Visit the Ashmolean Art & Archeology Museum.  They have a large collection which reminded me a bit of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge .
• Go to the Museum of the History of Science to see early scientific instruments.  It’s an interesting collection that even includes items associated with George III, Einstein, and Lawrence of Arabia.
• See the Bodleian Libraries.  It’s one of the oldest libraries in Europe! Additionally, it’s the second largest in Britain, only the British Library is larger. Together, the Bodleian Libraries hold over 13 million printed items.  They offer both guided and self-guided tours and there are always some fascinating exhibits too.
• Take time to explore  Oxford Castle and Prison .  You can climb the Saxon St. George’s Tower, go into the 900-year-old crypt of St. George’s Chapel, see the 18th-century Debtors’ Tower and Prison D-Wing, and more.
• Grab a bite or a pint at the historic Eagle and Child Pub.  It was a favorite hangout for writers like Lewis Carroll, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

How to Travel from Cambridge to Oxford

London needs no introduction.  The problem with doing a day trip to London will be deciding what to do because London has so much to offer.  

What to Do on a Day Trip to London

• For those that haven’t been to London, I recommend the Tower of London and the British Museum .
• Westminster Abbey is also worth visiting.  Not only for the architecture but for the history.  You will be amazing by all the influential people who are buried inside.
• It’s heaven for museum lovers.  In addtion to the British Museum, there is the Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Musem, London Transport Museum , and the Imperial War Museum to start.  For art, check out the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, and Tate Modern.
• If you have been to London before and seen some of the main attractions you might like to do a Harry Potter or Street Art Tour .  I also love the Greenwich area. You can go to the Greenwich Observatory where the Prime Meridian is located, visit the Queen’s House, or even climb over The O2 arena .
• During the summer months, you can take a tour of Buckingham Palace .  There are also plenty of things to do in London in the winter .
• London also has no shortage of food options.  I have written about the  food scene in Shoreditch  and Mexican restaurants .

How to Travel from Cambridge to London

The best way to travel to London from Cambridge is by train as it takes about an hour.  There are options to go into London Liverpool Street Station or London King’s Cross Station. Click here to check schedules and pricing .

Day Trips from Cambridge if You Have a Car

While there are plenty of options for places to visit near Cambridge by public transportation, having a car does open up a few exciting options.  Keep in mind driving in the UK is quite different from the US.

Stonehenge is the most famous ancient monument in England.  In addition to the Stone Circle, there are several other neolithic sites to visit in the area.  Read more about visiting Stonehenge here .

Stonehenge is an English Heritage site so members can get in free.  If you like visiting historic sites in England, it’s worth considering becoming a member, we have definitely gotten our money’s worth! Click here to get more information on English Heritage membership .  If you are visiting England from overseas, consider getting the English Heritage overseas pass .

As you can imagine, Stonehenge is not easily accessible by public transportation as it is in the middle of the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.  It takes a little more than two hours to drive from Cambridge to Stonehenge.

Framlingham Castle has an interesting history dating back to the 12th century.  It is where Bloody Mary (Mary Tudor) was crowned Queen of England. Read more about visiting Framlingham Castle here .  

Similar to Stonehenge, Framlingham Castle is an English Heritage site so members can get in free.   Click here to get more information on English Heritage membership . If you are visiting England from overseas, consider getting the English Heritage overseas pass .

It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Cambridge to Framlingham.  Other attractions nearby include Saxton Green Post Mill (also an English Heritage site) and Helmingham Hall Gardens .

Colchester was the first Roman capital of Britain and the oldest recorded town, so it’s another good place for history lovers.  The most popular attraction in Colchester is its Norman castle which has been turned into a museum, but there are also quite a few Roman ruins to see.

There is no direct train between Cambridge and Colchester, but if you have a car it’s only an hour and a half drive making it a doable as a day trip.  Check out our post for more ideas of things to do in Colchester .

The Harry Potter Studio tour is a must for any serious Potterhead.  You get to go behind-the-scenes of the Harry Potter films including visiting the sets for the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, and Diagon Alley.  

During the winter season, the Studio is transformed into what is called “ Hogwarts in the Snow .”  All the famous movie sets are decorated for the season – fires roar in the fireplaces, the Gryffindor common room is filled with Christmas treats, and the Hogwarts castle model is covered in a blanket of snow.

Like other Harry Potter attractions, the Studio Tour is popular, so it’s best to buy your tickets in advance  here . 

There is no train you can take to the Harry Potter Studio Tour so it is best to drive.  There is free onsite parking included with your admission.

In England, trains are surprisingly expensive.  To get the best price, purchase tickets in advance, avoid peak hours and select specific train times.  Check schedules and prices here .

Cambridge is a worthwhile destination in its own right, but it could also be a convenient base to see more of England.  As you can see there are a few interesting options if you want to do a day trip from Cambridge.

Have you visited any of these cities or towns near Cambridge?

Pin for Later

• Many day trips can be done using public transportation but some (like Stonehenge and Framlingham) require a car.
• Be sure to book train travel in advance, you check the schedule and prices on Trainline .
• Small towns and cities in England make for perfect day trips.  It’s easy to see the top sites and learn more about the history.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchses. This means we will receive a small commission for some purchases made using links in our blog with no additional cost to you.  Please be assured we would not promote any product unless we believe that our readers will also benefit.  The commission does not influence the editorial content of this site.

Last Updated on September 23, 2023

About the Author

Anisa  

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

Session expired

Please log in again. The login page will open in a new tab. After logging in you can close it and return to this page.

Sign Up Below to Download our  FREE Travel Planning Checklist

12 fun places to visit within two hours of Cambridge

Add a bit of variety to your half term activities by visiting any one of these amazing places just a short drive for Cambridge

• 05:00, 20 OCT 2018
• Updated 11:30, 6 JUN 2022

Stay up to date with all the latest news, features and reviews of all things food, drink, and entertainment with our weekly What's On email

We have more newsletters

It feels like the kids have only been back at school for two minutes and suddenly half term has arrived .

Undoubtedly, you're probably going to want to fill the next week with spooky activities in the lead to Hallowe'en but if you're getting sick and tired of the same Cambridge sights , we've found you a few places a bit further afield.

From trips to the Norfolk coast for fish and chips to famous castles and even our old friend, Harry Potter , there are loads of wonderful places for you to visit with the kids (or by yourself, if it all gets too much) just a short drive or train journey from Cambridge .

Here are some of our favourite places to visit if you're running out of ideas of things to do this half term .

Caveat: While we may be able to control many things, traffic conditions are not one of them, some of these journeys may not be EXACTLY two hours.

The Norfolk coast

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside, oh I do like to be beside the sea.

Bundle the family into the car and head towards the Norfolk Coast, it might be cold outside but that doesn't matter.

Wrap up warm and go exploring one of the many areas of natural beauty the Norfolk coast has to offer.

Top spots include: Cromer, Wells-next-the-Sea, Brancaster, Holkham and Hunstanton.

Who can say no to fish and chips on the sea front?

Royston cave, Royston

Discover the mystery that lies beneath the streets of Royston.

No records of its age or purpose exist, making this man-made cave a true enigma.

The extensive wall carvings indicate a connection to the crucifixion but what really went on in this huge underground hole?

The Royston cave is open to the public from March 31 but private parties can be arranged in the meantime.

For more information head to roystoncave.co.uk

Framlingham Castle, Suffolk

You know that famous Ed Sheeran song Castle on the Hill? This is THE castle on the hill. Yep, and it's only about an hour and a half drive away from Cambridge.

English Heritage says: "Once a fearsome fortress, muster your courage and explore Framlingham Castle's towering walls. It was behind these walls that Mary Tudor was proclaimed Queen of England.

"Discover more of Framlingham's stories in our exhibition, walk the ramparts of the castle to enjoy its breath-taking views or taste some Tudor-inspired delights in our new café."

Check out english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/ for more information.

Hop on the train in Cambridge and within an hour you'll be stomping the ground of the big smoke.

Explore all that our charming capital has to offer, from the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum to royalty at Buckingham Palace.

From Cambridge station you can take a train directly to King's Cross or London Liverpool Street, and from there you can navigate around the city by foot, or by tube.

Stansted Airport

We're just saying, Stansted airport is only a half an hour drive from Cambridge, meaning you can get just about anywhere within Europe pretty swiftly.

Some flights within the UK such as to Edinburgh, take less than an hour by plane compared to around six hours by car.

With this in mind, you'll never be bored again.

For a full list of flight locations head to stanstedairport.com

Harry Potter Studios, Watford

Are you a lover of all things Potter?

Then you can't get a much better day out than a trip to the Warner Bros studio in Watford.

See the props and sets from the fictional world of Harry Potter and even meet the magical creatures who live in the Forbidden Forest.

You'll feel just like a Hogwarts student after a day at the studios.

Let it be known you will have to book in advance.

Visit wbstudiotour.co.uk for more information and to book tickets.

Fossils Galore, March

If your little one is fascinated with the way the world used to be, surprise them with a trip to Fossils Galore in March.

Referred to on TripAdvisor as "Dinosaur heaven", this is the perfect activity for anyone who is interested in the land before time.

Hunt for fossils, dig for gold and learn all about the prehistoric era.

It doesn't cost a lot and you get to keep some of the items you find...

High Lodge, Thetford Forest

If you go down to the woods today you'll be sure of a big surprise.

The Highway Rat is the latest Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler book to be brought to life by the Thetford forest trails.

Follow the panels and complete the activities as you head on a journey with The Highway Rat and all the characters from the story.

If you're not into searching for fictional characters, and would rather get a bit more stuck in, you can also channel your inner monkey at Go Ape.

Swing through the trees, soar through the sky and have a laugh at Thetford.

For more information forestry.gov.uk/highlodge

In and around Cambridge

Centre Parcs, Woburn/Elveden

Fancy a quick getaway? Want to escape the outside world for a bit of family friendly fun? Then head to Centre Parcs.

Granted you can't just do this for a day, but it does make for a perfect short mini break with the kids.

If you don't want to travel too far, and you want a whole range of activities at the end of your finger tips, Centre Parcs is the holiday local for you.

It's worth noting that the Aqua Sana spa at both resorts is INCREDIBLE. You'll leave feeling fresh, hydrated, relaxed and pampered.

Visit centerparcs.co.uk

Woburn Safari Park

If the wild won't come to you, why not go to the wild?

Woburn safari park has every animal you could possibly want to see roaming freely around the park, including lions, tigers, bears, wolves, elephants and tarantulas.

With more than 1000 animals, you can explore the park by land and by foot.

Just remember to keep your windows closed and put on the child lock!

Visit woburnsafari.co.uk

Just a short train journey or drive from Cambridge is Norwich.

A bustling town with loads going on from shops to pubs, bars and clubs, this nearby city could make for a brilliant day trip or night out.

If shopping and indulgence aren't your bag you could always pay the castle a visit. There are often talks, tours and reenactments at the castle and dungeon.

For more information head to visitnorwich.co.uk

IKEA, Milton Keynes

Does anyone else get very excited by the prospect of a trip to IKEA?

The warehouse has easy peasy flat pack furniture, stylish soft furnishings, delicious meatballs, and more Daim bars than you can shake a stick at.

If you've just moved house or want a new look on a budget, bundle your other half into the car for a bit of IKEA team bonding.

Things to do in Cambridgeshire

• Harry Potter
• Things to do Cambridge
• Most Recent

Places to visit in Cambridgeshire

Visit Cambridgeshire to travel through miles of lush, marshy fenland, cathedral towns full of medieval markets, and see the city of Cambridge – one of the world’s greatest centres of learning. Looking for things to do in Cambridgeshire? Follow the footsteps of one of the county’s most famous residents, Oliver Cromwell, to Ely to treat yourself to views of sprawling wetlands from the lantern towers. Or alternatively, do Cambridge by punt or bike to get a student’s-eye view of college greens, libraries, and chapels. There’s more to Cambridgeshire than academia and marsh, though. You can visit a World War Two aerial hanger at the Imperial War Museum Duxford, admire a Norman cathedral in Peterborough, and savour sweet sounds at Cambridge Folk Festival – one of the UK’s best folk music festivals.

20 Experience Results

View results as:

• Cambridge (13) Apply Cambridge filter
• South East England (1) Apply South East England filter
• Boating (1) Apply Boating filter
• Cycling (1) Apply Cycling filter
• Tours and trails (5) Apply Tours and trails filter
• Walking and hiking (1) Apply Walking and hiking filter
• Autumn Break Ideas (1) Apply Autumn Break Ideas filter
• Free (1) Apply Free filter
• Low cost (1) Apply Low cost filter
• City parks (1) Apply City parks filter
• Neighbourhoods (2) Apply Neighbourhoods filter
• Gardens and Parks (3) Apply Gardens and Parks filter
• Architectural wonders (1) Apply Architectural wonders filter
• Festivals and carnivals (1) Apply Festivals and carnivals filter
• Museums galleries and libraries (3) Apply Museums galleries and libraries filter
• Music and nightlife (2) Apply Music and nightlife filter
• Music festivals in England (1) Apply Music festivals in England filter
• Days Out in England (4) Apply Days Out in England filter
• July events (1) Apply July events filter
• Attractions (2) Apply Attractions filter
• Outdoor Activities (1) Apply Outdoor Activities filter
• Toddler Friendly Holidays (1) Apply Toddler Friendly Holidays filter
• Vineyards and wine tasting (1) Apply Vineyards and wine tasting filter
• Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places (2) Apply Abbeys cathedrals and sacred places filter
• Archaeological sites (1) Apply Archaeological sites filter
• Historic sites and icons (1) Apply Historic sites and icons filter
• Industrial Maritime And Transport (1) Apply Industrial Maritime And Transport filter
• Military history (2) Apply Military history filter
• Myths Legends and Tales (1) Apply Myths Legends and Tales filter
• Le Tour de France Grand Départ 2014 (1) Apply Le Tour de France Grand Départ 2014 filter
• Lifestyle (1) Apply Lifestyle filter
• Picturesque places (1) Apply Picturesque places filter
• Unique Experiences (2) Apply Unique Experiences filter
• Autumn (2) Apply Autumn filter
• Spring (5) Apply Spring filter
• Summer (8) Apply Summer filter
• Winter (2) Apply Winter filter

Visit one of the finest Norman cathedrals in Europe

Explore Peterborough Cathedral, its exquisite architecture and the resting place of Henry VIII’s first Queen, Katharine of Aragon.

Location: Peterborough, Cambridgeshire

Bronze Age living at Flag Fen Archaeology Park

Travel back 3,500 years to discover a prehistoric causeway at one of the finest Bronze Age archaeological site in Northern Europe, discovered 1982.

Explore Nene Park in the River Nene Valley

Imagine somewhere beautiful, safe and unspoilt where you can explore endless meadows, lakes and woodland, and the River Nene.

Experience steam-age travel on the Nene Valley Railway

Visit one of England’s leading steam engine and locomotive attractions, based in Northamptonshire's Nene Valley.

Go punting on the River Cam

Find your inner rhythm in Cambridge as you mess about on the River Cam.

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgshire

Discover the Isle of Eels in Ely

Visit the cathedral city of Ely, and discover why the humble eel is so important in its history, as you walk its unique Eel Trail.

Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire

Experience Cambridge evensong

The perfect musical accompaniment on a winter evening in Cambridge.

Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Discover plants at Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Don’t miss your chance to find out about plants from all over the world in the 40 acres of gardens and glasshouses.

Fitzwilliam Museum & Botanic Gardens

Ancient insights and green fingers in Cambridge.

See Europe's largest air museum at IWM Duxford

Imperial War Museum Duxford is Europe’s largest air museum with over 300 aircraft and objects on display.

Location: Duxford, Cambridgeshire

Go ghost hunting with Cambridge Ghost Tours

Seek out ghosts and ghouls on a guided tour in the ancient city of Cambridge.

Explore Cambridge University

Take a walking tour through the colleges that make up one of the most prestigious universities in the world – Cambridge.

Take Cambridge’s history in your stride on this walking tour

Navigate your way through Cambridge’s cobbled streets and its 1,000-year history, with one of the city’s expert guides.

Be schooled in the nuances of a vital ancient art

No experience required for this drinker's favourite: just an open mind and a willing palette.

Tuck into traditional English food in Cambridge

One woman's love affair with Cambridge cuisine has become one of the city's best attractions.

July events: Cambridge Folk Festival

Join thousands in enjoying some of the finest folk music in Europe, at a gorgeous country hall in Cambridge.

See winter flowers in bloom at Anglesey Winter Garden

Pull on your scarf and enjoy strolls around this Jacobean-style country house and see its winter plants in full spring.

Explore Cambridge and Grantchester on two wheels

Follow in the footsteps of the Tour de France and Rupert Brooke with a cycle out of Cambridge to the historical village of Grantchester.

A Georgian Mansion full of extraordinary stories and objects

Delve into a historic gem in Peterborough where you can explore a lost prehistoric world populated by sea monsters …

Honour the war dead at the Cambridge American Cemetery

Visit the final resting place of 3812 men and women at the Cambridge American Cemetery, the only American WWII cemetery in the United Kingdom.

Related Items

Nearby counties to visit.

Visit Suffolk to see swanky coastal towns, landscapes straight from Constable and Gainsborough, and the home of the old Kings of East Anglia. Suffolk is quintessentially English.

Visit Essex to explore wild countryside, spot some of England’s most varied wildlife, and see masterfully preserved heritage. There’s something for everyone in this seaside county.

We've something we want to share

Want to receive travel tips and ideas by email?

VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website, it should take no more than a couple of minutes.

Go to the survey

To add items to favourites …

… you need to be logged in.

If you already have an account, log in.

Or register a new account

Access your account

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.

The 12 Best Things to do in Cambridge, UK

Home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Cambridge is one of the most interesting cities to visit in England . Take a punt along the River Cam, and you’ll be amazed by the sight of Cambridge’s splendid university colleges. Medieval chapels stand next to grand Victorian courtyards while students and professors run from lectures to libraries. 

The best sights in Cambridge include some of England’s best museums, including the Fitzwilliam Museum, the University Museum of Zoology, and the quirky Centre for Computing History. Take a walking tour of the city, explore countryside manors, and drink in the same pub where Crick and Watson announced they’d discovered DNA. 

With so many things to see and do, you might not know where to begin. So we’ve compiled our list of the absolute best things to do in Cambridge, England, for you. Stick to these fun and unique Cambridge bucket list recommendations, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an amazing time exploring this gorgeous English city!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The 12 Best Things to do in Cambridge, England 

1. take a punt along the river cam.

No matter the weather, an armada of flat-bottomed barges can be seen navigating the River Cam throughout the year. These are the famous “punts,” small wooden boats that have been used as pleasure craft since the Victorian era.

In summer, the River Cam is quite literally packed with punters as students, locals, and visitors alike take to the waters. If you’re looking for quintessential Cambridge activities, you can rent your own punt from one of the launches, but you’ll need to be ready to steer using the long pole that propels the punt along the river.

Alternatively, hire a chauffeur for an hour or two and be guided along Cambridge’s waterways by a local guide (they’re often students at the university). Tours take you to the “Backs” – behind the city’s famous colleges – where you’ll get the best view of iconic Cambridge attractions like King’s College, Trinity College, and the Bridge of Sighs. 

2. Join a Walking Tour of Cambridge 

If you’d rather stay on dry land, then a walking tour is one of the best things to do in Cambridge. This compact city is the perfect place for a stroll, so why not take a walk with a local guide showing you the way?

Several companies offer walking tours throughout the year, with several departures a day catering to the large number of tourists that visit the city. Visit Cambridge , the official tourism board of the city, offers walking tours, for example. 

Itineraries vary, but the best tours take you to famous Cambridge sightseeing attractions like Senate House, the Corpus Clock, the Bridge of Sighs, Cavendish Laboratory, and many more (the list goes on!).

3. Pretend You’re a Student at King’s College 

One of the most famous things to see in Cambridge is King’s College , where students have been educated since the 15th century. Founded by King Henry VI in 1441, King’s College is best known for its glorious Gothic chapel.

Over five centuries after its founding, King’s College is very much still a place of learning. Although it’s an integral part of the University of Cambridge, visitors can still tour through the grounds and chapel at certain times of the day. Make sure to book your ticket in advance. 

4. See Newton’s Apple Tree at Trinity College 

Established in 1546 by the infamous King Henry VIII, Trinity College is one of Cambridge’s most iconic collegiate institutions. Tourists can visit the Great Court and the college’s gorgeous chapel, although much of Trinity College is off-bounds unless you’re a student. 

No matter, though, because the most famous sight in the college is the “Flower of Kent” apple tree, which grows outside the entrance. It’s better known as Newton’s Apple Tree. Legend has it the tree was grown from a cutting of the same tree that dropped an apple and inspired the theory of gravity. 

5. Visit the Famous Clock at Corpus Christi College 

Dating back to 1352, one of the oldest university colleges in Cambridge is Corpus Christi College . The Old Court is home to some of the university’s oldest buildings, too, while the New Court is a masterwork of extravagant Victorian architecture.

One of the top Cambridge attractions, this college is famous for two notable things (excluding a long list of famous alumni, which includes the playwright Christopher Marlowe). Firstly, this remains the only University of Cambridge college to be founded by local townsfolk. Secondly, it’s home to the marvelous Corpus Clock, which is partly a timepiece and partly a work of public art. 

6. Have a Drink in The Eagle 

After all that Cambridge sightseeing, you’re going to want a drink, and there’s nowhere better for a pint of beer or a glass of wine (soft drinks are also available) than The Eagle . 

Located steps away from Corpus Christi College, this historic pub has long been the favored drinking haunt of scientists and scholars. Indeed, with a history dating back to the 17th century, The Eagle is the second-oldest pub in Cambridge, and it’s here where Crick and Watson announced in 1953 that they had just discovered DNA!

7. Delve into History at the Fitzwilliam Museum

For history lovers, a visit to the Fitzwilliam Museum is one of the top things to do in Cambridge. This excellent museum is named for Richard Fitzwilliam, a British viscount who died in 1816. In his will, Fitzwilliam left behind £100,000 and a vast collection of antiquities that allowed the museum to be founded.

Over the next two centuries, the collection has grown to hold some 500,000 objects from around the world, and it’s now one of the most popular sights in Cambridge. Step through the grand Palladian Entrance Hall, and you’ll be immersed in the ancient world, as you’re surrounded by Egyptian, Greek, and Roman artifacts. 

There are five major galleries to explore, with exhibits largely divided between Antiquities, Arts, Coins, and Literature.

8. Get Nerdy at The Centre for Computing History 

If you love computers, gaming, and technology, then a visit to The Centre for Computing History is one of the most fun things to do in Cambridge. Rather appropriately located in one of the most scientifically minded cities in the world, this unique museum has amassed some 38,000 historic computing objects since it opened in 2013. 

The goal of the museum is to tell the story of the Information Age, starting with the earliest computing devices and continuing into the present. On display, you’ll find everything from old Macbooks and Nokia phones to ancient Gameboys and game consoles. 

Given how quickly technology is advancing, the museum’s exhibits and exhibitions change regularly, making this a nostalgic place to return to. 

9. Wander the Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Home to around 8,000 different species of flora collected from all over the world, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden has offered a serene escape from city life since its founding in 1762. 

The original botanic gardens were established to provide plants for botany students at the university, but the site has greatly expanded to include greenhouses, glasshouses, and 16 hectares of plants and flowers.

10. Explore Natural History at the University Museum of Zoology

For the budding naturalists out there, a visit to the University Museum of Zoology is one of the coolest things to do in Cambridge. With free entry, there’s no excuse not to visit this awesome Cambridge attraction, and with over a million objects in the collection, the displays are always being changed and updated.

You’ll see the now-extinct dodo, the enormous skeleton of a finback whale, and countless other species of flora and fauna, many of which were collected and sent here by famous Victorian naturalists like Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. 

11. Live the Life of an English Gent at Anglesey Abbey

Just outside Cambridge, you’ll find Anglesey Abbey , a beautiful countryside manor that’s a great day out from the city.

Anglesey Abbey dates back to at least the 12th century AD, although there may have been even older priories here long before this. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 16th century, the monks were kicked out and a wealthy family moved in, converting the buildings into a grand Jacobean-style house. 

The Grade-I listed building is now managed by the National Trust, which has converted the stately rooms into a wonderful time capsule. The extensive grounds are gorgeous, and you’ll love living the life of a country gent as you explore this historic Cambridge attraction. 

12. Explore the Cam Towpath Between Cambridge and Ely

The River Cam flows between Cambridge and Ely, and along its course, there’s an easy-to-navigate towpath that connects these two small Cambridge cities. The entire route is flat and offers wonderful views of the River Cam and the surrounding countryside, but at 18 miles, it’s quite a long walk. 

If you’re fit and adventurous, it’s possible to walk the whole route in a day and catch public transport back to Cambridge. Alternatively, you can just walk a few miles along the towpath from Cambridge, stop in a riverside pub for lunch, and enjoy a leisurely walk back. 

There you have it! The 12 best things to do in Cambridge, England. What’s your favorite thing to do in Cambridge?

Share this on pinterest.

About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

View all posts

Related Posts

The 15 Best Distilleries in England to Sip Whiskey & Gin

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Naples, Italy

12 Cool Boutique Hotels in Innsbruck, Austria

Leave a comment cancel reply.

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

14 Wonderful Things to do in Cambridge, England

• England , travel
• Updated: March 14, 2024

Home to one of the world’s most famous universities, the city of Cambridge is a household name all around the world. While it has certainly carved out a name for itself as the place to be for a stellar education, it’s also a mecca for history lovers, culture seekers, and curious travellers alike.

If you haven’t already paid Cambridge a visit, it’s safe to say it’ll charm your little socks off. Unanimously loved by all who explore the hallowed college halls and potter through the winding cobbled streets adorned with England’s finest architecture.

Adding to why you should visit Cambridge is an array of wonderful activities and interesting museums. Whenever I have guests visiting me in London from abroad, I’ll always suggest the quick and easy day trip out to Cambridge. Against the ever-changing skyline of the capital city, the old-world vibes of Cambridge serves up a winning combination. 

To ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Cambridge, I’ve put together a list of the highlights for you to enjoy. 

1. Explore Cambridge University Colleges

Established in 1209, Cambridge University needs no introduction regarding its world-famous reputation for academic achievements and historic alumni. However, exploring the university is quite different to most other universities – comprising of multiple colleges rather than campuses.

In total there are 31 colleges spread across the city, each with its own distinct history, traditions, and academic offerings. The question is, which colleges should you visit? Well, that depends on your interests. I recommend doing a bit of research about each one beforehand. Much can be experienced, whether you’re looking to follow the footsteps of a famous scholar or wish to stand beneath the vaults of exemplary Gothic architecture.

Take a guided tour or explore independently to discover the architectural splendor and academic legacy of colleges like Trinity College , founded by Henry VIII in 1546; King’s College , renowned for its stunning chapel and choir; and St. John’s College , with its picturesque bridge and expansive gardens. 

Discover more: www.cam.ac.uk

2. Enter Kettle's Yard for understated beauty

If you prefer quieter spaces with understated beauty Kettle’s Yard is the place for you. A former Cambridge home that once belonged to Jim Ede, the former curator of the Tate Gallery.

Along with his wife, Jim set about restorting four crumbling cottages. His vision resulted in Kettle’s Yard, a space for modern and contemporary art in a domestic setting, blurring the boundaries between art and life.

Within this intimate setting, you can really imagine how Jim and his wife lived and enjoyed the space in which they lovingly nurtured and shared with like-minded friends. Kettle’s Yard really is one of Cambridge’s lesser-known gems and certainly one not to miss.

Read more:  Kettle’s Yard In Cambridge: Inside My Dream Home

3. King's College Chapel:

King’s College Chapel is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, renowned for its soaring fan-vaulted ceiling, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows. 

Built between 1446 and 1515, the chapel’s magnificent interior is illuminated by the world’s largest fan vault and adorned with exquisite Renaissance artwork. It’s hard to fathom the work that went into creating something of this detail and craftsmanship. 

My only gripe with visiting the Chapel is the entrance fee (£15). When there are so many beautiful chapels and cathedrals available to explore for free in England (such as St Alban’s , Durham , and Winchester ), this fee feels quite prohibitive to many.

However, time your visit accordingly, and attend one of the chapel’s renowned Evensong choral service for free. The service takes place everyday at 5:30pm, and 3.30pm on Sundays. Be sure to queue early to secure a spot. 

For more information visit: www.kings.cam.ac.uk

4. Walk over the Mathematical Bridge

The Mathematical Bridge is a famous wooden footbridge spanning the River Cam at Queens’ College.

You might have read that the bridge’s distinctive design consists of interlocking timbers arranged without the use of nails or bolts, relying solely on mathematical principles and the forces of compression and tension. In reality this narrative isn’t true. I’ve stood on the bridge and inspected it for myself and there’s no mistaking there are bolts keeping the bridge in working order!

Some people do believe however that Issac Newton was the original creator of the bridge and his design was made without the need of bolts. It’s said that over the years students took the bridge apart to try and work out how it had been put together but when they did, they couldn’t put it back together again, which is why it has nuts and bolts in it now!

It’s a great story, but probably not a true one, with the real engineer of the bridge being attributed to  William Etheridge in 1749. So despite its name, the bridge’s structure is more a testament to craftsmanship and ingenuity than mathematical complexity.

5. Fitzwilliam Museum

Similar to the British Museum in London, the Fitzwilliam Museum houses a vast collection of art, antiquities, and artifacts spanning millennia and civilisations. It’s free to enter which makes it one of the best things to do in Cambridge for families and budget-conscious travellers.

There’s something for everyone. History lovers should make a bee-line to the collection of ancient Egyptian mummies and Greek pottery, while art lovers will enjoy European masterpieces by artists like Titian, Rembrandt, and Monet. Don’t miss the museum’s extensive collection of applied arts, including ceramics, silverware, and furniture, showcasing craftsmanship from around the world. 

The Fitzwilliam Museum also showcases temporary exhibitions throughout the year, with its most recent being an exhibition on the work and life of English poet, painter and printmaker, William Blake. 

6. Climb the Tower of St Mary's Tower

To get a sense of the city in all its grandeur, one of the first things you do is climb up Great St Mary’s Tower (£5).

You’ll need to scramble up a narrow spiral staircase but the view is worth the effort.

From atop the tower you have a bird’s-eye view across the market square which harks back to a bygone era. You will spot many of Cambridge’s well-known landmarks. Taking centre stage, however, is King’s College Chapel with its incredible Gothic architecture and pristine lawn in full view.

7. Punt on the River Cam

Cambridge from the water offers a scenic way to experience the city. Punting is a quintessential Cambridge experience, offering a leisurely way to explore the city’s picturesque waterways.

Glide along the River Cam in a flat-bottomed punt while your guide regales you with tales of Cambridge’s history and landmarks. Grab yourself a hot chocolate in the winter, or bubbles in summer as you settle and relax whilst exploring the city from the waters perspective. Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave enough, you can even choose to punt yourself.

Special landmarks include passing under the city’s multiple bridges. Particularly the Bridge of Sighs at St. John’s College which offers a memorable photo opportunity.

Recommended:  For a punting experience with insider knowledge and tidbits, take a look at this punting tour led by university students. 

8. Enjoy the Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1762, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a delightful oasis of biodiversity and botanical beauty.

Spanning 40 acres, the garden features over 8,000 plant species arranged in themed collections, including medicinal plants, alpine flora, and exotic tropical specimens. Wander along meandering paths, explore glasshouses filled with rare and endangered plants, and relax in serene garden settings like the Rock Garden and Winter Garden. An ideal activity for a summer’s day!

9. Munch on Chelsea Buns at Fitzbillies

Fitzbillies is a beloved institution in Cambridge, renowned for its iconic Chelsea Buns, a quintessential English treat.

Established in 1921, this historic café and bakery has been serving up its signature sweet treats and artisanal baked goods to locals and visitors alike for over a century.

Situated on Trumpington Street, just a stone’s throw from Pembroke College and Anne’s College, Fitzbillies exudes old-world charm with its vintage decor and cozy atmosphere.

Step inside and experience the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sound of clinking coffee cups. Whether you’re indulging in one of their famous Chelsea Buns, made using a secret recipe passed down through generations, or sampling their delectable cakes, sandwiches, and coffees, a visit to Fitzbillies is an essential part of the Cambridge experience. If you want to go all out, don’t miss their unique Chelsea bun ice cream! 

10. Embark on a riverside walk

Tranquil Escapes : One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Cambridge is by taking a leisurely stroll along its scenic riverside paths. The River Cam winds its way through the heart of the city, offering tranquil escapes amidst picturesque surroundings.

Backs of the Colleges : Explore the “Backs” of the colleges, where the rear facades of iconic Cambridge University buildings overlook the river. Admire the architectural splendor of colleges like Trinity, St. John’s, and Clare as you meander along the riverbank.

Granta Pub Trail : If a drink and an amble is up your alley, this is the trail for you! Also known as the ‘Granchester Crawl’, follow the Granta Pub Trail along the River Cam, stopping at historic pubs like The Anchor, The Fort St. George, and The Granta. Sample local ales, ciders, and pub grub while soaking up the riverside ambiance and camaraderie of fellow travellers. 

11. See the Bridge of Sighs

Built-in the earlier parts of the 19th Century, the Bridge of Sighs is a stunning bridge to see. Apparently, the bridge itself was Queen Victoria’s favourite spot in Cambridge and it’s easy to see why.

Designed by architect Henry Hutchinson, the structure is adorned with Gothic-style arches and ornate stone carvings, reminiscent of the romanticised architecture of Renaissance Italy.

One of the best ways to see the bridge is whilst you’re punting as you’ll be able to go right under it.

12. See a piece of history at the Wren Library

Although a university library, the Wren Library is open to the public every weekday between 12-2 pm. As you might have guessed, it was designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1695.

Inside, the library houses a priceless collection of rare manuscripts, ancient texts, and literary treasures, including Isaac Newton’s own annotated copy of “Principia Mathematica.”. Pop inside and them all, including quirky objects like Sir Isaac Newton’s walking stick and even a lock of Newton’s hair.

13. Wander down Trinity Lane

While there are lots of beautiful streets in Cambridge, I think Trinity Lane is one of the most unique and cinematic.

I love the way the perfectly lined chimney stacks protrude upwards at the same length of the buildings themselves. In addition, the old lamp posts jutting out of the walls along its length really add to its distinctiveness, and also means it’s easy to recognise!

There’s something about walking down Trinity Lane that feels like you’ve travelled through a different time period altogether. 

14. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

The Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, located in Madingley village near Cambridge, commemorates American military personnel who lost their lives in Europe during World War II.

Established in 1956, it serves as the final resting place for 3,812 servicemen, with a Wall of the Missing honoring an additional 5,127 whose remains were never recovered. The cemetery features a neoclassical chapel and meticulously landscaped grounds, offering a solemn and peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. Visitors can explore the site independently or participate in guided tours, with commemorative events held throughout the year. Admission is free, and the cemetery is open daily except for December 25 and January 1.

Are you planning a trip to Cambridge?

For train tickets to Cambridge I recommend booking in advance with the Trainline .

Read more: 14 London Day Trips That You Will Love

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)

Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

Any questions? We'll try and answer them below. Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Discover more unique places from around the world

Visit Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka) in Kyrgyzstan

Koyasan Travel Guide – Top Attractions & Temple Lodgings (Japan)

© 2024 The Culture Map · Privacy Policy

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 10 Places To Visit In Cambridge That Are Quite Popular Amongst Locals And Tourists

23 Mar 2023

Cambridge is one of the popular cities of the UK on the River Cam in eastern England. Home to the prestigious University of Cambridge , dating back to 1209, tiny Cambridge city remains famous globally due to this renowned university. Cambridge lays claim to having one of the highest concentrations of the preserved historic buildings anywhere in England for showcasing its romantic and medieval character.

The architectural splendour centred around the Cambridge University’s 31 colleges, each rich in tradition is unmatchable, the beauty of this city is enhanced through the darling outlook of Fitzwilliam Museum to Kings College, Cambridge Cemetery including Jesus Green and Midsummer Common, Sheep’s Green, Lammas Land, Christ’s Pieces, Parker’s Piece, the University Botanic Gardens having been developed much and extended through constant improvements to the Backs et al are worth visiting places to visit in Cambridge. Furthermore, Cambridge is also famed for its choir and towering attractions.

10 Places To Visit In Cambridge

Below are some of the best tourist destinations in Cambridge which you must explore during your vacation!

1. Fitzwilliam Museum

Image Source The Fitzwilliam Museum is world-renowned and most famous museum in Cambridge that is considered as one of the classic tourist attraction in the region. This museum is a masterpiece of architectureRiver Cam that contains a magnificent collection of the English pottery besides Chinese, Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. Being one of the sought after places to visit in Cambridge, this museum has illuminated manuscripts, beautified with Italian and Spanish paintings and much more. Its exceptionally fine gallery has the works by Hogarth, Gainsborough, and Turner amongst others as well as Impressionists and Dutch Masters of the Baroque including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Rubens.

Location: Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB, England Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Nearby Hotels: Hotel du Vin Cambridge, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Cambridge City Centre, Royal Cambridge Hotel Nearby Attractions: Cambridgeshire Wine School, Pembroke Wine College, University Museum of Zoology. Onsite Facilities: Restaurants, Gift shops, Lifts for disabled access, Car parking within 10 min walk.

Must Read: 10 Top Things To Do In United Kingdom For A Fun-Filled Holiday Experience

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. King’s College And King’s College Chapel

Image Source Founded in 1441 by Henry VI and the earliest of the royal foundations, King’s College is worth visiting for the huge expanse of its lawn extending down to the river and King’s Bridge, with its lovely views of the Backs, different college grounds along the riverside. Distinguished alumni of King’s College include writer Horace Walpole, poet Rupert Brooke, and economist Lord Keynes et al.

King’s College Chapel, renowned for its 12-bay perpendicular-style interior, as well as its breathtaking fan vaulting by John Wastell (1515), is worth exploring to know history and observe the rich architectural beauty. The lovely tracery on the windows and walls look amazing here. The spectacular 16th-century stained glass windows; the lavishly carved 16th-century wooden organ screen and choir stalls and the altarpiece besides Rubens’ Adoration of the Magi are all amazing seeing worth believing.

Location: King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST, United Kingdom Timings: Throughout the day Nearby Hotels: Several hotels are located nearby at a distance of less than 20 km. Nearby Attractions: Notable attractions especially Cambridge University and its Colleges & other historic monuments.

Suggested Read: 10 National Parks In United Kingdom That Will Bring You Closer To Nature

3. The University Of Cambridge

Image Source The University of Cambridge is steeped in history as the oldest and world’s leading university for learning and research in the United Kingdom that had been founded in the year 1209. Amazing environment for study, fresh air, iconic colleges and gorgeous architectures are what most fascinating elements to see here. Standing apart by imparting quality education over the last 600 years, the grandness and opulence come out of its mortar.

Considered one of the best places to visit in Cambridge, the University of Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges out of which the most famous ones are Trinity College, King’s College, Queen’s College and Robinson College et al.

Location: The Old Schools Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TS, England Timings: Throughout the day. Notable Attractions: The campus punting tour is amazing and flows 2 miles over the River Cam by passing through the King’s College, Trinity College, Queen’s College, the Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and several other amazing sights along the river.

Suggested Read: 10 Beaches In United Kingdom To Add Ultimate Fun To Your Mesmerizing Vacay!

4. River Cam

Image Source The idyllic River Cam of Cambridge flows through the heart of Cambridge. The River Cam is the city’s lifeline as one of its most captivating natural landmarks in the region. For the visitors to Cambridge, the quintessential local activity includes punting along the River Cam – a chauffeured cruise in a flat-bottomed boat or ‘punt’, propelled along by a 5-meter-long pole. A romantic, slow-paced punting tour is ideal for sightseeing as you’ll float downstream with plenty of time to snap photos and admire the riverside landmarks while the grassy banks make an idyllic picnic spot during the summer months.

Location: Cambridge, England Nearby Hotels: The Varsity Hotel & Spa; Arundel House Hotel; Hilton Cambridge City Centre; Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Cambridge City Centre

Suggested Read: 10 Legendary Restaurants In United Kingdom

5. Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Image Source

The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is sprawled over an area of some 40 acres. Beautifully landscaped, it is a must-see location, especially for gardening enthusiasts. Established in 1831, this garden showcases an impressive collection of more than 8,000 species of plants from across the globe. Charming and inspirational scenes of wandering through the garden’s many glasshouses and trails make you feel elated. The excellent Garden Café and Botanic Garden Shop delights every visitor.

Location: 1 Brookside, Cambridge CB2 1JE, United Kingdom Timings: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, everyday

Suggested Read: 15 Vibrant Festivals In United Kingdom That Are Rejoiced With Ultimate Splendor

Planning your holiday but confused about where to go? These travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand

Bangkok. Phi Phi. Krabi. Why should guys have all the fun?

Sandeep Illustrates On The Best Activities For A Family Trip To Mauritius

Water sports. Cocktail parties. And unlimited fun at Casela.

Nisarg Can't Stop Praising His Honeymoon Trip To Maldives

There was snorkeling, sightseeing, luxury, comfort, & much more!

Sabyacsachi's Romantic Trip Proves Europe To Be The Mother Of All Vacations

For Art, Culture, Luxury, & more...

Srishti Talks Of Her Amazing Trip To Singapore With Her Mother & Niece

A fun-filled destination for ages indeed!

67-Year Old Sridhar Tells How He Beat The Odds & Took A Solo Trip To Dubai

Desert safari. Burj Khalifa. Welcoming locals. Tell me more!

Not Adventure Lovers? Saurabh's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong To Still Be Full Of Fun

Your kids will love Disney Land & Ocean Park!

Ravi's Tale Of A Sri Lanka Family Tour Is All You Need To Know About Ramayana Tour

For the love of Ramayana & Travel!

6. St. John’s College

Image Source St. John’s College had been founded in the year 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII. A richly ornamented gateway, it is a fine example of Tudor architecture. Its dining hall has an excellent hammer-beam roof beside the beautiful panelling, and some fine portraits make it an amazing location. The Combination Room has a splendid plaster ceiling with the festoons of vines. Second Court, built-in 1602, is an exceptionally attractive one with its mellow brickwork. Among the notable members of St. John’s were dramatist Ben Jonson and poet William Wordsworth, who described his college rooms in his famous Prelude.

Location: St. John’s Street, Cambridge Timings: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM

Suggested Read: Boston In Summer: 10 Experiences For Collecting Sweet Memories Here!

7. Cambridge Museum Of Technology

Image Source The Museum of Cambridge has in displays and exhibits that focus on the everyday lives of the local masses from the 18th to 20th centuries. In the old White Horse Inn, the museum features an extensive collection of artefacts, including coinage, costumes, medals, toys, and medicine, along with numerous interesting artworks.

Also worth visiting, the Cambridge Museum of Technology focuses on the county’s industrial past. Housed in a Victorian pump house, this museum displays a working steam winch, 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 artefacts, including instruments and prints that date back as far as 17th century.

Location: Old Pumping Station, Cheddars ln, Cambridge CB5 8LD, United kingdom Timings: 10: AM-5:00 PM

Suggested Read: London In March: All You Need To Know About The Square Mile In Spring

8. National Horse Racing Museum

Image Source National Horse Racing Museum at just 13 miles east of Cambridge, Newmarket has been a centre of English horse racing since 1174. Horse racing fans will enjoy visiting the National Horse Racing Museum on the picturesque High Street. Exhibits relate to the history of “sport of kings” as one of the most popular sports in Britain. The collection includes paintings of famous horses and jockeys, old saddles, tack, and trophies are interpreted using the latest interactive and audiovisual technologies fascinating to show about horse racing.

Location: 99 High Street, Newmarket Cambridge

Suggested Read: Cricket Stadiums In England: 10 Architectural Masterpieces

9. St. Mary the Great Church

Image Source St. Mary the Great Church is both a parish and university church. Built-in 15th century, it has fine interiors and its galleries being added in 1739 given by the great scholars attracted huge congregations for several centuries. 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.

The Round Church, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the only four Norman round churches left in England. Built-in 1131, its rectangular chancel was added in the 15th century. Another important church, the Gothic Revival Church of Our Lady and the English Martyrs – one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in Britain that had been built in 1885 houses a rare statue of the Virgin Mary.

Location: Senate House Hill, Cambridge

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In United Kingdom That’ll Make Your Trip More Classic That You Had Imagined

10. Cambridge American Cemetery And Memorial

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial of the World War II grave cemetery is flocked by a large number of visitors. Covering 30.5 acres donated by the University of Cambridge is immaculately maintained. This cemetery contains the remains of 3,811 of the war dead; 5,127 names are recorded on the Walls of the Missing. Rosettes mark the names of the recovered and identified. The great outlook of exhibits that incorporate personal stories, photographs, films, and interactive displays, visitors gain a better understanding of this critical campaign that contributed to the Allied victory in Europe during the World War II.

Location: Madingley Road, Madingley, Cambridge CB23 7PH, England Timings: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Further Read: 10 Beaches In United Kingdom To Add Ultimate Fun To Your Mesmerizing Vacay!

Visiting Cambridge literally takes you to a bygone era. Several monuments and important locations are considered to be amongst the notable places to visit in Cambridge. Your trip to England will definitely be a memorable one if you add the above-mentioned places to your Cambridge expedition plan!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Cambridge

Is Cambridge University open to the public?

The Centre offers help and advice on making the most of your time in and around Cambridge, including official guided tours, accommodation reservations, public transport, maps and guidebooks, discounted chauffeured punt tour tickets and more.

What is Cambridge famous for?

Cambridge is famous for its University of Cambridge which is currently one of the best universities in the world. The university has been producing scholars in almost all streams of education including science and technology thus many renowned scientists boast their association with this university. Apart from this, Cambridge also includes numerous amazing attractions that you can explore during your visit.

Is it safe to visit Cambridge during covid times?

Yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Cambridge during covid times, as it has a relatively low number of covid cases. But don’t take our word for it: check up on the latest travel advisory, Covid-19 measures, and the number of cases before your departure. It is safer to undertake solo travel or with a small group of people to somewhere that is not overly crowded at the moment.

What is the topmost art in the Fitzwilliam Museum?

There is a wonderful collection of arts, ancient military weapons, ceramics and Greek, Roman and Egyptian relics in this museum. The museums also include various relics that have been kept well-preserved since the Roman Empire.

Which is the best college to visit in Cambridge?

A visit to any of the colleges of the University of Cambridge is worthwhile. Most visitors stop by King's College, Trinity College, and St. John’s College. These are some of the oldest, richest and most prestigious colleges of the University of Cambridge.

Which is better: Oxford or Cambridge?

However, there is a common perception that Cambridge is slightly better for sciences, while Oxford is marginally stronger for social sciences and humanities – but both Universities insist there is no significant difference.

Can one swim in the River Cam?

Swimming! Yes, Swimming is considered as one of the popular adventures that one can do in the River Cam. Another popular thing to do at River Cam is enjoying a boat ride, which are available for rent near the river.

How many days are required to explore Cambridge?

Cambridge is considered as one of the best destinations in the UK and includes various amazing attractions that you can explore during your stay. If you are planning to visit Cambridge then it is suggested that you plan at least a 2-3 days tour to explore various exquisite attractions of the town.

Looking To Book A Holiday Package?

Spellbinding Cochin Family Tour 2D/1N Package @ Rs 2,750

Plan your trip today!

Himachal Family Tour Package 4D/3N @ Rs 8,750

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Exciting Andaman Family Trip 5D/4N @ Rs 10,250

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Gangtok & Darjeeling Tour Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500

Best prices guaranteed.

Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499

EMI option available.

Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199

Explore best destinations with our experts.

Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Thrilling weekend full of fun.

Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999

Talk to our experts today.

Recent Posts

27 Lieux surréalistes pour faire de courts voyages depuis Singapour en 2024.

2024 में 32 दुनिया में सितंबर में घूमने की जगहें जो आपको एक शांत छुट्टी

30 अप्रैल में भारत में घूमने की जगहें: इस गर्मी में एक प्रोफेशनल की तरह गर्मी को मात दें

41 भारत में जून में घूमने की जगहें: 2024 गर्मी की छुट्टियाँ ठीक से हो गईं

2024 में आरामदायक छुट्टियों के लिए 35 भारत में मार्च में घूमने की जगहें

2024 में घूमने लायक 43 भारत के प्रसिद्ध ऐतिहासिक स्थान

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

View from Washington, DC

Sun will be 87 % obscured

See what the solar eclipse will look like in your city

April 8 may be your best chance to see a total solar eclipse for two decades.

Scroll to continue

If you could look down on Earth from space during April’s total solar eclipse, you would see the moon cast its shadow on the planet, creating a dark blob that will dart across the land from Mexico into Texas and up toward Maine and Canada.

And if you are lucky enough to be looking up from Earth in the moon’s shadow, you’ll see the sky fall dark, it will get colder and quieter, and for a special three to four minutes, you’ll be able to view the sun’s glowing white corona.

For many people in North America, April 8 is likely to be the best opportunity in their lifetime to experience a total solar eclipse. Most in the contiguous United States, however, will only experience a partial eclipse.

Whether you see a total or partial eclipse all depends on where you are to view the phenomenon.

An estimated 31.5 million people live within the roughly 115-mile wide path of totality that stretches from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada. Inside the path, as the sun, moon and Earth become perfectly aligned, the moon blocks the sun and casts its shadow on Earth. The farther away you are from the center of this path, the less the moon will obscure the sun. People within the contiguous United States who are outside the path will see a partial eclipse.

“During a total eclipse, you’re plunged into the moon’s shadow. You’re in this eerie twilight. You can see bright stars and planets in the sky. And of course, the biggest attraction is you see the sun’s solar corona. You don’t see any of those things in the partial eclipse, even at 99 percent,” said Fred Espenak, a retired NASA astrophysicist who has experienced 30 total solar eclipses. “It’s the difference between night and day.”

The difference is so enormous, even veteran eclipse viewers often don’t have words that do justice to totality.

“You think you know what you’re going to experience, but you have no idea,” said Kate Russo, an author, psychologist and eclipse chaser who will be seeing her 14th total solar eclipse in April. “I always say it’s like the ineffable,” she added. “Sometimes things happen to us that we just have no words to describe.”

View of a total eclipse

Eagle Pass, TX • Sun will be 100% obscured

View of a partial eclipse

Washington, D.C. • Sun will be 87% obscured

Inside the path, as the moon creeps closer to fully blocking the sun, the temperature drops and the light and wind change. Insects and animals may fall silent. Some birds might return to home to roost. And even though you’re expecting it, Russo said, it’s still so surprising.

“You notice the darkening that’s coming toward you, and that’s really eerie and it puts the hair on the back of your neck,” she said. “It really is quite exciting and thrilling, and you just can’t believe that it’s going to happen.”

The fleeting moments of totality will last anywhere from a few seconds to over four minutes, depending where you are inside the path. Mexico and 12 U.S. states have cities that will get duration times longer than four minutes. The longest totality will be in Torreón, Mexico, and will last 4 minutes and 28 seconds . Compared with other eclipses that typically only last a couple of minutes, that’s quite a long time. In 2017, the longest duration was near Carbondale, Ill., where the eclipse lasted for 2 minutes and 42 seconds.

Percentage of the sun

blocked by the moon

Indianapolis

Little Rock

San Antonio

Mexico City

Max coverage percent

Source: NASA

Percentage of the sun blocked by the moon

Max coverage

Los Angeles

For one of her books , Russo interviewed first-time eclipse viewers asking how totality made them feel. Their responses aligned with her own experiences: Within totality, the awe, connection and euphoria that people experience leaves them feeling both insignificant and a part of something greater than themselves, Russo said.

“We’re only on this Earth for just a split second of time. And I think these moments actually highlight that for you,” she said. “It puts all our other concerns or problems just into perspective.”

Within totality, there’s a lot to see when you remove your safety glasses. April’s eclipse will coincide with heightened solar activity. As the moon blocks the bright face of the sun, it reveals the sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, and can show plumes of gas, referred to as streamers, escaping into space. These look like bright streaks or feathery rays flowing around the edge of the sun. Prominences, or magnetic loops that glow bright pink or red around the inner atmosphere, will also probably be more visible. Venus and Jupiter can also be seen on either side of the sun.

Outside of totality, the partial eclipse — even a view with 99 percent of the sun obscured — must be viewed safely with a simple viewer or safety glasses . According to Espenak, once you’re out of the path of totality, there’s not a big difference in what you’ll see. “It’s just a thinner slice of the sun that’s visible. It’s only when you make that transformation from the partial eclipse to a total eclipse that you get this dramatic change.”

Patrick Poitevin, an eclipse chaser and astronomer from Derbyshire, England, has experienced 24 total eclipses. Poitevin, who said he’s always looking for a “different” or “extreme” view, will travel to Mazatlán in April. He added that there’s lots to see along the edge or just inside or outside the path of totality using a telescope with a hydrogen-alpha filter. “What a show!” he wrote of an eclipse last year in Kosrae, Micronesia, in which he saw from a mile outside of the path a nearly 360-degree view of the chromosphere, a colored layer of the sun’s atmosphere, just above the solar surface. “Mesmerising,” he added.

Eclipses over the next 50 years

This year’s eclipse

While total solar eclipses happen about every 18 months , they are often in remote parts of the world, including the middle of the ocean. By contrast, this eclipse will pass through several densely populated cities. “It’s not that common that you get a total eclipse going through your home country,” Espenak said. “We had the 2017 eclipse, and before that it was 1979. So that was a 38-year gap.”

The next total solar eclipse visible across the contiguous United States won’t be until 2045 and will travel from California through Florida. After that, a 2078 eclipse will pass through nine Southern states.

“If you can’t travel [to totality], still go out and enjoy the partial eclipse,” Russo advises. To view the eclipse in April, she will be heading to Uvalde County, Tex., where she has held workshops and helped local officials with planning. “This is your chance,” she said, “an easy chance to get into the path.”

Espenak, whose work at NASA included eclipse predictions, met his wife, Patricia, during a 1995 eclipse in India. For 25 years, Patricia had struck out on seeing totality — her view was either partial or cloudy. It was only in India where she finally saw totality. The two will be traveling from Arizona to Mazatlán to view April’s eclipse, and Fred will be speaking.

“ I’m excited at every single one. Over a lifetime of seeing these things, I get goose bumps, and there’s that thrill of seeing it every single time,” Espenak said. “No matter how many photographs or videos you look at, it’s nothing like the real McCoy.”

About this story

We created the eclipse animations by interpolating the moon’s path, calculating its trajectory based on the initial, midpoint and final positions during the eclipse.

Eclipse animation data was sourced from the Five Millennium Canon of Solar Eclipses Database by Xavier M. Jubier, which is based on NASA’s eclipse predictions by Fred Espenak. The algorithms used were drawn from “Elements of Solar Eclipses 1951-2200” and “Astronomical Algorithms.” Eclipse track data was obtained from NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.

Eclipse city view animation speeds are not reflective of actual eclipse durations. Half of the city of San Antonio, Texas falls within totality and half falls outside of totality. So depending on where you are inside the city, the sun may not be 100% obscured as it is depicted in the animation.

Kevin Schaul and Denise Lu contributed to this report. Editing by Emily M. Eng and Victoria Jaggard. Copy editing by Vanessa Larson.

Best Places To Visit While Backpacking in the UK

The United Kingdom's varied landscapes, rich history, and diverse cultural experiences make it an ideal backpacking destination.

For the intrepid explorer, the UK offers many unique places and experiences. This guide will introduce some of the best places to visit when backpacking across the UK.

Top UK Destinations

Discover the magic of london.

London, the capital city, is a must-visit. This cosmopolitan metropolis brims with famous landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum.

Art enthusiasts should head to the Tate Modern for contemporary art.

Literature lovers can embark on a nice tour of the top Harry Potter locations in London, like King's Cross Station and Leadenhall Market, which doubled as Diagon Alley in the films.

Don't miss out on London's vibrant food scene. Borough Market offers a myriad of international foods, while traditional pubs provide a taste of classic British cuisine like fish and chips.

Explore the University Towns of Oxford and Cambridge

No backpacking trip in the UK would be complete without a stop in Oxford and Cambridge, the homes of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world.

Wander around their ancient college buildings, admire the beautiful architecture , and soak up the scholarly atmosphere. In Cambridge, a punt down the River Cam is a quintessential experience.

Dive into History in Bath and York

Bath and York are famed for their historical significance and well-preserved architecture.

In Bath, the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent offer glimpses into the city's Roman and Georgian past.

York, with its stunning Minster, the Shambles, and the city walls, provides a rich medieval experience.

Marvel at the Natural Beauty of the Lake District

For outdoor lovers, the Lake District National Park offers stunning landscapes with plenty of peaks, valleys, and, of course, lakes.

It's an excellent place for hiking, boating, and soaking up some of England's most breathtaking scenery.

Experience Scottish Culture in Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, combines ancient and modern in a uniquely Scottish atmosphere.

From the historic Edinburgh Castle to the lively festivals, including the famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe, there's something to suit every traveler.

Visit the Coastal Towns of Cornwall

Cornwall , in the southwest of the UK, is renowned for its picturesque seaside towns, beautiful beaches, and delicious pasties.

Visit Penzance, St Ives, or the eco-haven of the Eden Project near St Austell.

Backpacking across the UK allows you to experience a diverse mix of vibrant cities, historical towns, and stunning natural landscapes.

From the bustling streets of London to the tranquil beauty of the Lake District, and the ancient charm of Edinburgh, the UK offers a wealth of experiences for the adventurous backpacker. 

Remember, this list is not exhaustive – one of the joys of backpacking is stumbling upon hidden gems and creating your own unique journey.

So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

With a spirit of discovery and an open heart, your UK backpacking experience will surely be filled with countless cherished memories.

This story is brought to you in partnership with Hellotickets.

The post Best Places To Visit While Backpacking in the UK appeared first on Go Backpacking .