What to expect on a visit to Cambridge
Think of Cambridge as a beautiful, walkable market town built around one of the world’s greatest universities. Cambridge offers stunning medieval and classical architecture, interesting museums and galleries, great shopping, and green spaces with a relaxed vibe.
With easy access from London, Cambridge makes for a great day trip or short break.
Cambridge Attractions
Colleges
Of course when someone mentions Cambridge you immediately think of the Universities. Cambridge has two main universities the University of Cambridge comprising of 31 constituent colleges and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) known for its diverse courses.
Many of Cambridges colleges are open to visitors and free to enter although some charge a small fee. College opening times vary by season and academic term, so check ahead if there’s a particular college you want to see.
University of Cambridge colleges not to miss:
Kings College
Founded in 1441 by King Henry VI, King’s is the grand, iconic centrepiece of Cambridge. Famous for its chapel, world renowned choir and riverside lawn, the view from the river is iconic.
The college gardens behind the chapel, running down to the River Cam, offer the classic view. Access is often included with your chapel ticket. Exit through the rear gate onto the riverside path along “the backs”.
Trinity College
Impressive, Trinity is famed for its magnificent architecture and expansive courts, and is one of the largest colleges in Cambridge. It is closely linked to figures like Newton and Darwin.
Wren Library
Designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century and housing a remarkable collection of rare books and manuscripts — including works by Newton, Shakespeare, Swift and A.A. Milne (whose original Winnie-the-Pooh manuscripts are held here).
The library is open to visitors at set times. Visit the Wren Library website for more information.
St John’s College
Founded in 1511 St John’s College is one of Cambridge’s largest and most impressive colleges. The buildings range from Tudor brickwork to later classical additions, giving a good sense of how the college developed over time.
At the back of the college, the grounds lead down to the river and several bridges, the most famous being the Bridge of Sighs, built in 1831.
The term “Bridge of Sighs” was created after Queen Victoria noted its similarity to the Venetian bridge during her visit in 1847. This iconic structure is among the most well-known and most photographed sights in Cambridge.
Clare College
One of the oldest colleges and also one of its most attractive, particularly for its riverside setting. Clare college is best known for Clare Bridge, the oldest surviving bridge in Cambridge. Its elegant stone arches cross the River Cam at the edge of the college grounds.
Punting routes frequently feature Clare College in their plans, showcasing its stunning lawns and classical architecture.
The Backs
The Cambridge Backs (or just “the Backs” for short) is an area of central Cambridge. Stretching along the banks of the river Cam behind several of the historic river-side colleges: Queen’s, King’s, Clare, Trinity Hall, Trinity and St Johns.
The Backs is one of Cambridge’s most beautiful and recognisable areas. Attractive year-round and can be enjoyed by walking at your own pace or by enjoying a punt along the river taking in the views of the colleges and floating under scenic bridges.
The Mathematical Bridge
Spanning the River Cam the “Mathematical Bridge” is a wooden footbridge connecting two parts of Queens’ College. Its official name is simply the Wooden Bridge or Queens’ Bridge.
Although resembling an arch the bridge is actually composed entirely of straight timbers built to an unusually sophisticated engineering design, hence the name.
The bridge is visible from Silver Street or while on a punt; however, access across the bridge is limited to students and staff only.
Great St Mary’s Church
Standing beside Market Square on King’s Parade, Great St Mary’s Church is instantly recognisable by its tall tower. Climbing 123 steps to the top viewing platform rewards you with one of the best views of Cambridge: King’s College Chapel, Trinity, and the rooftops of the old city and market below.
Inside, the church feels spacious and calm light pours through large windows onto a wide nave. This is where major university ceremonies, sermons, and commemorations have taken place over centuries.
Today, the church balances its roles as a place of worship, a university symbol, and a visitor landmark. Step outside from the calm interior and you’re immediately back in the lively flow of King’s Parade.
Facilities
There is a gift shop selling souvenirs, toys, books, and fine jewelry. Additionally the Michaelhouse café situated inside St. Michaels Church on Trinity Street just a short walk away serves breakfast items, lunch, hot drinks and a large selection of handmade pastries.
Entry
Admission to the church is free, allowing visitors to explore its historic interior and pray without charge. However, there is an additional fee for those who wish to climb the tower and enjoy panoramic city views.
Tower Climb (2026)
Adult £7.50
Children £6 (age 5-16), Under 5 Free
Family £22 (2 adults & 2 children)
Punting
One of the main activities to be found on the River Cam and as much a spectator event as taking part.
There are several punting companies that operate within the city centre, and you will observe staff members with clipboards asking just about anyone who passes by if they are interested in hiring a punt.
Routes usually go along “the backs,” the scenic area behind several colleges. Watching novice punters on the river can be entertaining. Summer afternoons are crowded, while mornings and weekdays tend to be calmer.
If you want a more relaxing trip guided punts are available with informative commentary on the area and colleges as you glide past.
Punt Hire companies:
Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock (officially installed at Corpus Christi College) is one of the city’s most unusual and eye-catching landmarks in Cambridge, a fusion of art, engineering, and philosophical commentary on time itself.
What it is
Rather than a traditional clock with hands or numerals, the Corpus Clock is a sculptural timepiece mounted on the outside wall of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. Located on the corner of Trumpington Street and Bene’t Street, overlooking King’s Parade.
The Chronophage (“Time Eater”)
At the top of the timepiece sits a startling mechanical creature called the Chronophage (from the Greek Chronos for time and phage for to eat). It looks like a large, metallic insect, often described as grasshopper-like, and its motions dramatise the passage of each second as if it’s literally devouring time.
- Its legs and mouth move in jerky motions as time “passes.”
- The effect is both eerie and mesmerizing—deliberately so, symbolising the inevitable, unstoppable flow of time.
If you wander past at night, the glowing LEDs and golden face make it especially striking.
Museums & Galleries
Cambridge boasts a variety of fascinating museums that are free to enter and definitely worth a visit.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam Museum serves as the primary art and antiquities museum in Cambridge, standing out as one of the city’s true gems. It is located in an impressive neoclassical structure within walking distance of the city center. Featuring a columned entrance that gives it the ambiance of a London museum, rather than what you might anticipate in a smaller university town.
Inside, the collections are wide-ranging rather than specialised, which makes the museum easy to enjoy even if you’re not an art expert.
You’ll find European paintings by artists such as Titian, Rubens, Monet and Constable, alongside ancient Egyptian artefacts, Greek and Roman sculpture, medieval manuscripts, fine ceramics, and decorative arts.
Entry
Museum entry is free, and there’s a small café and shop on site, making it an easy stop to combine with a walk through the city centre. Some special exhibitions may charge a small fee.
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 12:00am-5:00pm
Bank Holidays: 12:00-5:00pm
Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is one of Cambridge’s most engaging small museums. best known for its fossil collections, which include dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and early life forms, as well as a strong focus on how geology has shaped the planet over time.
One of the museum’s highlights is its link to Charles Darwin, who studied in Cambridge and donated some of his geological specimens here. The museum is great for families with children and adults looking for something a little different.
It is located just off Downing Street, close to several other university museums, and is easy to drop into while exploring the city centre.
Entry
Like many Cambridge museums, entry is free, and it’s usually quiet.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Museum of Earth Sciences website
Museum of Zoology
Located just off Downing Street and close to the Sedgwick Museum. The University of Cambridge Museum of Zoology is a modern, well-designed museum that brings the natural world to life, displaying a range of displays from insects and birds to large mammals.
One of the most striking features is the central hall, where full skeletons of whales, elephants, and other large animals are suspended or displayed in open space.
Entry
The museum is free to enter, family-friendly, and usually not crowded. It’s a good choice for visitors with children, for anyone interested in nature or science.
Opening Times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00am-4:30pm
Sunday: 12:00am-4:00pm
Kettle’s Yard
A unique house‑gallery with modern art and a calm atmosphere. Kettle’s Yard is one of Cambridge’s most distinctive and quietly rewarding places to visit. Rather than a conventional museum, it’s a former home turned into a gallery, designed to be experienced as a lived-in space rather than a series of exhibition rooms.
Entry – House Ticket
Adult £12.50 (£14 including donation).
Free for age 25 and under, with a paying adult.
Walk up tickets are available, although entry numbers are controlled and you may need to book a time slot. A separate gallery space hosts temporary exhibitions, and there’s a small café and shop on site.
Green Spaces
Cambridge offers plenty of green space and gardens to relax, take a picnic or just enjoy the surroundings.
Parker’s Piece
A large open common close to the city centre used for events and relaxing on hot summer days. A large observation wheel measuring 36 metres in height with 24 gondolas is located at one end of the park giving visitors panoramic views of the city.
The nearby Parkside swimming pool boasts a large 25-metre pool along with a diving area, with café amenities and a large car park located next door.
Jesus Green & Midsummer Common
Jesus Green is located north of the city centre and is an area of parkland divided by avenues of trees and boarders the River Cam. The park has a children’s play area, skate park and is home to Jesus Green Lido, for those who like open-air swimming. There is also a BBQ area, toilets and kiosk selling refreshments.
Midsummer Common lies just east of Jesus Green divided by a main road. It also boarders the river with canal boats often moored alongside its banks. The common is home to Midsummer fair one of the longest established fairs in England as well as the annual Strawberry fair and Bonfire Night festivities.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
The Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a 40-acre garden managed by the University of Cambridge.
The Garden holds a living collection of over 8,000 plant species from around the world, with diverse themed areas including ornamental borders, woodlands, a lake, scented gardens, and rock gardens. Glasshouses host exotic plants from around the world, and a winter garden is open throughout the colder months.
Facilities include a garden café and shop plus guided tours and educational activities.
Location
Just south of Cambridge city centre, a short stroll from the train station and a 15 minute walk from Cambridge city centre.
Entry
Walk-up admission at the gate or pre-book online.
Ticket prices
Adult £8
Children 0-16 Free
Opening times
Every day throughout the year (closed over the Christmas period).
Feb to March 10:00am – 5:00pm
April to Sept 10:00am – 6:00pm
Oct 10:00am – 5:00pm
Nov to Jan 10:00am – 3:30pm
Cambridge University Botanical Garden website
Cambridge American Cemetery
The Cambridge American Cemetery and War Memorial is a serene, beautifully kept area just outside Cambridge, in the quaint village of Madingley. It’s both moving and solemn, a landscape designed to honour the sacrifice made during World War II, while offering space for reflection.
Set on gently rising ground, the cemetery looks out over the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside. Long, sweeping lawns are framed by trees and pathways, giving the whole place a quiet, ordered calm. At its heart are 4,402 white marble headstones, perfectly aligned in wide arcs.
Visitor Centre
The cemetery also includes a visitor centre that tells the personal stories behind the names pilots, crews, medics, and support staff.
Location
Madingley Road, Coton, Cambridge, CB23 7PH.
Opening times
Every day throughout the year (closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day).
9:00am-5:00pm
Food and Drink in Cambridge
Whether you’re looking for casual street food, fine dining, or a cozy café atmosphere, Cambridge has a foodie spot to satisfy every palate.
Quick Meals and Cafés
With numerous independent Cafés located in and around the city centre as well as food stalls located at the Market Square offering a variety of international cuisine at affordable prices.
Fitzbillies
Long-standing bakery and café, Fitzbillies is a favourite among students, locals, and tourists alike. The bakery’s sticky, syrup-soaked Chelsea buns are legendary rich, spiced buns with currants, glossy with sweet syrup, and a must-try treat when you’re in Cambridge.
Aromi
Enjoy a slice of Sicily in Cambridge, cafes are located at Bene’t St, Fitzroy St and Peas Hill. All featuring delicious freshly made homemade items including pizza, gelato, and artisan bakes.
Hot Numbers
If you enjoy coffee culture, then Hot Numbers is worth a visit. Take the weight off your feet and relax in one of the cafés located in the city centre at Trumpington St and Gwydir St. Serving speciality coffee, yummy cakes and brunch. You may even get to hear live music at the Gwydir Street location as it often features live performances.
Pizza Pilgrims
Love pizza then head to Pizza Pilgrims, located in the centre of Cambridge close to the market and shops. The menu features a large range of pizzas including some unusual combos such as Smoky Aubergine Parmigiana and Mushroom & Truffle along with crust dippers, sides and salads.
Crêpeaffaire
Located opposite the Round Church at the end of Bridge Street surrounded by shops and colleges. Crêpeaffaire Features 100% organic, fairtrade coffee, and vegan, gluten free options of savory, sweet and breakfast crepes and waffles your spoilt for choice.
Café Foy
A cosy independent café bar offering a variety of coffee, teas, light snacks, brunch, lunch, and a complete bar with cocktails. Situated by the quayside near Magdalene Bridge and all the punting excitement available from Scudamores across the way. The atmosphere here is lively and continues into the evenings.
Cambridge Pubs
Cambridge boasts a wide variety of pubs, from cosy traditional bars offering real ale to lovely wine bars and scenic riverside pubs with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views.
Here are some of our choices.
Pubs located on the River Cam:
The Granta
Located on the waterside and close to the “backs” the Granta is a large pub and restaurant with lovely views from the veranda and garden terrace looking over the Mill Pond and Sheep’s Green.
Granta Moorings
Located beside the Granta is Granta Moorings, enjoy a drink at the Granta pub then enjoy a relaxing punt ride into the historic centre of Cambridge winding alongside riverside colleges, Kings Chapel and under the Bridge of Sighs.
The Mill
A traditional British public house The Mill is set right on the banks of the River Cam at Mill Lane, overlooking Laundress Green and the Mill Pond, a lovely spot, especially in warmer weather when you can take your drinks outside by the water. It’s long been a local favourite for real ale, good pub food and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Anchor
Set right on the banks of the River Cam near Silver Street, close to Queens’ College and the iconic Mathematical Bridge. one of the most scenic drinking and dining spots in the city.
Las Iguanas
Situated close to Magdalene Bridge. Las Iguanas is a lively Latin American–inspired restaurant and bar right in the heart of Cambridge’s Quayside — a great choice for bold flavours, fun vibes and cocktails by the water.
Located on Quayside, Bridge Street, near the River Cam a great spot for hiring a punt or just relaxing and taking in the local vibe.
Pubs Located in Central Cambridge:
Pint Shop
The Pint Shop occupies a charming Grade-II listed 19th-century building at 10 Peas Hill, near Cambridge Market Square and just a short stroll from Kings Parade and major city sights.
It’s often described as a modern gastropub, a hybrid of relaxed pub and quality bar/restaurant with a lively, welcoming vibe. The interior mixes historic architectural details with bold, contemporary design across multiple floors and areas.
The downstairs bar area is lively and social featuring a rotating selection of craft beers on keg alongside changing cask ales and ciders from the UK and beyond. A garden/terrace space at the back makes for a lovely spot in warmer months.
The Eagle, Bene’t Street
One of Cambridge’s most famous and historic pubs. The Eagle dates back to at least 1667 and is one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge still in operation.
Serving a range of drinks and traditional British pub fare with a warm and welcoming mix of locals, students, academics and visitors.
Claim to Fame
One of the Eagle’s most iconic claims to fame is its connection to the discovery of DNA: in 1953, scientists Francis Crick and James Watson walked into the pub and announced to those having lunch that they had figured out the double-helix structure of DNA.
RAF Bar
At the rear of the pub is the famous “RAF Bar,” where British and American airmen stationed locally during World War II marked their presence by inscribing their names, squadron numbers and doodles into the ceiling using candles, lighters and lipstick. These markings can still be seen making a fascinating feature.
Haunted Legends
Stories suggest that the Eagle is haunted, with legends connected to children who perished in a fire centuries ago. Tradition requires a certain upstairs window to stay open, and some say ghosts from the World War II RAF era still visit, including a soldier believed to haunt one specific table.
The Cambridge Chop House
a well-loved British steakhouse and pub-style restaurant right in the heart of Cambridge city centre, sitting on King’s Parade just opposite King’s College Chapel. One of the city’s most iconic and picturesque spots.
The King Street Run
The King Street Run isn’t your typical polished gastropub—it’s a vibrant, down-to-earth bar with plenty of character. Situated on Kings Street in the heart of the city centre, it features quirky, playful décor: think mismatched furniture, items hanging from the ceiling, and an overall vintage dive pub vibe.
The bar offers a solid selection of beers, ales, ciders, spirits, and classic pub drinks, often complemented by happy hour deals during weekday evenings. For entertainment, you’ll find live sports playing on wall-mounted TVs, a lively jukebox, and a games room complete with a pool table.
Please note that food isn’t served here.
The Free Press
A classic and historic, British pub tucked just off the main city centre bustle on Prospect Row. a bit of a gem that locals and visitors love for its cosy atmosphere, character, excellent ales and beers as well as quality pub food.
Many original features have been retained, including 1940s-era handpumps and a snug area that hasn’t changed much over the decades, perfect for relaxed drinks or a meal in cosy surroundings.
The Cambridge Blue
The Cambridge Blue is a freehouse focusing on real ales, craft beers, ciders and quality spirits. It’s won multiple CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards over the years for its extensive and ever‑changing selection.
The atmosphere here strikes a great balance between lively and relaxed — lively enough to feel social and fun but also cosy enough to settle in for a long afternoon of pints in the large garden or indoors by the bar.
Food is provided by the Wonky Kitchens run by Cambridge locals a small menu serves a range of ciabattas, classic pub food and light bar snacks.
The Regal
One of the largest pub spaces in the city. What makes it especially distinctive is its building: it occupies what was originally the Regal Cinema, a grand Art Deco picturehouse built in 1937, before becoming a pub
The Regal is a spacious, energetic pub with lots of seating, big screens for sports, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s popular with students, locals, and visitors, especially at night, and stays open late on weekends.
Like most pubs in the Wetherspoon chain, you’ll find affordable drinks and pub fare, often including drink and food deals. A wide range of ales, lagers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks. A wide range all day menus including child-friendly options.
Boom Battle Bar
The Boom Battle Bar is a social games bar and activity hub in Cambridge where drinks meet fun competition — perfect if you’re after an energetic, interactive night out rather than a classic pub experience.
Games & Entertainment
Inside you’ll find a range of interactive, competitive games, including:
- Augmented reality axe throwing — safely enclosed lanes where you can test your aim.
- Augmented reality darts and shuffleboard, perfect for friendly challenges.
- Pool and beer pong tables, often with digital scoring.
- Boom Box karaoke booths — private spots where you can belt out your favourite songs with friends.
A full bar serves a variety of cocktails, craft beers, wines and non-alcoholic drinks, plus street-food-style bites including burgers, wings, loaded fries and similar casual eats that pair nicely with gameplay.
Theatre and Live Entertainment
Cambridge Corn Exchange
Tucked just off Market Square, the Corn Exchange is known as Cambridge’s main live performance venue, hosting concerts, comedy, talks and community gatherings. Because of its size, it feels big enough to be exciting but small enough to stay intimate, performers often comment on how connected the audience feels.
Car Parking
Just a few minutes’ walk away is the large Grand Arcade car park. Additionally, Queen Ann Terrace car park located opposite Parkers Piece is only a short stroll.
Arts Theatre
Located in the city centre close to the Corn Exchange just off St Andrew’s Street. Step inside, though, and it opens into a warm, classic auditorium with rich colours, curved balconies, and excellent views of the stage.
The programme is varied but carefully curated: classic plays, contemporary drama, sharp comedy, family shows, and festive productions all feature.
Its central location means a visit often blends easily into an evening out, dinner nearby, a show, then a stroll through the softly lit streets afterwards.
Cambridge Junction
Cambridge’s edgier, more alternative cultural venue — a place where live music, club nights, comedy, and experimental performance come together with a raw, energetic feel.
The Junction sits slightly outside the postcard centre of Cambridge, on the corner of Hills Road and Cherry Hinton Road and just a short walk from the railway station. Busses run regularly throughout the day and evening from the city centre.
If you decide to stay for the evening Cambridge Central Travelodge is located opposite the venue.
Shopping
Shopping in Cambridge is less about massive malls and more about wandering, discovering, and mixing old with new—grabbing something practical, something quirky, and probably a coffee along the way.
At the heart of it all is the city centre, where narrow medieval streets open into busy shopping areas. Market Square is a big character moment: stalls selling everything from street food and vintage clothes to books, flowers, and handmade jewellery. It’s casual, colourful, and always buzzing.
For mainstream shopping, you’ve got Grand Arcade and Lion Yard, which cover the usual high-street names (think fashion chains, tech, beauty) in modern, weather-proof spaces. Step just outside those and you’ll hit streets like Petty Cury, St Andrew’s Street, and Sidney Street, packed with familiar UK retailers and cafés for pit stops.
What really sets Cambridge apart, though, are the independent shops. Mill Road is famous for this. You’ll also find tucked-away boutiques and specialty stores near King’s Parade and Bridge Street, often selling university-themed gifts, art prints, or slightly eccentric treasures.
Mill Road
A great area for independent shops, cafes, bookstores and antique dealers. Mill Road is one of Cambridge’s most vibrant, lived-in streets, less postcard-perfect than the historic centre, but bursting with character, colour, and everyday energy.
Mill Road is famous for its multicultural mix, representing cuisines and cultures from all over the world. Walking along it, you’ll pass Middle Eastern bakeries, Indian sweet shops, Polish delis, Korean supermarkets, African hair salons, and Italian cafés
Market Square
Commonly known as the Cambridge market, it sits right in the heart of the city, nestled between King’s Parade, St Mary’s Church, and the charming historic streets nearby. Here, you can experience a lively atmosphere with vendors offering a variety of souvenirs, fresh produce, flowers, cheese, handmade crafts, sweets, and dishes from around the world.
Vibe
Street performers fill the air with a variety of tunes, contributing to the unique character and atmosphere of the area. A lively, somewhat chaotic energy permeates the scene, providing a stark contrast to the serene college courtyards just a few steps away.
Petty Cury & Trinity Street
The main shopping area of Cambridge Petty Cury is home to Lion Yard a large indoor shopping arcade full of branded shops including a large John Lewis.
Trinity Street is one of the most historic and atmospheric streets in central Cambridge, right at the heart of the city’s University of Cambridge district, lined with centuries-old colleges, book shops, independent boutiques, cafes, and architectural details that make it a quintessential part of any visit to Cambridge.
Kings Parade
One of Cambridge’s most iconic streets a short stretch of road that feels like a grand showcase of the city’s history, architecture, and academic life. King’s Parade is broad and impressive on one side stands King’s College Chapel, its vast Gothic form dominating the view, it’s one of the most recognisable sights in Cambridge.
There are cafés, bookshops, and souvenir stores tucked into the historic façades, but they never quite steal attention from the buildings themselves. St Mary’s Church, with its tower open to visitors, offers one of the best views over King’s Parade and the surrounding colleges.
Getting to Cambridge from London
Train
Trains departing from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street connect London to Cambridge station. They operate frequently and the travel time is around 50 to 80 minutes, depending on the service. The city centre is a 25 minute walk from the station.
A taxi rank is conveniently located just in front of the entrance and busses run regular services into the heart of the city. As you leave the station, turn left and cross the street to reach the bus stops on the opposite side. Visit Stagecoach for more information.
For additional details regarding train services connecting London and Cambridge, visit Trainline
Bus
Victoria Coach Station is the London terminus for most scheduled coach services to major cities in the UK.
Coach services including National Express, FlixBus and Megabus run services from central London to Cambridge. Travel time is usually around 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of stops.
Cambridge Drummer Street bus station is located in the centre of Cambridge and is just minutes away from shops, cafés, and attractions. Most coach services from London terminate at Parkers Piece, a large, grassed area just a short stroll from the town centre.
Car
If you prefer to drive, Cambridge is just 62 miles northeast of London via the M11 motorway and from the city centre will take around 1hr 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Parking
There are several car parks located in and around Cambridge although they can become quite expensive if staying for long periods.
Visit the Cambridge Car Park Map for more information.
Park&Ride
Cambridge operates a park&ride service with five locations around the city. This can be a more affordable option for travelling into the city centre. An adult return ticket costs £4 and children age 5-15 cost £1. Buses operate throughout the day, dropping off at Drummer Street bus station as well as various points along the route.
Visit Cambridge park&ride for more information.
The heart of Cambridge, filled with shops and cafés, is designed for pedestrians and is easily explored on foot.
Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
The Cambridge hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour offers an excellent opportunity to discover Cambridge, along with its nearby attractions. Key highlights feature the renowned colleges and university structures, museums, the University Botanical Gardens, and the Cambridge American cemetery and Memorial.
Staying for a few nights
Cambridge has so much to offer, and its beautiful surrounding areas are perfect for discovering and exploring on a day trip from the city centre.
Imperial War Museum (IWM) Duxford
The IWM Duxford, commonly referred to as the Imperial War Museum Duxford, stands out as one of the UK’s most remarkable military and aviation heritage sites.
Located in Duxford, Cambridgeshire, it lies just a short drive south of Cambridge. While it’s not located in the city center, it is an integral part of the area’s cultural scene and definitely deserves a visit if you have an interest in history, aircraft, and engaging museum experiences.
What is there to see?
Not just a static display, it’s a vast complex with multiple exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, including:
- AirSpace Exhibition
- American Air Museum
- Historic Hangers
- Battle & Air and Sea Exhibitions
- Land Warfare Displays
Visitors are also welcomed to climb aboard certain aircraft and interact with some displays.
Special Events
During spring to autumn, the museum’s flying season and air shows bring alive the historic runways with live aerial displays — a thrill for aviation fans.
Visit the IWM Duxford website for more information.
Grantchester Meadows
Nestled near Cambridge, Grantchester is a charming historic village by the River Cam, featuring thatched-roof cottages, the medieval Grantchester Church, and a variety of pubs. The Meadows stretch alongside the riverbank with riverside paths connecting Cambridge to Grantchester making it ideal to walk or cycle taking in the lovely views of the river, cows, willows, and wildflowers. It is also an ideal place to visit via a punt along the river.
Grantchester is also known for the Orchard Tea Garden, a tranquil spot that serves morning coffee, light lunches, cream teas and cakes.
Anglesey Abbey
Commonly known as Anglesey Abbey, Gardens & Lode Mill, Anglesey Abbey is a distinguished and historic National Trust property located northeast of Cambridge, in the village of Lode.
The property is set on nearly 100 acres of gardens and landscaped grounds, widely regarded as among the most beautiful in the UK. Highlights include seasonal flower displays, long tree-lined avenues and formal gardens.
As a National Trust property, Anglesey Abbey is open to the public most of the year with a visitor centre, café and paths for strolling or longer walks.
House
Explore the Jacobean-style house, which boasts a fascinating history spanning from its origins as a monastic priory to its transformation into a 20th-century home.
Load Water Mill
At the edge of the gardens sits Lode Mill, an 18th-century watermill restored to working order. You can often see it milling flour — buy some in the mill shop.
Visit the National Trust Anglesey Abby website for more information.
Audley End
Audley End House and Gardens is a historic stately home and estate situated in Saffron Walden, Essex, not actually within Cambridge. It lies about 13 miles south of Cambridge, easily accessible by a 15-20 minute train ride.
What it is
Audley End House is one of England’s grandest Jacobean country houses — originally built in the early 1600s on the site of a former Benedictine abbey and expanded to be almost palace-size. Today the house retains much of its historic character, architecture, and fine interiors, and is cared for by English Heritage.
House, Gardens & Grounds
Audley End features expansive landscaped gardens, parkland with lakes, woodlands, and scenic river views. The formal and walled gardens, along with the stately home’s ornate rooms, fine furniture, artwork, and historical exhibitions, showcase its heritage. Nearby, the Audley End Miniature Railway offers family-friendly entertainment as a separate attraction.
Visit the Audley End House website for more information.
Hotels
Cambridge offers a wide variety of hotels. Options range from central luxury and historic locations to boutique venues, apartments, and budget options for short stays.
Here are a few of our suggestions.
Luxury & Characterful Stays
Hotel du Vin Cambridge – Stylish boutique hotel with a well-regarded bistro and elegantly appointed rooms.
Graduate by Hilton Cambridge – Four star hotel overlooking the river Cam.
The Varsity – Boutique option with unique, arty interiors, spar and a lively bar/restaurant.
Central Options
Hilton Cambridge City Centre – Classic city-centre hotel just a short walk from colleges, shops and museums.
Gonville Hotel – The Gonville Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel in central Cambridge overlooking Parker’s Piece.
University Arms Hotel – Located alongside Parker’s Piece and within walking distance of colleges, shopping and nightlife.
Near Cambridge Railway Stations
Clayton Hotel Cambridge – Large modern hotel by Cambridge Station, perfect for onward travel.
Ibis Cambridge Central Station – Highly rated and affordable, conveniently located near the train station, making it a popular choice.
Novotel Cambridge North – Slightly north of town near Cambridge North station, with modern amenities and indoor pool.
Budget Choices
Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road – Located within a 20 minute walk of central Cambridge.
Travelodge Cambridge Central – Close to Cambridge station and the University Botanical Gardens.
Premier Inn Cambridge City Centre – In the heart of the city close to Lion Yard, shops and the bustling market.
Christ’s College Cambridge B&B – Enjoy a peaceful retreat at one of Cambridge’s top universities.
Oxford and Cambridge University Tour from London
Full day tour of Oxford and Cambridge Universities from London
- Guided walking tours of Oxford and Cambridge
- Expert tour guide
- Travel by superior coach
- London in your Pocket app access
From £116 per person
Finally
Take your time in Cambridge—enjoy its lanes, riverside pubs, and rich history. Choose a few sights and explore at your own pace.
