The historic city of Cambridge nestled along the River Cam is a must visit English down to add to your next day trip from London. Explore the iconic Kings College and other parts of The University of Cambridge or perhaps spend your day punting along the river.
Looking for another day trip? Check out Best Day Trips from London By Train: Places to visit by Train from London
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How to get to Cambridge?
Cambridge enjoys a direct railway connection with London, offering a variety of services that cater to different travel preferences. Some of these services provide faster more express routes to Cambridge. The train journey from London Kings Cross range from around 50 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes, this also changes the pricing of the ticket that you choose. All Cambridge train tickets can be purchased through Trainline.
If you would like someone else to organise a day tour for you, you can enjoy an Oxford and Cambridge Day Tour from London. These bus tours start and end at London Victoria and take you on a full day to discover both University towns.
When to visit Cambridge?
As Cambridge is a University town depending on term times it can become a very busy place. The times that are the busiest with students are the weeks learning up to the start of a new year, end of August to start of September, where you have all the new students coming for orientation as well as students who are visiting to look into the possibilities to apply for the following year. Another time to avoid in Cambridge is the end of year around June and July when graduations are beginning.
Cambridge is a beautiful place to visit when the sun is shinning. Many of the activities in Cambridge are based outside, the best time to visit would be in May or June and then again in September or October. However if you can also get a nice clear day any other time of the year it is definitely worth taking a day trip to Cambridge.
What to do in Cambridge?
Visit the University
Cambridge founded in 1209 is the 3rd oldest continuously operational university in the world. As it is still an operational university there are some parts of the university in which you cannot visit at particular times so please be aware of this before heading to the city. It make be best to book a City and University Tour including King’s College or another university tour to be able to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide.
Enjoy a Walking Tour
Walking tours are always a great way to begin your time in a new city. The walking tours in Cambridge are mostly hosted by students from the university which allows you to get an inside perspective on Cambridge university life. When we are in Cambridge we used Foot Prints Walking Tours which is a free walking tour however please remember to tip your guide at the end.
Go Punting on the River Cam
Punting is one of the biggest attractions in Cambridge. when you arrive at the station there are people there ready to help you sign up to tours from several different companies. If you are going on the weekend it is very busy and if you have not pre-booked then you may be waiting in a queue for a very long time. If you would like to prebook you can check out Cambridge Punting Tours through Get Your Guide.
Want a Romantic weekend away? Read our guide on Best Romantic Weekend Breaks from London: UK Getaways by Car or Train
Where to eat in Cambridge?
Fitzbillies
Fitzbillies founded in 1920 is a traditional bakery in Cambridge. They specialise in their famous Chelsea Buns made from sweet dough filled with currants and glazed with a sticky sugar topping. Every year Fitzbillies makes over 200,000 Chelsea Buns, these sell out fast so make sure to get one as soon as you arrive into Cambridge.
Bould Brothers Coffee
After arriving in Cambridge on your walk to the university you will pass by Bould Brother Coffee which we would recommend as your first stop of the day. Their coffee is amazing and they also have a cabinet of healthy treats to kick off your day in Cambridge.
Jacks Gelato
If you have visited Cambridge on a sunny day or perhaps you just feel like something sweet then check out Jacks Gelato. This was honestly some of the best gelato in the UK and it is well worth the question if you have to wait. They also have a queue jump collection where you can order online and then collect your order.
Eagle
The Eagle Pub is one of the city’s oldest inns. It was here in 1953 that Francis Crick and James Watson with the help of Rosalind Franklin made their groundbreaking revelation about the structure of DNA. The pub is also well known for having the names of World War II airmen etched into the bars wooden walls. When in the city it is definitely worth coming for a drink in this historic pub.
Cambridge Market Square
Cambridge Market square located near Guildhall and the Great St. Mary’s Church is an excellent spot to stop for lunch on a sunny day. The market is open 10am – 4pm everyday and has a range of stalls from art, clothes, jewellery, books and records. There is also a large range of food stalls at the market including waffles, Thai food, falafel, Chinese food and much more. It also has a range of seating around the market so you can take your food and enjoy eating it nearby.
Where to stay in Cambridge?
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
University Arms Hotel
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1 Comment
Loved this! Added to list of things to do from London