TRAVEL GUIDE
Cambridge
Welcome to Cambridge
Famed for its prestigious university, quaint Cambridge is a city of immense history and heritage. But Cambridge offers so much more than ancient colleges and magnificent architecture. It’s a city where charm and tradition meets cosmopolitan energy and romance.
Experience the exciting dining scene, immerse yourself in the cosy café culture, or seek out the best bars for late night cocktails. Independent shops and cafés beckon you in, while boutique hotels welcome you with open arms.
Cambridge is abound with beautiful outdoor spaces, making it easy to forget that you’re in a thriving city. It’s a haven for outdoor activities, from exploring by bike or on foot to taking to the river by punt or paddleboard. As a dog-friendly city, your furry companion needn’t miss out either.
Contents
Top things to do in Cambridge
Popular activities
🚣 Punting
👻 Ghost tour
🚲 Go for a cycle
⛪️ Climb St Mary’s Tower
👩🎓 University college tour
Places to visit
🌺 Botanic Garden
⏰ Corpus Clock
📚 Haunted Bookshop
🖼️ Fitzwilliam Museum
🎨 Kettle’s Yard
Popular activities
🚣 Punting
👻 Ghost tour
🚲 Go for a cycle
⛪️ Climb St Mary’s Tower
👩🎓 University college tour
Places to visit
🌺 Botanic Garden
⏰ Corpus Clock
📚 Haunted Bookshop
🖼️ Fitzwilliam Museum
🎨 Kettle’s Yard
Where to eat and drink in Cambridge
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
Restaurant 22 ⭐🥦🌾
Midsummer House ⭐🌾
Pint Shop 🥦🌾
Cafés
Bould Brothers
Fitzbillies
Espresso Lane
Brunch
The Locker 🥦🌾
Cafe Blue Sage 🥦🌾
Shelley & Sarah’s
Bars
Bar -OH
Bar196
Millworks
My top picks
⭐ Michelin star
🥦 Vegan friendly
🌾 Gluten free options
Restaurants
Restaurant 22 ⭐🥦🌾
Midsummer House ⭐🌾
Pint Shop 🥦🌾
Cafés
Bould Brothers
Fitzbillies
Espresso Lane
Brunch
The Locker 🥦🌾
Cafe Blue Sage 🥦🌾
Shelley & Sarah’s
Bars
Bar -OH
Bar196
Millworks
Where to stay in Cambridge
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
My top picks
💧 Swimming pool
🧖♀️ Spa facilities
Best time to visit Cambridge
Spring: March – May
I think there’s something special about visiting Cambridge in the spring. The days are getting longer, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the colleges are looking their very best.
The beautiful Botanic Garden is a particular highlight in spring. Plus, look out for various Easter events, spring festivals and activities.
Summer: June – August
The warmer weather of the summer months provides the perfect setting for wandering around the city. Although more visitors flock to Cambridge in the summer, the students are away for their summer holidays.
You cannot miss picnicking on the green spaces or going for a punt down the river in summer.
Autumn: September – November
The autumn is one of my favourite times to visit Cambridge, as the city takes on a romantic atmosphere. The leaves turn red and gold, the air is crisp, and the various pubs and restaurants beckon.
Wander the cobbled streets with a hot chocolate in hand, punt down the river wrapped up in a blanket or simply cosy up in a Cambridge café.
Winter: December – February
Cambridge is utterly magical in the winter months, as the city is adorned with Christmas lights and festivities start to ramp up. The Christmas markets are a highlight, selling everything from handmade gifts to festive food and drink.
If you’re lucky enough to experience snowfall, the iconic university buildings look stunning when blanketed in snow.
Cambridge map
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Frequently asked questions
How to get around Cambridge?
There are two main ways to get around Cambridge: on foot and by bike. The city is pretty flat and has been consciously designed to minimise the need to drive anywhere.
You can hire bikes from City Cycle Hire or Grounds Cycle Centre at Milton Country Park. If you’re staying at the University Arms hotel, then you can use their bikes for free.
Other than getting from the train station to the centre of the city, you’re not likely to need taxis when visiting Cambridge. If you do, there are usually plenty which are readily available at the station.
How long to spend in Cambridge?
Cambridge is doable as a day trip – but to really experience all that this city has to offer, I recommend spending two nights here. It’ll give you a chance to tick off all the best things to do in Cambridge, plus you can explore the city at a more leisurely pace.
Is Cambridge a good day trip from London?
Cambridge is a fantastic day trip from London. There is a direct train from London Kings Cross to Cambridge which takes only 47 minutes! It’s the perfect way to escape the chaos of London and experience a more quaint and charming city.
Is Cambridge expensive?
Cambridge is one of the most expensive cities in the UK outside of London. But it is of course possible to visit the city on a budget if you plan carefully.
Are there Christmas markets in Cambridge?
Yes, I consider the Cambridge Christmas market to be a highlight of visiting the city in December. It features nearly 60 local artisans, crafters and makers, plus a programme of entertainment.
