Cambridge is one of the most significant academic and historic sites in the UK. First and foremost, it’s a prestigious university city steeped in 800 years of history. There’s a tangible sense of gravitas on every cobbled street – here are some of the attractions and activities you can enjoy.
Museum magic
Cambridge boasts some truly spectacular museums displaying perspective-changing exhibitions that will change your perspective about how it came to be. Perhaps most famous of all is the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is housed within a stunning neoclassical building in the city centre.
Founded in 1816, the Fitzwilliam boasts a truly outstanding collection of art and artefacts ranging from Egyptian treasures to drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. Open to the public every day except Monday, it’s well worth a visit – and admission is free.
Other fascinating museums include the Scott Polar Research Institute, which is devoted to exploring the natural environment in the Arctic and Antarctic. Then there’s the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences – Cambridge University’s geology museum – where you can see ancient fossils and skeletons from all over the world.
Architectural gems
The University of Cambridge is made up of 31 colleges – each located within a distinctively designed building, surrounded by perfectly-tended grounds. Seek out the Gothic chapel at King’s, the grand courtyard at Trinity, and the tranquil gardens at Pembroke and Clare College.
A trip to the Wren Library at Trinity College is a real must for book lovers. Thousands of antique books and manuscripts line the shelves – including groundbreaking original writings by the likes of Sir Isaac Newton, a former student. This is a working library so public opening hours vary – make sure you check in advance to avoid disappointment.
To find out more about the city’s story, join a walking tour. Some are led by students, giving you a real insider’s guide to life within these prestigious colleges. Afterwards, head for the banks of the Cam – a favourite student haunt – where you can relax with a book or go punting on the river. There’s no activity more quintessential of Cambridge.
Retail therapy
Shopping in Cambridge is a beautifully boutique experience. Narrow streets are lined with independent shops with lovingly created window displays. Trinity Street and Rose Crescent are two of the most picturesque retail spots, complete with al fresco restaurants where you can lunch in the sunshine.
The city market is open seven days a week – it’s a great place to pick up everything from locally made food to handmade jewellery and second-hand books. Or you might want to head to the Grand Arcade, a large indoor shopping centre on St Andrew’s Street where you’ll find the biggest and best premium brands.
Take a break
If you want respite from the busy shopping streets, head to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden on the outskirts of the centre. Greenhouses, gardens and lakeside lawns flourish with thousands of exotic flowers and plants from all over the world.
Drive north out of the city to the Great Fen nature reserve. Explore the winding walking trails, breathing in the fresh country air and perhaps catching sight of the resident deer, hares and otters.
When you hire a car in Cambridge, all this and more is just a short journey away.
