Cambridge on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

Discovering Cambridge's historic charm on a shoestring budget.

21 June 2023

Visiting Cambridge on a limited budget is a smart idea as it offers multiple free attractions like the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Botanic Gardens and the Parker's Piece Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the city and take in the breathtaking architecture of the buildings and colleges while sipping a drink in a cozy café. Eating at the local eateries, such as The Eagle and Cambridge Chop House, is ideal for trying local cuisine and simple yet filling dishes.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information

Day 1

Exploring the city

Check-in at YHA Cambridge, a budget-friendly hostel with a central location.
Take a stroll along the River Cam and admire the architecture of the colleges.
Visit the University of Cambridge Botanic Gardens and discover its vast collection of plants.
Head to the Fitzwilliam Museum to see its impressive art and artifact collections.
Grab a bite to eat at the food trucks at Cambridge Market Square.

Day 2

History and heritage

Begin the day at the Kings College Chapel, where you can marvel at its stunning Gothic architecture.
Next, visit the Museum of Cambridge to learn about the history of the city.
Head to the American Cemetery and Memorial to pay your respects to the soldiers who fought in World War II.
Take a walk along Jesus Green and enjoy a picnic lunch.
Later, head to the Cambridge Arts Theatre to watch a play or musical.

Day 3

Punting and parks

Start the day by punting down the River Cam, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city from the water.
Visit Parker's Piece, the birthplace of the modern rules of football.
Walk through the grounds of the Cambridge University Library, the largest library in the UK after the British Library.
Have lunch at D'Arry's Wine Shop, a cozy cafe and wine bar.
In the evening, take a walk through Cherry Hinton Hall Park.

Day 4

Science and innovation

Visit the Cambridge Science Centre and participate in their interactive exhibits.
Head to the Cambridge Museum of Technology to learn about the city's industrial history.
Have lunch at the famous Eagle Pub, where Watson and Crick first announced their discovery of the double helix structure of DNA.
Take a stroll through the Wandlebury Country Park and enjoy the natural beauty.
End the day with a visit to the Cambridge Junction, a venue for live music, theater, and dance performances.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cambridge by plane is to fly into London Stansted Airport and take the National Express coach service which goes directly to Cambridge city center. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes and the coach departs directly outside the airport terminal.

Car

The most convenient way to reach Cambridge by car is by taking the M11 motorway which is directly linked to London. The city center can be accessed by taking either the A14 or A428 roads.

Train

Cambridge has its own train station which has direct connections to major cities such as London, Birmingham and Edinburgh. It is quick and efficient to travel to Cambridge by train, with regular services available throughout the week.

Boat

Cambridge is not accessible by boat due to its inland location, however, there are a number of punting companies which offer tours along the River Cam which is a popular tourist attraction in the city.

Bus