Cambridge travel guide

Cambridge Tourism | Cambridge Guide

You're Going to Love Cambridge

Famous across the world for its university, Cambridge is more than just a hotbed of academic achievement. It's also a beautiful, fascinating tourist destination, with a romance all its own.

Tour the colleges of the university and walk in the footsteps of figures like Charles Darwin or Oliver Cromwell. Sit in the pews of King's College Chapel to hear the choir perform, before strolling along the Backs and stopping for a drink in the Granta. Or hire punts (long, narrow boats) and drift down to Grantchester to spend the evening in the beer gardens there.

With museums like the Fitzwilliam offering history and artistic masterpieces, and Michelin-starred restaurants like Midsummer House, Cambridge is a delight, and you'll be sure to fall for its charms.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Cambridge

1. The Beautiful University Architecture

Cambridge has been one of the world's great seats of learning since the 1200s and its colleges are an architectural marvel. Visitors can stroll around most of them, including King's, Clare, St John's, Peterhouse, Jesus, Magdalene, and Queens'. All have their own character, and all are worth visiting.

2. Fascinating Museums

Once you've seen the city's colleges, head to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a treasure trove of Egyptian antiquities and artistic masterpieces from major names like Degas and Canaletto. You can also see artifacts from Darwin's voyage on the Beagle at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, a wonderful collection of scientific instruments at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, and a superb exhibition about exploration at the Polar Museum.

3. Cosy Student Pubs and Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Cambridge is also a city of pubs (over 100 actually), with highlights including the Eagle (where Watson and Crick debated the nature of DNA), and the Granta, where diners and drinkers can watch the Cam flow lazily by on the wooden terrace.

4. Punting on the Cam and Strolling Down the Backs

The River Cam lies at the heart of Cambridge life. When the weather is warm, students and tourists alike flock to the punting companies near Queens' College to take their punting pole and test their balance as they glide down the river. You can punt as far as Grantchester if you like, where you'll discover a gorgeous English village.

5. Relive History and Enjoy a Unique Vacation Experience

Cambridge has been home to some of history's great figures, from Charles Darwin and Lord Byron to Stephen Hawking and Samuel Pepys, and Green Badge tour guides can tell you all about it during your stay. For an even more immersive experience, why not book accommodation in Cambridge colleges themselves? Outside the educational calendar, there should be plenty of rooms available.

1. The Beautiful University Architecture

Cambridge has been one of the world's great seats of learning since the 1200s and its colleges are an architectural marvel. Visitors can stroll around most of them, including King's, Clare, St John's, Peterhouse, Jesus, Magdalene, and Queens'. All have their own character, and all are worth visiting.

2. Fascinating Museums

Once you've seen the city's colleges, head to the Fitzwilliam Museum, a treasure trove of Egyptian antiquities and artistic masterpieces from major names like Degas and Canaletto. You can also see artifacts from Darwin's voyage on the Beagle at the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, a wonderful collection of scientific instruments at the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, and a superb exhibition about exploration at the Polar Museum.

3. Cosy Student Pubs and Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Cambridge is also a city of pubs (over 100 actually), with highlights including the Eagle (where Watson and Crick debated the nature of DNA), and the Granta, where diners and drinkers can watch the Cam flow lazily by on the wooden terrace.

4. Punting on the Cam and Strolling Down the Backs

The River Cam lies at the heart of Cambridge life. When the weather is warm, students and tourists alike flock to the punting companies near Queens' College to take their punting pole and test their balance as they glide down the river. You can punt as far as Grantchester if you like, where you'll discover a gorgeous English village.

5. Relive History and Enjoy a Unique Vacation Experience

Cambridge has been home to some of history's great figures, from Charles Darwin and Lord Byron to Stephen Hawking and Samuel Pepys, and Green Badge tour guides can tell you all about it during your stay. For an even more immersive experience, why not book accommodation in Cambridge colleges themselves? Outside the educational calendar, there should be plenty of rooms available.

What to do in Cambridge

1. King's College Chapel: Centuries of Services

King's College at the University of Cambridge is one of the most renowned institutions of higher learning in the world, and the crowning jewel of its campus is this gothic chapel. Events have been held here since the 16th century. Its symmetry is perfect, and the details on the spires stand out to make for a delicate whole. From inside, the great windows let in dazzling light. For more history, take a walk through the atmospheric grounds to Trinity Hall and the Church of St. Mary the Great.

2. Fitzwilliam Museum: Art and Antiquity

The Fitzwilliam Museum welcomes nearly half a million visitors each year, about the same as the number of artworks housed in this regal building. A walk through these galleries seems to cover every time period and style in the the history of art, from antiquity to the present day. Of course the English collection is especially comprehensive, but the museum also boasts such pieces as bas-reliefs from Persepolis. Keep an eye out for events and special exhibitions too.

3. River Cam: From a Different Point of View

One of the most relaxing ways to discover Cambridge is from the water, with a tour along the Cam. This river flows right through Cambridge, and boating is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The classic punt-boat tour is particularly atmospheric, and will bring you past the famous Chapel and Wren Library, under the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge. The history of the city unfolds with every moseying inch forward on the gentle stream.

4. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial: A Worthy Resting Place

Since 1956 this memorial has stood just outside of Cambridge, in honor of the American men and women who died in service during World War II. The chapel on sight offers a beautiful space for reflection, and outside rows upon rows of perfectly aligned white crosses dot the landscape. Nearly half of the American citizens interred on the British Isles rest within this moving corner of England. To this day, visitors place flowers and commemorative items by the anonymous crosses to remember the legacy of these soldiers.

5. Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Multicolored Wonderland

Forty acres of land owned by the University of Cambridge are dedicated to the cultivation and study of thousands of plant and trees. Gardens with unique themes abound, with favorites like the autumn's color garden or the genetics garden, where the process of biological engineering and breeding is shown at its finest. Glass houses also protect foreign plants, meaning alpine flowers and tropical climates are at your fingertips.

1. King's College Chapel: Centuries of Services

King's College at the University of Cambridge is one of the most renowned institutions of higher learning in the world, and the crowning jewel of its campus is this gothic chapel. Events have been held here since the 16th century. Its symmetry is perfect, and the details on the spires stand out to make for a delicate whole. From inside, the great windows let in dazzling light. For more history, take a walk through the atmospheric grounds to Trinity Hall and the Church of St. Mary the Great.

2. Fitzwilliam Museum: Art and Antiquity

The Fitzwilliam Museum welcomes nearly half a million visitors each year, about the same as the number of artworks housed in this regal building. A walk through these galleries seems to cover every time period and style in the the history of art, from antiquity to the present day. Of course the English collection is especially comprehensive, but the museum also boasts such pieces as bas-reliefs from Persepolis. Keep an eye out for events and special exhibitions too.

3. River Cam: From a Different Point of View

One of the most relaxing ways to discover Cambridge is from the water, with a tour along the Cam. This river flows right through Cambridge, and boating is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The classic punt-boat tour is particularly atmospheric, and will bring you past the famous Chapel and Wren Library, under the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge. The history of the city unfolds with every moseying inch forward on the gentle stream.

4. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial: A Worthy Resting Place

Since 1956 this memorial has stood just outside of Cambridge, in honor of the American men and women who died in service during World War II. The chapel on sight offers a beautiful space for reflection, and outside rows upon rows of perfectly aligned white crosses dot the landscape. Nearly half of the American citizens interred on the British Isles rest within this moving corner of England. To this day, visitors place flowers and commemorative items by the anonymous crosses to remember the legacy of these soldiers.

5. Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Multicolored Wonderland

Forty acres of land owned by the University of Cambridge are dedicated to the cultivation and study of thousands of plant and trees. Gardens with unique themes abound, with favorites like the autumn's color garden or the genetics garden, where the process of biological engineering and breeding is shown at its finest. Glass houses also protect foreign plants, meaning alpine flowers and tropical climates are at your fingertips.

1. King's College Chapel: Centuries of Services

King's College at the University of Cambridge is one of the most renowned institutions of higher learning in the world, and the crowning jewel of its campus is this gothic chapel. Events have been held here since the 16th century. Its symmetry is perfect, and the details on the spires stand out to make for a delicate whole. From inside, the great windows let in dazzling light. For more history, take a walk through the atmospheric grounds to Trinity Hall and the Church of St. Mary the Great.

2. Fitzwilliam Museum: Art and Antiquity

The Fitzwilliam Museum welcomes nearly half a million visitors each year, about the same as the number of artworks housed in this regal building. A walk through these galleries seems to cover every time period and style in the the history of art, from antiquity to the present day. Of course the English collection is especially comprehensive, but the museum also boasts such pieces as bas-reliefs from Persepolis. Keep an eye out for events and special exhibitions too.

3. River Cam: From a Different Point of View

One of the most relaxing ways to discover Cambridge is from the water, with a tour along the Cam. This river flows right through Cambridge, and boating is a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. The classic punt-boat tour is particularly atmospheric, and will bring you past the famous Chapel and Wren Library, under the Bridge of Sighs and the Mathematical Bridge. The history of the city unfolds with every moseying inch forward on the gentle stream.

4. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial: A Worthy Resting Place

Since 1956 this memorial has stood just outside of Cambridge, in honor of the American men and women who died in service during World War II. The chapel on sight offers a beautiful space for reflection, and outside rows upon rows of perfectly aligned white crosses dot the landscape. Nearly half of the American citizens interred on the British Isles rest within this moving corner of England. To this day, visitors place flowers and commemorative items by the anonymous crosses to remember the legacy of these soldiers.

5. Cambridge University Botanic Garden: Multicolored Wonderland

Forty acres of land owned by the University of Cambridge are dedicated to the cultivation and study of thousands of plant and trees. Gardens with unique themes abound, with favorites like the autumn's color garden or the genetics garden, where the process of biological engineering and breeding is shown at its finest. Glass houses also protect foreign plants, meaning alpine flowers and tropical climates are at your fingertips.

Where to Eat in Cambridge

Cambridge has plenty to offer food lovers. If cheese is your passion, don't miss the Cambridge Cheese Company. For gourmet meals, Alimentum and Midsummer House are Michelin-starred local highlights, while pubs like the Cambridge Brew House and the Eagle offer gastropub food and great beers. Indian food is another highlight, with a clutch of great restaurants including Navadhanya and Vedanta. Expect to pay £40 or more per head at gourmet restaurants, around £15 for a curry, and between £8 and £15 for pub lunches.

When to visit Cambridge

Cambridge in February
Estimated hotel price
$218
1 night at 3-star hotel
Cambridge in February
Estimated hotel price
$218
1 night at 3-star hotel

If you want to see rowing boats skimming the Cam and the town's arts scene at its liveliest, visiting Cambridge during semester time is a must (October is a good time to go, as are April and May). Summer sees the best weather for punting, but also bigger tourist crowds in the major colleges and museums.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Cambridge

Plane

Cambridge doesn't have its own airport, but it's only about 50 miles from London, so you can fly into any of the capital's main airports. Stansted (STN) is the closest and offers direct rail connections (costing £12.50), but you can easily get from Heathrow to Cambridge via King's Cross at a cost of around £20.

Train

Cambridge Station has a direct connection to central London via King's Cross. Over 100 trains make the journey every day, so there are always convenient departure times. The fare is around £20 and the journey takes about an hour in total.

Car

If you are driving to Cambridge from London, there are two major routes. Firstly, you can take the A1 (M) to St Neots and change onto the A426. Alternatively, you can take the M11 straight to Cambridge. The A14 links Cambridge to Norfolk, while the A1 (M) also connects the city to the North.

Bus

Cambridge bus station is very close to the center of town (much closer than the train station) and is served by National Express and Megabus. National Express link the city to London, while Megabus provides a handy link between Oxford and Cambridge if you want to see both university cities.

Plane

Cambridge doesn't have its own airport, but it's only about 50 miles from London, so you can fly into any of the capital's main airports. Stansted (STN) is the closest and offers direct rail connections (costing £12.50), but you can easily get from Heathrow to Cambridge via King's Cross at a cost of around £20.

Train

Cambridge Station has a direct connection to central London via King's Cross. Over 100 trains make the journey every day, so there are always convenient departure times. The fare is around £20 and the journey takes about an hour in total.

Car

If you are driving to Cambridge from London, there are two major routes. Firstly, you can take the A1 (M) to St Neots and change onto the A426. Alternatively, you can take the M11 straight to Cambridge. The A14 links Cambridge to Norfolk, while the A1 (M) also connects the city to the North.

Bus

Cambridge bus station is very close to the center of town (much closer than the train station) and is served by National Express and Megabus. National Express link the city to London, while Megabus provides a handy link between Oxford and Cambridge if you want to see both university cities.

Airports near Cambridge

Airlines serving Cambridge

Lufthansa
Good (4,490 reviews)
KLM
Good (824 reviews)
SWISS
Good (912 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,284 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,611 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,253 reviews)
Air France
Good (972 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,533 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (482 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,845 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,112 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,460 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (219 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (801 reviews)
Finnair
Good (898 reviews)
LOT
Good (672 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,116 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (889 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (5,277 reviews)
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Where to stay in Cambridge

Cambridge City Center - the heart of Cambridge is clustered around Market Square and King's College. It's where you'll find stores like John Lewis and Heffers Booksellers (the largest book store), excellent restaurants like the Gardenia and Varsity, and many of the oldest colleges, including Peterhouse, St John's, and Magdalene.

Popular Neighborhoods in Cambridge

The Backs - the Backs are found east of Queen's Road and run alongside the River Cam just to the west of the city center. This is the place to watch university rowers honing their skills, or it's a great place to obtain the best views of King's College Chapel.

Grantchester - made famous by the poet Rupert Brooke, Grantchester is a gorgeous village just south of Cambridge that can be reached by punt or beautiful footpaths along the Cam. You'll find some of the best pubs in the area like the Red Lion and even upmarket hotels like Anstey Hall Hotel. It's an idyllic place to base yourself as you explore Cambridge.

The Backs - the Backs are found east of Queen's Road and run alongside the River Cam just to the west of the city center. This is the place to watch university rowers honing their skills, or it's a great place to obtain the best views of King's College Chapel.
Grantchester - made famous by the poet Rupert Brooke, Grantchester is a gorgeous village just south of Cambridge that can be reached by punt or beautiful footpaths along the Cam. You'll find some of the best pubs in the area like the Red Lion and even upmarket hotels like Anstey Hall Hotel. It's an idyllic place to base yourself as you explore Cambridge.

Where to stay in popular areas of Cambridge

Most booked hotels in Cambridge

ibis Cambridge Central Station
3 stars
Excellent (8.2, Excellent reviews)
$150+
Rectory Farm
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$118+
Holiday Inn Express Cambridge
3 stars
Good (7.8, Good reviews)
$117+
Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road
2 stars
Good (7.5, Good reviews)
$82+
Ramada Cambridge
3 stars
Good (6.7, Good reviews)
$87+

How to Get Around Cambridge

Public Transportation

The center of Cambridge and almost all of the colleges can be seen on foot or by bicycle with ease. However, there's also a useful local bus network, which is particularly handy for getting to and from the station. You pay for tickets on the bus and prices vary up to a maximum of £2, while day passes cost £4.10.

Taxi

If you want to see all of the colleges, churches, and museums in Cambridge, hopping between them by taxi is another option worth thinking about, but it's not cheap. For example, a trip from the gates of King's to Jesus College's entrance will cost around £4.50.

Car

Visitors who base themselves in the outskirts of Cambridge or Grantchester will find a rental car is very handy. Companies operating in Cambridge include Thrifty, Avis, and Europcar and rates start at around £15 per day. However, the local government makes it tough to drive around the center of town, preferring that drivers use the numerous Park and Ride services instead. A good option is to park outside the center and walk in, or just save your vehicle for trips to nearby attractions like Ely.

Public Transportation

The center of Cambridge and almost all of the colleges can be seen on foot or by bicycle with ease. However, there's also a useful local bus network, which is particularly handy for getting to and from the station. You pay for tickets on the bus and prices vary up to a maximum of £2, while day passes cost £4.10.

Taxi

If you want to see all of the colleges, churches, and museums in Cambridge, hopping between them by taxi is another option worth thinking about, but it's not cheap. For example, a trip from the gates of King's to Jesus College's entrance will cost around £4.50.

Car

Visitors who base themselves in the outskirts of Cambridge or Grantchester will find a rental car is very handy. Companies operating in Cambridge include Thrifty, Avis, and Europcar and rates start at around £15 per day. However, the local government makes it tough to drive around the center of town, preferring that drivers use the numerous Park and Ride services instead. A good option is to park outside the center and walk in, or just save your vehicle for trips to nearby attractions like Ely.

The Cost of Living in Cambridge

Shopping Streets

If you want to shop for Cambridge University-branded souvenirs, there are plenty of stores in town selling hooded tops, caps, and other items. The best places in town for general shopping are probably John Lewis and Lion Yard in the town center, or the Grafton Centre, where you'll find chains like Next and Debenhams. There's also a lively market in Market Square that sells everything from leather goods to fruit and vegetables.

Groceries and Other

The center of Cambridge includes supermarkets like Marks and Spencer and Sainsbury's, which are good places to stock up on groceries, as is the large branch of Waitrose in Trumpington. Prices won't be too high, at around £3.50 for a gallon of milk and £2.50 for a sandwich and a drink.

Cheap meal
$28.92
A pair of jeans
$131.31
Single public transport ticket
$4.73
Cappuccino
$4.70
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