Cambridge is a magical place to learn, shop, or just take it in. Everywhere you go feels like something straight out of a postcard. Several of the places suggested have such a historical significance with dates going all the way back to the 1100s. Here is our list of top things to do in Cambridge, England.
1. Go see Market Square
The market square is a bustling outdoor market that has literally everything you could ever want to buy. Indulge your sweet tooth with pastries or even get a full course meal. Arts and craftstalented artists, paintings, sculptures and photographers are also scattered throughout the market. Get fresh produce from local farmers on your weekly grocery trip. The market is open on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and perfect for those doing a weekend getaway.
Market Square
Address: Market St, Cambridge CB2 3PA, UK
Website: Market Square
2. Get drinks at The Eagle
Classified as a “drinking and thinking” pub, the Eagle is a great place to grab some drinks and see where history took place. In 1953, Franic Crick and James Watson had a meeting at this very pub and announced a proposal of the big discovery of the double helix DNA. To honor this discovery, the pub offers a drink called the Eagle’s DNA. Hang out here and maybe you will come up with the world’s next big finding.
The Eagle
Address: 8 Benet Street, Cambridge CB2 3QN, UK
Website: Eagle Pub
3. Check out the Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock is a large golden clock outside the Taylor Library at Cambridge University. It is also known as one of the world’s strangest clocks, due to it having a large grasshopper that rests on top of it and slits that mark the time. Stephen Hawking unveiled the clock, which was created by John Taylor. The grasshopper is there because it represents “time eating.” The clock is a great picture opportunity for people touring around the area.
Corpus Clock
Address: 58 Trumpington St, Cambridge CB2 1RH, UK
Website: Corpus Clock
Tip from tour guide
Corpus Clock got its name because it's attached to Corpus Christi College. It was designed by John Taylor, who was a student at Corpus Christi. He developed the mechanism that electric kettles use to click off, so he made a lot of money. With some of this money, he decided he was going to give something back to his college. So he designed this clock. On the top of it, you can see a grasshopper. The grasshopper is very fierce with big eyes and big claws. He's called an eater of time, which in Greek, is a chronophage. The whole thing is meant to make you realise that time is passing by, and with it, all the pleasures of life. So, you have to take full advantage of every little bit of your life. It sounds like chains falling on a coffin to reinforce this message.
It's only accurate once every five minutes.
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4. Take an educational tour at the local colleges
Cambridge has so many gorgeous colleges that are historical it is hard to see them all. But one of the top things to do in Cambridge is to take a stroll through these universities because of the incredible architecture and beauty of the campuses. Among the popular colleges to visit are the following: Cambridge College, King’s College, Queen’s College, Trinity College, Peterhouse College, Pembroke College, St. Johns College, and Westminster College.
Cambridge University even offers a beautiful botanic garden to take a stroll through. Walk through these colleges and be envious of the students who get to spend all their time studying there. Don’t forget to stop by all the amazing libraries!
University of Cambridge
Address: Trinity Ln., CB2 1TN Cambridge, UK
Website: University of Cambridge
Cambridge Tour Guide
Rosemary Engelmann
I am a member of the Institute of Tourist Guiding and have been working as a guide in Cambridge for seven years. I really love showing visitors around this beautiful, historic city with its University buildings, student traditions and wide open spaces. There is always something going on which makes it such an exciting place to visit! When not working, I enjoy exploring the museums and market... Read more
Tours by Rosemary
Cambridge Tour Guide
Manuel Serrano
I retell the history of Cambridge through stories. Stories of some well-known (Isaac Newton), some not (John Harington) men and women who have influenced many fields of human activity, be it education, politics, sport, science, art, religion, etc. I do walking tours in Spanish (my native language) and also in English. I am allowed to guide inside several colleges of Cambridge University.
Tours by Manuel
5. Check out one of the many local museums
The city of learning has other ways to learn besides visiting the many colleges they have. Visit a local museum to learn about a variety of topics. One popular destination is the Center of Computing History. The interactive museum dives into the developments of digital technology over the past 60 years. The center is great for all ages and even includes some arcade games!
Another museum that is popular to check out is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which has one of the biggest art collections in all of England. Come here to see different types of art from the most famous artists through the centuries. With five different art departments to explore, this trip might fill up your day.
Center of Computing History
Address: Rene Court, Coldham’s Rd., CB1 3EW Cambridge, UK
Website: Center of Computing History
Fitzwilliam Museum
Address: Trumpington St., CB2 1RB Cambridge, UK (Part of Cambridge University)
Website: Fitzwilliam Museum
6. Take a boat ride at The Backs
The Backs is an area that shows the backs of several colleges in Cambridge. The picturesque region has a river that you can take a boat ride down to see some of the beautiful landscaping and take plenty of photos. On a nice clear day, this is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Cambridge.
The Backs
Address: Queen’s Road, CB3 Cambridge, United Kingdom
Website: The Backs
7. Observe the Round Church
Also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Round Church is an Anglican church in Cambridge. The church is one of four medieval round churches that are still in use in England today. The historic church was built in 1130, making it quite the historic landmark in the area.
Round Church
Address: Round Church Vestry, Bridge Street, CB2 1UB Cambridge, United Kingdom
Website: Round Church
8. Take a class at the Cambridgeshire Wine School
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you want to stray away from all the colleges, history, and scenery of Cambridge and take part in something a little different and fun, the Cambridgeshire Wine School is perfect for you. The Cambridgeshire Wine School offers wine tastings that will teach you about different wines to make you a wine expert. Amp up your wine knowledge to buy only the best wines for the right price!
Cambridgeshire Wine School
Address: Royal Cambridge Hotel, Trumpington St., CB2 1QA Cambridge, UK
Website: Cambridgeshire Wine School
9. Have fun with unique climbing walls at Clip 'n Climb
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Test your climbing skills at this unique climbing gym in Cambridge. With all kinds of climbing structures, you have never seen climbing walls like these before! From beginner to advanced, there is a wall here to accommodate everyone. The fun and funky colors will make the trip very worth it.
Clip 'n Climb
Address: 34 Clifton Road Industrial Estate, Clifton Rd., CB1 7EB Cambridge, UK
Website: Clip n Climb
10. Check out Mill Road
Check out fun and vibrant Mill Road for a mixture of different shops, restaurants, and antique stores. The road is a big melting pot with tons of different nationalities and prides itself on its diversity. With all the different cultures combined, it makes a great place to go eat or just have a stroll down to see what it is all about.
Mill Road
Address: Mill Road, Cambridge
Website: Mill Road
11. Take a walk through Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey has a gorgeous sweeping garden and a historical house that is a public destination for many that come to Cambridge. The property was originally owned by Lord Fairhaven but when he died he gave it to the National Trust. The estate has a vibrancy of color, several antiques and a historic watermill called the Lode Mill.
Anglesey Abbey
Address: Quy Rd., Lode, CB25 9EJ Cambridge, UK
Website: Anglesey Abbey
Perfect for couples
If you are a taking a trip to Cambridge with a partner, there are so many romantic aspects of the city to enjoy between the two of you. Just the way the light hits the incredibly designed buildings can put anybody in a romantic mood. Enjoy a bike ride through the city or a picnic in one of the many gardens or rivers. Cambridge is a must-see for couples touring England!
Tip from Content Creator
Cambridge is beautiful even on a rainy day. The best way to see the backs of this city, including the private colleges, is by far by punt. Speaking of private colleges: pub quiz goers, did you know the original manuscript of Winnie-the-Pooh is in the Wren library at Trinity College where Sir Isaac Newton studied? You can check it out during your visit.
Here are some other Cambridge hotspots for a delightful trip:
- Refuel at Bould Brothers Coffee
- Enjoy a feast and drink at Pint Shop
- Relish sugary treats at Wilfreds of Cambridge
- Stay at The Varsity Hotel for rooftop views included
History
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