The Ultimate 5-Day Adventure in Cambridge

Discover the historic charm and academic brilliance of Cambridge.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Cambridge, you can enjoy a visit to world-renowned universities such as Cambridge University, which boasts a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture. You can also have fun punting down the River Cam or take a guided walking tour to explore the historic city's attractions, including the stunning King's College Chapel and the Fitzwilliam Museum's grand art collections. In addition, Cambridge restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary experiences for both vegetarians and meat-eaters, including hearty pub grub and Michelin-starred dishes.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Cyclists and Crumpets

  • Check into the lovely Gonville Hotel, where you'll be greeted with warm hospitality and charming decor.
  • Rent a bike and pedal along the picturesque River Cam, spotting the famous colleges and gardens along the way.
  • Refuel at The Orchard Tea Garden, where you can indulge in traditional scones with jam & cream.
  • Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum for a dose of culture, with collections spanning across history, art, and archaeology.
  • End the day with dinner at The Oak Bistro, enjoying their modern British cuisine with a glass of locally-brewed ale.
Day 2

A Walk on the Wild Side

  • Start the day with a hearty breakfast at The Petersfield, known for their delicious brunch dishes.
  • Take a stroll through the Botanic Garden, home to over 8000 plant species from around the world.
  • Stop by the Polar Museum to learn about the intrepid explorers who braved the icy wilderness.
  • Visit the Scott Polar Research Institute, which houses some of the world's finest collections of photography and artefacts.
  • Have a late lunch at The Eagle, one of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, famous for its RAF ceiling graffiti.
Day 3

Punting and Picnic-ing

  • Rent a punting boat and glide along the River Cam, admiring the stunning views of the historic buildings and gardens.
  • Stop by the Market Square and pick up some local cheeses, bread, and wine for the ultimate picnic lunch.
  • Head to Parker's Piece, a popular spot for picnics and outdoor activities, and settle down for a leisurely lunch.
  • Walk off the food with a visit to the Cambridge University Library, home to over 9 million books and manuscripts.
  • End the evening with a show at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, one of the region's largest and most vibrant entertainment venues.
Day 4

The Scientist's Tour

  • Fuel up with breakfast at The Cambridge Chop House, where you can indulge in their signature full English breakfast.
  • Visit the Whipple Museum of the History of Science, where you can discover the inventions and discoveries that shaped the world.
  • Stop by the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences to explore geological specimens and dinosaur fossils.
  • Take a tour of the Cavendish Laboratory, the birthplace of the modern computer and pioneering research on particle physics.
  • Dine at the Michelin-starred Restaurant Alimentum for a one-of-a-kind culinary experience.
Day 5

Shopping and Sweet Treats

  • Spend the morning wandering around the independent boutiques and vintage shops of Mill Road.
  • Refuel with lunch at The Cambridge Street Kitchen, an eclectic cafe-style restaurant with an ever-changing menu.
  • Take a tour of the Cambridge Distillery, where you can sample locally-distilled gins and spirits.
  • Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Jack's Gelato, which offers unique flavours such as pear and roasted walnut or black sesame.
  • End the day with a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, showcasing some of the best productions in theatre, comedy and music.

Length of stay

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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

The easiest way to get to Cambridge by bus is to take the National Express coach service from London Victoria station which departs every hour. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and arrives directly at Cambridge city center.

Destination

Cambridge

Welcome to the land of punting, nice accents, and the third-oldest university in the world (not that they like to brag). Get ready to be charmed by Cambridge!

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Cambridge: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip Adventure

Cambridge is a charming city known for its prestigious university, historic architecture, and tranquil waterways. While popular tourist attractions such as the colleges and Botanic Garden may require an entrance fee, visitors on a limited budget can still enjoy free activities such as punting on the River Cam, exploring the city’s markets and museums, and wandering the picturesque streets and parks. With affordable accommodation options such as youth hostels and budget hotels, a trip to Cambridge can be an enriching experience without breaking the bank.

Unwind in Cambridge: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

Cambridge offers a unique blend of history, architecture and academic excellence. It’s a charming university town boasting some of the finest educational institutions in the world, including the University of Cambridge. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and King’s College Chapel, before soaking up the buzz of the lively student scene.

4-Day Fun Guide to Cambridge, UK

Cambridge, UK is a city renowned for its historical architecture, prestigious university, and charming ambience. As a tourist, visitors can wander through cobbled streets lined with quaint shops, indulge in local delicacies at authentic pubs and cafes, and admire iconic landmarks such as King's College Chapel and the Bridge of Sighs. From guided walking tours to punting on the River Cam, a trip to Cambridge offers a delightful blend of culture, cuisine, and leisure.

Cambridge on a Budget: 4 Days of Fun!

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.