Cambridge is world-famous as a university city that draws in tourists from all four corners of the globe each year. The city is steeped in a long, fascinating history. In addition, Cambridge is a city of great natural beauty and cultural diversity, a definite must-see on a trip to England!
Cambridge University
Cambridge University is one of the most famous sites in Cambridge. But rather than have a central campus that you can visit all in one go, the university is spread out across the city. Many of the colleges, such as St. John’s, Emmanuel, Trinity and Jesus College are within easy walking distance from one another in and around the city centre. So if you wish to visit these colleges, you can do so on foot. The gardens are well maintained and well worth spending time exploring.
Midsummer Common
If you want to sit and relax and have a picnic during your walking tour of Cambridge then Midsummer Common would be good location to visit. The common offers walking and bike trails and lots of open space for you to sit and just watch the world go by. Or you can visit the annual summer Strawberry Fair that is held at Midsummer Common.
Fitzwilliam Museum
The Fitzwilliam museum is owned by Cambridge University and is located at Trumpington Street, which is in central Cambridge. If you have any questions about the Fitzwilliam Museum you can email the museum staff at the following address: [email protected]. The museum is housed inside a neo-classical building, which was founded in 1816.
Admission is free of charge. However, if you would like to make a donation toward the Fitzwilliam’s upkeep, you are welcome to do so. If you want a bite to eat after looking around the museum, you can visit the café, which is situated in the covered courtyard area near the Courtyard Entrance. The café serves an all-day menu such as coffee, afternoon tea, sandwiches and light lunches.
Marketplace
Do you enjoy visiting open air markets? If so, you will enjoy a visit to the Market Square, that is located in the city centre. The market is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-4:30pm and on Sundays it is open from 10:30am-4:30pm. If you visit the market between Monday-Saturday you will be able to find fruit and vegetables, flowers, second hand books, and souvenirs at a fraction of the price of the nearby souvenir shops. Sundays are a fun time to visit if you are interested in arts and crafts and local farmers’ stalls.
Punting
Punting is a relaxing way to enjoy the delights of the River Cam in Cambridge and is something that many tourists are keen to try. Punts can be rented from Silver Street Bridge, Mill Lane, Magdalene Bridge, Jesus Green, Trinity College, or Grantchester. Punting costs around £8 an hour. If you would rather hire a chauffeur you can do so for an additional cost and sit back and take in the beauty and history of this ancient city. You will pass by some of the colleges along your route. The benefit of hiring a chauffeured punt is that you can listen to stories about past and present day Cambridge.
This is just a small selection of things to see and do on a trip to Cambridge. If you like the hustle and bustle of city life, but without the congestion and fast-paced life in larger cities such as London, then you will love Cambridge. It is smaller, easy to get around and well worth a visit on your upcoming trip to England.
Source:
Britain Express, Punting in Cambridge.
