Cambridge is one of the most popular travel destinations in the United Kingdom that draws tourists and locals alike. The most unique feature of Cambridge is that it offers a combination of urban and the rural or county experience at the same time. There are many things to do in Cambridge for a surreal experience. The Cambridge University is the global landmark which everyone is familiar with.
12 Things To Do In Cambridge
Cambridge has a lot more to offer to its visitors besides popular Cambridge University. Let’s give you a coherent account of the notable things to do in Cambridge while you are touring to this region.
1. Plan A Visit To Fitzwilliam Museum
While making a list of the most important things to do in Cambridge, you should ascertain the addition of your visit to the famous Fitzwilliam Museum here. This museum is undoubtedly the best art museum in Cambridge with a host of antiquities from across the globe. Owned by the Cambridge University, similar to Oxford’s Ashmolean, a visit here can be an experience for the lifetime.
Unlike the British Museum in London which have a magnanimous collection of grand artefacts, Fitzwilliam boasts of the ‘little things’ like a variety of trinkets, ornaments and paintings to literally lighten up your mind, without giving the usual heavy feel associated with a museum.
Moreover, entry into this museum is free and it has recently been voted as the most popular free tourist attractions in East England. A rainy day is the best time to visit the museum.
Location: Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1RB
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students etc.
Fees:Free
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year. Visiting here on a rainy day would be a perfect retreat
Timing: Tuesday – Saturday – 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM, Sunday – 12 :00 PM – 5:00 PM; Monday – closed
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2. Visit The King’s College Chapel
A visit to the magnificent Gothic chapel, having an overwhelming presence in the centre of Cambridge, is certainly one of the best things to do in Cambridge. In the month of December, the Christmas Eve carol service is broadcast from this chapel.
The chapel plays the ‘once in Royal David’s city’ that turns out to be an emotional experience even for the adults. A visit to this chapel should inevitably be followed by the drinks round its corner at the Eagle.
Location: King’s College Chapel, King’s Parade, Cambridge CB2 1ST
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students etc.
Fees: INR 832/- for Adults; INR 555/- for Students & Children
Timing: Monday -Friday – 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Saturday – 9.30 AM – 3:45 PM; Sunday -1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
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3. Punting On The River Cam
Image Credit: Ed g2s for Wikipedia
Literally considered a national pastime of Cambridge as an innovative yet fun way to get around the city, punting on the River Cam becomes a mandatory activity out of the several things to do in Cambridge. Visiting Cambridge and not going punting is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower.
Enthusiasts and skilled do the entire job themselves while the inexperienced first-timers can book a guide who would do the navigation on the Cam River and all one has to do is sit and relax. Punting ride can be compared to the gondolier tour of Venice and is surely one of the most adventurous things to do in Cambridge alone or in group.
Location: Book a punt, or just grab one in town at the Boatyard, Granta Place or Quayside, Magdelene Street
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Adventure Lovers etc.
Fees: INR 1,850/- per hour
Timing: Usually 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM and after 6:00 PM in the evening
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4. Explore The Campus Of Cambridge University
Image Credit: MemoryCatcher for Pixabay
How can the list of things to do in Cambridge be complete without a tour of the nook and corners of the world-famous Cambridge University? After all, Cambridge is globally famous for its education. An interesting tour of the university can be one that is guided by its student who can provide own view of the university that would be different from the typical official guided tours.
Just like Cambridge city can be conveniently covered on foot, so can be the university which sits at the centre of the city and is rightly its cynosure. The university tour through the eyes of its students is surely not to be missed.
Location: The Old Schools, Trinity Ln, Cambridge CB2, 1TN
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students etc.
Fees: Free
Timing: Throughout the day
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5. Hire A Cycle
Cycling is one of the best modes of conveyance in the city as it is all prepared for such bikes. Locals on foot don’t really mind cycles dodging past them as the city is well known for its huge collection of bikes. Moreover, the size of the city is such that bikes become an extremely convenient and eco-friendly option as this place offers all the required infrastructure sought.
Bicycles can be hired from various places and also locked almost everywhere. The city has wide cycle lanes yet some locals ride them on the pavements making the city a cycler’s haven. This ride is surely one of the things to enjoy if you visit Cambridge.
Ideal for: Groups, Friends, Adventure Lovers etc.
Timing: Almost throughout the day
Fees:Some charges applicable for hiring cycles
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6. Going Artsy In The Kettle’s Yard
It is a unique Art Gallery with a homely touch as it was once the home of Jim and Helen Ede. Jim worked as a curator in the Tate Gallery and the couple being art buffs, collected famous artworks by the Barbara Hepworth and Joan Miro and decked up their home.
Later, Edes gave his residence to Cambridge University in order to be used as an Art Gallery. This generous act has thus given us one of the most interesting things to do in Cambridge when visiting this homelike art gallery.
Location: Castle St., Cambridge CB3, OAQ
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students etc.
Timing: Tuesday – Sunday – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Monday closed
Suggested duration: 1 – 2 hours
Fees: A reasonable fee is applicable
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7. Having A Pint At The Green Man, Grantchester
What can be better than a combination of a village and a pub where one refreshes and energises after a tiring punt along the River Cam. In fact, Grantchester can be reached either by walking or punting being just at the outskirts of the city. The fresh air of the Cambridge countryside along with a pint in the Green Man pub would surely be one of the best experiences in Cambridge.
Pubs usually have loud music playing in the background but here is a one of a kind that maintains a serene countryside feel and a garden as its backdrop with fresh drinks being served.
Location: 59, High St., Grantchester, Cambridge, CB3 9NF
Ideal for: Groups, Friends, Adventure Lovers etc.
Timing: Monday – Saturday – 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday – 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Fees: Depending on what orders you take
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8. A Little Reading In The Heffers Book Shop
Image Courtesy: geograph.org.uk
It is not just a commonplace book shop but a paradise for the literature lovers. Cambridge is a city that truly brings out one’s inner geek and you can be a bookworm here, quite unapologetically. Heffer’s is not only a place to buy books but also to browse through and it has rightly been described as a ‘palace of literature’. Thus, it is a perfect place for the literature freaks and even if you love books in general and is surely one of the things to do in Cambridge alone.
Location: 20, Trinity St, Cambridge CB2, 1TY
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students, Bibliophiles
Timing: Wednesday – Saturday – 9:00 AM- 6:00 PM; Sunday – 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday – 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Fees: You can buy books of your choice
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9. Eating Out At The Fitzbillies
A trip to Cambridge cannot be complete without having tried the Chelsea Buns at Fitzbillies in Trumpington Street or Bridge Street. This sticky local delicacy is sure to stick in your mouth a long time after you have had them.
Besides, they also offer a full menu for dinner with the scrumptious meal options and wonderfully baked cakes. You can’t afford to leave Cambridge without having dined at Fitzbillies.
Location: 51-52 Trumpington Street, Cambridge, CB2 1RG
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends, Students etc.
Timing: Monday – Friday – 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturday – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday – 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Fees: You can order any affordable item as per your budget
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10. Wandering In The Wandlebury Country Park
Image Courtesy: geograph.org.uk
True to its name it is the perfect place to discover the wanderer you. A car might help one reach there as it is located a few miles south of the main city. It serves as a perfect green getaway where you can have a picnic or enjoy a quiet walk. The Gog Magog Hills Farm shop located nearby offers you some quality meat at the best price. You can also do a bit of meat shopping there.
Location: Wnadlebury County Park, Gog Magog Hills, Stapleford, CB22 3AE
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends etc.
Timing: Every day – 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Fees: Depends on how much shopping you do
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11. Dining At The Eagle
It is one of the oldest pubs in the UK and the one where Francis Crick had announced that he along with James Watson had possibly discovered DNA, which was proven right later. It provides a perfect option for a break over a pint or glass of prosecco.
The pub also features an RAF bar with graffiti showing airmen from the Second World War almost encircling the pub’s ceilings and walls. This place features in the list of the things to do in Cambridge at night without fail.
Location: The Eagle, 9 Benet Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends etc.
Timing: Sunday – Wednesday – 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday – 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Fees: Eat whatever you like in the budget
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12. Trying Some Cambridge Street Food
Streetfood vans in Cambridge offer a variety of foods ranging from burgers, schnitzel to pizzas and even veggie food. Many of these food vendors have been nominated in the Cambridge Food and Drinks Awards and the food parks and food park night markets are perfect places for them to put up their food for sale.
Food lovers meet at these places to have their favourite snacks. Again, it remains one of the exciting things to do in Cambridge at night for unlimited fun.
Ideal for: Families, Groups, Friends etc.
Timing: Usually in the evenings
Fees: Depends on how much you invest
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Cambridge, UK offers a long list of things to do whether gorging on its street food at night or taking a walk in the Wandlebury Park, alone. From enthralling museums and Art Galleries to the gracious grandeur of the Cambridge University and from punting in the river to energising oneself with a pint in its garden pubs, Cambridge has everything to cater to all kinds of touristy needs. So, make the most of your trip to England by experiencing all the above-listed things to do in Cambridge.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do In Cambridge
What is Cambridge famous for?
Cambridge is most famous for its university, which is one of the best in the world. However, the city also holds various other attractions like the Botanical Gardens, King’s College Chapel, punting on the River Cam, famous eateries like The Eagle and Fitzbillies along with 400-year-old pubs like the green Man at Granchester and the museums like the Fitzwilliam.
How much is the cost of punting in Cambridge?
The average cost for self-hiring a boat is INR 1850/- and for the chauffeured tours it is INBR1390/- per person. Trinity Punts is one of the most economical punting firms to hire boats from.
Which is the best time to visit Cambridge?
The best months to visit Cambridge are from March to July i.e. from spring to the end of summer. The weather remains bright and dry and the famous Cambridge folk festival is also held in June-July. July to September is usually sunny with occasional rains but from October the weather turns wet and cold.
How can I reach Cambridge?
Cambridge has an international airport which is roughly 3 km from the main city. The other option is from the Heathrow Airport in London which is almost 80 km away. From London, buses ply to Cambridge and roughly take 2 hours. Buses are also available from other major cities of the UK and the ride is quite comfortable.
Where can one stay in Cambridge?
Cambridge has hotels near the railway station as well as in the city centre. However, the railway station is a bit far from the city and the hotels in the city are slightly expensive. There are expensive hotels like Hilton Cambridge City, The Gonville Hotel etc., and also cheaper bed and breakfast options with the smaller rooms but decent atmosphere.
What all places in Cambridge can be visited for free?
A number of places in Cambridge can be visited for free like Fitzwilliam Museum, King’s College Chapel, The Round Church, Scott Polar Research Institute and Library, Sedgwick Museum etc.
Can I cover the whole of Cambridge in a day?
Yes, most of Cambridge can be covered in a day. However, in order to visit all the places of interest and engage in all activities one day is not enough. You can plan a short trip for 2 nights and 3 days to Cambridge. It would cover all the things to do in Cambridge and your trip would also remain a relaxing one.
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