19 Best Things to Do in Cambridge, England
Cambridge is one of my favourite cities in England (alongside London and Oxford). And it just so helps that it’s right on my doorstep, which makes seeing all the best things to do in Cambridge so much easier. Nestled along the tranquil River Cam, this captivating English city is renowned for its prestigious university, ancient architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. This beautiful and historic city is the perfect mixture of architecture, nature, and history.
With fascinating museums, gorgeous green spaces and, of course, the colleges that the city is famous for, Cambridge is the perfect day trip from London or even a weekend away in the UK. So, whether you want to see ancient sarcophagi at the Fitzwilliam Museum, attend the annual beer festival on Jesus Green, or simply admire King’s College from one of Cambridge’s best viewpoints, here are the best things to do in Cambridge, England.
Where is Cambridge?
I suppose the first thing to talk about here is where exactly the city is located. Cambridge is located in Cambridgeshire, England. It’s about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of London.
To get there from London, you can either drive, which will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and how much traffic you run into. Alternatively, you can take the train which is the fastest way to get to Cambridge from London. The journey from London’s King’s Cross Station to Cambridge Station will typically take around 50 minutes to 1 hour, making it a convenient option for a day trip.
I recommend using Omio to book trains as it’s super easy and affordable.
Top Tip: If you’re driving into Cambridge, do NOT park at the Grande Arcade or Grafton Centre unless you’re happy to pay over £30 for the day to park. Instead, I recommend Parking at Queen Anne’s Terrace car park. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the city centre, but it’s pretty much half the price.
What is Cambridge famous for?
When you think of Cambridge, you typically think of either the colleges or universities. Home to one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world (the University of Cambridge, which was founded in 1209), Cambridge has a rich history of academic achievement. The city has created many Nobel laureates, scientists, writers, and creative thinkers. This, in turn, has turned its colleges into something of an attraction.
But, Cambridge is known for more than just academia. It also has its rich history, architecture, innovation, technology, and punting on the beautiful River Cam.
How much does punting cost in Cambridge?
The cost of punting in Cambridge varies depending on the company you use. There are several punting companies in Cambridge such as The Traditional Punting Company or Scudamores.
They both offer private or shared tours for up to 12 people and offer bespoke packages as well such as picnic punting. Tours typically last between 45 minutes to an hour and cost between £20 for a shared tour to over £200 for a private tour for a large group.
The 19 Best Things to Do in Cambridge
So, now that you’re a little bit more familiar with Cambridge and what this fantastic city has to offer, here are some of the best things to do in Cambridge, England. As usual, I’ve also included prices, so you’ll know exactly what a trip to this historic city will cost.
1. Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum – one of the best things to do in Cambridge for history lovers
Cost: Free
One of the city’s top attractions, the Fitzwilliam Museum is easily one of the best things to do in Cambridge. And the cherry on the cake? It’s free!
Located along Trumpington Street close to the centre of the city, the museum is historical in itself. Founded in 1816, it’s one of Cambridge’s oldest museums. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of artefacts, art, and exhibits that span the ages; from the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome to the exquisite craftsmanship of European decorative arts.
It’s also housed in a fantastic building that almost resembles an ancient Greek temple.
Top Tip: Despite being free to enter, I recommend booking during peak times as spots can fill up. You can easily book on their website.
2. Eat international cuisine at Cambridge Market Square
Cost: However much you want to spend!
For cheap and delicious eats, Cambridge Market Square is one of the top things to do in Cambridge. You’ll find rows of stalls selling cuisine from all over the world.
There’s a Thai stall selling delicious Pad Thai and noodles, a Greek stall serving up delicious souvlaki and halloumi wraps, a Brazilian stall selling a range of South American specialities, and a Jamaican stall serving jerk chicken and scrumptious curries.
This is pretty much my go-to lunch stop whenever I visit Cambridge and it never disappoints. In fact, I know that some people drive quite a distance specifically to visit some of the stalls.
3. Visit the impressive King’s College
Cost: £13.50 at the door and £12.50 online per adult
Arguably Cambridge’s most famous College, King’s College is one of the city’s most beautiful spots. An iconic jewel of the city, nestled along the banks of the River Cam, this gorgeous building was founded in 1441 by King Henry VI.
Not only is it one of the most important academic spots in the city, but it’s also one of Cambridge’s most impressive pieces of architecture.
Boasting intricate detail, stained glass windows, and a general auror of grandeur, it’s a masterpiece and easily one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
4. Climb Great St Mary’s Church – one of the best things to do in Cambridge for views
Cost: £6 per adult
Okay, so once you’ve seen the inside of King’s College, you’re probably going to want to see the best views of it, right? Well for this, head to Great St Mary’s Church. By far the best (publically accessible) viewpoint in Cambridge, you’ll climb a twirling staircase and be rewarded with sweeping views over Cambridge’s most prestigious college.
From the top of the church, you can also see in all directions, so it’s not just King’s that you’ll get a view of. From the other side, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Market Square, and basically every other angle of Cambridge from on high. It’s a glorious way to view the city and one of my favourite things to do in Cambridge.
5. Go punting on the River Cam – one of the best things to do in Cambridge for scenery
Cost: Between £20 and £200 depending on which tour you book
I’ve had such a fun experience punting in Cambridge over the years. My first ever punting experience was on a hired boat where we had a go at punting ourselves. And, let me tell you, it’s a LOT harder than it looks!
The experts make it look so easy, effortlessly gliding down the river. On the other hand, there’s us, spinning in a circle for half an hour trying to work out how to steer the boat forwards. We were trying to get to the Mathematical Bridge, but after way longer than I’d like to admit, we admitted defeat and headed back to the docks.
My second time punting (and every time after that) was much more successful. Mainly because I decided to opt for a guided tour instead of trying to punt the boat ourselves, but I had a wonderful time.
We took a tour with Traditional Punting Company, and, not only did we get to see plenty of the river this time, but we also learned a lot. Our guides were super helpful and knowledgeable too, telling us stories of Cambridge’s history while pointing out the landmarks along the way. If you ever decide to go punting in Cambridge, I cannot recommend them enough.
If you book via their website, you can use discount code “adventure10punt” for 10% off your booking.
6. Admire the Corpus Clock
Cost: Free
One of the more curious things to do in Cambridge is to admire the Corpus Clock. Located in the centre of the city, just a 2-minute walk from King’s College, this mesmerising work of art attracts crowds of tourists year-round.
Unveiled in 2008, this captivating installation was designed by Dr. John C. Taylor, a renowned horologist and inventor. The clock is large and gold with an intricate metal grasshopper on top, The grasshopper is constantly hopping to demonstrate the constant march of time. It’s all very symbolic.
7. Visit the oldest pub in Cambridge
Cost: Free, but beer is not!
After you’ve spent some time admiring the Corpus Clock, head straight down Bene’t St (immediately to your left) and you’ll find The Eagle Pub. This building might look pretty unassuming from the outside, but its story is one of the most interesting in the city.
This Grade II public house originally opened in 1667 as a coaching inn. It slowly became a popular drinking spot for scholars and locals. It then gained more popularity during World War II as a favourite haunt of RAF airmen, who left their marks, including signatures and graffiti, etched into the ceiling with candle smoke.
To add to this, it was later the site of one of the most famous scientific discoveries in history. Francis Crick and James Watson announced they’d discovered the ‘secret of life’ in 1953 when they came up with the theory of the double helix structure of DNA. Even today, you can still see the plaque dedicated to them on the wall.
All in all, this is a pretty famous pub! Today, you’ll find dark wood beams, cosy nooks, and a delightful outdoor courtyard, plus a chance to sit in a site where history was made and drink some of Britain’s best beers.
Top Tip: If you’re feeling peckish after your drink, head a little further down the road to Smokeworks. This is one of the best BBQ places in Cambridge and serves some absolutely stunning ribs and brisket.
8. See the Mathematical Bridge
Cost: Free
There are two ways to see this bridge: from the water, and from a different bridge! Connecting two sides of Queen’s College, the Mathematical Bridge was originally constructed in 1749.
While its name might suggest a complex mathematical design, the bridge is actually an elegant example of geometric architecture. Built by the master carpenter William Etheridge, the bridge comprises a series of straight timbers that form an arched structure, creating an optical illusion of curved lines.
If you’re on a punting tour, you’ll probably pass by this bridge on your way around the city. But, if you’d rather visit it on foot, head to Silver Street, where you can see the bridge stretching across the Cam.
Top Tip: There’s also a hot dog stand near here that’s good for a quick snack!
9. Eat Chelsea Buns at Fitzbillies
Cost: £8 (approx.) for a bun and a coffee
If I only had one word to describe Fitzbillies, it would be NOM! This cafe is famous across Cambridge for its Chelsea buns. If you only eat one thing in Cambridge, I highly recommend this (even though many of my tips seem to revolve around food, so you’ll almost definitely be full by the time you get to this point!).
Due to their high demand, there are actually two Fitzbilies cafes in Cambridge now: the original on Trumpington Street which opened in 1920, and their smaller and newer branch on Bridge Street. If you’re exploring the centre of Cambridge, the easiest one to visit would probably be on Trumpington Street.
You can actually go for brunch here too, but if you’re just after a mid-morning snack, a Chelsea bun and a coffee is the perfect combo.
Fun Fact: Their buns are so popular, you can actually order a monthly subscription of them! 😀
10. Visit the historic St John’s College
Cost: £10 per adult
Another of the top colleges to visit in Cambridge is St. Johns College. Founded in 1511, this historic institution is one of the University of Cambridge’s most distinguished colleges.
The actual building as well as the surrounding grounds are gorgeous, with detailed architecture, manicured flower beds, and views across the river.
This is another spot that you’ll pass on your punting tour and is also home to the iconic Bridge of Sighs. It’s also pretty popular for photography with its grand archways and decorated courtyards.
11. View the Bridge of Sighs
Cost: Included in either your punting cost or St John’s College entrance fee
Not to be confused with the infamous Bridge of Sighs in Venice, this spectacular bridge connects the Third Court to the New Court in St John’s College. The spectacular covered bridge is one of the prettiest bridges in the city and easily one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
You can actually view this bridge in three different ways: from the water on a punting tour, from the grounds of St John’s College, and by walking over it inside St John’s.
Personally, my favourite view is from the water, because you just can’t beat seeing the bridge’s elegant Neo-Gothic design and intricate stone carvings up close.
12. Explore Corpus Christi College
Cost: £5 per adult
One of the most detailed colleges in Cambridge, Corpus Christi is another must-see in the city. Founded in 1352, the college is designed in a rich blend of medieval and modern styles.
While you’re at the college, be sure to visit the Parker Library, which houses a remarkable collection of manuscripts. The peaceful courtyards, picturesque gardens, and the striking clock tower are also all worth a visit and contribute to its distinctive character.
13. See the Wren Library
Cost: Included in the punting tour. The library is currently closed to the public.
We viewed this library on our punting tour and it’s pretty impressive. Nestled within the exquisite surroundings of Trinity College, the library was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1695. Its history is cool but what it contains is nothing short of amazing.
Its shelves house an awe-inspiring collection of manuscripts, rare books, and treasures that span centuries, including the world-famous Codex Bezae, a fifth-century Greek-Latin New Testament. But, perhaps its most prized possession is a manuscript of Isaac Newton’s “Principia Mathematica,” a groundbreaking work in the history of science.
14. Visit the Cambridge Beer Festival – one of the best things to do in Cambridge for fun
Cost: Free between 12pm – 3pm weekdays. Between £4-£5 during evenings and weekends.
If you enjoy beer, blue skies (hopefully, if the English weather behaves), and Cambridge’s best food trucks, you’ll love the Beer Festival. Held once a year, typically in May, this event is one of the most fun things to do in Cambridge.
Food and drink vendors from up and down the country congregate on Jesus Green to put their best ales, beers, and lagers forward. You’ll find a couple of giant tents filled with rows upon rows of beer barrels and cider kegs. Some of the drinks are the most interesting flavours and you can have so much fun getting little samples of everything to see what you like best.
You do usually have to pay to enter, but you also get a free glass with this. Or, you pay for the glass and get free entry…whichever way you want to look at it! Either way, the glasses are usually limited edition and contain artwork from sponsors which are normally local Cambridge businesses. If you go a few times, you can end up building up quite the collection, plus, you’ll have an amazing time at the festival.
15. Take a peek at the Round Church
Cost: Free
Located in the heart of the city, the Round Church is another curious bit of architecture in Cambridge. Officially named the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, this church was built in the 12th century. Its unique design, combining Romanesque and Norman architectural elements, makes it one of only four round churches in England – so it’s pretty special and well worth a visit.
Top Tip: This is also next to one of the best sweet shops in Cambridge, Hardys, which sells a range of fantastic sweets and candies from around the world. Definitely pop in if you have time.
16. Taste some of the BEST food
Cost: Depends on the restaurant!
Cambridge has so many fantastic restaurants. It’ll honestly take me all day to name them all. But, on top of that, it also has amazing cafes (like Fitzbilies and Hot Numbers), a market square teeming with delicious eats, and some great pop-up food trucks too.
A few of my favourite places to eat in Cambridge include Pho, a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant serving delicious noodle bowls and soups, Pint Shop for an elegant twist on traditional pub food, and Tawa Kitchen, a gorgeous little Indian restaurant. However, take a look at this article for more of the best food spots in Cambridge.
Top Tip: For some of these restaurants (especially Pho and Tawa Kitchen), you might need to book in advance as they can be super popular.
17. See Modern art at Kettle’s Yard
Cost: £10.50 per adult
For artwork like no other, Kettle’s Yard is one of the best things to do in Cambridge. This haven of artistic inspiration and creative contemplation is a unique gem nestled within the city. What makes it super interesting, and completely different to the Fitzwilliam Museum, is that this collection is housed in a house as opposed to a large, elegant building.
Originally the home of Jim and Helen Ede, Kettle’s Yard was transformed into a place of artistic inspiration and contemplation in 2018. Now, it contains an intricate collection of artworks, from modernist masterpieces to contemporary art. The house itself is a work of art too, with carefully curated rooms filled with sculptures, paintings, and found objects that create a harmonious blend of art and everyday life.
18. Go for a walk in some of the city’s parks
Cost: Free
Considering it’s relatively small for a UK city, Cambridge actually has quite a few city parks. In fact, there are about 80 in total! These beautiful green spaces offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life and are the perfect spot for a midday picnic or an evening stroll.
A few of my favourite parks in Cambridge include Parker’s Piece (there are often some good events here), Midsummer Common, and the small but beautiful Paradise Local Nature Reserve.
19. Explore the surrounding villages
Cost: Free
As well as the parks, exploring the charming villages that surround Cambridge also offers a delightful escape from the inner-city madness. From the idyllic thatched cottages of Grantchester to the historic ambience of Saint Ives, each village has its own unique character and stories to tell.
Meandering along country lanes, you can discover centuries-old churches, traditional pubs, and local shops that offer a glimpse into the authentic English charm. You can see orchards, fields, and riverbanks, and truly lose yourself in the stunning views of the Cambridgeshire countryside. Having a wander around the villages and exploring the history of these smaller towns is one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
Top Tip: The walk from Cambridge to Grantchester Meadows is a great way to explore the Cambridge countryside.
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