11 Best Things To Do In Cambridge, England

things to do in cambridge england
Nadia
Nadia 
Updated
| 4 min read

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

Market Square, Cambridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Marvinthefish used under CC BY-SA 4.0

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

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2. Get drinks at The Eagle

The Eagle pub in Cambridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andy oxford used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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3. Check out the Corpus Clock

Corpus Clock Crowd - geograph.org.uk - 992947
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RichTea used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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4. Take an educational tour at the local colleges

Cmglee Cambridge Trinity College Great Court
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cmglee used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

Tip from tour guide

Rosemary

Rosemary
Cambridge

Trinity college with Newton's Apple tree

Visit Trinity College, home to Sir Isaac Newton's genius. See the famous apple tree that sparked his gravity theory. It's a simple yet powerful connection to centuries of academic excellence and groundbreaking ideas.

Tip from tour guide

Rosemary

Rosemary
Cambridge

St. John's College

St. John's College in Cambridge offers a glimpse into the rich history and academic tradition. Wander through beautiful halls and gardens, experiencing the charm of this prestigious institution.

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Cambridge Tour Guide

Rosemary Engelmann

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 markets of Cambridge, playing tennis and badminton, and travelling abroad. I am looking forward to meeting you and providing you with an interesting, informative and fun-filled tour of Cambridge! Have a look at my suggested tours or, if you prefer, I would be very happy to customize a tour specially for you.

Tours by Rosemary

Cambridge Tour Guide

Manuel Serrano

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

FitzwilliamMuseum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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6. Take a boat ride at The Backs

St John's College from The Backs - Cambridge - geograph.org.uk - 1433301
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Mick Lobb used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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7. Observe the Round Church

The Round Church Cambridge
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user BabelStone used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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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

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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

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10. Check out Mill Road

Mill Road, Cambridge, England 01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Keith Edkins used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

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11. Take a walk through Anglesey Abbey

Anglesey Abbey, Lode, Cambridgeshire
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James.stringer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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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!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Just an American girl chasing the unique in the world. I've been to 22 countries and 4 continents. My current goal is to go to all 7 continents before I turn 25. I'm a filmmaker, journalist, and...Read more

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