Cambridge, located in eastern England, is a historic city renowned for its prestigious University of Cambridge, established in 1209. Home to 31 constituent colleges, the university boasts impressive architecture, including the iconic King’s College Chapel and the Mathematical Bridge. The city offers a wealth of attractions, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and punting on the River Cam. With a blend of academic heritage, stunning buildings, and picturesque green spaces, Cambridge provides a captivating experience for visitors seeking intellectual and architectural stimulation.
Official tourism website: https://www.visitcambridge.org
The Best Places to Visit in Cambridge
University of Cambridge
University of Cambridge is a world-renowned academic institution established in 1209, comprising 31 distinct constituent colleges. As the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world, Cambridge is steeped in history and tradition, offering a wealth of knowledge and culture to visitors. The university provides guided tours that showcase notable sites such as the Bridge of Sighs, the Mathematical Bridge, and the Fitzwilliam Museum, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience its rich academic and architectural heritage. In addition, the Cambridge University Botanic Garden, spanning 40 acres, boasts a diverse collection of over 8,000 plant species, making it a must-visit attraction for nature enthusiasts.
Official website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/
Google map 4.6/5
King’s College Chapel
King’s College Chapel is an architectural marvel and an iconic symbol of the University of Cambridge. This exquisite example of Gothic architecture was completed in 1515 after nearly a century of construction. The chapel is renowned for its intricate fan vault ceiling, which is the largest of its kind in the world, as well as its exquisite stained-glass windows, which date back to the 16th century. The world-famous King’s College Choir, comprised of choral scholars and choristers, further adds to the chapel’s prestige. Visitors are welcome to explore the chapel’s captivating beauty and attend choral services or concerts, showcasing its outstanding acoustics and longstanding musical tradition.
Google map 4.7/5
Fitzwilliam Museum
Fitzwilliam Museum is an esteemed cultural institution in Cambridge, housing an extensive collection of art, antiquities, and artifacts from around the world. Founded in 1816, the museum’s grand neoclassical building contains over half a million objects, ranging from ancient Egyptian relics to masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. Visitors can explore the museum’s five main departments: Antiquities, Applied Arts, Coins and Medals, Manuscripts and Printed Books, and Paintings, Drawings, and Prints, providing a rich and diverse experience for art and history enthusiasts.
Official website: https://fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk
Google map 4.6/5
Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden is a 40-acre oasis of natural beauty and scientific research, located within walking distance of the city center. Established in 1846, the garden boasts a diverse collection of over 8,000 plant species from around the world, including endangered and rare specimens. The garden offers various habitats, such as the Glasshouse Range, the Systematic Beds, and the Woodland Garden, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wonders of the plant kingdom. The Botanic Garden also hosts events and educational programs, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
Official website: https://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Google map 4.7/5
The Bridge of Sighs
The Bridge of Sighs is an iconic covered bridge that spans the River Cam, connecting two parts of St John’s College within the University of Cambridge. Constructed in 1831, the bridge was designed by architect Henry Hutchinson and is reminiscent of the similarly named bridge in Venice. Although not open to the public, the Bridge of Sighs can be admired from the riverbanks or during a traditional punting tour along the River Cam, offering a glimpse into the architectural splendor of Cambridge’s historic colleges.
Google map 4.6/5
The Backs
The Backs is a picturesque area of Cambridge, encompassing the riverbanks and parks that run behind several colleges of the University of Cambridge. The lush green spaces and stunning architecture, including college buildings, chapels, and bridges, create an idyllic setting for leisurely walks and photography. Visitors can enjoy views of famous landmarks, such as King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Mathematical Bridge, while strolling along the well-trodden paths or punting on the River Cam.
Google map 4.6/5
Cambridge Market
Cambridge Market is a vibrant outdoor market located in the city’s historic Market Square, operating daily since Saxon times. The market features over 50 stalls offering a diverse range of goods, including fresh produce, artisanal food, clothing, accessories, and homewares. Visitors can sample local delicacies, shop for unique souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of this lively trading hub. The market’s central location, surrounded by historic buildings and a variety of shops and eateries, makes it an essential stop on any visit to Cambridge.
Google map 4.5/5
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial is a solemn and beautifully landscaped site, honoring the American servicemen and women who lost their lives during World War II. Located approximately three miles west of Cambridge, the 30.5-acre cemetery is the final resting place for 3,812 individuals, while the memorial’s Wall of the Missing commemorates a further 5,127 names. Visitors can pay their respects, learn about the sacrifices made during the war, and appreciate the tranquil setting of this poignant memorial.
Official website: https://www.abmc.gov/
Google map 4.8/5
Great St Mary’s Church
Great St Mary’s Church is a historic parish church located in the heart of Cambridge, with a history dating back to the 13th century. Serving as the University Church, it has played a central role in the city’s religious, academic, and civic life. Visitors can explore the church’s striking architecture, attend services or musical events, and climb the 123 steps of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of Cambridge and its surrounding landmarks.
Google map 4.6/5
Anglesey Abbey
Anglesey Abbey is a historic country house and gardens, situated approximately six miles northeast of Cambridge. Originally a 12th-century priory, the property was transformed into a stately home in the early 20th century by Lord Fairhaven. Visitors can explore the opulent interiors, including the extensive library and art collection, and stroll through the 98-acre landscaped gardens, which feature formal gardens, picturesque woodland paths, and a working watermill.
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
Newnham College
Newnham College is one of the 31 constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1871 as the second women’s college in the city. The college’s beautiful red-brick buildings and spacious gardens create a serene atmosphere, reflecting its progressive history and commitment to providing educational opportunities for women. Although not generally open to the public, visitors may attend special events or pre-arranged tours to experience the architectural and academic charms of this historic institution.
Google map 4.8/5
University Museum of Zoology
University Museum of Zoology is a captivating attraction located within the University of Cambridge, showcasing an extensive collection of zoological specimens from around the world. The museum’s exhibits feature a diverse array of animals, including insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles, with notable highlights such as a complete skeleton of a Fin whale and specimens collected by Charles Darwin. Through interactive displays and engaging exhibitions, visitors can learn about animal diversity, evolution, and conservation.
Official website: https://www.museum.zoo.cam.ac.uk
Google map 4.7/5
The Round Church
The Round Church, also known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, is a historic and architecturally unique building in Cambridge. Constructed in 1130, it is one of only four medieval round churches in England. Inspired by the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Round Church features a distinctive circular nave and a rich history. Visitors can explore the church’s striking architecture, learn about its history through informative displays, and attend special events or services.
Google map 4.4/5
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology
Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is an esteemed institution within the University of Cambridge, dedicated to the study and preservation of global human history and culture. The museum’s collection features over one million objects, spanning two million years of human history and representing diverse cultures from around the world. Exhibits include artifacts from ancient Egypt, prehistoric Britain, and the Pacific Islands, as well as contemporary art and ethnographic material. Through engaging displays and informative exhibitions, the museum provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience for visitors interested in anthropology, archaeology, and human history.
Official website: https://maa.cam.ac.uk
Google map 4.7/5
Punting on the River Cam
Punting is a quintessential Cambridge activity, offering visitors a unique and leisurely way to explore the city’s historic sights and picturesque River Cam. Traditional flat-bottomed boats, known as punts, are propelled using a long pole that pushes against the riverbed. Punting tours, either guided or self-guided, provide an opportunity to admire the architectural beauty of Cambridge’s university colleges, including King’s College Chapel, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Mathematical Bridge, making it a must-try experience when visiting the city.
Google map 4.8/5
St John’s College
St John’s College is one of the 31 constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1511 by Lady Margaret Beaufort. The college is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the Bridge of Sighs, the Great Gate, and the Chapel, which features a monumental painting by El Greco. Visitors can explore the college’s picturesque courts, admire the splendid buildings, and enjoy the tranquil riverside gardens, making St John’s College a popular destination for those seeking a taste of Cambridge’s academic and architectural heritage.
Google map 4.6/5
Corpus Clock
Corpus Clock is an intriguing public timepiece and kinetic sculpture, located on the exterior of the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College. Unveiled in 2008, the clock features a large, gold-plated stainless steel disc, adorned with LEDs that display the time, and a menacing grasshopper-like creature known as the Chronophage. The unconventional clock, designed by inventor John C. Taylor, combines engineering, art, and horology, making it a captivating and unusual attraction in the heart of Cambridge.
Google map 4.5/5
Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi College is one of the 31 constituent colleges of the University of Cambridge, founded in 1352. The college is notable for its picturesque courts, historic library, and the Corpus Clock. Although the college is not generally open to the public, visitors can attend special events or pre-arranged tours to experience its beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere. As one of the oldest and most respected colleges in Cambridge, Corpus Christi College offers a unique insight into the city’s rich academic tradition and history.
Google map 4.6/5
Kettle’s Yard
Kettle’s Yard, located in Cambridge, England, is a unique art gallery and house. Once the home of Jim and Helen Ede, it features a remarkable collection of modern and contemporary art displayed in a domestic setting. The house and its carefully curated art, objects, and furniture exude a sense of simplicity and intimacy. Kettle’s Yard also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, offering a distinctive blend of art, design, and daily life for visitors to explore and appreciate.
Google map 4.6/5
Mathematical Bridge
Mathematical Bridge is an iconic wooden footbridge that spans the River Cam, connecting two parts of Queens’ College within the University of Cambridge. Designed by William Etheridge and completed in 1749, the bridge is notable for its ingenious engineering, which forms a series of tangential arches using only straight timber pieces. Though not accessible to the general public, the Mathematical Bridge can be viewed from the riverbanks or during a punting tour, providing a glimpse into the remarkable engineering achievements of the past.
Google map 4.5/5
Ely Cathedral
Ely Cathedral, a magnificent medieval masterpiece in Ely, Cambridgeshire, stands as a testament to Gothic architecture’s grandeur. Built over centuries, the cathedral features a distinctive octagonal lantern tower and intricate stone carvings. With breathtaking stained glass windows and serene interior, it serves as a place of worship, reflection, and cultural significance. Set amidst the picturesque fens, Ely Cathedral offers panoramic views from its tower, making it a captivating destination for history, architecture, and spirituality enthusiasts.
Official website: https://www.elycathedral.org
Google map 4.7/5