Destinations,  The U.K.

Nine Charming Attractions In Cambridge

What are the nine most charming attractions in Cambridge? Read on to find out!

Cambridge Botanical Garden

Naturally famed by its beautiful, historic colleges and peaceful punting voyages along the scenic River Cam, the stunning city of Cambridge is one of intrigue and indulgence as it parades a magnificent collection of historic architecture, fascinating human history, tranquil green spaces, and diverse cuisines.

The destination serves as the perfect weekend getaway or day trip for anyone searching for buzz and beauty while simultaneously being immersed in a laidback lifestyle, where exploring kicks back at your pace. So, cycle the streets as if you’re in Europe or saunter the lanes to keep your steps up; but however you choose to uncover the attractions in Cambridge, prepare yourself for a world of wonder and striking sights.

With trains running under and hour journeys from London Kings Cross as well, Cambridge is a wonderful place to keep revisiting, especially because its charm will never wear off and there will always be something new to catch your wandering eyes. And if you’re anything like me – a person who loves London but also loves leaving it – Cambridge can be your perfect paradise.

Cambridge Pintrest Pin

Travel and Accommodation In Cambridge 

The best way to get to Cambridge is by National Rail from any major city such as London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Train rides from London are especially short and scenic as the carriages weave through acres of pasture and greenery.

Hotels range from 3* to 5*, independent and chains, all located close to the main attractions and buzzing city own centre. Some of the most popular places include:

Nine Charming Attractions In Cambridge 

Kings College Chapel 

The Kings College Chapel is a medieval marvel displaying one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic English architecture, large stained-glass windows and features the world’s largest fan vault. It took over a 100 years to built and could be considered the landmark of Cambridge for its historical significance and vital role within everyday university life.

The sheer scale of the chapel is humbling for it is the largest of its kind in the UK, and second only to the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. Besides wandering the inside, For a bird’s eye view of the gorgeous structure (and surrounding landscape), climb the elegant Great St. Mary’s Tower that stand nearby.

The Cambridge University Botanical Gardens 

The botanical gardens of Cambridge are a delightful 40 acres of pure floral bliss and is worth every second you spend getting lost in the foliage and stand awe-struck in breathtaking greenhouses. Sitting on the wooden benches under giant, wallowing trees and walking through the striking conservatory was easily the best part of trip.

Go Punting 

Punting is more than a casual activity in Cambridge – it is deep-rooted in the city’s culture. The serene rides will take up and down the River Cam as you pass by some of the most famous colleges in the world, spot a duck or two, and glide under world-famous bridges like the 19th-century Bridge of Sighs. Punting is one of the best ways for photographers to capture their surroundings from a unique and privileged viewpoint.

River Cam in Cambridge
Cruising down the River Cam

Mathematical Bridge

Speaking of world-famous bridges, the infamous Mathematical Bridge is one of sophisticated design and proud attraction in Cambridge because there is nothing quite like it anywhere else. It stands as an engineering marvel and minor triumph of the 18th century, whereby a curve has been made entirely of straight beams, and is a fantastic example of tangent and radial trussing design.

Mathematical Bridge Cambridge
Views of the Mathematical Bridge

The Corpus Clock

Found at the end of King’s Parade, the fascinating Corpus Clock (also known as the Grasshopper clock) attracts hordes of tourists for a fleeting visit as it speeds up, slows down, and even stops to represent the relativity of time. It does, however, tell the correct time to a hundredth of a second every five minutes!

The distinctive attraction designed by Dr John C Taylor has the graced the streets for over a decade in all its pure gold glory and the radiating ripples allude to the Big Bang, the central impact that formed the universe and could be considered as the beginning of time.

Market Square

Cambridge’s small-town feel isn’t more evident than at the market square where you can stroll cobbled streets and ever-changing stalls for anything ranging from tasty treats to jazzy jewellery. It’s also one of my favourite places for book hunting.

Cambridge University Press Bookshop

If you are a literary fanatic, don’t forget to pass by the oldest bookshop in the country, which also happens to be the oldest university press in the world after being granted letters patent by King Henry VIII in 1534. I have to warn you, the books here are not cheap – I found one selling for £400!

Wren Library

If you are lucky to make your visit during a weekday, this university library opens its doors to the public 5 days a week between 12-2 pm to allow you gaze upon pieces of history. And I mean that literally. Here you’ll find Sir Isaac Newton’s walking stick, AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, and a lock if Newton’s hair.

Jack’s Gelato 

Jack’s Gelato is quite an institution! The popular ice cream shop is one of the most delicious attractions in Cambridge that serves an endless variety of enchanting flavours and on a hot day, be ready to stand in long queues for a scoop of all this sweetness.

Average Cost For A Day Trip To Cambridge Per Person

Transport (train from London + local travel): £20

Accommodation: £0

Attractions: £25

Food and amenities: £35

 

Practical Information About Cambridge

Location: England, United Kingdom

National Languages: English 

Currency: Sterling Pound

Neighbouring Countries: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland 

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