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Cambridge

Cambridge University and the River Cam © Shutterstock / Pajor Pawel

Cambridge

Boasting one of the world’s most prestigious universities, Cambridge is a town brimming with history, tradition and scholarly charm.

Cambridge at a glance

  • At the heart of this spectacular destination is Cambridge University, 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.

  • You could spend the day in the bustling market square or punt lazily down the River Cam - either way, Cambridge is a truly idyllic place to explore.

  • Enjoy a relaxing walk through Cambridge University Botanic Garden, or admire the shining 24-carat gold Grasshopper - the Corpus Clock - on Corpus Christi College's Taylor Library.

  • Be sure to seek refreshment in one of the town’s many tearooms. Fitzbillies, which has been around since the 1920s, is a Cambridge institution and a cosy spot for a traditional afternoon tea.

  • Did you know? People like to visit the nearby Cambridgeshire Fens for leisurely canal holidays. Companies such as Fox Narrowboats offer boats for hire on a daily or weekly basis.

  • This historic city is around 50 minutes north east of London by train.
Punting on the River Cam, Cambridge © VisitBritain / Jon Attenborough
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A hub of innovation and creativity housing the University of Cambridge, an institution dating back more than 800 years, the city of Cambridge is a hotbed of history, architecture and heritage. From spying the splendour of the King’s College Chapel, one of 31 colleges, to visiting the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cambridge. Take a punt on the River Cam to see the renowned Cambridge College Backs and to 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 scholars and find out how a Cambridge visit can create lasting memories.

Things to do in Cambridge

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Where is Cambridge?

Situated around 50 miles northeast of London in the heart of Cambridgeshire, Cambridge is 30 miles from Stansted Airport (around 40 minutes by car and 30 minutes by train) which serves more than 140 global destinations. You can also drive to Cambridge from London Luton Airport in around an hour, while the journey takes less than two hours by train. National Express routes from London take just over an hour.

Getting around Cambridge

Cambridge is highly accessible by road and rail. The faster trains from London King’s Cross to Cambridge take around 50 minutes, hourly services from London Liverpool Street take slightly longer. Once you’re in Cambridge, the best way to explore is on foot, although there are a wealth of reliable public transport options too. Note that face coverings must be worn on public transport. If you want to see the spectacular Ely Cathedral, trains north from Cambridge to Ely take 15-20 minutes.

  • Several companies hire punts on the River Cam and offer chauffeured tours, providing an alternative way of seeing the university and its striking architecture

BY FOOT

The main attractions and things to do in Cambridge can easily be explored on foot and you can walk from one side of the city centre to the other in under 20 minutes. Several companies also offer guided walking tours or you can grab a booklet from one of the Cambridge Tourist Information centres and see the sights at your own pace.

BY BUS

Stagecoach East provides regular services in central Cambridge and to the surrounding towns and villages. You can pick from an array of ticket options on board, or download the Stagecoach app to get tickets in advance of travel. Park and Ride services from five locations at Milton, Newmarket Road, Babraham Road, Trumington and Madingley Road are a quick and convenient alternative, with contactless payment preferred. Cash payments are accepted but you will need the correct fare.

BY BIKE

If you want to discover the city at your own pace or see places to visit near Cambridge, the city has several bike hire companies that can help you to get around. Some even offer guided tours which can add another dimension to your Cambridge visit.