In the timeless city of Cambridge, England, you will find an almost never ending mixture of cultural richness, historical resonance, and enchanting experiences. As you wander the cobbled streets of Cambridge, you will embark on a journey through centuries of academic excellence. Whether you explore the bustling market square, savor the picturesque pathways by the River Cam, or revel in the ambiance of historic pubs, Cambridge invites you to partake in culture-rich experiences that seamlessly blend tradition with modernity. Here are all of the best things to do in Cambridge, England.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Cambridge, England?
Cambridge, England has something for just about everyone. Located just about an hour north of London by train, you can explore some of England’s richest history, embark on a journey down the River Cam, and even tour some of the colleges that history’s greatest minds attended. If you are looking for a destination that is rich with history, Cambridge is one of the absolute best cities in all of the UK.
Wander The Streets Of Olde Towne Cambridge
Trinity Street is one of the picturesque streets that you see of Cambridge with bustling little streets lined with all sorts of quaint little shops, boutiques, and eateries. If you only have the time to wander a single street in all of Cambridge, Trinity Street is your best option. This street will lead you in front of some of the most prestigious colleges in the world as well as right by some of the other places mentioned on this list before ending up right in front of St Mary’s church. Here’s a list of the best things to do in Cambridge while you wander the streets of Olde Towne.
Go Punting On The River Cam
Punting along the river Cam is one of the absolute best things to do in Cambridge all year long. If you decide to go in the colder months, just be sure that you dress warm because it can still be quite chilly in the winter.
If you decide to go punting, be prepared to spend a bit of money for a private tour but you can enjoy a shared tour with other curious minds for a much lower rate.
While tipping culture is not really a thing in the UK, the punt chauffeurs, as they’re called, always appreciate tips for punting the boat as well as their extensive knowledge of Cambridge’s rich history. The majority of chauffeurs are students so if you go punting, you can be sure that you’re probably helping someone make their way through university.
Enjoy One Of Cambridge’s Parks and Greens
Cambridge is well known for its many parks, commons, and green space that are available to anyone. Spending some time just relaxing in these common spaces is one of the best things to do in Cambridge in the warmer months.
If you find yourself in Midsummer Common in the warmer months, be careful where you step because the cows are free to roam across the entire common. It’s quite a unique experience. You can also grab a pint at Fort St. George here in Midsummer Common (more on that below).
Get Lost in Cambridge’s Best Museums
Since Cambridge is one of the most prestigious schools in the entire world, it makes absolute sense that it is also home to soe great museums. If you’re looking for some more scientific and historical things to do in Cambridge, you might enjoy some of these museums.
Go Back In Time At The Fitzwilliam
The Fitzwilliam Museum is the largest and most prominent museum in all of Cambridge. If you are looking for a great place to discover art and antiquities, “The Fitz” houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. The best part? It’s absolutely free.
NavigateThe Past At The Whipple
The Whipple Museum Of The History Of Science is a great place to explore some scientific tools from times past. If you are interested in scientific instruments like astrolabes, orrerys, globes, and other devices that enabled humans to expand on the sciences, the Whipple is one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
Geek Out At The Museum Of Computing History
The Centre For Computing History is a collection of some of the most popular computers throughout the world as well as some great hands on exhibits. If you consider yourself a bit of a gamer, you can play any number of video game consoles from the past several decades.
Find True North At The Polar Museum
The Polar Museum is a small museum dedicated to the north and south pole. If you are any sort of a geography buff, this is probably a museum that you will enjoy.
Explore the Animal Kingdom At The Museum Of Zoology
Museum Of Zoology has an extensive collection of mounted animals and skeletons from all around the world both in present time as well as some skeletons of extinct animals like the giant sloth.
Uncover The Past At The Museum Of Archaeology & Anthropology
The Museum Of Archaeology & Anthropology features collections of cultural relics from all over the world. If you are interested in archaeology and times long past, this museum is a great free museum to visit.
Unearth Millions Of Years At The Sedgwick
The Sedwick Museum Of Earth Sciences is a collection of all sorts of ancient fossils from a LONG time ago. Greeted by a 20+ foot Iguanodon as soon as you enter the building, you can then explore a vast collection of fossils and ancient earth relics such as fossilized dinosaur bones and other ancient fossils from throughout history. If you’re a fan of Charles Darwin, you will definitely enjoy seeing some of his personal journals on display in here.
The Wren Library
The Wren Library is Trinity Colleges own library and is a great place to visit of you have a love of old books and the history surrounding them. Named after the architect, Charles Wren, this library holds some notable works such as some original Shakespeare manuscripts, Winnie the Pooh, and even some original writings by J. Robert Oppenheimer on the original atomic bomb tests in New Mexico.
Get Around Town On 2 Wheels
Getting around Cambridge can be a bit of a challenge in a car but getting around on just 2 wheels is not only more efficient, it’s also one of the best things to do in Cambridge. Cambridge is loaded with all sorts of bike paths and trails that not only make things easier to get around in a timely manner but they will also show you a completely different side of Cambridge.
You can get around on a bicycle of your own but there are also a number of different bike and scooter rental services that are available all across the city. There might be more but I see these 2 companies all across the city. Voi seems to be the most common scooter company in Cambridge but there are also a good number of scooters from Tier.
Root For Cambridge United At A Football Match
Cambridge United football club is not a premiere league team but if you ever make it to England, your trip won’t be a proper English experience without soaking up some of the local culture of a football match. Even if you don’t fancy football, experiencing the energy of a match is a great time and absolutely one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
Go For A Drink
As is common across all of England and the UK, going for a pint at the local pub is a great way to connect with the local culture as well as potentially meet some of the people who live there and visit that pub all the time.
Bould Brothers Coffee
Bould Brothers Coffee is one of the most popular coffee shops in all of Cambridge. They definitely make some great coffee but I think the reason that it is so popular is because it isn’t one of the popular European coffee franchises like Costa, Nero, or Pret A Manger. If you are looking to support the local Cambridge economy over a good cup of coffee, be sure to pay Bould Brothers a visit.
Revel In The History Of The Eagle
The Eagle is one of the most historic pubs in all of Cambridge. Located in the heart of old towne, this pub was the last stop for many British RAF (Royal Air Force) pilots before they shipped out to the front lines of World War 1 and 2. You can still see the names of some who never returned home inscribed into the walls and ceiling. If you have ever served in any military service, the Eagle is absolutely one of the best places to enjoy a pint of beer in all of Cambridge.
The Green Dragon
The Green Dragon is a little pub in a neighborhood away from the center of town with an outdoor sitting area right on the River Cam. Rumor has it that J.R.R Tolkien used to hang out at this pub as he enjoyed a pint of beer and dreamed up the fantastical lands he turned into reality in his books, The Lord Of The Rings. If you like the idea of having a pint in a classic English pub with a rich history that sits right on the River Cam, The Green Dragon might be one of the best things to do in Cambridge.
Make Your Own Gin At The Cambridge Gin Laboratory
The Cambridge Gin Laboratory is one of the coolest looking storefronts in central Cambridge and a great place to learn all about England’s most popular spirit; Gin. If you really Fancy Gin, this is a great place to take a class dedicated to learning how to mix various gin drinks. If you are more interested in the chemistry of gin distilling, you can take a class and make your very own gin.
Enjoy A Pint On the Cam At Fort St. George
Fort St. George is a picturesque English pub that sits right on the River Cam. If you are looking for a great place to come for a few pints with your friends or family while you enjoy all of the boats passing along the river, Fort St. George is a great spot.
Play Some Mini Golf At The Tivoli
The Tivoli is a recently renovated theater that serves food, drinks, and a fun time with friends. If you are looking for a nice view of the Cam while you enjoy 9-18 holes of indoor miniature golf, The Tivoli is a great way to spend a couple of hours.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea At Six
Six is a restaurant with a rooftop bar/lounge that can be a great place to go for an afternoon tea with a great view overlooking Jesus Green. If you are looking for something a little more exciting and less posh than an afternoon tea, you can always go to the rooftop bar for a drink with or without any alcohol.
