Spend one day in Cambridge and discover a city with a rich history in education, beautiful university buildings such as Trinity college, Corpus Christi college as well as Kings College and Chapel. Further more, the river adds to the character of the city; packed punts, full with tourists, enjoying the spectacular buildings and views. Don’t miss a visit to Fitzbillies for a delicious breakfast or the infamous Chelsea bun. There is plenty to do so, here are some tips on how to have the best day in Cambridge.
We started the day early and left the car at Trumpington Park & Ride. This is ideal as you approach the city from the south. Further park & ride locations can be found here.
We spent a fabulous day in Cambridge and below are our top 10 suggestions for what to do in Cambridge for a day.
Visit Fitzbillies for Chelsea Buns
There are 3 branches of Fitzbillies, with the larger original branch being on Trumpington street. It dates back to 1920 and includes a cake shop, a waiter-service café/tearoom and a counter-service coffee shop. As well as this location a further smaller branch can be found on Bridge Street as well as a new shop on Kings Parade.
Chelsea buns are Fitzbillies most famous and most popular product as they they have been selling them since 1920. The perfect way to start the day; a coffee and a Chelsea bun!
Start your day in Cambridge at Fitzbillies for a breakfast menu with ample choice. Try one of their famous Chelsea Buns, or if you are feeling hungry then you can opt for the Full English or Fitzbillies Chelsea Bun French toast.
Go inside Kings College Chapel
No day in Cambridge is complete without a visit to one of the most beautiful buildings in Britain, also home to the famous Kings College Choir.
King’s College is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture in the centre of Cambridge. Construction began in 1446 under the supervision of King Henry VI, and was completed in 1515 during the reign of King Henry VIII. The delay was due to lack of funding and interruptions such as the War of the Roses.
It features a long nave along with a high vaulted ceiling, intricate fan vaulting, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Above all make sure you take the time to look around and take in this beautiful chapel.
Chapel tickets are available here. A good option is to visit for a service as it is free to enter. Follow this link for Evensong and other service times
Go Punting
The River Cam runs through the middle of Cambridge. Spend an hour or so of your day in Cambridge punting down the river. It is the best way to see the prettiest areas, as well as giving great views of the back of the colleges.
The question to ask yourself is whether you will punt yourself or have someone punt for you! The former is the cheaper option, but with a busy river full of punts the second is definitely the easiest!
Mathematical Bridge
The Mathematical Bridge in Cambridge is a famous wooden footbridge across the river, which connects two parts of Queens’ College. Famous for its distinctive design, the term “mathematical” highlights the intricate calculations that define its creation. The name is also thought to be a nod to the academic environment of Cambridge University.
The best pictures of bridge is from one of the punts on the river or from the bridge on Silver Street. Of course it is possible to walk across the bridge!
See the Corpus Clock
The Corpus Clock is located on the corner of Corpus Christi College. Known for its striking design and the clock stands out by omitting a traditional set of hands. Instead it displays time using a system of LED lights embedded in the golden disc. The grasshopper is a part of the clock’s mechanism and moves back and forth with the seconds as they pass.
It doesn’t take long, but it is a fascinating to stop and see.
Walk the backs
“The Backs” is a picturesque area in Cambridge. Famous for the beautiful and iconic views along the back of several colleges which border the River Cam.
Walking along The Backs offers a scenic and tranquil setting, with lush green lawns backing onto the historic architecture of the colleges. Some of the famous colleges that contribute to the scenic panorama include King’s College, Clare College, Trinity College, St John’s College, and Queens’ College.
One of the most recognizable views along The Backs is the King’s College Chapel, an impressive Gothic structure that dominates the skyline. The combination of historic buildings, the river, and the greenery makes The Backs a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Cambridge.
Visit Trinity College Library
As you walk along the backs, if it is open, be sure to visit the grounds of Trinity College. From here you can also visit the Wren Library for free.
The library was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the English architect, famed for his work on St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
As well as this, the Wren Library holds a special connection to the world of Winnie the Pooh. A.A. Milne, the author, was a student at Trinity College, and original manuscripts Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner are in the Wren Library.
Visit a college for free!
Cambridge has 31 colleges so there are plenty to chose from. Obviously the most famous colleges of Kings, Corpus Christi, St Johns, Queens, Clares and Trinity charge visitors a fee. Before your day in Cambridge be sure to check which days they are open.
There are number of the smaller colleges which allow visitors to have a look around without charge. Emmanuel college was open on our day in Cambridge and we were able to wander in and look around the main areas. Additionally, you can visit other free colleges such as Christ’s College and Churchill college
Photograph the Bridge of Sighs
Another iconic landmark is the Bridge of Sighs, which links the two sections of St John’s College and takes its name from the renowned bridge in Venice. Unlike the Bridge of Sighs, in Venice, the Cambridge bridge is not associated with criminal activity, but the name is more a nod to the romantic and picturesque nature of the bridge.
The bridge is used as a symbol of the city and is unquestionably the best places to take this poplar photo is from one of the punts on the river itself.
Visit a pub!
Finally, do not miss popping into a local pub during your day in Cambridge. There is obviously plenty of choice. Claiming to have a license since 1752, we chose The Mitre on Bridge Street. It has a range of local and International beers available and in addition the food menu has plenty of choice. For a light lunchtime meal we enjoyed a sharing platter.
Alternatively, it would be the ideal place to enjoy a meal at the end of your trip to Cambridge
For more information on a day in Cambridge, please contact us.