17 Amazing Things to Do in Cambridge You Cannot Miss!
Heading to Cambridge? Then get able to enter a time machine and arrive in a special period! If you’re questioning the place to begin your vacation, then come alongside, as I’ll make it easier to with all the small print!
In this publish, you’ll discover the perfect issues to do in Cambridge, together with the high points of interest within the metropolis plus some actually helpful info on the place to remain in Cambridge!
I used to be fortunate sufficient to go to Cambridge just a few occasions and every journey was much more wonderful than the final! Now I’m prepared that will help you discover probably the most enjoyable and thrilling points of interest on this iconic city with a historical past courting again to the first century AD.
So let’s hit the highway!
If you might be in a rush
In case you don’t have time to learn this entire checklist of issues to do in Cambridge, here’s a fast abstract of the details.
Here are the principle issues to e-book prematurely:
And listed below are the perfect motels: Graduate Cambridge (Luxury), Christ College Cambridge (Mid-range), The Mill Suites (Budget)
1. Go punting on River Cam
Just arrived on this stunning metropolis from London, certain you might go and go to all of the Cambridge Museums or historic websites, however I like to recommend first going punting on the River Cam!
Punting is type of a “national sport” for this glorious metropolis, and it’s one thing that each one vacationers need to attempt because it seems to be like a lot enjoyable!
For those that don’t know, a punt is a flat-bottomed boat with a square-cut bow that often has between 1-6 seats and is moved by a pole.
There are numerous boat rental firms in Cambridge and somebody absolutely will strategy you to give you a tour as you get near the river. But if you wish to be ready and e-book prematurely, you may be part of a punting tour the place your information is not going to solely management the boat however provide you with some dwell commentary and tales alongside the way in which!
Although most individuals want to go along with a tour information (aka somebody who will really do all of the work and punt) a few of you who’re extra brave might need to have a go at it your self. While this seems like enjoyable (and it really is) I’d advocate going a tour as punting isn’t as straightforward because it seems to be, particularly for individuals who haven’t tried this earlier than!
The tour often lasts round 45 minutes and also you get to see the again of the University faculties, and the town’s stunning pure facet!
PRICE: From £50
2. Visit the Cambridge University Colleges
No journey to Cambridge may ever be full with no go to to one of many 31 faculties within the metropolis! The identical will be stated about Oxford as nicely! No stay in Oxford will be completed with out testing its halls!
This iconic college has taught and despatched out a number of the most good minds like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton into the world!
Luckily, we get to discover a few of these locations, admire their grandiose, and study fascinating info. You can discover these locations by yourself or take a guided walking tour of the college should you’d wish to study all about these faculties from alumni.
Here are the perfect faculties that you just shouldn’t miss out on:
2.1 King’s College
Mostly identified for the King’s College Chapel, this place ought to be a the highest of your checklist of issues to do in Cambridge!
With an unimaginable Gothic fashion, King’s College Chapel has the biggest fan vault on the earth, fabulous stained-glass home windows, and the well-known rood display (which is a typical function within the structure of a late medieval church), which was a present from Henry VIII to his spouse Anne Boleyn.
FUN FACT: During Christmas time the BBC at all times broadcasts a solo performer singing “Once in Royal David’s City” dwell from Kings College Chapel.
NOTE: You should purchase your tickets for King’s College Chapel and the grounds from the King’s College visitor center however I like to recommend reserving them on-line on their website prematurely to keep away from any queues on the day.
PRICE: £10
2.2 Trinity College
This is likely one of the largest faculties in Cambridge and the place the place you’ll additionally discover the attractive Wren Library.
Founded in 1546, Trinity College had a number of notable alumni reminiscent of Isaac Newton and Lord Byron. And has produced extra Noble prize winners than every other faculty in Cambridge or Oxford.
Set close by St John’s College, Trinity College has many websites that it’s best to take a look at just like the Great Court, the Chapel, the Great Gate, and the Wren Library in fact.
PRICE: £3 for St John’s Great Court & Chapel, Free admission for Wren Library
2.3 Queen’s College
Dating again to the fifteenth century, Queen’s College is likely one of the University’s oldest faculties!
Some of the highlights on the campus are the medieval courtyards, a Tudor-style constructing, the Chapel, the President’s Lodge, and the Mathematical Bridge!
The Mathematical Bridge (also called the Wooden Bridge) is likely one of the most well-known bridges in Southern England because it was made without having for nails. Its energy depends on particular equations that ensured its energy, which is why it received this title!
PRICE: £5
2.4 St John’s College
Another distinctive web site in Cambridge!
St. John’s College was based in 1511, and a few of its most notable alumni embody John Dee and Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury!
Along with its faculty chapel, this place is just unimaginable! Some distinctive websites that you just shouldn’t miss whereas visiting St John’s College are the Master’s Garden and the Chapel’s Court.
PRICE: £10
2.5 Christ’s College
One of my favourite locations in the entire metropolis! Honestly, should you get the prospect to stroll across the grounds of Christ’s College, you shouldn’t miss the prospect!
This is the place Charles Darwin and John Milton went, and it has been one of many top-performing faculties in Cambridge!
Open to all guests, Christ’s College has just a few spots that you just shouldn’t miss out just like the Great Gate entrance on St. Andrews Street, the First Court with its spherical garden, the Old Library, and the Fellow’s Garden which is a beautiful spot the place you may chill on the grass and take a number of photos.
PRO TIP: If you need to go to the library, test their website and speak to them earlier than going there as opening occasions might differ
PRICE: Free
3. Relax with a stroll within the Botanic Garden
This historic metropolis has a little bit of every thing!
An fascinating previous and improbable structure, plus it’s full of pure websites!
One of my favourite spots on the town is the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a spot close to the prepare station, the place you may escape the crowds and revel in this metropolis’s tranquility and sweetness.
Like most issues in Cambridge, the Botanical Gardens are fairly previous, they usually have been opened to the general public in 1846.
Nowadays yow will discover many sorts of crops and bushes from Britain in these stunning gardens in addition to from different elements of the world, just a few glasshouses that look so fairly, and a fountain.
NOTE: The Botanic Garden is fairly massive so it’d take you some time to discover the entire grounds, however should you’ve received time there’s no have to hurry, you may even seize a snack and loosen up for some time.
PRICE: £7.50
4. See the distinctive shows on the Fitzwilliam Museum
Located on Trumpington Street, the Fitzwilliam Museum hosts some distinctive collections of artifacts, work, musical manuscripts, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, plus many different artistic endeavors from Asia.
Once you get in, take a second to admire the doorway corridor which was designed by Edward Middleton Barry. The structure is just gorgeous and every sculpture is so distinctive!
NOTE: The Fitzwilliam Museum is closed on Mondays
PRICE: Free
5. Catch a present at ADC theatre
Have some free time to spare when you’re on the town? Then head over to the ADC Theatre and watch a present there!
ADC Theatre is a division of the University of Cambridge and the oldest college playhouse within the nation.
Famous actors like Sir Ian McKellen and actresses like Rachel Weisz and Emma Thompson tried their luck right here earlier than turning into the tremendous celebrities we all know in the present day!
NOTE: The theatre often runs 2 exhibits an evening throughout time period time from Tuesday to Saturday beginning at 7:45 pm and 11:00 pm. You can e-book your tickets on-line on their website.
PRICE: From £11
6. Shop for distinctive souvenirs at Market Square
Cambridge has a number of quaint boutique retailers, from the place you will get the prettiest souvenirs (and so distinctive)!
Head over to Market Square, proper close to St Mary’s Church to buy previous books, jewellery, and all kinds of various classic gadgets on the Cambridge Market!
Dating again to the Middle Ages, this out of doors market is my favourite buying spot within the metropolis because it has such cool stuff plus the books are wonderful!
You also can seize one thing to eat as there are various stalls available in the market sq. that additionally serve meals.
Alternatively, should you’re on the lookout for some excessive avenue retailers, then I like to recommend heading over to the Grand Arcade Shopping Mall on St Andrew Street. The Grand Arcade is fairly massive and has every thing from meals to garments!
7. Check out the Centre for Computing History
Old computer systems, recreation consoles, a number of books, and lots of different cool issues will be found on the Centre for Computing History!
I do know many individuals discover this matter fascinating and eventually you’ve received a spot to go to!
Charles Babbage is taken into account by many the daddy of computer systems and he studied Mathematics at Cambridge. Therefore such a spot was sure to exist within the metropolis! The museum has a group of over 24,000 gadgets from previous computer systems to mobiles, books, and different fascinating tech issues!
PRICE: £10
8. Try to guess the time on the Corpus Clock
This stunning invention overlooking King’s Parade will catch your sight even should you don’t need it to!
Set close to Corpus Christi College and King’s College, between the junction of Bene’t Street and Trumpington Street, Corpus Clock is a gold-plated clock!
Offered as a present to Corpus Christi College by Dr. John C Taylor, an previous fellow of the college, the idea behind Corpus Clock is mainly a reminder that point is at all times passing by as we transfer in direction of the tip of our life.
Although the clock is correct, it is likely to be a bit laborious to inform what the time really is because it strikes otherwise than a standard clock. Check out this video if you wish to see the way it works, it’s fairly neat!
You can go to the Corpus Clock, which is on the entrance facet of the Taylor Library for free all yr spherical!
9. Climb up the tower at Great St Mary’s University Church
Want to get the perfect panoramic view of Cambridge?
Then I like to recommend visiting Great St Mary’s University Church, a ravishing piece of structure set close to Kings College, between the slim cobbled streets!
Great St Mary’s Church is fairly essential because it’s the official church of the University of Cambridge. Here you’ll discover the University Organ and University Clock!
That’s why I like to recommend spending a while admiring its inside earlier than you begin climbing. You’ll need to climb 123 stairs to succeed in the highest!
NOTE: Just just like the Duomo in Florence, the staircase is medieval. Therefore it’s tremendous slim. I don’t advocate climbing up should you’re claustrophobic or should you can’t breathe in tremendous slim spots.
If you don’t have any points then positively head up, the panoramic views over the town are breathtaking!
You should purchase the tickets from the reward store within the Church.
PRICE: £6 for the Tower, no entrance charge for the Church
10. Admire the artwork at Kettle’s Yard Museum
This is such an fascinating place as it’s set within the former dwelling of Jim Ede, a collector of artwork, and his spouse, Helen Ede.
The 4 cottages (their former dwelling) have been merged and now they make one property full of modern artwork!
Back within the day after they really lived right here, they used to carry home excursions for Cambridge college students, and after they left city, they handed the property and the collections to the University, which has been working the museums since then.
NOTE: Although there’s free entry, the museum nonetheless has a ticketing system to trace customer numbers. I extremely advocate reserving these tickets prematurely on their website because the time slots do e-book out.
PRICE: Free
11. Enjoy a pub lunch at Eagle Pub
After visiting so many historic websites, and attempting all these enjoyable issues to do in Cambridge, you should be famished and tremendous thirsty (however for one thing a bit stronger than tea)!
Well, there’s nothing like a pub lunch and a beer or 2 particularly after a day punting tour!
Eagle Pub is likely one of the hottest spots in Cambridge and one of many oldest pubs within the metropolis as nicely. The well-known duo Watson and Crick, who was working on the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory, introduced their findings on the construction and performance of the DNA at Eagle Pub!
But that is simply one of many sea of Cambridge pubs. If you head all the way down to Mill Road, you’ll discover much more wonderful eating places and bars the place you may benefit from the well-known Chelsea bun and some drinks to have a good time your time right here!
12. Travel to the Antarctic on the Polar Museum
Ever heard fascinating tales concerning the Arctic and Antarctic and puzzled what life is like there?
Now you may study all about explorations in these locations on the Polar Museum, which is a part of the Scott Polar Research Institute!
The museum displays totally different collections with objects from locations like Alaska and Siberia alongside thrilling items of artwork which might be tremendous fascinating, some even belong to the indigenous individuals of northern Canada, Greenland, and Alaska!
PRICE: Free
13. Explore the twelfth century Round Church
If you haven’t had sufficient of tremendous previous historic points of interest (Cambridge has that impact on individuals) then I feel a visit to the Round Church will fulfill your quest for previous locations!
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is positioned in Central Cambridge on Round Church Street, and it’s considered one of solely 4 medieval spherical church buildings within the UK which might be nonetheless in use.
Inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Round Church was constructed by crusaders within the 12 century!
Nowadays you may go there and simply admire its magnificence, however be certain that to go inside as there’s extra to see together with an exhibition and a brief movie concerning the metropolis!
PRICE: £3.50
14. Enjoy a scenic sundown from Castle Mound
End your day of issues to do in Cambridge with a scenic sundown on Castle Mound!
Also often known as Cambridge Castle, this grassy mound was once the Roman city of Duroliponte!
What did I let you know? You can’t do something in Cambridge with out stumbling upon an excellent previous place! This metropolis is magical!
There are just a few steps to climb up however it’s a fairly straightforward and brief hike. Once you get to the highest of Castle Mound, you may benefit from the stunning views of Cambridge.
PRO TIP: This spot is finest at sundown when the entire city turns into this goldish-orangie colour that appears as if it was stolen from a portray!
15. Learn about earth sciences on the Sedgwick Museum
Interested in geology? Then there’s no higher place to go to in Cambridge than the Sedgwick Museum!
Founded in 1728, this museum is likely one of the oldest ones within the metropolis and positively price a glance.
If you’re coming with the little ones then I feel this place ought to be high of your checklist of issues to do in Cambridge, because the museum has a group of fascinating specimens, rocks, and minerals that date again many hundreds of thousands of years!
NOTE: The museum is closed on Sundays
PRICE: Free
16. Take a strolling tour of Cambridge
Sure you may study tons about all of the historic locations in Cambridge by your self earlier than heading there, however it’s positively totally different if you hear tales from a neighborhood who has lived right here their entire life or an excellent well-informed information with all the small print!
That’s why I like to recommend happening strolling excursions when visiting a brand new metropolis, particularly one which’s so wealthy in tradition and historical past like Cambridge.
This guided historic walking tour will take you to the most important places within the metropolis heart, the place you’ll study a number of fascinating info out of your tour information concerning the well-known individuals who studied and dwell right here! The entire strolling tour will final 1h and 30min and it prices US$25.
17. Attend one of many Cambridge’s fascinating festivals
Believe it or not, Cambridge hosts numerous festivals and particular occasions! After all, it is a scholar metropolis and despite the fact that they research at probably the most prestigious universities on the earth, they nonetheless have to have some enjoyable!
As will we, the vacationers who come to discover this stunning city! So should you’re within the temper to hearken to some dwell music and dance, take a look at the checklist beneath:
17.1 Cambridge Festival
Usually held on the starting of April, this pageant is held by the University and it gives a number of actions and it covers a variety of topics referring to Sciences and Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences!
Besides the totally different lectures, the pageant gives round 350 actions, from panel discussions to movie premieres and self-guided strolling excursions!
The occasion is held on the University, and you’ll study extra about future editions on their website.
PRICE: Free
17.2 The Cambridge Club Festival
Ready to bop and have the perfect time with your loved ones and mates?
Held on the starting of June, the Cambridge Club Festival takes place on the Childerley Orchard Garden, simply 20 minutes away by automotive or public transportation from the town heart.
Get prepared to bop to the rhythm of musicians like Nile Rodgers or Diana Ross! The pageant additionally has totally different sorts of actions like disco yoga, gong baths, and holistic remedies!
You can discover out extra about their ticket costs and line-ups on the official website.
PRICE: From £33
17.3 Cambridge Summer Music Festival
If you’re an enormous fan of cultural music and also you take pleasure in listening to distinctive tunes performed by orchestras, choirs and bands then I feel you’ll love this occasion! It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Cambridge in the summertime!
If you’re within the metropolis through the final week of July then I like to recommend attending this cool pageant! Held in several venues in Cambridge like faculty chapels, church buildings, and Botanical gardens, the occasion brings well-renowned artists from all around the world.
NOTE: Tickets are for particular person live shows reasonably than the entire pageant, test their official website to study extra about what’s on.
| 💯 Top attraction: | Cambridge University Colleges |
| 🖼️ Best museum: | Fitzwilliam Museum |
| ☃️ Top winter exercise: | North Pole at Parker’s Piece |
| 👩🎤 Best Festival: | Cambridge Club Festival |
| 🚣🏼♀️ Top out of doors exercise: | Punting on River Cam |
| 🤑 Best free exercise: | Castle Mound |
| 🕠 Unique attraction: | Mathematical Bridge |
Where to remain in Cambridge
Wow! We’ve nearly reached the tip of our issues to do in Cambridge publish! I certain went by means of numerous choices however belief me, all these will turn out to be useful when you begin planning your journey!
I couldn’t finish the publish with out including a listing of the perfect locations to remain in Cambridge. Whether you’re on the lookout for a 1-night keep near the town heart otherwise you’re considering of spending just a few nights right here (which I extremely advocate), you’ll discover all the small print you want within the publish.
P.S.: If you’re on the lookout for lodging in London too, we have now a complete publish devoted to the best hotels there too!
Luxury (£180 and up)
- Graduate Cambridge – With elegant decor, this resort blends in with its spectacular environment set close by King’s College Chapel and different main points of interest. The lodging has snug rooms with a seating space and rooms with a balcony however makes certain to take pleasure in a fast meal on the restaurant or go for a dip within the pool earlier than hitting the city!
- Clayton Hotel – Set a brief stroll away from the prepare station and station highway, this superior resort has spacious rooms with mushy furnishings and marble bogs. Enjoy your espresso on the balcony and breakfast on the restaurant on-site!
Mid Range (£80 – £130)
- Christ College Cambridge – Fancy staying in one of many historic buildings of Cambridge University? With massive rooms which have views of the school gardens and a personal lavatory, this inexpensive lodging gives breakfast and free wifi.
- The Orlando – A brilliant snug guesthouse outfitted with all of the services you want together with rooms with a personal lavatory, free wifi, and a espresso machine.
Budget (as much as £80)
- The Mill Suites – Rest after a day of attempting all these cool issues to do in Cambridge at this inexpensive lodging set inside strolling distance of Wren Library and different points of interest. The guesthouse has rooms with a personal lavatory and a flat-screen television.
- Tas Suites – Set in central Cambridge, this budger lodging supplies cozy rooms with a personal lavatory, a shared lounge space for all friends, free wifi, and a terrace!
FAQs about issues to do in Cambridge
🤩How can I’ve enjoyable in Cambridge?
There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Cambridge! Some of the perfect ones embody punting on River Cam, exploring the totally different college faculties, and attending a dwell present at Cambridge Junction.
💰 What are some cool issues to do in Cambridge free of charge?
Some cool issues to do in Cambridge free of charge embody visiting the Kettle Yard Museum or the Cambridge American Cemetery, climbing Castle Mound, and crossing the Mathematical Bridge.
🚄 What is there to do in Cambridge for just a few hours on a day journey?
Although it might not appear so, there are various issues to do in Cambridge in just a few hours like visiting one of many many faculties, buying in Market Square, going to a museum and having a drink at a pub!
❄️Which are the perfect issues to do in Cambridge throughout wintertime?
The finest issues to do in Cambridge in winter are going to the North Pole at Parker’s Piece (the town’s personal winter wonderland) and attending the Mill Road Winter Fair in December!
Conclusion
Cambridge is for certain probably the most stunning cities within the UK!
I hope this publish helped you determine that are the perfect issues to do in Cambridge for you! The checklist is fairly lengthy however belief me, when you get there you’ll perceive why. There are so many points of interest on the town that you just gained’t know the place to begin!
Besides all these wonderful issues to do in Cambridge, I’ve additionally given you some nice locations to remain on the town listed from most to least costly so it’s best to now have every thing you want for a wonderful journey!
Have an exquisite vacation and don’t overlook to go away me a remark beneath should you’ve received any questions on Cambridge or the UK!
Safe Travels,
Victoria
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