Cambridge is one of my favorite cities in England. It’s probably one of the best destinations for a weekend getaway or day trips from London by train. The worldwide known Cambridge University makes it special and famous in the first place. However, a Cambridge day trip is hiding much more to discover beyond the college buildings! So, let’s see what should you need to know about a Cambridge one day trip along with the things to do in Cambridge, and also some family things to do in Cambridge!
Cambridge one day trip
You’re looking for day trips from London by train? Cambridge is a perfect choice! When I finally decided to visit London in 2018, I scheduled a quick visit to my family in Cambridge as well. And it was such a great idea! Not just because I finally met them after many years. But I learned that Cambridge is quite an underrated destination for foreign travelers, however, it isn’t far from London, and it’s also really beautiful! Let’s dig into all the things to do in Cambridge! If you’re looking to do a Cambridge UK day trip, and you want to find out which are the best things to do in Cambridge, or family things to do in Cambridge, you should find some ideas below! First of all, I wasn’t aware of how lovely this place is. Second of all, I wasn’t even expecting to be amazed by the many things to do in Cambridge! Well, I was! Here’s a list of the best things to see and do in Cambridge if you’ve been gathering information for a Cambridge day trip!
1. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Location: Corner of Round Church Street and Bridge street, Cambridge.
If you’re planning a Cambridge day trip, you shouldn’t miss the Church of the Holy Sepulchre! Commonly known as the Round Church. The Anglican church was built around 1130. It consisted of a round nave and an ambulatory, with a short chancel, probably in the shape of an apse.
At the beginning of time, it was a wayfarers’ chapel on the Roman road called Via Devana (bridge). The Round Church today is one of the four medieval churches that are still in function in England. You can book a guided walk on the official page of the Round Church. Definitely add this spot to your Cambridge day trip, and one of the best things to do in Cambridge UK!
2. Mathematical Bridge
Location: Southeast side of the center of Cambridge, near Silver Road.
If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Cambridge, I do recommend the Mathematical Bridge! It’s definitely one of the coolest things to do in Cambridge if you’re planning a Cambridge one day trip! For kids as well, this might be interesting!
The bridge was designed by William Etheridge and built by James Essex in 1749. It was rebuilt since as it’s wooden, but it has kept its original design. The interesting thing about this Mathematical Bridge is that it’s made of straight timbers, which makes it look like an arch. If you’re trying to take a picture, make sure your camera is secured!
3. Old streets of Cambridge – Cambridge one day trip
When it comes to a Cambridge day trip, exploring the old center of the city is a must! While we’ve been wandering around in the center I found many old, beautiful buildings, with stylish bars and shops at their ground level.
I was always fascinated by British towns, I really liked their style and architecture! However, Cambridge, and especially its old center got me the most. If you’re looking for the best things to see and do in Cambridge, then a walk in the town is definitely a must!
What I really loved, was that even though the buildings are having mostly brick facades, the shops and pubs are always eye-catching and colorful. Giving the street an exquisite character really grows the overall impression. It will be a fun idea for family things to do in Cambridge as well!
4. Cambridge University
No matter if you’re planning a Cambridge one day trip or longer, or if you’re asking to do a day trip to Oxford or Cambridge… You must visit Cambridge University! One of the best things to do in Cambridge since, as we discussed, Cambridge is one of the most famous university cities in the UK.
The Cambridge university belongs to the list of the things to see and do in Cambridge, and a Cambridge day trip definitely wouldn’t be complete without this! It’s basically the most important sight of the city. Some of the most popular, and famous colleges in Cambridge you can visit are:
- Christ’s College – founded in 1505
- Clare College – founded in 1326
- Emmanuel College – founded in 1584
- Gonville & Caius College – founded in 1348
- King’s College – founded in 1441
- Peterhouse College – founded in 1284
And I’m going to stop here. Cambridge has a total of 31 colleges of which 16 were founded between 1284-1596, and 15 new ones were founded between 1800-1977. Here’s a list if you’d like to check the full list of Cambridge Colleges.
In some places, such as King’s College you’ll need to pay £9.00 for your ticket. This, in July-August, is £10.00. For more information, and opening times make sure to check their visitor page.
Who was studying in Cambridge? Prince Charles for example. Surprisingly or not, Hugh Laurie studied here, our favorite Dr.House. And if we are at movie characters, we all know who’s Ian McKellen, right? And least, but not last, Stephen Hawking among many more. So again, for family things to do in Cambridge, or if you’re just simply in need of a list of things to see and do in Cambridge on a Cambridge day trip, the colleges of Cambridge University are a must!
5. Canals in Cambridge
We’re still not done with our list for a Cambridge one day trip! I have already mentioned the canals of the city before at the Mathematical bridge section, but that’s not all that the canals hide. You can visit some stunning parts of the historic center of Cambridge if you go punting in Cambridge on the canals.
Yes, you will be passing under charming bridges, seeing beautiful buildings, and experiencing the city in a different way! If you’re looking for unique things to do in Cambridge or family things to do in Cambridge, this can be a great option for you all! Another reason that can convince you if you’re planning day trips from London by train!
6. Pubs in Cambridge
The Eagle Pub, is located on Benet Street, in the center of Cambridge.
While we were walking around, I asked my uncle to take us to a cool English pub, as I really loved them. I still do, and since I’ve moved away from England, this is one of those things I really miss. If you’re planning a Cambridge one day trip, and you’re looking for the best things to do in Cambridge, pubbing can’t be missed!
I don’t know…Maybe because they are so cozy, and the decoration is always so Victorian, with old books, and vintage pictures. Or the wooden walls, the beautiful windows, and cozy tables make English pubs so lovely, but they are lovely indeed! Even ona day trip to Cambridge England all of you should just schedule a quick stop by at a pub!
If you’re looking for a great spot in Cambridge, the Eagle Pub was really lovely! And if you’re there, definitely get some food as well! Pubbing is a must-do on a Cambridge day trip!
Social life is pretty expensive in England as usual. I mean, you pay for a pint of beer £5.00 – £6.00 which is basically the price of 2 beers (even 3 beers) in other European countries. I guess this explains the so-called kitchen gatherings when basically you’re gathering with your friends in someone’s house, overdressed like you’re going to a party, and having drinks in a kitchen. Think of it as smaller house parties. Anyhow, pubbing is a must-do experience so add it to your list of the best things to do in Cambridge!
Cambridge day trip ideas and thoughts
So if you’ve been looking for ideas for day trips from London by train, I hope I’ve convinced you! My Cambridge day trip was definitely great, and I wish I could be back soon. I find this place really great for a weekend getaway from London, or a day trip if you’re traveling to London. I hope in this quick Cambridge day trip overview you’ve found everything about the best things to do in Cambridge, even if you’re looking for family things to do in Cambridge and you will truly enjoy the city! There are some great things to see and do in Cambridge that you shouldn’t miss!
Check out some activities for a Cambridge day trip!
I’ve been to Cambridge in January, but it’s always best if possible to look out for some warm weather. Better might be in late spring and summertime.
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