The small city of Cambridge, is one of the best-known cities in the world thanks to its University. Both the University of Cambridge and the charming university town that has grown up around its many Colleges, are among the must-visit places for anyone visiting or living in London. The two cities are only 49km apart, and the journey can comfortably be made by train in under 1 hour.
Cambridge University
The University of Cambridge is the fourth oldest university in the world, and the second oldest in England, after Oxford. History has it that the University was founded by a group of students who left the neighbouring University of Oxford after a fierce dispute in the year 1209.
The University is made up of different Colleges, 31 in total, as completely independent institutions that nevertheless belong to the University of Cambridge. Some of the most notable Colleges are King’s College, Queens’ or Trinity College, although all of them are highly prestigious and stand out for focusing more or less on certain academic subjects.
The University of Cambridge during its 800 years of history, has educated a great number of famous figures such as the notable Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin, among many others.
Most of the Colleges in Cambridge are located around the city centre, and many of them open their doors to visitors and the curious (except during exam periods, when admission is reserved for students only). However, the city of Cambridge has many more interesting things beyond its University that you can't miss.
Below I tell you the best things to see and do in Cambridge:
King’s College Chapel
Probably one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The façade of the chapel was built in the 14th century, so both inside and out it is characterised by details typical of Gothic architecture, such as its large stained-glass window and two spiral turrets at the top. Today the chapel serves as a place of worship, as well as hosting celebrations of the College.
The chapel, like the Campus, is open to visitors all year round, although to enter the chapel you need to buy a ticket costing 9 pounds.
The Fitzwilliam Museum
If you are interested in art and history, you will love the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. The gallery was founded in 1816 by the will of Viscount Fitzwilliam, who donated thousands of modern works of art as well as historical pieces of great value.
Some of the most notable artists whose works are on display in the museum are Picasso, Van Gogh, Rembrandt or Canaletto, among many others. You can also see works of art from historically significant periods such as Ancient Egypt, Rome and classical Greece.
A visit to this great museum is without a doubt well worth it, and admission is completely free.
Botanic Gardens
One of the most recommended alternative things to do in Cambridge is to visit the botanic gardens. They are on the outskirts of Cambridge, though easily reached on foot. The garden has more than 8000 species of plants, glasshouses, an important selection of plants of British origin, a lake and much more.
Visiting the botanic gardens is the perfect plan to rest and switch off from the bustle of the city, while enjoying an interesting collection of plants from all over the world. The gardens are open all year round, although they are at their best from spring to summer. The entrance ticket costs 6 pounds for adults.
Getting around the city by bike
Exploring Cambridge by bike is not only the best way to discover the corners of the city, it is also more fun, quicker and cheaper. It is super easy to visit its more than 30 Campuses, its green spaces or the charming old town riding a bike like a true local. And of course, you don't need to bring your own bike, as there are several bike rental shops in the city, some for as little as £1 a day.
-Rutland Cycle
-Bicycle Ambulance
-Primo Cycles
A boat on the river to see the city
Absolutely essential. «Punting» on the River Cam is an incredible experience that lets you see the essentials of Cambridge in the most traditional way: by boat. You can book a «Chauffeured tour» of about 40-50 minutes in which a «chauffeur» will pilot the boat in the most traditional way: by oar. While you enjoy the views of Cambridge from the river, the chauffeur will tell you the history and legends of the city.
Some of the sights that the river tour passes are:
- King’s College
- Bridge of Sighs
- ADC Theatre
- St. John’s College
If you fancy a group visit, at your own pace, or trying out for yourself the experience of piloting one of these peculiar boats, you can also hire a boat without the tour. Some «Punting» companies that offer this kind of service are Go Punting Cambridge, or Traditional Punting. Along the river you will also find many more companies that let you book your trip on the river on the same day.
The Eagle, the pub with the most history
The Eagle, right in the centre of Cambridge is not just a traditional pub. The pub, opened in 1667, besides its traditional English charm, is also known as the place chosen by famous University of Cambridge students to spend their free time and even celebrate the discoveries of their research.
This was the case with Crick and Watson, the discoverers of DNA. During the Second World War it was also known for welcoming British navy pilots, some of whom left their mark in the form of photographs and writings that can still be seen on the walls of the pub.
Tour of the Universities
Visiting the Colleges of the University of Cambridge is without a doubt a must for anyone who visits the city. Its more than 31 institutions, along with their legendary buildings and gardens, give identity to the city of Cambridge. If you want to enjoy the essence of the city, it is essential that you explore its most characteristic corners, such as the «Mathematical Bridge» of Queen College or the Great Church of St. Mary.
On the official Visit Cambridge website you can book one of these tours, which will take you to the most characteristic places in the city. The price is around 20-30 pounds for several hours of guided visit.
However, if you prefer to do a tour on your own, here is a list of what you can't miss:
-St. John’s College
-Mathematical Bridge (Queen’s College)
-Aglesey Abbey
-Trinity College
What else to do near London
Don't miss the previous post on Places to visit from London, where I tell you more about places that are well worth visiting easily from London. More things to see and do in London here.
Written by Raquel Rozada, IG: raquelrtis
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