Cambridge

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Cambridge



For other places with the same name, see Cambridge (disambiguation).
King's College Chapel and punters on the River Cam, seen from The Backs.

Cambridge is a university city in Cambridgeshire in England. It is a city of crocuses and daffodils on the Backs, of green open spaces and cattle grazing only 500 yards (450 m) from the market square. Cows sometimes wander into the market area, since they are not fenced in. The Cambridge of Brooke, Byron, Newton and Rutherford, of the summer idyll of punts, 'bumps', cool willows and May Balls is worth seeing.

Understand

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King's Parade in the centre of Cambridge, with the University Senate House on the left and Great St Mary's Church on the right.

Cambridge brings many images to mind: the breathtaking view of King's College Chapel from across the river Cam, the rich intricacy of Gothic architecture, students cycling to lectures, and lazy summer punting on the River Cam.

Cambridge manages to combine its role as an historic city with a world-renowned university and, since the 20th century, an internationally acknowledged centre of excellence for technology and science. The University of Cambridge was founded in 1209 by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. They chose the quiet town of Cambridge as a suitable location for study. In the 17th century Cambridge University educated many of the founders of an American university called Harvard, which is also in a place called Cambridge (named after the English university). Cambridge University has many famous alumni, including: mathematicians such as Sir Isaac Newton, scientists such as Stephen Hawking and Charles Darwin, philosophers such as Bertrand Russell and Ludwig Wittgenstein, and writers such as John Milton and Lord Byron. It was the site of Rutherford's pioneering work in nuclear physics, and Francis, Crick, and Watson's DNA work (see the Eagle pub below). Cambridge academics have won more Nobel Prizes than those of any other university in the world. The rumour that just one college, Trinity, had more Nobel prize-winners than France, however, is false.

The city is surrounded on all sides by heritage villages, towns and ancient monuments (such as Ely and Peterborough), all within easy travelling distance. Like Oxford, Cambridge was spared from the German carpet bombing that devastated many other British cities during World War II, and is thus one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the UK

More than 6 million visitors come to Cambridge every year to savour the delights of the historic city. The city itself is quite compact with many of the main attractions in easy walking distance. Cambridge is an ideal base for exploring some of the gentlest (read flattest; good for leisurely walks, poor for hills with viewpoints) and most unspoilt countryside in England.

Get in

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Cambridge is around 50 mi (80 km) north of London. Two railway routes connect Cambridge with the capital, with additional routes to towns and cities throughout the East of England and the Midlands. Several major routes including the M11 motorway connect the city with other UK destinations.

By plane

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Cambridge is around 30 mi (48 km) from 1 London Stansted Airport (STN IATA ). You can fly into Stansted from destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and domestic destinations including Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Newquay. A large number of routes are operated by Ryanair and Jet2.com.

You can travel from Stansted Airport to Cambridge by train, which takes roughly 35 minutes. Trains are operated by CrossCountry (towards Birmingham New Street) and Greater Anglia (towards Norwich), both part of the National Rail network. You can also travel from Stansted to Cambridge using National Express coaches - routes 727, 728, 767 and 777. There is a Car Rental Village at Stansted Airport, where drivers can hire a car from several companies including Alamo, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt.

Other airports with links to Cambridge includeː

By train

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Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

There are two railway stations in the city. The first is 7 Cambridge Cambridge railway station on Wikipedia, approximately 1.2 mi (1.9 km) south of the city centre. You can use several bus routes to travel between Cambridge station and the city centre - including Babraham Road Park and Ride, The Busway Route A, The Busway Route C, Citi 1, Citi 3, Citi 7 and Stagecoach 13. You can also hire a Voi[dead link] e-scooter (driving licence required) or e-bike.

The second is 8 Cambridge North Cambridge North railway station on Wikipedia, roughly 1 mi (1.6 km) east of Cambridge Science Park. You can use The Busway routes B and C to connect with city destinations including the Cambridge Science Park and the city centre.

Both railway stations are on the National Rail network. You can book "PlusBus" tickets from any National Rail ticket retailing website or at station offices for a combined rail and bus ticket. Find out more onː PlusBus.info

You can get direct trains to Cambridge from several London stations, includingː

  • Farringdon (Interchangeː  CIR  H&C  MET  ELI ) - Fast services by Thameslink.
  • Finsbury Park (Interchangeː  PIC  VIC ) - Fast and stopping services by Great Northern and Thameslink.
  • King's Cross (Interchangeː  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC ) - Express, fast and stopping services by Great Northern and Thameslink, including the "Cambridge Cruiser" non-stop route, which takes between 40 and 45 minutes.
  • Liverpool Street (Interchangeː  CEN  CIR  H&C  MET  ELI  OGD ) - Fast and stopping services by Greater Anglia.
  • London Bridge (Interchangeː  JUB  NOR ) - Fast services by Thameslink.
  • St Pancras International (Interchangeː  CIR  H&C  MET  NOR  PIC  VIC  and  EUS ) - Fast services by Thameslink.
  • Tottenham Hale (Interchangeː  CEN  CIR  H&C  MET ) - Fast and stopping services by Greater Anglia.

You can also catch direct trains to Cambridge from London Gatwick Airport (Thameslink) and London Stansted Airport (CrossCountry or Greater Anglia).

There are also regular, direct trains from destinations further afield, includingː

By cycle

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Cambridge is famous for its cycling culture and you can travel into the city by bike from the surrounding towns using signposted routes. National Cycle Network Route 11 connects Saffron Walden, Duxford and Waterbeach with Cambridge using local roads. National Cycle Network Route 51 connects Huntingdon, St Ives and Newmarket with the city centre. The route - part of NCN51 - between St Ives and Cambridge is traffic-free, next to The Busway into Cambridge North. A different traffic-free cycle route connects the village of Fenstanton with Girton, next to the A14 dual-carriageway.

You can hire bikes fromː

You can also hire Voi e-bikes[dead link] using an app within the set zone. Check the app for riding and parking details.

Remember to follow local riding rules. You must not cycle on the pavement (sidewalk) unless blue signs or road markings specify otherwise. Cycling on the road is almost always allowed, even where there are adjacent cycle lanes. One-way street rules apply to cyclists, unless signs specify otherwise. Cyclists must stop at red traffic lights, but bike-only green lights allow riders to leave early. Always lock your bike with a solid lock. If your bike is stolen, you can report it to Cambridgeshire Constabulary by phone on 101 or online.

Cambridge has the highest level of cycle use of any city in the UK.

By car

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From London, Harlow, Bishop's Stortford and Stansted Airport, you can drive to Cambridge on the motorway. For Cambridge, use junctionsː

  • Junction 9 then for Wandlebury, Babraham Park and Ride, Addenbrooke's Hospital and Cherry Hinton
  • Junction 11 for Trumpington Park and Ride, Trumpington, Addenbrooke's Hospital and Cambridge city centre
  • Junction 12 for Cambridge University Library and The Backs
  • Junction 13 for Madingley Road Park and Ride, Kettle's Yard and The Backs

You can access the from at Junction 27.

From Birmingham (via ), Peterborough (via ) and Huntingdon, use the and exit atː

  • Junction 31 for Girton and Cambridge city centre or use for Trumpington Park and Ride and Addenbrooke's Hospital
  • Junction 33 for Cambridge Science Park or for Milton Park and Ride

From Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Norwich (via ), use and exit atː

  • Junction 35 for Newmarket Road Park and Ride, Cherry Hinton and the Grafton Centre
  • Junction 33 for Cambridge Science Park or for Milton Park and Ride

Other routes into Cambridge includeː

  • From Royston, Ware and Hertford, follow then for Trumpington and Cambridge city centre.
  • From Cambourne, St Neots and Milton Keynes (via ), follow then for Cambridge city centre.
  • From Milton, Ely and King's Lynn, follow then for Cambridge Science Park and Cambridge city centre.
  • From Haverhill, follow for Cambridge city centre.
  • From Saffron Walden, follow B183 then for Shelford, Trumpington and Cambridge city centre.

Park and Ride

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You can park free of charge at five Park and Ride sites on the outskirts of Cambridge, then travel into the city centre. Return bus journeys into the city centre start from £3. Check the pricing on the Park and Ride website.

The Park and Ride sites areː

  • 11 Milton Park and Ride - off the near Junction 33. Buses to Cambridge Science Park, Midsummer Common and Drummer Street (near Grand Arcade).
  • 12 Newmarket Road Park and Ride - off the near Junction 35. Buses to Cambridge United FC, Cambridge Retail Park, The Grafton, Drummer Street (near Grand Arcade).
  • 13 Babraham Road Park and Ride - off the and signposted from . Buses to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge Railway Station, Drummer Street (near Grand Arcade).
  • 14 Trumpington Park and Ride - off the near Junction 11. Buses to Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Fitzwilliam Museum and Grand Arcade.
  • 15 Madingley Road Park and Ride - off the near Junction 13. Buses to West Cambridge (for Cambridge University), Bridge Street and Grand Arcade.

By bus

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You can get to Cambridge by coach from destinations throughout the UK and Europe.

National Express coaches from several destinations, includingː

  • London Stratford (̩490)
  • London Victoria (490)
  • London Heathrow Airport (727, 728, 788)
  • London Luton Airport (788)
  • London Stansted Airport (727, 728, 767, 777, 788)
  • Birmingham (777)
  • Great Yarmouth (727)
  • Leicester (767)
  • Norwich (490, 727, 728)
  • Nottingham (767)

Flixbus operates coaches to Cambridge from UK and international destinations. Some coaches call at Cambridge Trumpington Park and Ride only, rather than the city centre. Destinations includeː

  • Amsterdam Sloterdijk (UKN601)
  • Antwerp (UKN601)
  • Paris Bercy Seine (UKN603)
  • Utrecht (UKN601)
  • London Stratford (UKN603)
  • London Victoria (UK006)
  • Birmingham (UKN603)
  • Leeds (UKN601)
  • Leicester (UKN601)
  • Manchester (UKN603)
  • Nottingham (UKN601)
  • Sheffield (UKN601)
  • Stevenage (UK006)

There are local buses from nearby destinations, includingː

  • Bedford (Stagecoach 905 - Change at Bedford for Stagecoach X5 to Oxford)
  • Ely (Stagecoach 9/X9)
  • Haverhill (Stagecoach 13/X13)
  • Huntingdon (The Busway B, The Busway C - Change at Huntingdon for Stagecoach 904 to Peterborough)
  • Newmarket (Stephensons 11, Stephensons 12)
  • Saffron Walden (citi 7)
  • St Neots (Stagecoach 905)

Get around

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Intellectual college joke

So the cop pulls over an electron on the city bypass:

"D'you realise you were doing exactly half the speed of light?"

"Oh great," says the electron, "now I'm lost"

Map
'"`UNIQ--maplink-00000013-QINU`"'
Map of Cambridge

Cambridge is mostly pedestrian-friendly: most sights can be easily reached on foot and much of the central area is traffic-free. Some of the pavements are shared use between pedestrians and cyclists; this can catch you out unless you watch out for it. Cambridge walking directions can be planned online with Google maps & other websites & apps. Students and locals often use bikes to get around and hiring a bike is a viable alternative to simply walking.

You can also opt for a hop-on, hop-off open-top sightseeing bus which provides commentary in several languages. The sightseeing bus passes the railway station, American Cemetery, and many of the historic colleges, but as the city centre is pedestrianised, it can approach the more central colleges on only Sundays.

There is little need to use the local bus services unless you are staying in a far-flung area of the city, but they are clean and efficient if you need to. Citi buses cost between £1 and £2 for individual cash fares within Cambridge City (change is given but drivers may refuse large denomination notes), contactless payments are available on most buses, but just tell the driver your destination as you board and take your ticket from the machine. The dominant bus operator is Stagecoach but Whippet also operate buses within the city and offer day tickets for their buses only. There is a multi operator bus day ticket available for £8 which you can purchase on the bus services of any participating operator. If you are arriving in Cambridge by rail, Plusbus tickets offer good value.

Cambridge City Council discourages car use. Parking charges are high and although the hated rising bollards are now gone they have been replaced by bus gates and lanes which are monitored by cameras and fines are issued to unauthorised vehicles passing through them.

Uber ride-hailing is available, and there are many taxi companies in Cambridge.

See

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Colleges

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Focus on Architecture

Cambridge, especially the various colleges and university buildings, is fascinating for people with an interest in architecture. The colleges have been built sporadically over the centuries and the result is a mixture of styles both ancient and modern. Although the modern architecture is sometimes controversial, especially in how the newer buildings (fail to) harmonise with adjacent older buildings, it is in its way as interesting as the older. A tour of the backs (see above) gives the visitor a good feel for the various styles and a few small diversions add to the experience. One obvious landmark is the tower of the University Library. The library was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also built the Bankside Power Station in London that is now the Tate Modern. It does have a very industrial feel to it perhaps because of this. On the far side of the library the curious can see Robinson College, the newest college and built in about 1980 and one of the few pieces of modern architecture in Cambridge that has no notable old buildings nearby. If you prefer to see a blend of old and new, it is worth making the way out to Homerton College, which is fifteen minutes walk on Hills Road. Homerton College is particularly interesting as there are examples of various styles of architecture on-site such as the neo-Georgian buildings at the front of the college and the gothic Victorian hall on the inside of the college. This is an excellent place to take a stroll through the grounds which encompass an old orchard, water features and even a small honey farm, in order to appreciate the architecture from afar.

St John's College and Magdalene College also have a number of architectural treats. As well as the Bridge of Sighs, St John's has buildings in almost every style of architecture starting with the 16th-century hall in First Court and ending up with the extremely modern Cripps building. Near the Cripps building there is also the dramatic New Court built in the early 19th century and the School of Pythagoras, one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge which dates from the early 13th century.

Next door Magdalene College - cognoscenti know that Magdalene is accessible from the back of the Cripps building - is quite a contrast. Unlike St John's, which consists mainly of buildings designed as college accommodation, Magdalene has converted a number of old half-timbered inns as some of its accommodation. Magdalene also possesses the Lutyens building designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and the Pepys building. The latter, which houses the Pepys library, has an imposing and almost symmetrical facade and looks completely different from the rear. The ugliest Magdalene building, the 1970s Buckingham Court, is fortunately well hidden, while across the river the Magdalene Quayside development (1990) is an excellent example of how the late century architects appear to have learned subtlety and harmony. Quayside is an excellent place to rent a punt.

The Cambridge 2000 website has a list of 100 buildings that have notable architecture for one reason or another.

Cambridge has a number of interesting modern buildings, for example the Centre for Mathematical Sciences

Cambridge University consists of a number of semi-independent colleges, many central, some up to 3 mi (4.8 km) from the town centre (traditionally measured from Great St. Mary's church). The following are a good selection for sightseeing. Most of the colleges within the central area are worth a look, if you have the time.

Some colleges charge for entrance. It can be expensive, around £5 per person or more. If you're friends with a student, they're allowed to bring a visitor in for free. Colleges are typically closed to visitors during the University exam period, at the end of May and the first week of June.

Please remember to be respectful when visiting the colleges. They are students' homes for much of the year, and the workload and pressure at the University can be immense. Do not enter buildings you are not explicitly invited to, do not stare into people's windows, and be polite when taking photographs; be especially discreet in the libraries. Always remember that the colleges' role is first and foremost that of academic institutions; they are not there for tourists, and it is rude to do anything which impedes or inconveniences the people who live and work in them.

  • 1 King's College and King's College Chapel, King's Parade, ☏ +44 1223 331212. College grounds open term-time M-F 9:30AM–3:30PM, Sa 9:30AM–3:15PM, Su 1:15PM–2:15PM and 5PM-5:30PM (summer only). Out of term M-Sa 9:30AM–4:30PM, Su 10AM-5PM. Grounds closed during exams (late April to mid June) though Chapel is open. Chapel opening times vary, ring for details. The most visited attraction in Cambridge, the architecture of King's College Chapel towers above the town and its world-famous choir have spread its reputation around the globe. £15 adults, £12.50 children/students with ID. 50p extra for weekend visits, £1 less for booking online in advance (recommended; King's gets extremely busy on weekends and ticket numbers are limited). King's College (Q924289) on Wikidata King's College, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Nov 2024)
Queens' College, Old Hall
  • 2 Queens' College, Silver Street/Queens' Lane, ☏ +44 1223 335511. Open approx 10AM-4:30PM, see website or ring for updated times. Closed mid-May to mid-June. Founded by two Queens - Margaret of Anjou in 1448 and Elizabeth Woodville in 1465, the College stretches across both sides of the Cam, linked by the famous Mathematical Bridge. The myth goes that it was designed by Isaac Newton without the use of pins, screws, nuts or bolts, but when disassembled, the fellows and students couldn't figure out how to put it back together again. This is sadly false, the bridge dates from 1749, 22 years after Newton's death. The stunning medieval Old Hall is also worth a visit. £5 (includes printed guide). Free mid-October to mid-March. Queens' College (Q765642) on Wikidata Queens' College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 3 Trinity College. Large attractive courtyard and library designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The interior of the Wren Library (M-F noon-2PM, Sa 10:30AM-12:30PM in Full Term) is particularly beautiful and features medieval bibles, items from the possession of Isaac Newton, original manuscripts by Wittgenstein, a Winnie-the-Pooh manuscript by A.A. Milne, and notes by Bertrand Russell, among other things. Even when the college is closed to visitors, the library may still be accessible from Queens Road on the other side of the River Cam. As of July 2022 the college is closed to the public. £2. Trinity College (Q332342) on Wikidata Trinity College, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2015)
  • 4 St John's College. Formerly the St Johns Hospital (13th century) before being refounded as a college in 1511, this college houses the oldest academic building in Cambridge (the "School of Pythagoras"). It has a number of large courtyards, and has the Cambridge "Bridge of Sighs". Adult £15, students and children £8. St John's College (Q691283) on Wikidata St John's College, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2019)
  • 5 Jesus College. Attractive grounds and sculptures scattered throughout. Jesus College (Q1146700) on Wikidata Jesus College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 6 Pembroke College. The 3rd oldest college in Cambridge, founded in 1347 by the Countess of Pembroke, Marie de St Paul, is well known for its beautiful gardens. Pembroke College (Q956501) on Wikidata Pembroke College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 7 Clare College. The 2nd oldest college with pretty gardens, courtyard and the oldest river bridge in Cambridge. Clare College (Q760967) on Wikidata Clare College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 8 Peterhouse. The oldest Cambridge college was founded in 1284 and has two large gardens, the Scholars' Garden and the Deer Park, both of which students and visitors can walk all over (unusual for Cambridge colleges!) Peterhouse (Q650068) on Wikidata Peterhouse, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 9 Saint Catharine's College. St Catharine's College was founded in 1473 by Robert Wodelarke, Provost of King's College. The college was christened in honour of the patron saint of learning and used to be known as Katharine Hall. It was largely rebuilt in the 17th century with work on the Main Court beginning in 1673; the Chapel was completed in 1704. In spite of its modest size, the college's three-sided brick Main Court is almost unique among Cambridge colleges and deserves a short stop while strolling down Trumpington Street. The college is in the very centre of Cambridge next to King's College and facing Corpus Christi College. St Catharine's College (Q256754) on Wikidata St Catharine's College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 10 Homerton College. Homerton College is one of the newer colleges, though it has existed for centuries as an academic institution and is architecturally very pretty, with extensive and tranquil grounds and a picturesque orchard. It is in a beautiful location on Hills Road, about 15 minutes walk from the town centre. The Victorian hall here is one of the most beautiful in Cambridge and definitely worth a visit. Free to enter, so worth the walk to see. Homerton College (Q741880) on Wikidata Homerton College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 11 Corpus Christi College, Corpus Christi College, Trumpington St, CB2 1RH. Uniquely, founded by Cambridge locals (from two town guilds). Its Old Court (to the left of the main entrance, behind St Bene't's church) dates from the 1350s and is the oldest courtyard in Cambridge. Old Court rooms have no plumbing, so you may occasionally be treated to a student walking across the court in their dressing gown to get to the toilet complex. Corpus Christi College (Q536282) on Wikidata Corpus Christi College, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 12 Selwyn College, Grange Rd, CB3 9DQ. Founded in 1882, Selwyn is one of the newer Cambridge colleges. Its buildings and grounds are excellent examples of Gothic Revival architecture and it has been named one of the “most obviously impressive” of 68 listed buildings in the West Cambridge Conservation Area appraisal. Entering through the Porter's Lodge Gate on Grange Road puts you in the attractive Old Court with its manicured lawn surrounded by red brick, turreted buildings. The gate next to the college chapel leads into the Selwyn gardens. Selwyn College is located less than a ten-minute walk south of the Cambridge Library, and is about 250 m from the Museum of Classical Archaeology. Free. Selwyn College (Q767650) on Wikidata Selwyn College, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Feb 2017)
  • 13 Newnham College, ☏ +44 1223 335700. Variable hours: see website. Newnham sits a little away from the central colleges and consequently, gets far fewer visitors. The grounds, however, are beautiful, peaceful and simply huge. Walking on the grass is permitted, unusual for Cambridge colleges. Free. (updated Nov 2024)

Parks and gardens

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  • 14 The Backs. The gardens by the river behind various colleges. Heading downstream from King's you can pass through the gardens of Clare, Trinity and St John's Colleges (which has the "Bridge of Sighs"). 
  • 15 Botanic Garden of Cambridge University, Bateman St CB2 1JF, ☏ +44 1223 336265. Nov-Jan: 10AM-4PM, Feb-Mar and Oct: 10AM-5PM, Apr-Sep: 10AM-6PM, closed 24 Dec to 1 Jan. A relaxing way to spend a few hours, away from the hustle and bustle of the colleges and canals. Open to the public since 1846 this garden hosts some important botanic collections amongst its 10,000 or more species. In summer they have concerts on the lawn. Adult admission £7.70, children, carers and Cambridge University students free. Cambridge University Botanic Garden (Q894665) on Wikidata Cambridge University Botanic Garden on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 16 Jesus Green. Jesus Green was proposed as the site for Cambridge's main railway station, but is now a broad piece of parkland immediately adjacent to Midsummer Common. Provides a quiet retreat away from the city centre, and has grass and hard tennis courts, and an outdoor swimming pool. Plans are underway for redevelopment of this much-loved park in Cambridge. Jesus Green (Q6188164) on Wikidata Jesus Green on Wikipedia 
  • 17 Parker's Piece. One of the best known open spaces in Cambridge. In the centre of the city, it is bordered by Park Terrace, Regent Terrace, Parkside and Gonville Place. 
  • 18 Christ's Pieces. In the centre of the city, it is bordered by the bus station, Christ's College, Emmanuel Road and King Street. It is of typical Victorian park design with tree lined avenues. The formal seasonal bedding displays planted in the 'petal beds' near Emmanuel Road, provide all year round colour. There are also large ornamental shrub beds around the perimeter to add further year round colour and interest. 
  • 19 Coe Fen. A beautiful, semi-wild green near the centre of the city, but far enough out to be quiet. Less manicured than some of the college gardens and parks around Cambridge, but nonetheless a great space to be in the summer with cows roaming and the Cam running through. 

Museums and galleries

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The Fitzwilliam Museum
  • 20 The Fitzwilliam Museum, Trumpington St, CB2 1RB, ☏ +44 1223 332900, . Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM. The Fitzwilliam Museum is the art and antiquities museum of the University of Cambridge and is on Trumpington Street. It receives around 300,000 visitors annually. The museum was founded in 1816 with the bequest of the library and art collection of the VIIth Viscount FitzWilliam. The bequest also included £100,000 "to cause to be erected a good substantial museum repository". The "Founder's Building" itself was designed by George Basevi, completed by C. R. Cockerell and opened in 1848; the entrance hall is by Edward Middleton Barry and was completed in 1875. The Egyptian Galleries at the Fitzwilliam Museum re-opened in 2006 after a two-year, £1.5-million programme of refurbishment, conservation and research. The museum has five departments: Antiquities; Applied Arts; Coins and Medals; Manuscripts and Printed Books; and Paintings, Drawings and Prints. Highlights include masterpieces by Titian, Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto, Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne and Picasso and a fine collection of 20th century art. Admission free. Fitzwilliam Museum (Q1421440) on Wikidata Fitzwilliam Museum on Wikipedia 
  • 21 Kettle's Yard, Castle Street, ☏ +44 1223 352124, . House open Tu-Su and Bank Holiday Mondays 1:30-4:30PM (1st weekend in April - last weekend in September); Tu-Su and Bank Holiday Mondays 2PM-4PM (1st weekend in October - last weekend in March). Gallery open Tu-Su and Bank Holiday Mondays 11:30AM-5PM. Kettle's Yard is the former home of Jim and Helen Ede and houses the fine collection of art, from the early part of the 20th century, which they gave to the University. Artists represented include Ben Nicholson, Christopher Wood, Alfred Wallis, David Jones, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore and Henri Gaudier-Brzeska. There is a separate gallery for exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, which are widely advertised and detailed on the website. Each exhibition is accompanied by a lively programme of talks, workshops and discussion groups for all ages. Music at Kettle's Yard: Kettle's Yard presents programmes of chamber music concerts and contemporary music concerts. House Adult £10.50 -25 free. Kettle's Yard (Q1739999) on Wikidata Kettle's Yard on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2024)
  • 22 The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Downing Street, ☏ +44 1223 333456. M-F 10AM-1PM and 2PM-5PM; Sa 10AM-4PM; closed on Bank Holidays. One of the university's many hidden treasures, and actually its oldest museum, the Sedgwick is packed full of fossils with more than 1 million in its collection. These range from the earliest forms of life from more than 3000 million years ago, to the wildlife that roamed the Fens less than 150,000 years ago. Displays include a gallery of minerals and gemstones, the world's largest spider, rocks collected by Charles Darwin on the 'Voyage of the Beagle', dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Triassic, and fossils from the local area including a hippopotamus from the nearby Barrington gravel pits. The museum organises many activities, so it's always a good idea to check its website.. Admission free. Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences (Q7445283) on Wikidata Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences on Wikipedia 
  • 23 The University Museum of Zoology, The New Museum Site, Downing Street, ☏ +44 1223 336650, . Tu-Sa 10AM-4:30PM, Su noon-4:30PM, and Bank Holiday Mondays noon-4:30PM. The University Museum of Zoology displays a great range of recent and fossil animals, emphasising the structural diversity and evolutionary relationships among the animal kingdom. The collections were accumulated from 1814 onwards, and include many specimens collected by Charles Darwin. To find the museum, look for the spectacular whale skeleton, hung above the entrance and visible through the archway from Downing Street. Free. Museum of Zoology (Q5025605) on Wikidata Cambridge University Museum of Zoology on Wikipedia (updated May 2018)
  • 24 The Whipple Museum of the History of Science, Free School Lane (front entrance), ☏ +44 1223 330906. M-F 12:30PM-4:30PM; closed at weekends (ex third Sa per month), bank holidays and occasionally over the Christmas period. The Whipple Museum is a pre-eminent collection of scientific instruments and models, dating from the Middle Ages to the present. Included in this outstanding collection are microscopes and telescopes, sundials, early slide rules, pocket electronic calculators, laboratory equipment and teaching and demonstration apparatus.
    Visitors are advised to check beforehand by contacting the museum if you have special access requirements.     Free. Whipple Museum of the History of Science (Q3329390) on Wikidata Whipple Museum of the History of Science on Wikipedia 
  • 25 Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Downing Street, ☏ +44 1223 333516, . Tu-Su 2PM-4:30PM; closed at Christmas and Easter and on most public holidays; possible extended summer opening - please telephone or email for details. The museum contains large and important collections of archaeological and anthropological material from all parts of the world. The archaeological collections from all periods include significant collections from Palaeolithic Europe, Asia and Africa; Precolumbian Central and South America; early civilizations of the Mediterranean; and British archaeology. The world-renowned anthropological collections include important collections from the South Seas, West Africa and the Northwest Coast of North America; historic collections from the 18th century; and extensive photographic collections from the 19th and 20th centuries. Free. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Q1954733) on Wikidata Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 26 Museum of Classical Archaeology, Sidgwick Avenue, ☏ +44 1223 330402. M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-1PM. The Museum of Classical Archaeology is one of the few surviving collections of plaster casts of Greek & Roman sculpture in the world. The collection of about four hundred and fifty casts is open to the public and housed in a purpose-built Cast Gallery on the first floor of the Classics Faculty. Although nothing here is an original, nearly all the well-known (and not so well-known) works from the Classical world can be seen together under one roof. The reserve research collections consist of another two hundred plaster casts, Greek vases, pottery sherds, and epigraphic squeezes. These can be consulted by arrangement. Admission is free. Museum of Classical Archaeology (Q6940801) on Wikidata Museum of Classical Archaeology, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 27 The Museum of Cambridge (formerly: Cambridge Folk Museum), Castle Street. M-Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 11AM-4PM. The only local social history museum in Cambridge and is the most comprehensive collection representing life in the South Cambridgeshire villages. Housed in an old Coaching House, the museum is home to some 20,000 objects representing the history of local life away from the University. Staffed by volunteers which may cause unscheduled closures, phone to confirm if required. Standard £6, students & 16-17 £4.50, -16 free. (updated Jul 2023)
  • 28 The Polar Museum, Lensfield Road. Tu-Sa (and Su on Bank Holiday Weekends) 10AM-4PM. A short walk from the Fitzwilliam Museum is The Polar Museum. It was a finalist for The Museum of the Year Prize in 2011. Its extraordinary collection covers the Arctic and Antarctic, native peoples and the Golden Age of Exploration of heroes such as Scott and Shackleton. It also serves as the National Memorial to Scott and his men, as well as being the public front of The Scott Polar Research Institute which continues their scientific work. Special events, exhibitions, tours, children's activities and behind the scenes Open Days are held quite often. Scott Polar Research Institute (Q2747894) on Wikidata Scott Polar Research Institute on Wikipedia 
  • 29 The University Library, West Road. M-F 9AM-6PM, Sa 9AM-4:30PM. Exhibition of treasures and highlights from the Library's world-class collections of manuscripts and printed books. Two major exhibitions are held each year (roughly January to June and September to December): check website for details. 
  • 30 Museum of Technology, Cheddars Lane (bus #3,11,12 Stanley Rd. Accessible on foot from centre by crossing Midsummer common and following the River Cam eastwards.). F-Su 10:30AM-4PM. An exhibition of items from Cambridge's industrial past based at the city's old sewage pumping station on Riverside. Exhibits include the working steam and gas powered pumps, printing technology and items from several decades of electronics manufacturing within the city. The museum holds several 'steaming' days a year, usually on bank holidays, when engines and pumps may be seen working. Cambridge Museum of Technology (Q5025483) on Wikidata Cambridge Museum of Technology on Wikipedia (updated Jul 2023)
  • 31 The Centre for Computing History, Rene Court, Coldhams Rd, CB1 3EW (off Coldhams Lane Bus 19A & 114 stop Romsey Town nr Brampton Road), ☏ +44 1223 214446. W-Su 10AM-5PM. A small museum dedicated to the field of computing including video game consoles and arcade machines that can be played. The museum is also a hire-able venue for "Gaming Parties". Adults £12, children £8, concessions £10. Centre for Computing History (Q7721931) on Wikidata The Centre for Computing History on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2024)

Churches

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The history of Cambridge is entwined with that of the Church of England. The colleges (see above) all have chapels which can be visited, but town churches also offer a rich insight into the history of the town and university, and are usually free. Even if you aren't interested in places of worship, they are well worth a few minutes attention and are peaceful places to enjoy.

  • 32 The Round Church, Bridge Street, CB2 1UB, ☏ +44 1223 311602, . Daily. Dating back to 1130, this is one of only four medieval round churches in England, and one of the most visited buildings in Cambridge. Besides the remarkable architecture, the building contains historical exhibitions and hosts occasional concerts and lectures. Included is a 20-minute film that provides an excellent overview of Cambridge's history. Tour guides based there offer walking tours of Cambridge which are highly rated. Adult £3.50. Holy Sepulchre, Cambridge (Q12060465) on Wikidata Holy Sepulchre, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2019)
  • 33 Great St Mary's (GSM), Senate House Hill, CB2 3PQ, ☏ +44 1223 747273, . M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su noon-5PM (may vary depending on service times). Open daily, free. This fine example of 15th-century English Perpendicular architecture is on the market square opposite King's College. As well as viewing the beautiful nave, visitors can climb the bell tower (admission £6 adults, £4 children (5-16 years), £16 family (2 adults, 2 children)) for spectacular views over the city. Church of St Mary the Great (Q3585454) on Wikidata Church of St Mary the Great, Cambridge on Wikipedia (updated Apr 2023)
  • 34 St. Benet's, Bene’t Street, CB2 3PT, ☏ +44 1223 351927, . Tucked away in the lanes is this tiny 11th-century church. Its main attraction is a Saxon arch in the nave. One of several churches in town with bells, this one is a good location to see English bellringing. The times are unpredictable and not published but Sunday afternoons are your best bet. Please be quiet, ringing takes a surprising amount of concentration and the ringers can do without distractions. St Bene't's Church (Q128404) on Wikidata St Bene't's Church on Wikipedia 
  • 35 All Saints, Jesus Lane, Jesus Lane, CB5 8BP, ☏ +44 1223 324442. Open daily, free. This 19th-century church is no longer used for worship but has been preserved as a rare example of the Arts and Crafts movement, featuring a highly ornate interior by Bodley, and windows and wall decorations by William Morris. All Saints Church (Q4729452) on Wikidata All Saints' Church, Cambridge on Wikipedia 
  • 36 St. Andrew's, Chesterton, Church Street, CB4 1DT, ☏ +44 1223 306150, . A walk from town, but with an impressive (if somewhat faded) medieval Doom painting around the chancel arch, showing the Judgement and giving worshippers good reason to pay attention to the sermon. 

Further out

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American Cemetery
  • 37 World War II Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial (3 mi (4.8 km) west of the city on Highway A-1303). Daily 9AM-5PM except for Dec 25 and Jan 1. The cemetery is on land donated by Cambridge University and is the final resting place for 3812 American military dead lost during the War in the Atlantic and Northern Europe. A monument is inscribed with the names of 5126 Americans whose remains were never found or identified. The chapel contains mosaic maps of World War II campaigns and a mosaic memorial to American Air Forces on the ceiling. Free. Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial (Q954555) on Wikidata Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial on Wikipedia 
  • 38 Imperial War Museum Duxford, CB22 4QR (Bus: M-Sa train from Cambridge to Whittlesford Parkway station then 40 minute walk starting on Station Rd West away from station. Su only direct bus 132 from Cambridge.(Stagecoach bus 7 only serves Duxford village only)). This World War II airfield south of Cambridge houses the Imperial War Museum's aircraft collection, and is the largest aviation museum in Europe. As well as military aircraft, it houses a large collection of non-military aircraft including a Concorde. There is also a land warfare museum on the site that has many examples of armoured vehicles from the First World War onwards. It really a full day for a proper visit. Flight shows are sometimes held; these days will be very busy. see website. Imperial War Museum Duxford (Q1758240) on Wikidata Imperial War Museum Duxford on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2024)
  • 39 Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Quy Road, Lode, CB25 9EJ (Stephensons bus #11 to Swaffham Road, Lode. (some buses come into Lode)), ☏ +44 1223 810080, . Jacobean-style house with gardens and watermill check website. Anglesey Abbey (Q3021583) on Wikidata Anglesey Abbey on Wikipedia (updated Aug 2023)
  • 40 Wimpole Hall & Home Farm, ☏ +44 1223 206000, . Wimpole Hall is the largest house in Cambridgeshire, set amongst rolling "Capability Brown" landscaped parklands, with a Home Farm hosting many rare breeds. Wimpole Hall (Q8023577) on Wikidata Wimpole Estate on Wikipedia 
  • 41 Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum, Ely Road, Waterbeach, CB25 9PQ (7 mi (11 km) north of Cambridge. Stagecoach bus#9, take care crossing busy main road.), ☏ +44 1223 860489. Denny Abbey the only religious site in England to have been occupied at various times by three different monastic orders. Museum tells the history of farming in the fens. Adults £8.00, children £5.00, concessions £6.50. English Heritage members free. Farmland Museum and Denny Abbey (Q732263) on Wikidata Denny Abbey on Wikipedia (updated Sep 2024)
  • Further north see Ely for Stretham Old Engine and Wicken Fen.
Blue plaque to Rupert Brooke in Granchester
  • 42 Grantchester: "The women there do all they ought, the men observe the Rules of Thought...." - Rupert Brooke (1887-1915) was in Berlin when he wrote this semi-comic paean to the village. It's 3 miles south and upstream from Cambridge, a pleasant afternoon stroll or punt. The Church of St Mary and St Andrew (C of E) dates from 12th century, with several distinguished figures in its graveyard. There are thatched cottages, several pubs, and the famous Orchard Tea Gardens, open daily 10AM-6PM. The orchard was planted in 1868; in 1897 a group of student visitors asked if they could take tea there rather on the lawn, and this became a fashion. Brooke took up lodging at The Orchard in 1909 and attracted a glittering coterie: They love the Good, they worship Truth, they laugh uproariously in youth . . . Continue upstream to the pool below the weir at the confluence of the Cam and Brook. This was frequented by Europe's most famous "wild swimmer" Lord Byron.
  • 43 Bourn Windmill, Caxton Rd, Bourn CB23 2SU (Off A1198), ☏ +44 1223 243830. See website for opening. A medieval post-mill, probably the oldest mill in Britain. It's at risk of collapse and stabilisation is under way; it will be open for a few days in 2023. £3 adult, £1 child. (updated Apr 2023)

Do

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Punting is a popular activity in Cambridge
  • Explore the backs. It's free, and gives you a real flavour of the city. You can walk through King's College, onto King's Parade, a beautiful row of exclusive shops. You can also experience the backs by punt which is extremely popular.
  • Punting. 9:30AM-dusk daily. If anything is stereotypically 'Cambridge', this is it. Punting involves propelling a flat bottomed boat with a long wooden pole (quant) by pushing a pole against the shallow river bottom. For the full effect, take strawberries and Champagne to quaff as you glide effortlessly down the river. You can either travel along the famous College Backs or head out towards the village of Grantchester. Guided tours are also available from around £20 per person on the day. Save by booking online at (Traditional Punting Company, Let's Go Punting, Rutherford's Punting Cambridge, Scudamore's and Cambridge Chauffeur Punts. If you're up for more of an adventure, try it out for yourself on a self-hire boat (typically about £30/hour for an entire punt, so can be a lot cheaper if you are part of a group). Punting to Grantchester (upriver) takes about an hour and a half for an experienced punter or tour, and the complete journey takes much longer for first-timers. Along the Grantchester route there are riverbanks on the way for mooring up with meadowland suitable for picnics (pranksters have been known to push unattended punts out into the river.)
Draw the Cambridge Cat
by recording a GPS track on a 19 km route along major roads
  • Walking tours. Guided walking tours are available all year round with a range of walking tours to choose from. These tours can be tailored to suit group interest with the central tourist office. There is also the option to experience Cambridge virtually with some University Colleges providing their own tours. These include King's College and St John's College with a
  • Rowing. Cambridge is renowned for rowing on the Cam. All colleges and some schools have their own clubs, and there are over half a dozen large 'town' clubs. There are a number of regattas and head races on the river throughout the year, though the highlight in the rowing calendar on the Cam is the annual bumping races. For College crews, the 'May' bumps are in June, for the local clubs, this normally is the fourth week in July. Over four evenings of racing (Tuesday - Friday), eights attempt to gain higher position by catching the crew ahead of them before being 'bumped' by the crew behind. Races take place downstream (north) of the city, between the A-14 road bridge and the railway bridge at Stourbridge Common, and are best viewed from the towpath alongside the river, or from the Plough pub in Fen Ditton, both accessible by foot from the town centre - words of warning though - if on the towpath side, be careful for the massive number of bikes that accompany the crews racing, if in the pub, you may not get a seat, and beer prices are at a premium.
  • Cycling. Rent a bicycle and bike the mostly flat terrain around Cambridge. Popular destinations are Grantchester (3 km), American Cemetery (5 km), along River Cam towpath to Milton Country Park (5 km), Wicken Fen (12 km), Duxford Imperial War Museum especially during air-shows (15 km) and Ely (23 km). (More trips)
  • Football: 1 Cambridge United, Newmarket Rd CB5 8LN, ☏ +44 1223 566500. United play soccer in League One, the game's third tier. Their home ground Abbey Stadium (capacity 8000) is two miles east of city centre. (updated Jun 2021)
  • Cambridge RUFC were promoted in 2023 and now play rugby union in the RFU Championship, their second tier. The home ground is Grantchester Road, capacity 1250.
  • Cambridge University RUFC plays the annual Varsity Match against Oxford but doesn't play in a regular league.
Number of free tennis courts at each place
  • Play tennis for free for up to 45 minutes at a city-council tennis court. No need to book – just bring racquets and balls. Parktennis[dead link] runs free social games at Jesus Green most Saturdays at 10–11AM.
  • Play table tennis for free at Ping Pong Parlour[dead link] in the Grafton Shopping Centre (balls and bats provided), or on an outdoor table.
  • 2 Cambridge Ice Arena, Newmarket Road CB5 8AA, ☏ +44 1223 848830. Tu-Su. This rink has public skating, ice hockey, curling, figure skating, and lessons. (updated Feb 2022)
  • 3 Lets Go Punting, Landing Stage, Thompsons Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8AG, ☏ +44 1223 651659, . 9AM - dusk. Independent punting company offering private and shared punting tours in Cambridge. Tours last 45-50 minutes along the college backs. From £20. (updated Nov 2022)
  • 4 Traditional Punting Company (Punting Cambridge), Landing Stage, Thompsons Ln, Cambridge CB5 8AQ, ☏ +44 1223 782306, . 9AM - dusk. The Traditional Punting Company offers the best punting in Cambridge, where you'll see the world-famous College Backs in the heart of the city. Expert chauffeurs will guide you along the River Cam, entertaining you with Cambridge’s inspiring history and secrets of the city over the last 800 years. Tours last 50 minutes and are a return journey. Shared Tours from £20, Private Tours from £79. (updated Mar 2022)

Arts

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  • 5 Cambridge Corn Exchange. The city's centre for arts and entertainment. 
  • 6 ADC Theatre, Park Street. The University's playhouse. Hosts student and local amateur productions. Look out for performances by Footlights, this has been the training ground for many famous comedians. Tickets £4-10. 
  • 7 Cambridge Junction, Clifton Road (close to Cambridge railway station. Bus Stagecoach #3). Artistic centre offering club nights, gigs, and new theatre, comedy, and dance. Ticket prices vary depending on the show/gig. (updated Aug 2023)
  • 8 Arts Picture House, 38–39 St Andrew's St. Various foreign and art-house films (see the current listing ). A more conventional selection can be found at the large multiplex at the Grafton Centre as well as the Light Cinema at Cambridge Leisure Park in Hills Road. (updated Jan 2017)
  • 9 Arts Theatre, 6 St Edward's Passage. Hosts a varied mix of professional drama, dance and opera including touring productions and an annual pantomime. 

Events

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  • Cambridge Summer Music Festival. Perhaps the most romantic way to appreciate the magnificent architecture of the many College Chapels is to hear a concert performed in their marvellous acoustics. Cambridge Summer Music offers world class performances in the well-known Chapel of King's College as well as many of the city's hidden gems. 
  • Midsummer Fair. (mid-June), Midsummer Common. 
  • 10 Strawberry Fair. On Midsummer Common in early June. 
  • Cambridge Film Festival. (July) Cambridge Film Festival (Q3102921) on Wikidata Cambridge Film Festival on Wikipedia 
  • 11 Cambridge Folk Festival, Cherry Hinton Hall Park. (late July) Cambridge Folk Festival (Q2934694) on Wikidata Cambridge Folk Festival on Wikipedia 
  • Cambridge Shakespeare Festival. (July–August) Every summer, six Shakespeare plays staged outdoors in gardens of various colleges Cambridge Shakespeare Festival (Q5025531) on Wikidata Cambridge Shakespeare Festival on Wikipedia 
  • Cambridge Science Festival. (March) Two weeks of (mostly) free events for all ages. Cambridge Science Festival (Q19871814) on Wikidata Cambridge Science Festival on Wikipedia 
  • Festival of Ideas. (October–November) A festival of free events celebrating the arts, humanities and social sciences. 
  • Cambridge Literary Festival (Spring and winter). Twice yearly literary festival with talks, readings and events featuring local and national literary figures. 
  • Mill Road Winter Fair (First Saturday in December). Annual community festival based around the city's Mill Road featuring music, parades, food and art organised by local residents. The whole road is closed off just for the day. 
  • 12 Cambridge Beer Festival, Jesus Green. (May) Annual beer festival on Jesus Green, hosted by Cambridge & District CAMRA. Cambridge Beer Festival (Q5025359) on Wikidata Cambridge Beer Festival on Wikipedia 
  • Cambridge University degree ceremony. 4 days at the end of most months. Watch the processions and traditions before and after a graduation ceremony from outside the Senate House lawn or the Great St Mary's tower. Senate_House, Cambridge#Graduation ceremony on Wikipedia 

Learn

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Most lectures are only open to members of the university; however, a variety of public talks and lectures are organised:

There are a large number of summer schools, mostly English language, but also some offering tuition in a wide range of other subjects.

It is also possible for members of the public to attend residential summer schools within the University, such as Lite Regal Education

Work

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Cambridge University students aren't allowed to work during term-time, so there are often possibilities for punting, hotel services, bar or waitering work for foreign nationals. Those from outside the EU require a work permit, see the Work section of United Kingdom for more details.

There are also the Science Park and Business Park located around the city limits which are home to many global gaming, digital, technology, bio-tech and pharmaceutical companies.

Buy

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King's Parade has numerous souvenir shops and gift shops with Cambridge (and London) branded merchandise. Scour the charity shops down Burleigh Street, Regent Street and Mill Road for bargains. Book collectors will find many shops especially Trinity Street. The market square in the centre of town has a general market Monday to Saturday with fruit and vegetables, bread and cakes, books, bicycle repair, tea and coffee, fast food and clothes, and a more arts-and-crafts oriented market on Sunday with pottery, ceramics, prints, clothing, etc. The surrounding streets and the nearby 1