The Perfect Day in Cambridge: 7 Things You Have to See
Cambridge is a perfect break from the madness of London. Old, ornate academic buildings, riverside views, and pretty pubs are just a few of the draws of this incredible college town.
What should you see in Cambridge in a day? I’ve done it, and I’m sharing my perfect Cambridge 1 day itinerary with you. Whether you’re in Cambridge with kids, solo, or with friends, here are the can’t-miss features of this lovely college town.
Just a short train ride from London you’ll enter a different world. Here’s exactly how to spend a day in Cambridge.
Day Trip London to Cambridge: How to Get There
1. By Train
The most convenient way to travel from London to Cambridge is by train. Direct trains from London King’s Cross to Cambridge run frequently throughout the day, with journey times averaging around 50 minutes. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to get the best deals.
Start your journey at King’s Cross, where you’ll catch the Great Northern Railway train to Cambridge. It only takes about 50 minutes, and it’s a beautiful journey through the countryside. The trains are comfortable and speedy, with toilets, and some have outlets and tray tables.
There is no assigned seating. If you want a group of 4 seats, make sure to get on the train as quickly as you can; those coveted areas are the first to go.
2. By Coach
If you need to save some coin, catching a coach to Cambridge is another great option. You can find deals for as low as £5!
The journey takes about an hour and half to two hours, depending on traffic.
3. By Car
If you prefer driving, Cambridge is about 60 miles north of London. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
There are several car parks in Cambridge, but be prepared for busy streets, especially during peak times.
Cambridge in a Day: The Perfect Cambridge 1 Day Itinerary
There’s only one major train station in Cambridge, and it’s simply called Cambridge Station.
Here’s where we’ll start our day in Cambridge.
1. Start at Cambridge Station and Stop at Bould Brothers Coffee
It’s a bit of a walk into the center of Cambridge, so at this point you can either catch a bus or flag down a cab if you’d like to skip this 20 minute walk into town.
If you’re walking with me, we need to fuel up for the journey ahead. Walk up Hills Road away from the train station and you’ll see this delicious gem of a coffee shop. It’s some of the best coffee in Cambridge, great for fueling students and tourists alike.
2. Wander the Colleges
The center of Cambridge is academics, and so much of this town revolves around the University.
Cambridge University is split into colleges, each with their own unique buildings and character. These are all spread throughout the town, so you can just wander or follow a map to make sure you see the highlights:
- “Jesus” College (The College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and the glorious Virgin Saint Radegund, shortened to “Jesus” by students), founded 1496
- Pembroke, founded 1347
- Peterhouse, founded 1284
- Selwyn, newer founding in the late 1800s, but renowned for its gorgeous gardens
- King’s College, one of the older and more picturesque buildings, founded 1411
- Trinity College, known for its beautiful grounds, founded 1546
- Christ’s College, with ornate doors and architecture, founded 1437
Other notable historic sights:
- Newton’s apple tree (no, not the original, but close enough!)
- The Corpus Clock
- Castle Mound: remains of an Iron Age fort with sweeping views.
3. Go Punting on the Cam
Punting on the River Cam is a quintessential Cambridge experience. “Punting” is a form of propelling a flat-bottomed boat by pushing a large rod (or “punt”) on the bottom of the river.
Rent a punt (fair warning: it’s a lot of work!) or join a guided tour to glide past the iconic university buildings and under the city’s picturesque bridges.
My favorite punting outfit is Scudamore’s, as they often have students working as punters who know a lot of the inside stories on the colleges and history. The guides are quite entertaining and knowledgeable!
And don’t forget to grab a drink when the Pimm’s boat passes by.
There’s no better way to see Cambridge and many of the beautiful colleges than from the river, and though punting can be pricey, it’s well worth it.
4. See the Incredible Bridges
Since the River Cam winds through Cambridge and all the colleges, there are several really cool bridges to check out.
My favorites are the Mathematical Bridge at Queen’s College – an arch composed entirely of straight timbers (hence, lots of math used to construct it), and The Bridge of Sighs, named after the famous bridge in Venice. The Bridge of Sighs was apparently a favorite of Queen Victoria.
These bridges are best experienced by floating underneath them on a punt, but walking over them is just as cool!
5. Visit The Fitzwilliam Museum
This museum boasts an impressive collection of art and antiquities spanning centuries and cultures. Treasures from the Cambridge University Collection span art, architecture, and academics. For history nerds, this is a must-see.
Best of all, entry is free!
6. Wander and Shop
The ancient, winding streets of Cambridge boast everything from small boutiques to big brand names. And hey, since you’re not in London, take advantage of the lower prices!
The best streets for shopping branch off Sidney Street: Green Street, Trinity Street, and the streets surrounding Cambridge Market Square.
7. Eat and Drink Your Way Through Town
Cambridge has everything from quick bites to Michelin-starred bistrots.
Here are my favorite spots in Cambridge for a day trip. Nothing fussy, just great food for a relaxed price.
- The Eagle Pub: One of the oldest pubs in Cambridge, The Eagle is famous for its RAF bar where World War II airmen left their mark. It’s also where Watson and Crick announced their discovery of DNA’s structure!
- Bridge’s Cafe: A small, local bakery and deli that has delicious grilled sandwiches, salads, and sweets.
- Aromi: For an Italian craving, sourdough pizza master Aromi is the place to go. There are a few locations in the city, and it’s a perfect takeaway for a lovely punting picnic on the Cam.
- Fitzbillies: Don’t leave Cambridge without trying a Chelsea bun from Fitzbillies, a beloved local bakery.
- Knoops: Although a chain, Knoops is a chocolate-lover’s heaven and has excellent coffee and milkshakes. It’s the best place to feed your chocolate cravings.
Cambridge With Kids
Everything in the Cambridge 1 day itinerary I’ve mentioned so far is kid-friendly, though the little ones might get a bit bored wandering the colleges!
Punting was the favorite activity for both our tweens and our toddler, but there’s a lot more to Cambridge than boating.
Here’s some ideas for Cambridge with kids:
- Museum of Zoology: if you have kids interested in animals and nature, this museum is a must-see. Darwin’s beetles, a giant fin whale and an Asian elephant? It’s a really cool collection.
- Llamas Land: in the summer this park offers a wading pool, but it’s also nice year-round for some playtime.
- Heffers Bookshop: This massive bookstore on main thoroughfare Trinity Street has a huge downstairs kids section, along with toys, games, stuffed animals, and a helpful staff to find your kids’ next big read.
- Christ’s Pieces Playground: If the kids need to burn off some energy, this lovely little playground right near central Cambridge is a great spot to let them run free.
- Forbidden Planet Burleigh Street: there’s a small branch of my favorite nerd stop Forbidden Planet here, and it’s also a kid paradise. Manga, Anime, Marvel, comics, graphic novels, toys, games, etc. in one fun curated shop!
A Day in Cambridge: Final Tips
Cambridge is one of my absolute favorite day trips from London because it’s so fast to get there, and it’s such a different world from London once you arrive.
Other than going to Bath, I think it’s the best day trip I can think of. You’re immediately transported to another world, Harry Potter-style.
So, the next time you need a quick getaway, consider a day trip to Cambridge. You won’t be disappointed!
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