Cambridge is a city renowned for its prestigious university and stunning architecture. Earlier this year, we decided to take a day trip to this iconic hub of academia. The blend of history, beautiful buildings, and tranquil river scenes made for a great visit. In this post, we’ll be sharing our experiences and providing tips for making the most of your time in Cambridge.
We’ve captured our entire Cambridge adventure in a vlog on “Rob on Holiday.” Check it out for a detailed look at all the must-see sights and activities!
Getting to Cambridge
Where is Cambridge?
Cambridge is located in the east of England, about 50 miles north of London. It’s surrounded by cities like Peterborough and Norwich, making it easily accessible from various parts of the UK.
How to Get to Cambridge
For those flying in from outside the UK, the easiest way is to fly into one of London’s many airports. Then, head to the city centre and take the train directly to Cambridge, which takes around an hour.
If you’re traveling from within the UK, taking the train and driving are both good options. From the North, you can take the M6 and A14, which will get you there in around 3-4 hours by car.
Accommodation
If you have a car, you can stay anywhere in the general vicinity of Cambridge. London is also a good option if you’re planning a day trip to Cambridge, as it’s well-connected by train.
For our trip, we stayed about an hour away in a lodge at Rockingham Forest Park, which we highly recommend for a peaceful weekend retreat. You can check out our video on the lodge for a closer look!
Top Attractions in Cambridge
King’s College and King’s College Chapel
King’s College and its magnificent chapel are perhaps the most iconic sights in Cambridge. The chapel, with its stunning Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, is a must-see for any visitor to the city. The grounds of King’s College are also impressive, offering lovely views of the River Cam and the surrounding area.
Tickets: £15
Trinity College
Trinity College is another top attraction, known for its links to Isaac Newton, who was a student here. The college’s beautiful courtyards and historic buildings are a delight to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the impressive Great Court, one of the largest enclosed courts in Europe.
Tickets: £5
St. John’s College
St. John’s College is home to the picturesque Bridge of Sighs, another of Cambridge’s architectural highlights. This covered bridge, reminiscent of the famous one in Venice, stretches across the River Cam behind the college, making for a stunning photo spot. Purchasing a ticket to the college is only way to see this bridge up close, unless you take a punting ride on the river itself. The college grounds are also an important part of your visit, with lovely gardens and historic buildings.
Tickets: £15
Fitzwilliam Museum
Even if you’re not typically a museum person, the Fitzwilliam Museum is worth a visit for its architecture alone. The grand entrance hall is an architectural marvel, and the museum houses a wide range of art and artefacts, including sections covering Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for everyone.
Tickets: Free
Polar Research Museum
The Scott Polar Research Institute offers a fascinating insight into polar exploration and research. The museum’s artefacts span several expeditions, including the Shackleton Expedition, the Amundsen Expedition, and, of course, Robert Falcon Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole, which resulted in his death. It’s a small but interesting museum, perfect for a quick visit if you’re in the area. This museum is also free to enter.
Tickets: Free
Other Attractions:
- Punting Trip: A quintessential Cambridge experience, offering beautiful views of the colleges from the River Cam.
- Visiting The Backs: The scenic parklands behind the colleges. Tickets to the colleges are required to access many areas of the Backs.
- Corpus Clock: A unique and intriguing public clock, known for its striking design.
- Isaac Newton Tree: A descendant of the famous apple tree that inspired Newton’s theory of gravity, on display just outside Trinity College.
Transport
Cambridge is a relatively small city, and, if you park or stay in the centre, you will be able to walk to all of the main attractions. The furthest walk, to the Polar Research Museum, takes about 20 minutes. However, most attractions are within a short stroll of each other, making it easy to explore on foot.
How Long to Stay in Cambridge
A day trip is sufficient to see the main sights of Cambridge.
However, a word of caution: we visited in May, and all colleges except King’s College were closed. So, if visiting the colleges is a key part of your trip, be sure to check that they are open when you plan to visit.
Review
Cambridge offers a fascinating blend of academic history and architectural beauty. It’s certainly worth a visit to admire the stunning buildings and experience the unique college atmosphere. While I wouldn’t necessarily make the trip from outside the UK just for Cambridge, it’s a lovely place to spend a day if you’re in the area. The free museums are a bonus, though the cost of entry to the colleges can add up, especially since you have to pay to access several colleges if you want to see a significant amount of The Backs.
Thanks for reading our Cambridge Travel Guide! If you have any questions about visiting Cambridge, please leave a comment below. If you enjoyed this post, follow our blog for more travel tips, and subscribe to our YouTube channel, “Rob on Holiday,” for even more vlogs and travel advice. Happy travels!
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