Cambridge
A day trip to this charming city is a rewarding experience, although with so many sights to see, many would argue that it merits a longer visit.
The centre of Cambridge is small and compact and many of the sights can be seen on foot. The ideal introduction is to walk around the colleges, which are spread around the city. Several of the buildings are open to visitors at certain times, but the view from the outside, especially the area across the river, is particularly pleasant. This area is known as The Backs because it overlooks the backs of six of the riverside colleges.
It is from here that you see the most famous view of Cambridge - King’s College and King’s College Chapel, with Clare College on the left. The chapel may be open, even when other college buildings are not, and it is well worth a stop. Work on the building began in 1446 and was completed in 1515, although the carvings and magnificent stained glass windows came later. Try to catch the Choral Evensong (generally 17.30 Tues - Sat).
Although the university provides some of its finest buildings, Cambridge is not just about the colleges. There are some interesting old churches - St Benet’s Church dates from around 1025. Look out for the round holes above the double belfry windows. These allowed owls to nest, which kept the mouse population at bay!
Museums and art galleries include the Fitzwilliam Museum in Trumpington Street, which features antiquities, applied arts, coins, manuscripts and paintings, and the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Downing Street (between Pembroke and Emanuel colleges). This renowned collection consists of approximately 750,000 objects of outstanding research and historical value. Also worth a visit is the Cambridge Museum of Technology – on the banks of the Cam – unique working museum which stands as a homage to steam. American visitors will particularly appreciate the Madingley American Cemetery, where those Americans who gave their lives in the defence of freedom are remembered.
The River Cam flows through the centre of Cambridge and there are several lovely walks along its banks. But the best way to savour the atmosphere is to take a leisurely punt. You can hire a punt and fend for yourself (it’s not as easy as it looks) or you can hire a chauffeured punt and let someone else do all the work, while you admire the college buildings and intriguing bridges.
Eating and drinking in a city the size of Cambridge is never going to be a problem. With such a large student population, there are plenty of cheap eateries, as well as gourmet restaurants and cyber cafes. There are places for a coffee break and for a typical English afternoon tea. Pubs abound, so the traditional pint of beer is not far away.
Music, theatre and entertainment flourish. The Cambridge Corn Exchange emphasises the more traditional arts, with emphasis on ballet, opera and orchestral concerts, as does the Cambridge Arts Theatre. Classical music is effectively represented by CUMS, the Cambridge University Music Society. For more contemporary works, try the Junction, the ADC Theatre and Drama Centre, run by the University, and the West Road Concert Hall.
Cambridge has a wide range of shops in the area around the market square. Here you’ll find some of the best second-hand and antiquarian book shops in the country - the Cambridge University Press book shop on Trinity Street has been selling books since 1581. There are good antique shops at the southern end of the main street, here called Regent Street. At the far northern end, where it is called Magdalene Street, there are enough delicatessen, silver- smiths and small gift shops to satisfy shoppers.
Outside Cambridge is an English Heritage gem of a house, Audley End, near Saffron Walden in Essex. Built on the scale of a great royal palace, it remains one of the most significant Jacobean houses in England and is home to an impressive collection of pictures and furniture.
We advise you to telephone before travelling as opening times will vary.
Other excursions outside London
South West England / Oxford
/ Shakespeare Country