Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A world-class collection of art and architecture, ranging from illuminated manuscripts to sculptures from Ancient Greece.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Best things to do & places to stay:
Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
Credit Shutterstock.com/Javen
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Steeped in learning, with elegant college buildings overlooking the tranquil river Cam, Cambridge is a delightful city, with all of the history but considerably less of the crowds that flock to Oxford. It’s a thoroughly walkable place, with aged pubs seemingly on every corner and leafy green riverbanks that are perfect for picnics.
Pre-bookable tours give a chance to explore the city’s iconic University colleges – Churchill College has a wonderful sculpture garden, with works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The Fitzwilliam and Kettle’s Yard are two world-class museums, but a weekend in Cambridge doesn’t all have to be about culture – there’s great shopping potential and some seriously upscale restaurants too.
For a break from the bustle, stroll along the banks of the River Cam, or hire a punt for the quinessential Cambridge experience.
Orientation
Central Cambridge – flanked by the river Cam to the west and the green spaces of Parker’s Piece and Midsummer Common to the right – is easily walkable, with colleges dotted along St John’s Street and Sydney Street, and a pedestrianised shopping centre that has all the familiar names.
Most of the hotels are in the area, so there’s little need to stray further afield.
The bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination
Fly in a WW2 plane – Spitfires, Tiger Moths & more
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Take to the skies in a classic vintage fighter plane – including the iconic Spitfire – for an insight into the skill and dexterity of World War II pilots.
Best for ages: 18+ | £149 | Variable
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A world-class collection of aircraft and military vehicles housed in a spectacular historic airfield, with the chance to fly in a vintage plane.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Cambridge University Colleges
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
One of the world’s most illustrious universities, Cambridge consists of 31 magnificent colleges rich in history, architecture and stories, most open to the public.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest
Experience
Bridge of Sighs
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Queen Victoria was said to have loved this elegant, covered bridge more than any other spot in the city. Straddling the Cam between the Third and New Courts at St. John’s College, it dates back to 1831.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Climb St. Mary’s Church Tower
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
Climb the 123 steps to the top of St. Mary’s Tower for lovely, 360-degree views of the city’s rooftops, and to see the unique architecture of the colleges from above.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Experience
Duxford Air Show
Duxford, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
A unique chance to see historic planes flying in formation, the world-famous Red Arrows stunt team, and the spectacular Typhoon hurtling through the sky, with exhibits and aviation-themed stands on the ground.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25 | 4 hours
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Experience
Eagle Pub
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom (UK)
The second-oldest pub in the city, dating back to 1684, is famous for its RAF bar, where the ceiling still shows the signatures and doodles of Allied airmen, who drank at the bar between missions.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
A Guided Public Tour of Historic Cambridge
Cambridge
Cambridge Tour Guides are ranked 1st out of 105 Cambridge tours on Trip Advisor. We make sure that our tours are entertaining as well as inf...
£20 | Rating 4.94 / 5 [167 ratings]
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Cambridge Highlights Walking Tour by Cantab Tours
Cambridge
See the best of Cambridge on a 90-minute Cambridge Highlights Tour with Cantab Tours! Fully qualified guides will ensure that you have an en...
£20 | Rating 4.89 / 5 [65 ratings]
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Cambridge Walking Tour
Cambridge
Our walking tour takes in some of the famous colleges and historic sights of the city as you meander down quaint alleyways and tread the cob...
£22 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [143 ratings]
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Cambridge's History & Secrets with Self-Guided Walking Tours
Cambridge
Join a local historian as we uncover the history of Cambridge and its most famous residents! Our first audio tour will give you an introduct...
£25 | Rating 4.62 / 5 [8 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay in this destination
Duke House
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
Elegant rooms, a convenient central location and a warm personal welcome make this lovely Victorian house the best B&B in town.
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Varsity Hotel & Spa
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
A buzzy riverside bolthole, with two of Cambridge’s most popular restaurants and an Elemis spa in a cleverly-converted warehouse.
Official star rating:
University Arms
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
A re-imagined Victorian hotel, with one of the city’s best restaurants and elegant rooms with a Modern British design.
Official star rating:
Hotel du Vin Cambridge
Cambridge , Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
A beautifully converted former university building, serving up Hotel du Vin’s classic brand of hedonistic charm, with a buzzing bistro and predictably excellent wine cellar.
Official star rating:
When to go
During University term time (generally October to May), the city buzzes with a lively student-fuelled atmosphere. If you’re coming to walk around and punt the river Cam, spring is the best time to go – May is particularly lovely and there tend to be fewer tourists.
Winter is far quieter – better for visiting the art museums and discovering Cambridge’s beautiful architecture. July to August are best for weather, but the city gets horribly crowded with tourists.
Getting there and away
Cambridge is approximately 1.5 hours by car from London. Trains from King’s Cross station take just under an hour. Cambridge station is a 20-minute walk from the centre, but there are always plenty of taxis available..
London Stansted is about 30 minutes by car, Luton around 45 minutes. Cambridge Airport, for private planes, is a few minutes’ drive from the centre.
Getting around
Cambridge is an eminently walkable city, and strolling through the historic streets and lanes is the best way to get between the major sights.