Cambridge, home to the second oldest university in the English-speaking world, is the city that inspired some of the greatest minds in history. With historical buildings at every corner, you will feel like travelling back in time. Our complete one-day-trip guide to Cambridge has everything – from the most popular attractions, all the way to the best places to eat.
With the ongoing Pandemic, travelling local is the best way to enjoy a little adventure. If you’re UK based, a one-day-trip to Cambridge might be just what you needed!
Things to do
1. Visit the University Campus
Of course, visiting some of the famous colleges is a must! There are 31 to choose from, with most being open to visitors (at least part of the time). Here are the ones that we visited and that we think are worth checking out!
1.1 King’s College
One cannot, should-not, miss the iconic King’s College. As an emblem of the city, its architecture is truly breathtaking. Entering the college you will be able to admire Gibb’s building, dating back to the 18th century. While the chapel, built over hundreds of years, will mesmerise any viewer! If you are a history geek, you’ll be able to read all about it in the smaller side rooms!
Entrance fee: Admission Prices Tickets cost £10.00 or £8.00 (children aged 6-17 and students with valid ID).
Opening times: Check it out here.
1.2 Pembroke College
Pembroke, the third oldest college belonging to Cambridge University (founded in 1347), has an exceptionally beautiful architecture. The best part? Entrance is free of charge!
TIP for opening times: Check in advance the opening times. The college is closed to visitors during the main exam period (mid May – mid June) or for other events.
1.3 Trinity College
If you want to see where some of the brightest minds in history used to study, this is the place for you! The college’s most famous alumnus is probably Sir Isaac Newton. Around Trinity College lays an apple tree which is, arguably, a descendant of the tree that led Newton to the discovery of the law of gravitation.
Entrance fee: Adults – £3, Students/ Senior Citizens/ Groups – £2.00
Opening times: Normally, the college is open to visitors between 10:30 to 12 Noon and then 13.00 to 16.00. But it’s best to check this while planning your trip!
1.4 Corpus Christi College
The only College founded by townspeople (in 1352), Corpus College is also famous for a giant timepiece, called the Corpus Clock. This clock is a rather strange tool for the measurement of time. However, it’s quite mesmerising to watch.
Entrance fee: £2.50/adult
Opening times: They are generally open every day from 10am to 5pm.
1.5 St. John’s College
St John’s is another unique beauty and the home of to the must see Bridge of Sighs (Oxford’s brother). Moreover, it is the site where a great part of the film “The Theory of Everything” (about Stephen Hawking’s life) was shot!
Entrance fee: £10 adults, £5 concessions.
Opening times: Check them out here!
2. Mathematical Bridge
This bridge bears this name due to the fact that it is built entirely out of straight timbers, and yet it gives away the impression of an arch shape! This makes the Mathematical Bridge an interesting architectural study, especially while punting under it!
3. Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge’s Botanic Garden is home to over 8,000 plant species from all over the globe. If you’re up for a stroll among beautiful, rare species (and if the weather allows it) this is the place for you!
Entrance fee: £6 for adult
Opening times: February, March, October: 10.00am – 5.00pm; January, November, December: 10.00am – 4.00pm; April to September: 10.00am – 6.00pm
4. Great St Mary’s Church Tower
Of course, one should not miss the chance to have a panoramic view over the college rooftops, and St Mary’s Church Tower is just the place! After climbing the 123-step spiral staircase you can take a breath and enjoy the gorgeous view over this magical city!
Entrance fee: £5
Opening Times: 11 am- 5.30pm/4.30pm in winter.
5. Explore the Fitzwilliam Museum
One of our favourite places in Cambridge was, without a doubt, the Fitzwilliam Museum. This magnificent building has a unique architecture and houses art and antiquities from all over the world. Take your time to stroll around its galleries, whether that means gazing at Michelangelo’s sculptures, Turner’s watercolours or Egyptian carvings. You’ll for sure find something for your liking.
Entrance is free! But make sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays: 12:00 – 17:00, CLOSED: Mondays, Good Friday, 24-26 & 31 December and 1 January
6. Punt Down the River Cam
You should definitely not miss the chance to go punting down the River Cam! Punting is an essential part of the Cambridge life for both locals and tourists alike, dating back to the early 1900s. By hoping on a traditional punting tour, you’ll get the chance to see this unique city through a very unique angle.
We recommend booking your session in advance via the Traditional Punting Company!
Here’s a complete map for your 1 day trip!
Best Time to visit Cambridge
Depending on the weather you enjoy most, Cambridge is a great tourist destination in every season. If you want to avoid crowds, we recommend Autumn (towards Winter) or early Spring. Autumn is cool and cloudy with 13°C on average, while Winter gets quite rainy and cold, so it’s not ideal for wandering around. Spring is a sweet spot as it gets warmer and nature blooms again and Summer is warm and sunny, but also a popular time for tourism. Knowing all of this, make an informed decision and book that ticket!
Getting to Cambridge
The best way to travel to Cambridge is by pairing it with visiting London! It takes around 2 hours to get from London to Cambridge by train or National Express. If you book in advance you can get great deals: such as 11,5£ (two-way) via train (ThamesLink) or as low as 5£ via National Express. If you want to have a full experience, we recommend being an early bird and depart as early as 8 am and finish your trip at around 8pm.
Getting Around
Cambridge is quite a small city, so all the famous sights are within walking distance of one another. Therefore, exploring Cambridge on foot is definitely the best choice. Plus, the beauty lies in the experience you have while wandering around, rather than running from one touristic point to another.
Where to Eat
1. Breakfast
If you are a specialty coffee lover (who isn’t?!) and have a weakness for delicious food, Stir is what you need! With a cozy, family like atmosphere, and a menu filled with fresh goodies, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed!
Check out their menu and Instagram here!
2. Lunch
With no prior research, we wandered around the city and The Senate Bar & Bistro caught our eye! We had a delicious, warm lunch there: I had the Wild Mushroom Gnocchi, while Theo enjoyed his Fish & Chips.
Address: 1 St Mary’s Passage, Cambridge CB2 3PQ
If you’re down to a more british-like experience, Eagle Pub might be a better fit for you.
Address: 8 Bene’t St, Cambridge CB2 3QN
3. Dessert
When your energy is running low, Fitzbillies’s Chelsea buns (which have been made to the same recipe since 1922) are your best rescue! Moist and bready, these buns will give you an energy boost for the rest of your trip!
Address: 51-52 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RG | 36 Bridge St, Cambridge CB2 1UW
4. Dinner
Even though we didn’t feel hungry enough to have dinner, we recommend you try a pick-me-up from the local Market. The food smelled so good, we’ll surely give it a try next time!
We hope you enjoyed our 24 hours guide to Cambridge and that we inspired you to visit it yourself. Let us know if there’s anything else you would like to know!
Great article!!
Thank you so much, dear!