Bucket list destination:
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire , United Kingdom (UK)
Credit Shutterstock.com/Javen
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.
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.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers
Cambridge
Price £85
Min age 0
Rating 4.98 / 5 [259 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cambridge
Price £20
Min age 0
Rating 4.91 / 5 [116 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cambridge
Price £26
Min age 5
Rating 4.89 / 5 [75 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cambridge
Price £75
Min age 0
Rating 4.83 / 5 [61 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
Cambridge
Price £19
Min age 0
Rating 4.70 / 5 [55 ratings]
Tour supplied by:
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.
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.
Cambridge is an eminently walkable city, and strolling through the historic streets and lanes is the best way to get between the major sights.
