Cambridge is a wonderfully diverse and historic city and an iconic city of culture and education when you consider the university buildings too. It’s also just a short train ride from London to Cambridge, so even if you’re staying in the capital, it’s a city you really shouldn’t miss out on.
But if you only have a day or even a weekend to spend in this incredible and unique city, what should you be doing to get the most out of it? Allow us to help you out.
Tour the city on two wheels
The city is very well set up for bikes and locals on foot are more than used to dodging wayward wheels. It’s just small enough to be able to explore most of the sights without getting too out of breath and there are loads of cycle paths and road markings to make it a safer and more relaxing experience.
Take a punt down the river
One of the best ways to see the city is to partake in the city’s favourite pastime and you don’t even need to use your own muscles to do so. Book a gondolier-like guide to navigate the River Cam for you and you’ll also be treated to some true local knowledge.
Go on a University tour
When somebody mentions Cambridge the first thing you’ll probably think of is Cambridge Uni, which dominates the city Centre. Spending an afternoon simply strolling the grounds, taking in the majesty of King’s College Chapel and getting lost in the architecture is highly recommended.
Check out the greenery of the botanic gardens
Some 40 acres of gorgeously green gardens are owned by Cambridge University, so if you’re planning on taking in one of the world’s most famous educational establishments, you might as well stick around a while longer and take in some of the UK’s best greenery. It genuinely feels as if you’ve stumbled into an enchanted wood in the middle of a major city and is an exceptional place to have a picnic if nothing else.
Book tickets for a festival
Cambridge has many festivals to choose from, for lovers of art, science, music, food, and more. If you are into anything evenly remotely artistic then there’s probably a Cambridge festival to sink your teeth into. And even if there isn’t the weekend you’re visiting, there’s the famous Heffer’s bookshop, which is honestly more of a literary playground than a mere bookshop.
Check out the history of computers
If you’re something or a nerd then the Centre for Computing History might just be your new favourite tourist attraction in the UK. Explore the world’s largest microprocessor, every games console ever released (including dozens that you’ve probably never even heard of) and immerse yourself in the invention that changed the world.
