I have a proper soft spot for Cambridge and not just because it used to be home or even because Yaya studied there. One of the best parts about living in a city as incredible as Cambridge (and knowing someone with a student card) is that you have direct access to some of the best things to do in Cambridge. It’s a totally stunning English city to visit and the perfect city break to explore the region’s culture, long history and charm! It’s stunning.
Which, let’s be honest, is a win in itself. Now, Cambridge is special for a lot of reasons, but what I feel makes this English city truly incredible is its long, rich history and incredible buildings all across the city. They are absolutely awe-inspiring to see and visit in Cambridge.
From the gorgeous King’s College Chapel to the many student halls in the various colleges and even just the regular old admin buildings, it’s sometimes hard to believe that such a beautiful piece of British history is used as an everyday facility by the city’s residents. Someone’s room is that one high up in the turrets of Gonville and Caius, those grand dining halls serve students dinner, lunch and breakfast every day, and student bars are located within grand Gothic buildings. The list just goes on and on!
Then there’s the opportunity to go punting (in my opinion, one of the laziest and best ways to see parts of the city you’d miss out on foot) and how close the city is to London. This all makes it one of a handful of epic day trips from London. Though I’d suggest you stay for longer than just one day.
When you do decide to visit (and you really should), here are some of the best things to do in Cambridge.
1.) King’s College Chapel
I never get bored of seeing King’s College Chapel, and it’s rare that I use awe-inspiring in the literal sense, but this place is!
Book these tickets for a University of Cambridge college tour, with the option of including King’s College Chapel. It’s so worth it, and all these tours are run by alumni, too. Just be sure to book this King’s College tour in advance – places fill up fast during peak times.
Pop inside and see the largest fan-vault ceiling in the world, explore the Rood Screen that was a gift from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, which is still considered some of the best Italian wooden carvings that still survive in the UK.
When you’re here, be sure to look at the stone flowers that adorn the walls inside. Underneath a few, you’ll find a few hidden stone animals that were carved by the stonemasons (look up for those).
Possibly the most famous site in Cambridge, King’s College Chapel is a place you can’t miss out on. Like, seriously, even if you just have only 1 hour to spend in Cambridge, this is the place you’ll want to visit first.
Looking for the best hotel in Cambridge? Make sure to book the University Arms. It’s a stunning Autograph Collection hotel and is perched right in the city centre of Cambridge. This makes it one of the best places to stay if you want to stroll, directly from the hotel and into town.
Book: The best college tour in Cambridge
2.) Punting on the River Cam
Splitting the city in two is the River Cam, which passes by some of the prettiest areas of the city, like the city’s own water highway. Best of all, you can secure a spot on a punt and explore the city in the most unique way! Over the years, punting has become a proper institution and a great way to see inside some of the colleges right from the river itself.
Before you arrive in Cambridge, book this epic punting tour of the city. Best of all, you will have a guide on board, talking you through all the highlights of Cambridge. Just be sure to book this punt tour at least a few days in advance; this way, you’ll get the time you want, without any of the faffs, queues or organising on the day.
Grab yourself a hot chocolate (or bubbles in summer) and relax whilst exploring the city.
Book: Punting tour of Cambridge
3.) Mathematical Bridge
Fondly known as the Mathematical Bridge (Google Maps pin), with the official name the Wooden Bridge, this bridge is possibly one of the most famous wooden bridges in Southern England. Due to its sophisticated design, it’s often thought that the bridge uses no nuts and bolts in its design or structure. However, this is a common myth that is actually untrue, yet it has somehow spread far and wide.
Visits are really easy as you stroll the banks of the River Cam and Queens’ College, as it’s right next to it.
Getting peckish? Make sure to head to Fitzbillies. It’s something of an institution in Cambridge and an informal cafe that’s totally yummy. Fitzbillies is one of my favourite spots for brunch. Hop over to Fitzbillies, grab yourself one of their epic ‘Full Fitzbillies’ and gorge on some of their homemade cakes. There are a few Fitzbillies in Cambridge now, but the original, located on Trumpington Street, is easily my favourite.
Staying for a few days in Cambridge? Make sure to book a centrally located apartment-hotel like this one. It’s called the Wilde Aparthotels Cambridge City Centre, and it’s like a mini apartment with all the facilities, like kitchen spaces that are great for longer stays.
Read more: Best places in the UK to visit
4.) St. John’s College
One of the largest and oldest colleges in Cambridge, St John’s is a great place to go. Now, although Trinity College is Cambridge’s ‘Royal’ college, St John’s is Cambridge’s wealthiest college.
Evidence of which is showcased, not just in the general appearance of the college (or in the meals the students get to eat) but in its annual May Ball. This makes the news round year after year as one of the best parties in Britain – but you only get invited if you’re a student!
With over 500 years of history, St John’s College truly is an amazing place to see in Cambridge. Now, entry costs are around £15, but it’s so worth paying to gain entrance to the grounds and buildings. It’s stunning. Remember, it’s typically open between July and the beginning of October for visitors.
Read more: Best day trips from London
5.) Corpus Clock
Make sure to visit the Corpus Clock (Google Maps pin) for a fleeting visit. Now, it’s unlikely you’ll spend hours here (most likely, a few minutes in fact), but it’s well worth a little gander at. Situated on the corner of Benet Street and Trumpington Street, it was built and paid for by the inventor and alumnus, John Taylor.
If you want to make sure you’re not missing any of the best places in Cambridge, book this incredible guided walking tour that shares so much history. The guides really know their stuff, and it’s such an easy way to see Cambridge if you’re short on time and want to make sure you don’t miss any of the main sites in the city.
Book: Guided walking tour of Cambridge
6.) Market Square
After strolling around the cobbled street, make sure to pop over to Market Square (Google Maps pin) with its independent traders and craft stalls. It’s a great place to grab a tasty pastry or cake. All made locally, of course.
Now, I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest market, but it’s a great place to stop for snacks as you stroll through Cambridge itself. Plus, there are lots of foodie stalls that are worth stopping in, too. The market happens every day of the week between 10 am to 4 pm.
If it’s arts and crafts you’re after, wait until the Saturday market at All Saints Garden (Google Maps pin). This only happens on a Saturday and, again, pretty small, but so lovely to wander for some little trinkets and gifts.
Read more: Best day trips from London
7.) Great St Mary’s Church
Great St Mary’s Chruch (Google Maps pin) is, in my opinion, the best (publicly accessible) viewpoint in all of Cambridge. It dates all the way back to the 1400s and is one of Cambridge’s most iconic churches to visit.
Head inside, see the church and take a look at the gorgeous building. Afterwards, buy a ticket to the top of the tower (with a payment of a small fee) and climb the stairs to the top.
Be warned, we climbed the stone tower when the bells were ringing and the whole tower was shaking as the bells went off (not crazily so, but enough that you could feel it). It feels very surreal! Once you’re at the top, enjoy some of the best views over Cambridge from a rather unique perspective.
Also, it’s right across the street from King’s College, making it easy to see both at the same time.
Read more: Best day trips from London
8.) Bridge of Sighs
Built in the early parts of the 19th Century, the Bridge of Sighs (Google Maps pin) is a stunning bridge to see in Cambridge. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the most famous bridges in England and easily the most iconic in Cambridge itself.
Apparently, the bridge itself was Queen Victoria’s favourite spot in Cambridge, and it’s easy to see why. One of the best ways to see the bridge is whilst you’re punting, as you’ll be able to go right under it. Though if you want to go inside, you’ll need to enter via St John’s College. There’s a small admission fee (around £15) or so.
Read more: Best places in the UK to visit
9.) Christ’s College
I know I keep harping on about the colleges in Cambridge, but I promise it’s with good reason! They are so historic and some of the most incredible places to explore in the city. Built in the 15th Century, Christ’s College is one stunning place to see. It’s one of the more central colleges, so it’s fairly easy to get to no matter where you are in town. When you’re here, make sure to see the Great Gate on St. Andrew’s Street. Also, a random Sidebar for the Science enthusiasts: Christ’s College is where Charles Darwin studied.
Christ’s is open 7 days a week for visiting. Though it’s only open in the mornings, between 9 am to midday.
Read more: Best day trips from London
10.) Corpus Christi College
Possibly one of the prettiest colleges in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College is another stunning college you have to see. I probably should have noted this college a lot further up on this list, as it makes sense to pop into the college after you’ve seen the Corpus Christi clock.
Entry costs are around £5 and you can visit anytime between 1030 am to 430 pm in the summer months.
Read more: Best day trips from London
11.) Wren Library (Trinity College)
Although a University Library, the Wren Library (which is part of Trinity College) is open to the public every weekday between 12-2 pm (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays at certain times of the year. Pop inside and see Sir Isaac Newton’s walking stick, AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh and even a lock of Newton’s hair.
The only thing I’d say about visiting the colleges in Cambridge is that there are no uniform opening and closing times for visitors. This can be a little frustrating as you try to navigate the city. Then again, they are working colleges, with students studying. Obviously, the priority should be learning. It’s just worth noting the times if you want to visit a few of them whilst exploring Cambridge.
Read more: Best day trips from London
12.) Round Church
Technically called the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Google Maps pin), and although dwarfed in comparison by the likes of St John’s Chapel, King’s College Chapel and the like, the Round Church is a lovely little church worth popping into when you’re in Cambridge.
13.) Cambridge University Botanic Garden
If you’re looking for a relaxing day visiting Cambridge, make sure to stop off at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden (Google Maps pin). There’s no need to prebook your tickets, and you can just pay for entry at the door. This is typically around £10. Visits last around 30 minutes, and it’s so worth popping by. Just remember, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden closes earlier in the winter months. Around 4 pm.
Read more: Best day trips from London
14.) Cambridge Museum
Remember, there is more to Cambridge than just the world-famous university! This is where the Cambridge Museum comes into play. Although small and pretty intimate, the Cambridge Museum tells the story of Cambridge and the people who live there, beyond its famous educational background. It’s a great little spot for a 30-minute trip and well worth visiting if you’re interested in the history of the city itself.
Read more: Best places in the UK to visit
Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!
