An Idyllic Place to Explore
The city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and heritage. At its centre is the University of Cambridge - a hub of innovation and creativity, and a world-renowned institution dating back more than 800 years. From spying the splendour of the King’s College Chapel to visiting the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, there’s no shortage of things to do here.
Take a punt on the River Cam to see the renowned Cambridge College Backs and pass under the Bridge of Sighs, be amazed by art and antiquities in the Fitzwilliam Museum, pop into Fitzbillies for tea, and sample the city’s flourishing food and drink scene. Discover sights designed by famous architects, enjoy unique nights out and create lasting memories with a Cambridge day out.
Best of Cambridge
For an exciting day out with the children or a romantic getaway, there’s nothing quite like Cambridge sightseeing. Defined by the famous university that calls it home, every corner holds unique architecture and deep history. With the River Cam running through the centre of the city, beautiful buildings, rolling green spaces and the bustle of university life, Cambridge is a unique and exciting destination to visit at any time of year.
From visiting the 31 colleges to taking a punt up the river and exploring some Cambridge tourist attractions, there are lots of activities and places to visit. Whether you love to wander around and soak up the city or book attractions to visit, you can immerse yourself in the culture and history of Cambridge in any way you want to.
Explore all of Cambridge
Things to do in Cambridge
Cambridge’s history and prestigious reputation run deep, yet it’s still very much a bustling and exciting university city that’s great to visit for a day out or a short break.
At the heart of this incredible city is the University of Cambridge, which is split into 31 architecturally stunning colleges. The most famous is Kings College, with its distinctive gothic chapel and illustrious list of former students - it’s well worth a visit. Yet wherever you wander in the city, you’ll see a beautiful college to explore. Admire the shining 24-carat gold Grasshopper - the Corpus Clock - on Corpus Christi College's Taylor Library, wander the halls of Trinity College or uncover the historical story of the oldest college Peterhouse.
Punting, cycling and walking are popular ways to get around in Cambridge. Indeed, taking a punt up the river is one of the best ways to see the city, with the Mathematical Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs being two must-see sights. Book ahead or wander down to the river to take an impromptu trip on the day you visit. If you want to do some serious sightseeing, then hire a bike and explore Cambridge the way the students do or enjoy a relaxing walk through one of Cambridge’s many gardens, such as the University Botanic Garden or the Banks.
As you might expect in a university city, there are plenty of cultural, technological and scientific institutions to visit on Cambridge trips. Some of the most popular include the Museum of Cambridge, the Museum of Technology and the internationally-renowned Fitzwilliam Museum, all of which have unique artefacts and exhibitions to explore. If it's art you’re after, then Kettle’s Yard and David Parr’s House are very special galleries.
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll find plenty of independent shops and bustling high streets to explore. The main shopping centres include The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade, all of which include a huge range of retailers, from big brands to local producers. Whether you pound the cobbled streets or wander around craft markets, you’ll never be short of shopping destinations.
Cambridge is also host to a delicious choice of places to eat and drink. Whatever your palate, there is something for you to enjoy; from vegan restaurants to intimate hotel brasseries and extravagant fine dining experiences at some of the region's best Michelin-starred restaurants. If you are looking for a relaxed meal or drink, then the surrounding area has some of the best pubs in the country, including several family-friendly restaurants where you can eat with the little ones.
Plus, as a home to thousands of students, there is an abundance of places to visit for a night out. Enjoy a show at the Arts Theatre, Corn Exchange or Picturehouse before heading out into any of the city’s cool cocktail bars, wild student nightclubs and quirky hangouts. There are loads of unique venues and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
FAQs
Why choose a day out in Cambridge?
From punting along the historical riverside to exploring the unique architecture or enjoying a drink at a student bar, the university city of Cambridge has plenty for families, couples or individual travellers to explore on a day out or short break.
What are the best day trips from Cambridge?
In around an hour you can travel from the stunning university city of Cambridge to the hustle and bustle of the UK’s capital. Trains from Cambridge to London’s Kings Cross run regularly, meaning you can enjoy the best of British at any time of the week or year.
What to do in Cambridge with children?
Inspire your children with a tour of the city’s most beautiful and prestigious buildings. Spot some of Cambridge’s best sights, such as the Corpus Clock, on a walking tour and let your little ones run through beautiful green spaces before heading for afternoon tea at the historical Fitzbillies cafe.
