Cambridge is one of England’s top university cities. This fair town in Cambridgeshire is home to many colleges that have been around since medieval times, and they’re popular attractions for foreign visitors, whether they’re there as tourists or prospective students. Other must-sees in Cambridge are its well-preserved churches, free-entry museums, historic bridges, and the famous River Cam.
The Fitzwilliam Museum sits along Trumpington Street. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Cambridge and is part of Cambridge University. This free-entry institution houses an extensive collection of art and antiquities from recovered artifacts and pottery from the old world to some of the masterpieces of impressionists like Monet and Renoir.
One of the top things to do in Cambridge for both locals and tourists is to spend a lovely, relaxing afternoon taking in the gorgeous scenery of Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Its greenhouses showcase various habitats and the plants are arranged to give visitors a visual treat. Visit during the fall to marvel at the autumn colours, or in the winter months to see the winter garden.
King’s College Chapel in the King’s College section of Cambridge University was built in the 16th century. This beautiful holy site is an exemplary piece of Gothic architecture, and it is one of the city’s most important historic structures. It is also notable for its marvelous stained-glass windows and it serves as a place of respite and silent reflection for students.
The Mathematical Bridge is a wooden footbridge built centuries ago. It is situated along the River Cam and connects two sections of the Queen’s College of Cambridge University. This historic landmark is a popular photo stop. It has a unique design with an interesting story behind it, and you can hear all about it if you take one of the River Cam boat tours.
The Bridge of Sighs is an iconic covered bridge along the River Cam that connects the Third Court and New Court of Cambridge University’s St. John’s College. This exemplary piece of Gothic architecture is one of the city’s most important landmarks and occasionally used as a filming site. If you take a punting tour, you’ll be able to pass below the bridge and learn about its history.
The Backs is one of the famous tourist attractions in Cambridge. It’s a picturesque green space along the River Cam where locals and tourists take relaxing early morning, late afternoon, or evening walks. It’s also a lovely picnic spot where you can delight in your food while enjoying the scenic views of historic sights and colleges, or as you observe people taking punting tours.
Kettle’s Yard is a famous house along Castle Street in Cambridge. It is also a gallery that boasts a marvelous and well-curated art collection of modern and contemporary art, especially those that are on the avant-garde side. You can even take a free tour inside to learn more about the house and the artworks from expert art-loving guides.
The Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology is a free-entry museum in Cambridge along Downing Street. Inside, you’ll find a massive collection of local artifacts as well as recovered cultural objects from across the globe. As you explore its different sections, you will be informed about the different cultures around the world. It’s a wonderful and fun place for adults and kids to learn about the people of Planet Earth.
The Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences is another one of Cambridge’s free-entry museums and is part of Cambridge University. Compared to the other museums, it’s rather small, but its collection of artifacts and fossils is extensive and will surely pique the interests of both kids and adults. Through the displays of dinosaur skeletons, rocks, and trivia of the staff on-site, you will surely enjoy learning about the history of the planet and geology.
Great St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful holy site north of King’s Parade in the heart of Cambridge. Inside, you’ll find a lot of holy artifacts that chronicle the religious history of the city. Its most popular section is the bell tower, which requires a climb up steep and narrow stairs. At the very top, visitors will be treated to a spectacular 360° view of the city and its colleges.
Cambridge is best known for being the home of the internationally-renowned University of Cambridge. Many of its most important and famous attractions are part of the University, from museums to scenic areas like the Botanic Gardens.
The best time to visit this bustling university city is mid-May to the end of September. These months encompass the end of spring the entirety of summer, when it’s dry.
Since much of Cambridge’s most popular attractions are tied to and near the University of Cambridge, the best locations for tourists to stay in are the areas near the colleges, specifically Round Church Street. The attractions will be a walking distance away. It’s perfect for first-time visitors, too.