places to visit around cambridge uk

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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

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The 22 best things to do in Cambridge right now

From punting to theatre, here’s how to smash a weekend break in this picture-perfect city

When you think of Cambridge, you probably think of the university (where a bunch of very famous and very clever people started out). But you’ll find when you visit that that culture and creativity exists all over the city, from its museums and galleries to its epic food scene.

Apt for exploration by punt, bike or foot, Cambridge boasts a hell of a lot; comedy, theatre, live music and art galleries sit against architectural marvels and lush greenery, making this not just a fascinating place but a darn romantic one, too. Looking for a quiet weekend break? This is the spot. 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

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

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What to do in Cambridge

1.  Punt down the River Cam

• Attractions
• Rivers, lakes and ponds

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 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.  Take a stroll through Grantchester

What is it? A tiny village on the outskirts of Cambridge, most famous for its sprawling, riverside meadows – and being the filming location for the BBC detective series of the same name.

Why go? Despite its small size, this quaint village packs a lot in. The Orchard Tea Garden was once a favoured haunt of the city’s literati. (Rupert Brooke, Xu Zhimo, E. M. Forster and Virginia Woolf were apparently all regulars for cream tea.) The local parish church keeps a shrine to the fictional crime-solving priest in Grantchester’s TV namesake. And, murder aside, its meadows are the perfect picnic spot.  

13.  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.

14.  Get nerdy at the 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.

15.  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.

16.  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.

17.  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 Bar 196 ’s 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.

18.  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. 

19.  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.

20.  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.

21.  Visit the Centre for Computing History

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.

22.  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.

More great things to do in Cambridge

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

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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

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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 ( 193 )

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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.

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.

Byrons Pool

Did you know.

Cambridge is home to one of the most famous student theatre troupes in the world: the Footlights. Founded in the 1880s, some of the UK’s biggest stars were part of it, including John Cleese, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry and Rowan Atkinson.

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

Oct 2, 2021 • 9 min read

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

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

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

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

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

King’s College Chapel 

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

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

Trinity College 

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

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

The Fitzwilliam Museum

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

Take a punt along the Cam

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

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

Browse the latest from the University Press 

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

Gonville & Caius College

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

Have a pub debate 

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

Watch sunset from the Varsity roof terrace 

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

Go to the Footlights

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

Great St Mary’s Church 

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

Have a Chelsea bun at Fitzbillies 

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

Pedal the backstreets 

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

Kettle’s Yard 

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

Take a pub and food crawl along Mill Road 

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

Have a packed afternoon tea

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

Go church hopping

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

Have a splash at the Jesus Green Lido 

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

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

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

St John’s College  

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

Cruise the college museums 

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

Detour out of town to the Imperial War Museum  

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

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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.

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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.

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There are 4 comments on this post

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Kwok Fung Au Yeung says

6th March 2023 at 2:12 am

Wren Library is close to public

Laurence Norah says

8th April 2023 at 8:27 pm

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

Linda Watt says

5th April 2021 at 6:14 am

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

Very helpful article on Cambridge, by the way!

5th April 2021 at 11:48 am

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• United Kingdom
• 20 Must Visit Attractions Cambridge...

Must-Visit Attractions in Cambridge, England

An esteemed university city with bags of history and a river running through its heart, Cambridge is England’s finest holiday spot if you’re looking for culture, academia and charm all in one place. With striking university buildings packed with history, a pleasant climate and leisurely lawns, falling for Cambridge is as easy as falling off a punt. Easier, in fact. Read on for Culture Trip’s pick of the 25 must-visit attractions in Cambridge, England.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Cambridge University Buildings

Of course, Cambridge is famed internationally for its world-class university. Attended by some of the country’s top writers, actors, comedians and politicians, the college is set in magnificent grounds. Dating back to the 12th century and including examples of the earliest patterned brickwork in England, the various colleges of this world-renowned establishment are dotted around the city and should be high on your must-do list for fabulous Cambridge.

This attractive body of water flows through Cambridge into the Great Ouse, and is usually dotted with pretty punts and small boats. With Byron’s Pool named after the poet Lord Byron, who is said to have swum there, and its waters the apparent subject of a speech from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, the Cam has clearly made an impression on England’s literary masters. Picnic on its riverbanks, cross King’s College Bridge, go angling or, of course, take a punt.

The Fitzwilliam Museum

Cambridge University’s art and antiquities museum makes for a fascinating day out. Once declared “one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance”, the museum was founded when Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion donated his collection of art to the university. The brilliantly diverse collection includes arms, coins, and Cypriot, Greek and Egyptian art by Degas, Reubens and Gainsborough, among countless others. Many consider it the finest small museum in all of Europe.

The Bridge of Sighs

This covered bridge across the swirling River Cam was built in 1831 and connects the Third Court at St John’s College Cambridge with the New Court. Though it doesn’t have much in common with its Venetian namesake aside from the fact it’s covered, there’s still an undeniable romance about its ornate stonework.

Corpus Clock

This enormous embellished metal clock hangs at street level outside Cambridge’s Corpus Christi College. One of the city’s most remarkable monuments, the clock was constructed by John C Taylor (OBE) and inaugurated in 2008. With a face made entirely of gold, a metal grasshopper called the Chronophage or ‘time-eater’ sitting above it and an undulating ripple design – which suggests the expansion of the universe after the Big Bang, the clock is a truly unique asset to Cambridge.

The American Cemetery and Memorial

This cemetery comprises just over 12ha (30 acres) of neat green lawns, dedicated to the memory of those who were killed in the Battle of the Atlantic or in the strategic air bombardment of Northwest Europe. With the remains of some 3,812 people buried at this peaceful spot, the cemetery is a sobering place to remember those who fought and died in past wars. The visitor centre has many compelling personal stories and photographs that paint a vivid picture of those who gave their lives.

Cambridgeshire Wine School

If fine wines are your thing, head along to Cambridgeshire Wine School for a lively evening of wine tasting. Not only will you sample delightful wines from Europe and even further afield, you’re bound to make some fabulous new friends, too. Choose evenings dedicated to Italian tipples, South American or Portuguese recipes. There’s even a cheese and wine event if you’re a fan of fancy fromage.

The Round Church

Officially known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Round Church is a Grade I-listed building dating back to 1130. Its pretty rotunda structure is formed of stone. The church’s upper storey, built above the nave, has a glorious conical spire on top, making this a unique space to explore.

Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences

If this list has already got you thinking Cambridge rocks, let us dig a little deeper and recommend a geology museum that’s pure gold. The oldest of Cambridge University’s museums, it was founded in 1728 and is now home to around 2 million minerals, fossil and rocks.

The Mathematical Bridge

This pretty wooden footbridge is another gorgeous spot at which to breathe in a little of Cambridge’s chilled-out charm. This Grade II-listed building, designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex in 1749, takes its name from the arrangement of its timbers at certain tangents to create its arching shape. There is a myth that Sir Isaac Newton built the bridge without the help of any nuts or bolts, which, though untrue, makes a cheeky anecdote to share with your travel buddy as you stroll across.

Ely Cathedral

OK, this one isn’t technically in Cambridge, but it makes for a brilliant day trip during your stay. Dating back to 1083, it is built in the monumental Romanesque style and its central octagonal tower attracts some 250,000 visitors every year. Take a moment to gaze up at the church’s captivating ceilings and dazzling stained glass.

Fitzbillies Cafe

Definitely the highest calorie thing to do in Cambridge is to drop into the delightful Fitzbillies on Trumpington Street and feast on one of their famous Chelsea Buns. These sticky-sweet snacks have been on sale here since 1920 and make for an ideal riverside energy boost when your punting enthusiasm begins to wane. There’s now a second branch of Fitzbillies on Bridge Street – serving coffees, cakes and tasty bacon rolls.

Parker’s Piece

Another beautifully kempt lawn space, the 10-ha (25-acre) common Parker’s Piece is known as the birthplace of association football as it was here that the Cambridge Rules were first put to use in 1848. It also played host to fancy cricket matches between 1817 and 1864. A pleasant place for a walk or your own mini cricket match (top tip: dogs make excellent fielders).

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

This dreamy 16-ha (40-acre) garden is alive with an incredible variety of plant species from all over the world. There are also several glasshouses – home to all kinds of flowers and shrubs – making this park a blooming lovely option for a sunny Cambridge afternoon.

Anglesey Abbey

This absolutely glorious country house and former priory was bought by the aristocratic Broughton siblings, Lord Fairhaven and his brother Henry, in 1926. Located just outside Cambridge, in the idyllic village of Lode, the building is now home to the eccentric lord’s vast collection of clocks, ornaments and silverware. A fabulously nostalgic day out.

Billed as an intimate, family-run zoo, this place offers the chance to get up close and personal with a diverse and colourful collection of exotic animals. Tapirs, zebras, tigers, kangaroos – every animal lover will enjoy visiting this well-kept sanctuary.

For a beautiful walk incorporating the university buildings and their impeccably manicured lawns, and the River Cam and its various bridges, take a stroll along The Backs. With grazing cattle to be spotted all along this picturesque stretch of reclaimed land, this is a cracking angle from which to admire those colleges that touch the water’s edge.

Kettle’s Yard

For a sprinkle of culture, head along to Kettle’s Yard, a gorgeous Cambridge house filled with a collection of 20th-century art, which also has its own contemporary gallery. There are exhibitions on display for much of the year and events including study days, art workshops and music recitals.

Imperial War Museum Duxford

As well as an enormous airfield, this museum also boasts a collection of 200 vintage aircraft (including Concorde and the Spitfire), which have been carefully restored to their hey-day glory and are displayed proudly from floor to ceiling at what is the largest aviation museum in Europe. You have to travel a short distance out of Cambridge to reach it (either by bus or car) but it’s well worth the extra time it takes to get here.

King’s College Chapel

Widely believed to be one of England’s finest examples of perpendicular gothic architecture along with the astounding St George’s Chapel in Windsor, King’s College Cambridge is an unbelievable place to be. With the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world and some dazzling examples of medieval stained glass, you’ll find yourself gazing heaven-wards to drink in its daunting beauty.

Heffers Bookshop

There are, of course, numerous bookshops all over Cambridge, but Heffers is very special. For starters, it’s 144 years old, and has been a mainstay in bookselling since it first opened, providing a central place for students across all the colleges to buy books. Though it has been renovated many times, the core architecture is still intact, and it features a huge collection of books of all kinds, as well as one of the largest stocks of board games of any book shop in the country.

If you want to relax with a drink and watch the world go by, NOVI is the bar for you. Facing onto Regent Street – Cambridge’s longest and most central road – it serves arguably the best cocktails anywhere in Cambridge (the espresso martini is a highlight) and serves a diverse menu of interesting food. The open-plan setting means that you can get a clear view of the busy street outside without ever leaving the building.

Wimpole Estate

A National Trust site just outside of the city, Wimpole Estate has been continuously occupied for over 2,000 years, and is now largely open to the public. The explorable grounds include the gardens, parkland and farm. The gardens surround the grounds of the enormous Wimpole Hall. It has been the home of many significant families through the years, and you can learn all about its fascinating heritage while exploring the grounds, as well as meeting the various animals that reside on the farm.

There are a few open-air markets around Cambridge, but FoodPark is special in that it occupies different places depending on the day of the week, as well as playing host to different food vendors. It’s open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, rotating between Eddington, the Science Park and other spots. All the traders are local, independent, and you can try all kinds of interesting twists on established meals.

The Eagle Pub

Higher education has changed a lot since the Cambridge colleges first appeared, but one thing remains true – students like to drink. The Eagle has stood proud in the city since 1667, when it was called The Eagle and Child, and quickly became the favoured watering hole of local scholars. Many famous scientists have visited over the years, and famously it is where James Watson hit upon the double helix idea – now the most well-known representation of DNA strands. The pub is still open, and the walls are covered with pictures of famous former patrons.

Additional reporting by Callum Davies

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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Places to Stay

The best boutique hotels in cambridge.

Where to Book a Stay in Cambridge, England for a Local Experience

The Best Hotels to Book Near Wimpole Hall

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Lakes in and around cambridge, uk.

The Best Things to See and Do in Cambridge, UK, With Kids

The Best Bed and Breakfasts in Cambridge, England

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The Best Hotels to Book in Cambridge

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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

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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.

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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.

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Why we love Cambridge

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

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

Cambridge Distillery

Cambridge, England

Gin master class

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

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A paddling adventure

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

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Explore Market Square

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

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Enjoy a punt

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

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Blooming flora at the Botanic Gardens

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

Self Guided Cambridge City Podcast Tour

Things to do in cambridge.

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Green Street

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

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Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

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

VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Cambridge University Botanic Garden

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

Cambridge Literary Tours

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

The Fitzwilliam Museum

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

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

Grafham Water Centre

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

Cambridge Film Festival

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

Cambridge Film Festival /Jean-Luc Benazet

Cambridge bike hire

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

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Garden House

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

Garden House Cambridge

Punting on the River Cam

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

Traditional Punting Company

Cambridge Gin Laboratory

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

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Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

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

Pride Cambridge

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

Cambridge Pride

Abbey Stadium

Welcome to the home of Cambridge United Football Club – offering behind-the-scenes tours and family fun.

Cambridge United Football Club

Cambridge Junction

Want to catch the next big thing in live music, comedy and dance? You’ve come to the right place.

Cambridge Arts Theatre

Cambridge Arts Theatre/ Dennis Gilbert

Take your pick from plays, musicals, dance and pantomimes – and peek backstage on a guided tour.

Kettle’s Yard

Museum of Zoology

From dinosaur bones and dodo skeletons, to letters by Charles Darwin: this museum has a remarkable collection.

These food trucks serve everything from Spanish churros to Sri Lankan curries, at venues all over the city.

Real ales and comfort food: two simple concepts, but the Pint Shop takes them both to new heights.

Restaurant 22

Set in an elegant Victorian house, this critically acclaimed restaurant serves simple yet spectacular seasonal cuisine.

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

In commemoration of the American Forces, this magnificent monument is a place of sombre remembrance.

Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

Mathematical Bridge

Standing strong for over 100 years, this famous wooden bridge is a triumph of engineering.

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Great St Mary's, the University Church

For the best views over Cambridge, head to the tower of this 800-year-old church…

King’s College Chapel

This Christian sanctuary hosts soul-stirring chapel services, guided tours, organ recitals and seasonal celebrations.

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The Cambridge Club Festival

Music, culture and arts are top of the bill, and past headliners include Toploader and Jack Savoretti.

Cambridge Folk Festival

If this festival’s music doesn’t put a smile on your face, its friendly atmosphere and fringe entertainment will.

Cambridge Festival

This eclectic gathering features everything from film premieres and cultural debates, to live music and science lectures.

Cambridge Castle

Climb to the top of this historic hill, for views that stretch as far as Ely Cathedral.

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Grand Arcade

With the vast John Lewis store at its heart, this mall features over 60 brands and retailers.

The Grafton

This mall features the likes of Apple, Calvin Klein and Hollister – alongside restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

This retail village will combine fabulous dining, spa treatments and boutique local brands

Cam Valley Orchards

For a taste of the Cambridgeshire countryside, this charming store is filled with jams, fruits and juices.

Featured things to do

Join a scholarly tour

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

Party on at Pride Cambridge

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

Be amazed by art

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

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Christmas in Cambridge

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

Places to stay in Cambridge

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

Round Church Street

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

City Centre

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

Explore nearby

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

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

Norfolk Broads Direct

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

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Bury St Edmunds

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

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

Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Norwich, England

Getting to Cambridge

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

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

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

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

Getting around

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

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

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

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

Want to know more?

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

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Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Cambridge

15 BEST Places to Visit in Cambridge (2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Round Church Street

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.

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#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.

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#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.

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#13 – Cambridge General Market

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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• 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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