TO DO / SEE
The list of things to do / places to see in Cambridge is endless, but here are our highlights:
FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM
Discover award-winning exhibitions, events and a changing display of artworks and objects from throughout history to today. The Fitzwilliam Museum’s collection of over half a million objects includes Ancient Egyptian artefacts, rare coins and mediaeval illuminated manuscripts, as well as modern and contemporary art, historic paintings and classical sculptures. All housed in their monumental Grade-I listed building in the heart of Cambridge.
KING’S COLLEGE & KING’S COLLEGE CHAPEL
King’s College Chapel plays a central role in College life, as well as being the most instantly recognisable and iconic building in Cambridge.
CANTAB TOURS
Private tailored guided tours of Cambridge, the University and colleges.
PUNTING
Relax on a punt tour of the river and take in the beautiful views of the college “Backs” – the ideal opportunity to take photographs of the iconic colleges, from a unique and privileged viewpoint.
THE BACKS
The Backs is an area to the east of Queen's Road where several colleges of the University of Cambridge back on to the River Cam with their grounds covering both banks of the river. In 2013, National Trust chairman Simon Jenkins included The Backs as one of his top ten views in England.
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN
Cambridge University Botanic Garden holds a collection of over 8,000 plant species from all over the world and provides a beautiful place for everybody to enjoy and benefit from – a series of wonderful landscapes through which to discover the drama of plant diversity.
THE CAMBRIDGE GIN LABORATORY
The Cambridge Gin Laboratory is an interactive haven for gin enthusiasts located in the historic town centre. Explore a variety of immersive classes designed to deepen your gin knowledge. Learn to taste gin like a professional, or blend your own custom bottle under the guidance of their expert gin lab team.
THE CORPUS CLOCK
Installed outside the Taylor Library at Corpus Christi College, this large, golden clock was unveiled in 2008 by Stephen Hawking. It was designed by Dr John C. Taylor, a Cambridge alumnus and inventor, who created it as both a tribute to the time and a reminder of its relentless passage.
The Corpus Clock draws a lot of attention, both for its unusual design and for the questions it raises about time, mortality, and invention. It’s a must-see for those who appreciate unique, thought-provoking creations, adding a modern twist to the historic streets of Cambridge.
GRANTCHESTER
Located a short distance from the centre of Cambridge, this historic and picturesque village features a magnificent medieval church, quaint thatched cottages and a pool where Lord Byron used to swim.
EAT & DRINK
Our guide to some of the best independent coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants in Cambridge:
THE EAGLE
If you're looking for a vibrant pub with bundles of historic charm, look no further than the Eagle. Tucked away in central Cambridge, this 17th century, Grade II listed pub lies opposite St Bene't's, the oldest surviving building in Cambridgeshire. While the Eagle is famous for being the very pub in which Francis Crick and James Watson announced that they had discovered the DNA double-helix, it's also well-renowned for its exceptional pub food.
PARKER’S TAVERN
A restaurant and bar located within University Arms hotel on Parker’s Piece, Cambridge. Parker’s Tavern serves modern British comfort food sourced from field, fen and England’s seas.
PINT SHOP
City centre beer house and dining room serving fresh seasonal menus and tasty craft beer from amazing breweries.
JACK’S GELATO
Jack makes everything by hand and uses THE best ingredients: organic milk and cream, Bronte pistachios, Valrhona chocolate, organic Madagascan vanilla, fruit, herbs and the occasional vegetable from his allotment and the allotments of friends, foraged damsons, elderflowers, quinces and sloes, Calabrian liquorice, Bruichladdich whiskey and manuka honey to name but a few.
AROMI
Aromi opened its doors in Cambridge in 2013. Since then, they’ve been bringing a slice of Sicilian life to town with their traditional handmade sourdough pizza, focaccia and arancini, along with great coffee, cakes and cannoli.
BREAD & MEAT
Independent Cambridge eatery. Their straightforward, unfussy menu is far from ordinary, hot roast meat sandwiches top the bill, alongside poutine and salads all cooked on-site with the best of ingredients, ethically and locally sourced.
HOT NUMBERS
Coffee. Music. Conversation. Hot Numbers crafts exceptional coffee for brew-heads across Cambridge.
FITZBILLIES
Experience the rich history of Fitzbillies Cambridge, historic cafés and a beloved bakery that have been serving traditional British cuisine since 1921 including their famous Chelsea buns.
THE CAMBRIDGE CHOP HOUSE
Sitting in the heart of Cambridge, opposite King’s College Chapel, it’s arguably the best spot in Cambridge. A restaurant and steak house with plenty of menu choice, real ale, and a wine list full of passion.