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Why we love Cambridge

Welcome to Cambridge – home to the University of Cambridge, an institution dating back more than 800 years. Take a punt on the River Cam to see the city from a unique perspective, or test your balancing skills on a stand-up paddle board for an adventurous way to see the sights. 

Create lasting memories exploring this idyllic city. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of its ever-changing market stalls, pick up tasty international street food, and climb up St Mary’s Church for panoramic views of its skyline and beyond.

Things to do in Cambridge

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In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied.

Explore St John’s College

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River
Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge.

Visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Photo by: theallotmentgeek

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Countless writers, poets and novelists have lived in Cambridge – and these tours follow in their footsteps.

Join Cambridge Literary Tours

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women walking under the arches of a college quad
Cambridge Literary Tours

Featuring over 500,000 artworks and artefacts from around the world, this university museum is a joy to explore.

Find your tickets for The Fitzwilliam Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Rear view of man standing looking at portraits in a gallery
The Fitzwilliam Museum

Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, this is a glorious setting for gin tastings and cocktail making lessons.

Discover Cambridge Distillery

Photo by: Cambridge Distillery

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Distillery, Grantchester
Cambridge Distillery

Get up close to a wide range of aircraft and see Spitfires take to the sky at the largest interactive air museum in Europe.

Explore the Imperial War Museum Duxford

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell

Location: Duxford, England

An array of military vehicles on display at the American Air Museum in Duxford
Imperial War Museum Duxford

From grassroots comedy to provocative documentaries, this festival screens the best independent and arthouse films.

What’s on at Cambridge Film Festival

Photo by: Cambridge Film Festival /Jean-Luc Benazet

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Film Festival
Cambridge Film Festival

This Cambridge restaurant specialises in simple, sustainable and oh-so fresh cuisine – all of which is locally sourced.

See the menu at Garden House

Photo by: Garden House Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Garden House Cambridge
Garden House

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

From mixology workshops to gin distilling, this amazing venue is a must-visit for all cocktail lovers!

Visit the Cambridge Gin Laboratory

Photo by: Cambridge Distillery/Keith Heppell

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Gin Laboratory
Cambridge Gin Laboratory

Fancy some retail therapy? Head to Cambridge's Green Street, which runs between Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College.

Get to know Green Street

Photo by: emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Explore Grafham Water Centre

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge, England

Grafham Water Centre
Grafham Water Centre

For an adventurous activity that everyone can enjoy, check out this action-packed climbing centre.

Find out more about Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Photo by: Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Clip 'n Climb Cambridge
Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Fill your trip with the music, colour and fun of Pride – and celebrate all-things LGBTQIA+.

More about Pride Cambridge

Photo by: Cambridge Pride

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Pride
Pride Cambridge

Want to catch the next big thing in live music, comedy and dance? You’ve come to the right place.

Be inspired by Cambridge Junction

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge Junction
Cambridge Junction

Take your pick from plays, musicals, dance and pantomimes – and peek backstage on a guided tour.

What’s on at Cambridge Arts Theatre

Photo by: Kettle’s Yard

Location: Cambridge

Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
Cambridge Arts Theatre

From dinosaur bones and dodo skeletons, to letters by Charles Darwin: this museum has a remarkable collection.

Visit the Museum of Zoology

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Museum of Zoology
Museum of Zoology

These food trucks serve everything from Spanish churros to Sri Lankan curries, at venues all over the city.

More about foodPark

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

foodPark Cambridge
foodPark

Real ales and comfort food: two simple concepts, but the Pint Shop takes them both to new heights.

Pick a table at Pint Shop

Photo by: Pint Shop

Location: Cambridge

Pint Shop, Cambridge
Pint Shop

Set in an elegant Victorian house, this critically acclaimed restaurant serves simple yet spectacular seasonal cuisine.

See the menu at Restaurant 22

Photo by: Restaurant 22

Location: Cambridge

Restaurant 22, Cambridge
Restaurant 22

In commemoration of the American Forces, this magnificent monument is a place of sombre remembrance.

Visit the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Photo by: Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Standing strong for over 100 years, this famous wooden bridge is a triumph of engineering.

More about the Mathematical Bridge

Photo by: Getty Images/Peter E Stokes

Location: Cambridge

A single punt passes under the Mathematical bridge, in Silver street, Cambridge late on a summer's evening
Mathematical Bridge

For the best views over Cambridge, head to the tower of this 800-year-old church…

Explore Great St Mary's, the University Church

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Great St Mary's, the University Church
Great St Mary's, the University Church

This Christian sanctuary hosts soul-stirring chapel services, guided tours, organ recitals and seasonal celebrations.

Visit King’s College Chapel

Photo by: Getty Images/Tim Stocker Photography

Location: Cambridge

Inside Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, showing the fan vault ceiling and vast wooden panelling, with stain glass windows set above.
King’s College Chapel

Cambridge Festival

19th March - 4th April 2025

This eclectic gathering features everything from film premieres and cultural debates, to live music and science lectures.

Be inspired by Cambridge Festival

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge Festival
Cambridge Festival

Climb to the top of this historic hill, for views that stretch as far as Ely Cathedral.

https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/castle-hill

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Cambridge

Castle Hill, Cambridge
Cambridge Castle

With the vast John Lewis store at its heart, this mall features over 60 brands and retailers.

Go shopping at Grand Arcade

Photo by: Grand Arcade

Location: Cambridge

Grand Arcade, Cambridge
Grand Arcade

This mall features the likes of Apple, Calvin Klein and Hollister – alongside restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

More about The Grafton

Photo by: The Grafton

Location: Cambridge

The Grafton
The Grafton

This retail village combines fabulous dining, spa treatments and boutique local brands.

Look inside Ben’s Yard

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Ben’s Yard
Ben’s Yard

For a taste of the Cambridgeshire countryside, this charming store is filled with jams, fruits and juices.

More about Cam Valley Orchards

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cam Valley Orchards
Cam Valley Orchards

In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied.

Explore St John’s College

Photo by: Shutterstock/Pajor Pawel

View of college in Cambridge with people punting on River
Cambridge University – The Theory of Everything

Over 8,000 species spread across 40 acres of beautiful gardens and glasshouses in the centre of Cambridge.

Visit Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Photo by: theallotmentgeek

Cambridge University Botanic Garden
Cambridge University Botanic Garden

Countless writers, poets and novelists have lived in Cambridge – and these tours follow in their footsteps.

Join Cambridge Literary Tours

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Two women walking under the arches of a college quad
Cambridge Literary Tours

Featuring over 500,000 artworks and artefacts from around the world, this university museum is a joy to explore.

Find your tickets for The Fitzwilliam Museum

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Rear view of man standing looking at portraits in a gallery
The Fitzwilliam Museum

Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside, this is a glorious setting for gin tastings and cocktail making lessons.

Discover Cambridge Distillery

Photo by: Cambridge Distillery

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Distillery, Grantchester
Cambridge Distillery

Get up close to a wide range of aircraft and see Spitfires take to the sky at the largest interactive air museum in Europe.

Explore the Imperial War Museum Duxford

Photo by: Visit East of England/Keiron Tovell

Location: Duxford, England

An array of military vehicles on display at the American Air Museum in Duxford
Imperial War Museum Duxford

From grassroots comedy to provocative documentaries, this festival screens the best independent and arthouse films.

What’s on at Cambridge Film Festival

Photo by: Cambridge Film Festival /Jean-Luc Benazet

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Film Festival
Cambridge Film Festival

This Cambridge restaurant specialises in simple, sustainable and oh-so fresh cuisine – all of which is locally sourced.

See the menu at Garden House

Photo by: Garden House Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Garden House Cambridge
Garden House

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard with the Traditional Punting Company!

Take a punting trip on the River Cam

Photo by: Traditional Punting Company

A punting tour passing a historic university building in Cambridge
Punting on the River Cam

From mixology workshops to gin distilling, this amazing venue is a must-visit for all cocktail lovers!

Visit the Cambridge Gin Laboratory

Photo by: Cambridge Distillery/Keith Heppell

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Gin Laboratory
Cambridge Gin Laboratory

Fancy some retail therapy? Head to Cambridge's Green Street, which runs between Trinity College and Sidney Sussex College.

Get to know Green Street

Photo by: emily.in.england0

People walking along Green Street
Green Street

From sailing and kayaking to rock climbing and paddleboarding – this activity centre has adventures for all ages.

Explore Grafham Water Centre

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge, England

Grafham Water Centre
Grafham Water Centre

For an adventurous activity that everyone can enjoy, check out this action-packed climbing centre.

Find out more about Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Photo by: Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Location: Cambridge, England

Clip 'n Climb Cambridge
Clip 'n Climb Cambridge

Fill your trip with the music, colour and fun of Pride – and celebrate all-things LGBTQIA+.

More about Pride Cambridge

Photo by: Cambridge Pride

Location: Cambridge, England

Cambridge Pride
Pride Cambridge

Want to catch the next big thing in live music, comedy and dance? You’ve come to the right place.

Be inspired by Cambridge Junction

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge Junction
Cambridge Junction

Take your pick from plays, musicals, dance and pantomimes – and peek backstage on a guided tour.

What’s on at Cambridge Arts Theatre

Photo by: Kettle’s Yard

Location: Cambridge

Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge
Cambridge Arts Theatre

From dinosaur bones and dodo skeletons, to letters by Charles Darwin: this museum has a remarkable collection.

Visit the Museum of Zoology

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Museum of Zoology
Museum of Zoology

These food trucks serve everything from Spanish churros to Sri Lankan curries, at venues all over the city.

More about foodPark

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

foodPark Cambridge
foodPark

Real ales and comfort food: two simple concepts, but the Pint Shop takes them both to new heights.

Pick a table at Pint Shop

Photo by: Pint Shop

Location: Cambridge

Pint Shop, Cambridge
Pint Shop

Set in an elegant Victorian house, this critically acclaimed restaurant serves simple yet spectacular seasonal cuisine.

See the menu at Restaurant 22

Photo by: Restaurant 22

Location: Cambridge

Restaurant 22, Cambridge
Restaurant 22

In commemoration of the American Forces, this magnificent monument is a place of sombre remembrance.

Visit the Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Photo by: Courtesy of American Battle Monuments Commission

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial
Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial

Standing strong for over 100 years, this famous wooden bridge is a triumph of engineering.

More about the Mathematical Bridge

Photo by: Getty Images/Peter E Stokes

Location: Cambridge

A single punt passes under the Mathematical bridge, in Silver street, Cambridge late on a summer's evening
Mathematical Bridge

For the best views over Cambridge, head to the tower of this 800-year-old church…

Explore Great St Mary's, the University Church

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Great St Mary's, the University Church
Great St Mary's, the University Church

This Christian sanctuary hosts soul-stirring chapel services, guided tours, organ recitals and seasonal celebrations.

Visit King’s College Chapel

Photo by: Getty Images/Tim Stocker Photography

Location: Cambridge

Inside Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, showing the fan vault ceiling and vast wooden panelling, with stain glass windows set above.
King’s College Chapel

Cambridge Festival

19th March - 4th April 2025

This eclectic gathering features everything from film premieres and cultural debates, to live music and science lectures.

Be inspired by Cambridge Festival

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cambridge Festival
Cambridge Festival

Climb to the top of this historic hill, for views that stretch as far as Ely Cathedral.

https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/castle-hill

Photo by: Shutterstock

Location: Cambridge

Castle Hill, Cambridge
Cambridge Castle

With the vast John Lewis store at its heart, this mall features over 60 brands and retailers.

Go shopping at Grand Arcade

Photo by: Grand Arcade

Location: Cambridge

Grand Arcade, Cambridge
Grand Arcade

This mall features the likes of Apple, Calvin Klein and Hollister – alongside restaurants, cafes and a cinema.

More about The Grafton

Photo by: The Grafton

Location: Cambridge

The Grafton
The Grafton

This retail village combines fabulous dining, spa treatments and boutique local brands.

Look inside Ben’s Yard

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Ben’s Yard
Ben’s Yard

For a taste of the Cambridgeshire countryside, this charming store is filled with jams, fruits and juices.

More about Cam Valley Orchards

Photo by: Getty Images

Location: Cambridge

Cam Valley Orchards
Cam Valley Orchards

Places to stay in Cambridge

Romsey

A trendy enclave packed with cool cafes and interesting shops, Romsey is a hangout for those who love independent gems, vintage dens and proper coffee.

Round Church Street

Close to all the main sights, this residential area is just a short walk from the city centre.

City centre

The beating heart of the city, home to many famous colleges, as well as museums, shops and restaurants.  

Explore nearby

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

The Broads is a breath of fresh air, beautifully webbed with lakes, fens and rivers.

Photo by: Norfolk Broads Direct

A family riding on a boat in the Norfolk Broads

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough

Man looking up at a historical building with dome
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk

Suffolk’s foodie town offers more than its tantalising flavours, from its historic ruins of Abbey St Edmund to stunning parklands.

Photo by: Getty Images/P A Thompson

St. Edmundsbury Cathedral and Ruins of Abbey in the summer

Known as the City of Stories, create your own narrative as you explore Norwich’s huge array of historic and modern day attractions.

Photo by: Visit Norwich/Norwich Paddleboarding

Location: Norwich, England

A group of people paddleboarding on the River Wensum

From traditional seaside towns to adventure sports and charming cities with heaps of history, the East of England has something for everyone.

Photo by: Visit East of England

Location: Dunwich, England

A woman carrying a dog along a beach in Dunwich

This five day itinerary features quirky cities, an iconic university and Britain's biggest wetland.

Photo by: Getty Images/Peter E Stokes

Location: Cambridge

A single punt passes under the Mathematical bridge, in Silver street, Cambridge late on a summer's evening

Getting to Cambridge

Cambridge is 30 miles (48km) from Stansted Airport, which serves more than 140 global destinations, and 38 miles (61km) from London Luton Airport. The direct train from Stansted Airport to Cambridge takes around 30 minutes with Greater Anglia. Coach travel is also available from Stansted to Cambridge, taking around 40 minutes with National Express.

For those arriving into London Heathrow Airport, coaches to Cambridge take around two hours, or if you’re arriving into Gatwick Airport, you can take a train to Cambridge in around two hours too.  

The faster trains from London Kings Cross to Cambridge take around 50 minutes with Great Northern trains, while hourly services from London Liverpool Street with Greater Anglia take slightly longer.

If you’re travelling through Cambridgeshire, join the longest busway in the world: the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway which connects Cambridge with surrounding areas such as St Ives, Huntingdon and Trumpington.

Getting around

Once you’re in Cambridge, the best way to explore is on foot, although there is a wealth of reliable public transport options too. If you decided to see the spectacular Ely Cathedral, trains north from Cambridge to Ely take 15-20 minutes. For an alternative way to see the iconic university and its striking architecture, hop aboard a hire punt along the River Cam, choose a chauffeured tour or try your hand at punting. 

By bus

Stagecoach East provides regular services in central Cambridge and to the surrounding towns and villages.

By bike

If you want to discover the city at your own pace or visit places near Cambridge, exploring by bike is a great option. There are several bike hire companies and cycle tours.

By foot

Cambridge’s main attractions and things to do can all be easily explored by foot, and several companies offer guided walking tours.

Want to know more?

Head to Visit Cambridge for insider tips and more recommendations on things to do in Cambridge.