Cambridge on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun!

Discover history and culture without breaking the bank in charming Cambridge.

21 June 2023

A trip to Cambridge on a limited budget can still be enjoyable and enriching. Explore the many free museums and parks, such as the Fitzwilliam Museum and Grantchester Meadows. Grab a meal from a local market or food truck and take a stroll through the historic city center to see the colleges and architecture.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore the City

Start with a hearty breakfast at Fitzbillies for their famous sticky buns
Take a stroll through the historic colleges and beautiful gardens of Cambridge University
Enjoy punting on the River Cam and soak in views of the charming architecture and bridges
Visit the Fitzwilliam Museum for a dose of art and culture
Have dinner at The Eagle pub, where Watson and Crick announced their discovery of the double-helix structure of DNA
Hotel recommendation: YHA Cambridge, a budget-friendly hostel located centrally

Day 2

Day Trip to Ely

Catch a train to Ely and visit the iconic Ely Cathedral, known for its stunning stained glass
Climb up to the top of the West Tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area
Walk along the River Great Ouse towards Jubilee Gardens for a scenic picnic spot
Visit Oliver Cromwell's House, a 17th century period home with exhibits on the Civil War and life during that time
Return back to Cambridge and grab some late night drinks at Hidden Rooms

Day 3

Foodie Exploration

Start the day with brunch at The Pint Shop, famous for their craft beers and artisanal food
Visit Cambridge Market square for local delicacies like Scottish smoked salmon and exotic fruits
Head over to Cambridge Gin Distillery for a gin masterclass or tasting session
Try the award-winning burgers at Steak and Honour for lunch
For dinner, head over to Mill Works, a refurbished watermill turned restaurant showcasing seasonal menus featuring produce from local farms

Day 4

Science and Nature

Visit the Science Museum, a hands-on interactive museum with exhibits on everything from space exploration to artificial intelligence
Take a walk along the Grantchester Meadows and enjoy the picturesque views of the countryside
Visit the Botanic Garden, a 40-acre garden with over 8,000 species of plants from around the world
End the day with dinner at The Cambridge Chop House, a restaurant serving British classics like steak and kidney pie and fish and chips

Day 5

Art and History

Start the day with a visit to Kettle's Yard, a contemporary art gallery and house showcasing the works of modern British artists
Walk along the Backs, a picturesque stretch of the River Cam that winds behind some of the oldest and most beautiful colleges of the University of Cambridge
For a spot of history, visit the Round Church, one of the oldest buildings in Cambridge and a former Knights Templar church
Have a farewell dinner at Midsummer House, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern European cuisine
Hotel recommendation: ibis Cambridge Central Station, a budget-friendly hotel located close to the train station and city center.
End of itinerary.

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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.