Cambridge Day Trip – An Itinerary For 1 Day In Cambridge

Within the beautiful structure of Cambridge, centuries of historical past and achievement have formed the world in numerous methods. Explore the very best this river-side college metropolis has to supply on this Cambridge day journey.

Few of the nice locations within the UK appeal the digital camera greater than a day trip in Cambridge.

Exquisite late-Gothic structure with medieval stained-glass home windows, tower over cobbled streets and immaculate greens. Beautiful gardens line the river crisscrossed with punters regaling clients with anecdotes spanning 800 years of historical past. Students negotiate wonky lanes on bikes, balancing a pile of books in a single hand and a latte within the different.

Founded in 1209 after college students fled Oxford to flee rioting townspeople, Cambridge hasn’t appeared again. The city that gave the world evolutionary biology, IVF, Artificial Intelligence, pc video games, the thermos and soccer, wears historical past and achievement with a subdued confidence.

Walk within the halls of custom, the place quirky rituals, bizarre discoveries and fragments of popular culture have been born. Follow within the footsteps of the main minds the place Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking and Ali G all nurtured their craft.

We’ve put our favorite issues to do in Cambridge collectively as a day journey permitting you to see all the highest sights. It covers the important thing sights, a number of cultural experiences, nice meals and options on your subsequent journey.

It additionally consists of suggestions on the place to spend the night time simply in case you wish to flip your Cambridge day journey right into a historic weekend break.

Booking your journey by way of the hyperlinks on this web page (or on our ebook web page) will earn us a small fee, at no further value to you. Thanks on your help – Paul & Mark.

CAMBRIDGE DAY TRIP / MORNING

Cambridge is gradual to get up. So should you arrive early, seize breakfast at Hot Numbers in Trumpington Street, conveniently positioned between the prepare station and the city centre. They have an excellent brunch menu, however it’s their espresso that basically steals the present.

01 – CORPUS CLOCK & MARKET SQUARE

After breakfast, stroll previous Corpus Clock, one of many extra fascinating issues to see in Cambridge. This uncommon timepiece was invented by John C Taylor who gave the world the thermostat managed electrical kettle. It has a gold design that ripples to resemble the massive bang and a monster that eats time.

King’s College Chapel is close by and opens from 9:30am Monday to Saturday. However, you could to depart this till Evenson later within the day, which is an excellent factor to do in Cambridge.

If you determine to skip King’s College for now, head to Market Square. A market has been working on this website because the center ages. Pick up something from avenue meals to vinyl, CD’s to backyard plans, or a cheesy memento to recollect your Cambridge day journey.

02 – GREAT ST MARY’S CHURCH TOWER

Now climb the Tower at Great St Mary’s Church. The 123 steps up the 800-year-old church are nicely price it for the unparallel views over town, King’s College and the market. The tower is £4 however it’s free to enter the church which can also be price a fast look inside and an excellent addition to a day trip in Cambridge.

03 – ST JOHN’S COLLEGE

After the tower, head over to St John’s College, some of the photogenic in Cambridge. The vaulted chapel was impressed by Saint Chappelle in Paris and the library with giant bay home windows overlooking the River Cam provides one of many most interesting views within the metropolis.

The faculty is fantastically set straddling the river Cam. Spend time strolling the grounds ensuring you go to the Bridge of Sighs, a sublime bridge which has change into some of the photographed websites in Cambridge.

CAMBRIDGE DAY TRIP / AFTERNOON

In the afternoon go to one of many wealthiest schools within the nation and participate in a necessary Cambridge day journey exercise: punting on the River Cam.

04 – TRINITY COLLEGE

Founded by Henry VIII, Trinity College is the most important and wealthiest faculty in Cambridge. Enter the Great Court to be transported right into a world of formality and historical past. Try operating across the courtroom within the time it takes for the clock to strike 12, the custom immortalised in Chariots of Fire (though the precise scene was filmed at Eton College).

The Chapel at Trinity College is a ravishing constructing relationship again to the 16^th century. But the spotlight is the Wren Library. It incorporates 12^th and Thirteenth-century manuscripts in addition to Isaac Newton’s pocket book. The library is open to the general public Monday to Friday between 12pm and 2pm and on Saturday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Access to the Wren Library is from the backs by way of Garrett Hostel Lane or Queen’s Road and the Avenue. There isn’t any public entry to the Wren from the Great Court.

Another good solution to see Trinity College (whether it is open) is to hitch this alumini-led faculty tour which additionally visits Clare and Kings College.

LUNCH / THE SENATE OR BREAD & MEAT

Time for lunch. Dine in a first-rate place overlooking King’s Parade at The Senate. Their Mediterranean impressed menu is domestically sourced and options an excellent collection of sharing boards accompanied by a wholesome wine listing.

Alternatively, seize a fast chew at Bread and Meat. As the identify suggests, they specialize in meat delivered in numerous types of bread. Think, Sunday roast in a sandwich. However, in addition they do an excellent Sunday roast.

05 – PUNT ALONG THE BACKS

Punting alongside the backs is one thing of a vacationer ceremony of passage at Cambridge and one in every of our favorite outside actions within the UK. You can rent a punt, seize a quant pole and do it your self, otherwise you sit again, chill out and take a guided punting tour.

On the guided route, put together to drift effortlessly previous the backs of the universities, beneath the Bridge of Sighs and previous the geometrically pleasing, Mathematical Bridge. On the DIY punt expertise, anticipate to be caught beneath a bridge or (even worse) falling in, until you’re a pure, through which case will probably be a day trip in Cambridge to recollect.

06 – FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM

If the climate isn’t suited to punting, head as an alternative to the Fitzwilliam Museum. It’s owned by the college and homes a various array of ornaments, work and historic artefacts. The historical world assortment spans the cultures from Greece to North Sudan. The library, opened in 1848, incorporates many unique fittings.

CAMBRIDGE DAY TRIP / EVENING

Round out your day journey to Cambridge listening to the rousing music at Evensong in King’s College Chapel adopted by a few of our favorite haunts.

07 – EVENSONG AT KING’S COLLEGE CHAPEL

Evensong at King’s College is a 470-year-old custom and the very best (and free) solution to go to the chapel. The service lasts for 45 minutes and consists of elegant music from the choir and the world-famous gilded pipework organ. The chapel, an initiative of Henry VI, has the most important fan vaulted ceiling on this planet.

If evensong will not be your factor, then ensure to go to King’s College chapel throughout the day or on this strolling tour which focuses on Cambridge’s essential position in world historical past.

DINNER / THE PUNTER OR STEM & GLORY

For dinner attempt The Punter, a basic English pub with low beams, quirky interiors and a small courtyard. Their progressive menu has a wide range of gourmet-ed up, dishes however they’re at their greatest delivering basic pub favourites.

For a plant-based choice, Stem & Glory has a small well-executed menu that spans Korean, Italian, and Japanese. The meals is zesty and the service is heat.

If you wish to self-cater, there are a number of nice farm outlets in Cambridge the place you’ll be able to put collectively somewhat nosh with artisanal merchandise.

ROOFTOP COCKTAIL OR A RELAXED PINT

After dinner, get pleasure from a cocktail with a view on the roof terrace of the Varsity Hotel. They have a protracted cocktail listing with all of the previous favourites and sufficient champagnes to mark any event. There’s a small BBQ menu should you fancy a chew.

The different nice rooftop terrace choice is NOVI. They have a extra distinctive parade of cocktails with an intensive craft beer listing. A collection of fashionable bar snacks can be found to assist wash down the liquor.

Alternatively, for one thing extra relaxed, attempt the Old Bicycle Shop. They have a pleasant relaxed vibe inside and an excellent little courtyard for when the climate is enjoying good. Located on the best way to the prepare station, you’ll be able to duck in for a fast pint in your manner dwelling.

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN CAMBRIDGE

All our favorite issues to do in at some point in Cambridge are included above. But after all, there’s a lot extra to see in Cambridge, so right here’s a number of concepts for one more day.

CAMBRIDGE COLLEGES

We chosen the very best two schools for visiting Cambridge in a method, however right here is our choose of the remainder. Jesus College is a palatial faculty with expansive grounds; Gonville & Caius College the place Stephen Hawkins was a fellow is legendary for its 3 fascinating gates. Peterhouse is the oldest and smallest faculty, and Pembroke College is among the largest. Christ’s College is the place Charles Darwin and studied and Corpus Christi College is a treasure trove of architectural kinds. All are price popping in to.

ROUND CHURCH

The Round Church is an fascinating monument, modelled on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. It was constructed within the 12^th century, pre-dating the college. The Cambridge exhibition inside provides an perception into the formation of town.

SEDGWICK MUSEUM OF EARTH SCIENCES

The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences was established in 1728 to deal with the colleges stash of fossils, minerals and rocks. It consists of round 2000 objects collected by Charles Darwin on his voyage around the globe between 1831 and 1836.

CAMBRIDGE BOTANIC GARDENS

Set throughout 40 acres, the Cambridge Botanical backyard is a ravishing place to discover. But the training focus of Cambridge extends to the gardens as nicely. Pick up a leaflet and take one in every of a number of self-guided strolls to be taught extra in regards to the crops.

KETTLE’S YARD

Kettle’s Yard is a up to date artwork gallery established in a historic home. The everlasting assortment has work, sculptures and knickknacks from the founder, Jim Ede who was as soon as the curator at Tate Modern. There’s a recurrently altering non permanent exhibition as nicely.

JOIN A TOUR

There are a bunch of fantastic excursions serving to to discover town.

Take a guided punting tour alongside the backs of the colleges.

Join a strolling tour visiting a few of Cambridge’s greatest schools together with the wonderful King’s College chapel.

Or mix the 2 and see the very best of town on a joint strolling and punting tour.

SHORT DAY TRIPS FROM CAMBRIDGE

GRANTCHESTER BY PUNT

Take a stunning punt by way of charming meadows to the idyllic village of Grantchester. Explore the Grantchester Meadows, take a swim within the river and have lunch on the Tea Orchard Garden, earlier than heading again to Cambridge. One-way punt from Cambridge to Grantchester takes round 1 hour, quarter-hour. Alternatively, you’ll be able to stroll which is able to take round 3 hours return. All the small print are in our information to the very best walks close to London.

ELY CATHEDRAL & TOWN

Just 20 minutes on the prepare, Ely is a perfect day journey from Cambridge. It’s compact sufficient to discover on foot however the charming laneways might preserve you occupied for a minimum of a day. The focus of the city is the towering cathedral.

WHERE TO STAY IN CAMBRIDGE

If you’re tempted to remain greater than at some point in Cambridge as a result of there’s extra you wish to do, or if these rooftop cocktails acquired the higher of you, dwell the true college expertise and keep in a dorm room.

If you’d want a extra conventional resort, listed here are some options for our choose of the place to remain.

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HOW TO GET TO CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is blessed with good transport hyperlinks from many elements of the nation, making it very simple to discover on a day journey. Here’s easy methods to get to Cambridge.

By Car // If you drive park at both Queen Terrace Car Park or Grafton East Car Park, each of which round quarter-hour’ stroll into the centre of city. However, should you don’t like the concept of driving in Cambridge, the Park & Ride is a good choice. There are 5 amenities on the outskirts of city with common shuttle buses into the centre.

By Train // The Cambridge Train station is a 25-minute stroll into the centre of city. There are direct trains from London, Norwich, Ipswich, Kings Lynn and Ely. Search prepare timetables and costs to ebook and plan your journey.

HOW TO VISIT CAMBRIDGE FROM LONDON

From London it’s fast and straightforward to see Cambridge on a day journey both by prepare, bus or on a tour.

LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE BY TRAIN

The quickest solution to get from London to Cambridge is by prepare. There are common providers from King’s Cross Station, St Pancras Station and Liverpool Street Station. Ticket costs range based mostly on time of day and day of the week, so test and ebook on-line earlier than you allow.

LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE BY BUS

The bus is slower however cheaper. National Express Coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station taking 2 hours and 20 minutes to succeed in Cambridge. You may also catch the bus from London Stratford which takes 1 hour and 35 minutes.

There are 2 stops in Cambridge. One is on the Trumpington Park & Ride; the opposite is at Parkside which is a 12-minute stroll into town centre.

The bus stops from London to Cambridge are: London Embankment, Mile End, Stratford, Cambridge Trumpington Park & Ride, Cambridge Parkside.

LONDON TO CAMBRIDGE BY TOUR

To take the trouble away from utilizing public transport and get the advantage of a information exhibiting you town, be a part of an all day tour. Most excursions final 10 to 12 hours and should you’re in a rush you’ll be able to go to Oxford and Cambridge in a single day.

MAP / CAMBRIDGE DAY TRIP ITINERARY

BEST TIME TO VISIT CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge is an efficient vacation spot to go to all yr spherical, nevertheless, the climate is greatest from June to September with common temperatures round 16 to twenty levels. October to November is cooler with common highs of 13 levels. December to February is chilly with extra rain.

Punting is sweet in late spring and early autumn when the backyard schools are trying their greatest.

It’s a good suggestion to keep away from the Christmas Holidays (24 December to 1 January) when a lot of the schools are shut. Colleges additionally shut for particular occasions all year long, particularly over the examination interval from May to June. So test on the faculty web sites should you plan on visiting over this time.

The good thing about being in Cambridge over the examination interval, nevertheless, is the carnival ambiance when the scholars end and hit the streets to rejoice. This might be an excellent time to go to, nevertheless, the bars and eating places shall be a lot busier.

There isn’t any Evensong at Trinity College on Sunday night.

CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL

The Cambridge Folk Festival takes place throughout June-July and attracts round 14,000 folks. It’s famend for fostering new expertise so you’ll be able to anticipate to see big-name singer-songwriters in addition to rising artists.

There’s tenting and glamping arrange for the pageant, however clearly, motels will ebook up in a short time over this time. So ebook nicely upfront.

MORE READING FOR YOUR UK TRIP

The UK is blessed with a bunch of various and fascinating days out. Here are some extra options for us for getting out and about on a basic day journey.

Best distant spots for a peaceable wild swim within the Lake District

Aristocrat to artisan – the very best issues to do in Bath in at some point

Best issues to do in London at Christmas

Have an outstanding journey kayaking or canoeing the River Wye

12 great issues to do within the Wye Valley

The greatest methods to go to and {photograph} Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

See the very best of Seven Sisters Cliffs on this beautiful stroll

10 nice concepts for days out within the Cotswolds

Oxford day journey – An Itinerary for 1 day in Oxford

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