Things to do in Cambridge: colleges, punting and advice

You are wondering What to do in Cambridge Less than an hour from London, this famous university town charms visitors with its Gothic colleges, lawns along the River Cam, and boat trips. More peaceful than Oxford, it's easily explored on foot or by bike. Here are our favorite sights and tips, as well as the official website of the...’Cambridge Tourist Office for the schedules.

In short: In Cambridge, start by visiting the chapel at King's College, then stroll along the Backs, the lawns surrounding the colleges. Next, take a boat trip on the River Cam, explore the free Fitzwilliam Museum, and visit Trinity College. In the afternoon, walk to the village of Grantchester. Cambridge is about 50 minutes from London by train: one day is enough, but two are ideal.

Things to do in Cambridge: the must-see attractions

The chapel of King's College

It is undoubtedly the city's most famous monument. Its fan vault, the largest of its kind in the world, and its 16th-century stained-glass windows are spectacular. Also, listen to the choir during the evening service, the Evensong, which is free and open to all during the academic year.

UP TO YOU

What kind of traveler are you for? Things to do in Cambridge: colleges, punting and advice "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

Question 2 of 5

Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

Question 3 of 5

What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

Question 4 of 5

In the evening, you would rather choose…

A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

Question 5 of 5

With a few free hours?

You let yourself be carried awayYou add an essential

The Backs

Behind the colleges, these lawns and gardens border the river. From Clare College Bridge, the view of King's College Chapel is one of the most photographed in England.

Trinity College and St John's College

Trinity College, where Isaac Newton studied, is home to the Wren Library, designed by Christopher Wren. Right next door, St John's College has its own Bridge of Sighs, spanning the river.

The Mathematical Bridge

This wooden footbridge at Queens' College seems to stand without a single nail. A legend, albeit false, even attributes it to Newton. The best viewpoint, however, is from Silver Street.

Free museums

The Fitzwilliam Museum, which is free, displays, for example, Egyptian antiquities and paintings from Titian to Monet. Kettle's Yard, a house museum dedicated to modern art, is also free.

Experiences to have in Cambridge

• Punting : cruise the Cam in a flat-bottomed boat, with a guide or by hiring your own boat, from Quayside or Mill Lane.
• Grantchester : walk to this village along the river, about 4 kilometers, for tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.
• The Eagle It was in this pub that the discovery of the structure of DNA was announced in 1953.
• The tower of Great St Mary's : climb to the top for a view of the market square and the colleges.

Excursions from Cambridge

Excursion	Distance	To have
Ely	Approximately 15 minutes by train	Cathedral nicknamed "the ship of the Fens"«
Audley End House	Approximately 30 minutes	Grand Jacobean manor house and gardens
London	Approximately 50 minutes by train	Monuments and major museums

Cambridge thus combines very well with our itinerary for Visit London in 3 days. To compare it with its rival, also read our guide. What to do in Oxford.

How to get there and how many days to allow?

• By train : approximately 50 minutes by direct train from King's Cross, or 1 hour 20 minutes from Liverpool Street.
• From Stansted Airport : approximately 35 minutes by train.
• On site : the centre is compact and pedestrian, and cycling is king.

Generally, one day is enough to see the main sights. Two days, however, allow time for a stroll in Grantchester and a day trip to Ely. Finally, avoid the exam period, from May to mid-June, as many colleges close to visitors during this time.

Cambridge or Oxford?

Indeed, the two cities have been rivals for eight centuries. Oxford is more urban and boasts more Harry Potter locations, while Cambridge is greener and more tranquil, with its backs and river. If you have the time, visit both, which are about a two-hour drive apart.

Frequently asked questions: What is there to do in Cambridge?

What to do in Cambridge in one day?

Start with King's College Chapel and The Backs, then take a boat ride. Next, visit Trinity College and the Fitzwilliam Museum, before a drink at The Eagle pub.

Can we visit the colleges?

Yes, several colleges open their doors to visitors, often with an entrance fee. However, their opening hours vary according to the academic calendar.

How much does a boat ride cost?

Prices vary mainly depending on the duration and the service provider. Generally, a guided group tour is less expensive than a private rental.

How do I get from London to Cambridge?

The easiest option is therefore the direct train from King's Cross, which takes about 50 minutes. Buses also connect to central London.

Cover photo: Sandra Humphrey, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

BRIGHTSIDE TRAVEL

Do you want to experience this trip?

Our local team creates your tailor-made itinerary in the UK and Ireland.

Create my trip