Why Go to Cambridge, England
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cambridge is one of the world's great centers of learning, and it's as beautiful as it is brilliant. Set in the East of England, this historic city is defined by its centuries-old colleges and the peaceful River Cam, which winds behind them through lawns and gardens known as the Backs.
The best way to see it is from the water. Take a punt, a flat-bottomed boat pushed along with a long pole, past the colleges and under the city's famous bridges. Step inside the soaring Gothic splendor of King's College Chapel, and spend time among the art and antiquities of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Then wander the market square, browse the bookshops and stop for a pint in a historic pub.
Cambridge is compact and easy to explore on foot or by bike. Fly into London, then it's a scenic train ride of less than two hours, often about 50 minutes from London King's Cross. It makes a wonderful day trip, but staying a night lets you enjoy it after the crowds leave. I'll plan your train connections and a charming hotel, and pair Cambridge with London or Oxford.
BEST FOR
History lovers, students, families, couples and day-trippers from London
BEST MONTHS
May to September
EXPLORE
- City Center: Colleges and shops.
- The Backs: Riverside lawns.
- Mill Road: A diverse area with restaurants.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cambridge, England
Europe › Northern Europe › United Kingdom › Cambridgeshire
Punting past historic colleges in one of the world's great university towns.
Historical & Heritage
UK
University
Architecture
River
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Attend Choral Evensong at King's College Chapel; it's free, and hearing the famous choir is unforgettable.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Attend Evensong.
King's College Chapel
A stunning Gothic chapel with a fan-vaulted ceiling.
Hire a chauffeured punt or try it yourself.
Punting on the River Cam
Glide past colleges on a traditional flat-bottomed boat.
Walk them in spring.
The Backs
Lawns and gardens behind the colleges along the river.
Admission is free.
Fitzwilliam Museum
A world-class museum of art and antiquities.
Visit in spring or summer.
University Botanic Garden
A beautiful garden with glasshouses.
A historic hotel with elegant rooms.
University Arms
Parker's Piece
Hotel Tags
A stylish hotel by the river.
Graduate Cambridge
Riverside
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace.
The Varsity Hotel & Spa
City Center
Hotel Tags
A charming hotel near the Fitzwilliam.
Hotel du Vin Cambridge
Trumpington Street
Hotel Tags
A comfortable hotel overlooking Parker's Piece.
Gonville Hotel
City Center
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cambridge, England
High 50°F · Low 41°F · Rain 2.2 in
Misty mornings over the river and the first Christmas lights on King's Parade.
The best time to visit Cambridge is May through September, when the weather is mild and punting is popular. Spring brings blossoms, and December brings carols at King's.
Best Times to Visit Cambridge, England
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Cambridge's dining scene ranges from traditional pubs to modern restaurants.
- Pubs: Enjoy historic pubs by the river.
- Afternoon tea: Try tea in Grantchester.
- Must-try: Afternoon tea, Fitzbillies' Chelsea buns and a riverside pint.
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Walking
The city center is easy to explore on foot.
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Taxis
Taxis are available.
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Bikes
Cambridge is one of Britain's most bike-friendly cities.
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Buses
City buses and park-and-ride services.
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Trains
Trains connect Cambridge with London King's Cross in about 50 minutes.
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Flying In
London Stansted (STN) is about 35 minutes by train.
Most travelers arrive by train from London. Once you're here, walking and biking are the best ways to get around.
Getting Around Cambridge, England
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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