In Cambridge, you’ll want to punt along the River Cam for stunning views, explore historic university colleges including King’s College Chapel, and admire the Mathematical Bridge. Unmissable attractions include the Botanic Gardens, Fitzwilliam Museum, and local markets for authentic treats. Cycling through scenic routes, visiting Grantchester, enjoying traditional pubs, and photographing the Bridge of Sighs complete your unforgettable Cambridge experience.
Punting Along the River Cam
A gentle breeze, the soothing sound of water, and Cambridge’s stunning architecture, there’s no better way to experience this historic city! This experience attracts nearly 900,000 visitors yearly and it’s easy to see why!
You’ll glide under historic bridges whilst guided tours provide fascinating insights about the Cambridge colleges you pass.
For the best experience, book in advance, especially during busy seasons when everyone wants a spot on these popular wooden boats.
If you’re brave enough you can try to punt yourself, alternatively, let an expert guide do the work, you’ll gain a unique perspective of Cambridge that can’t be seen from land.
Exploring the Historic Cambridge University Colleges
Founded in 1209, the University of Cambridge boasts 31 unique colleges with fascinating histories.
King’s College Chapel has a breathtaking fan-vaulted ceiling and stunning stained glass.
Trinity College, once home to Newton and Darwin, is worth visiting for its impressive architecture. For a fascinating engineering marvel, check out the Mathematical Bridge at Queens College, it’s made entirely of straight timbers yet appears curved!
Nearby you’ll find Corpus Christi College and the quirky Corpus Clock, a modern contrast to historic Cambridge attractions.
Cambridge University’s museums are worth exploring if you’re in Cambride for a day or more.
Cambridge Botanic Gardens
This tranquil space spans 40 acres and houses over 8,000 plant species from around the globe, making it a haven for horticulture lovers and casual visitors alike.
– Wander through specialised areas like the Rock Garden, Herb Garden, and Tropical Glasshouses
– Spot diverse wildlife including birds and insects that call the garden home
– Visit during different seasons to enjoy ever-changing seasonal displays
– Learn about plant conservation and research efforts dating back to 1762
– Take a relaxing break on one of many benches scattered throughout this peaceful retreat
Visit The Fitzwilliam Museum
A visit to Cambridge isn’t complete without going to The Fitzwilliam Museum. You’ll be amazed that this significant art museum houses over half a million works, and it’s free to enter!
As you explore the diverse collection, you’ll encounter everything from ancient Egyptian artefacts to stunning impressionist masterpieces. The museum’s recent redevelopment has enhanced the visitor experience with exciting new galleries that showcase these treasures beautifully.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just curious, the Fitzwilliam offers something to captivate everyone. Take your time wandering through the galleries, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with remarkable art and antiquities that span centuries.
Savouring Treats at Cambridge’s Local Markets
A foodie’s paradise awaits you at Cambridge’s historic Market Square, where centuries of trading tradition blend with modern culinary innovation. Open daily from 10am to 4pm, the market has been a bustling hub since medieval times.
You’ll love wandering through the lively atmosphere whilst uncovering independent traders offering everything from local produce to international street food.
– Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables from nearby farms
– Handcrafted cheeses, breads, and pastries that’ll make your mouth water
– Diverse street food reflecting Cambridge’s multicultural influences
– Unique crafts and gifts from local artisans
– Weekly special events that showcase seasonal treats and themed cuisine
Chat with friendly traders whilst sampling culinary delights that perfectly capture Cambridge’s vibrant food scene!
Cycle Around Cambridge
Cambridge truly comes alive when you’re cycling through its charming streets and riverside paths. As one of the UK’s most bike-friendly cities, you’ll find yourself in good company with locals who prefer two wheels to four.
The city’s compact nature means you can cycle between major attractions in Cambridge within minutes. Hire a bike from one of the many shops in the town centre for postcard views of the colleges and meadows.
If you’re not an experienced cyclist, the extensive network of cycle lanes makes navigation a doddle. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture while covering more ground than you would on foot.
Visit King’s College Chapel
After cycling through Cambridge’s delightful streets, you’ll want to park your bicycle and step into what many consider the jewel of the city. King’s College Chapel is truly a must-see attraction when you visit Cambridge, with its stunning Gothic architecture that’ll leave you awestruck. Located in the heart of Cambridge, this 15th-century masterpiece boasts historical significance that few buildings can match.
– The world’s largest fan-vaulted ceiling stretches magnificently overhead
– Intricate Italian wooden carvings adorn the interior spaces
– The Rood Screen stands as Henry VIII’s gift to Anne Boleyn
– Breathtaking stained glass windows convert sunlight into colourful displays
– Famous choral services, including BBC’s Christmas Eve broadcast, fill the space with heavenly sounds
Visit a Traditional British Pub
No trip to Cambridge is complete without delving into a traditional British pub.
The Eagle is one of Cambridge’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 14th century. This pub features a blue plaque outside as it is where Francis Crick and James Watson on the 28th of February 1953 announced “we have discovered the secret of Life.” They often dined here together six days a week.
Take a Day Trip to Picturesque Grantchester
Just a short journey from the city centre, you’ll uncover the idyllic village of Grantchester for a taste of English countryside.
– Stroll through the beautiful riverside meadows where Lord Byron once swam
– Explore the village’s magnificent medieval church, a truly tranquil spot
– Enjoy the traditional thatched cottages dotting the landscape
– Stop at a local tea room for a classic cream tea experience
You’ll find Grantchester surprisingly accessible, just a 45-minute walk or quick bus ride from Cambridge. It’s the day trip that feels like stepping into a postcard of the English countryside!
You could also visit Barrington which is a charming village.
Admire the Mathematical Bridge and Bridge of Sighs
Cambridge’s two most photographed bridges offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s architectural brilliance. The Mathematical Bridge at Queens’ College, built in 1748, creates an optical illusion, it’s made entirely from straight timbers yet appears curved! Despite myths claiming Isaac Newton designed it without nuts or bolts, this iconic structure remains a must-visit photo spot for architecture enthusiasts.
The neo-Gothic Bridge of Sighs at St John’s College is named after its Venetian counterpart.
The view looking up at the Bridge of Sighs from the water is particularly stunning, have your camera ready for this essential Instagram moment!
