{"id":11331,"date":"2020-02-19T13:00:58","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T13:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog?p=11331"},"modified":"2025-07-23T16:50:43","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T15:50:43","slug":"things-to-do-in-cambridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldentours.com\/travelblog\/things-to-do-in-cambridge","title":{"rendered":"A Day Out of London \u2013 Things To Do in Cambridge"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Feeling like you need a break from London? Why not switch the madness of the capital for the quaint charm of Cambridge, the iconic University City that\u2019s just over an hour away from London. Have a look at our guide to discover the many wonderful things this historic city has on offer\u2026<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Hint:<\/em> There\u2019s a lot more to Cambridge than its world-famous University!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What To See<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cambridge has been around for centuries (the university was founded in 1209), so it\u2019s no surprise that it\u2019s full of historical and beautiful sites. In fact, Cambridge has one of the highest concentrations of preserved historic buildings in England. The fact that it sits on the River Cam helps too, making it a pretty idyllic, postcard-worthy location.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Must-see landmarks include the University\u2019s 31 college buildings, such as King\u2019s College and King\u2019s College Chapel, Corpus Christi College, and St John\u2019s College to name a few. Expect lots of honey-coloured buildings, spires and stunning structures that\u2019ll make you feel like you\u2019ve stepped back in time!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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King’s College<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
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\"Corpus\r\n
Corpus Christi College<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n
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St John’s College<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

An absolute must when travelling to Cambridge is the Backs, which refers to the beautiful colleges\u2019 grounds along the riverside. This is what dreams (and postcards) are made of. If you\u2019re lucky with the weather, why not sit back and relax as you watch people attempt punting, one of the city\u2019s most popular activities.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Backs<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

A particular favourite landmark is the beautiful Bridge of Sighs, a covered bridge that connects the Third and New Courts of St John\u2019s College. Officially called \u2018New Bridge\u2019 when unveiled in 1831, people began to name it after the famous bridge in Venice \u2013 a title which has stuck for the most part of two centuries. Legend has it that the sighs refer to those the students make before entering their exams. Although regarded as a myth, this is a tale we choose to believe! Given its photogenic appearance, it\u2019s no wonder it was Queen Victoria\u2019s favourite spot in Cambridge. It even showed up in the film The Theory of Everything<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Bridge of Sighs<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Another fascinating bridge is the Mathematical Bridge, a wooden footbridge in Queen\u2019s College formed by a series of tangents. This sophisticated, eye-catching design was built back in 1749 and has been rebuilt on two occasions ever since.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Mathematical Bridge<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

What To Do<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cambridge is undoubtedly a place for those with a thirst for knowledge, featuring more museums and galleries within a square mile than any other city in the UK outside of London. With museums as diverse as the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology<\/a>, the Cambridge Museum of Technology<\/a> and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science<\/a>, you\u2019re bound to learn a thing or two while exploring this hotspot of scholars and intellectuals!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Fitz William Museum<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Love dinosaurs and natural history? Don\u2019t miss the Sedwig Museum of Earth Sciences<\/a> and the university’s Museum of Zoology<\/a>. The FitzWilliam Museum<\/a> dazzles art lovers with its striking interiors as well as the 500,000 historical artworks it stores. A plant and garden enthusiast? Drop by the stunning Botanic Gardens<\/a>, which cover 40 acres of parkland in the heart of the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The Botanic Gardens<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

If it\u2019s great views you\u2019re after, climb up the 123 steps of Great St Mary\u2019s Church<\/a>‘s tower for the ultimate panoramic view of Cambridge.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Great St Mary’s Church<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

For a fascinating piece of Cambridge and Victorian history, step into the David Parr House<\/a>. Time has stood still at this incredible terraced house, bought in 1886 by David Parr. The working-class decorative artist decorated the house in the style of the 19th<\/sup> century Arts and Crafts movement. To this day, its decor remains largely intact, making for an unforgettable visit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Fancy something a little more active? Well if you\u2019d rather take part in punting rather than just be a passer-by, we offer our very own punting tour<\/a>. Who needs Venice when you\u2019ve got Cambridge?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Punting in Cambridge<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where To Eat<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019ve got time to venture past the high street, there are plenty of places in Cambridge where you can grab a quick bite, tuck into a sumptuous meal or even enjoy some live music.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Indigo Coffee House<\/strong> is\u00a0loved by locals thanks to its good coffee, light lunches and tasty cakes. Space is limited as it\u2019s a small and fuss-free joint, but you can sit outside if the weather allows it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Coffee fans and trend-seekers might want to try out one of the two branches of independent coffee roasters Hot Numbers<\/strong>, a stylish business that trades ethically sourced Arabica beans, serves a delectable Aussie-inspired brunch and hosts gigs at its Gwydir Street location.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Family-run caf\u00e9 The Locker<\/strong> exudes as much charm as it does coolness. Founded by a father and son, The Locker does not only serve coffee, homemade cakes and light meals made from locally sourced produce, but also boasts homemade pottery (the tea and hot chocolate cups are made by one of the founders and are available to purchase), art exhibitions throughout the year and gigs. Talk about ticking all the right boxes\u2026<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Looking for an elegant yet comfortable wining and dining experience? The Oak Bistro<\/strong> is an independent restaurant that serves classic British and European dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Credit: The Oak Bistro<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Offering a both modern\u00a0and traditional take\u00a0on two very British dishes, Architect<\/strong> allows you to create your very own fish and chip<\/a> and pie and mash combo. Comfort food at its very best.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As its name indicates, the Old Bicycle Shop<\/strong> once sold bicycles \u2013 Charles Darwin may have even bought himself a bike there in the 1800s! The famed bicycle shop might have closed its doors in 2013 but its legacy lives on, with the space getting a new lease on life as a casual dining restaurant. Open all day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and with a tempting cocktail list available, the Old Bicycle Shop also cleverly plays tribute to the location\u2019s past with its rustic, cosy interiors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Where To Drink<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As scholarly as Cambridge may be, let\u2019s not forget it is a University City \u2013 meaning there are plenty of places where the bookish can let their hair down and enjoy a drink (or two).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Like your drinks mixed in with a bit of history and the option of having some quintessentially British pub grub? Pay a visit to the Eagle Pub<\/strong>. This centuries-old venue is the very spot where scientists Jim Watson and Francis Crick announced that they had discovered \u2018the secret of life\u2019; the structure of DNA. Plus, don\u2019t forget to check out the ceiling to spot the signatures of RAF pilots, who made their mark there after coming back from the Second World War.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Credit: The Eagle<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Located in the basement of what were once Roman Baths (not to be confused with the Roman Baths in Bath<\/a>), the aptly named \u2013 and very stylish \u2013 Hidden Rooms<\/strong> is likely to serve you any fancy drink and cocktail you wish. Head there if you\u2019re up for some live music, dance classes and all kinds of happenings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Credit: Hidden Rooms<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Drinks with a view? Reach for new heights and take a seat at The Varsity Hotel\u2019s SIX brasserie and bar<\/strong>, or the luxe roof terrace<\/strong> during the summer. Both spots serve delicious cocktails (SIX has a varied food menu too) with Cambridge\u2019s skyline in the backdrop.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pressed for time, or hoping to see Oxford too? You can check out our Cambridge and Oxford tour here<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Don’t forget to tag us in your adventures @goldentoursuk<\/a>!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n