If you just have a day to spend in Cambridge but would like to see several of its top attractions, don’t worry, we’ve got your back! When compared to other cities in the UK, such as London, Cambridge could be described as under-rated. There really is so much to see and do however, even if you are visiting Cambridge in a day.
Cambridge is a wonderful city to visit. The river Cam runs around the western border of the city, allowing you to enjoy many of the best sights including the old university buildings, beautifully made bridges, and bright flora. Once you’re back on solid ground, you may choose from a wide variety of gardens, parks, and museums as well as a hearty culinary scene, cosy pubs, and cocktail bars. Casino lovers will not find any in Cambridge. Without further ado, here is our 24-hour Cambridge guide.
Start off with the Round Church
The Round Church is a Grade I listed structure that was constructed in 1130 and is officially known as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The upper floor of the church, constructed above the nave, has a magnificent conical spire on top, making it a pretty unusual area to visit.
Book a punt along the Cam
It may sound corny, but no trip to Cambridge—no matter how brief—should be complete without a leisurely punt. There are many top-notch boat trip providers available to keep you floating. Take a guided themed punt too!
Don’t miss out on the university buildings
The majestic Cambridge University buildings are dispersed on both sides of the river Cam. Parts of these ancient structures may be seen from the river, but you can also choose to stop and take a complete stroll around. Many of the structures are accessible to the public, allowing you to view the beautiful architecture, or go inside. Take a guided university tour to be sure not to miss a thing.
St. John’s College is interesting to see because of its fantastical crenulations. Trinity College has a figure of Henry VIII that is gripping a table leg rather than a sword. The precise explanation seems to be surrounded by a number of misconceptions, but it makes for a good conversation starter.
Go to King’s College Chapel
King’s College Cambridge, together with St George’s Chapel in Windsor, is often regarded as one of England’s greatest examples of perpendicular gothic architecture. It will have you gazing upwards to take in its intimidating beauty because it has the largest fan-vaulted ceiling in the world and some stunning specimens of medieval stained glass.
Go to some museums
Once you’ve made it down the river, you should visit some of Cambridge’s top museums. The renowned Fitzwilliam Museum was established when Viscount Fitzwilliam of Merrion gave the university his art collection. This was once hailed as “one of the greatest art collections of the nation and a monument of the first importance.” There are also the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences. Additionally, the Polar Museum is really cool.
Visit the Botanic Gardens
This idyllic 16 hectares (40 acres) garden is teeming with a staggering array of plant species from around the globe. This park is a blooming great itinerary choice for a sunny Cambridge afternoon because it also has a number of glasshouses that are home to various flowers and bushes.
See the Corpus Clock
The Corpus Christi College in Cambridge is surrounded by a large, ornate clock that hangs at street level. The clock, one of the city’s most outstanding structures, was built by John C. Taylor OBE and opened in 2008. The clock is a genuinely unique asset to Cambridge. Its face is made entirely of gold, a metal grasshopper known as the Chronophage or “time-eater” sitting above it, and an undulating ripple pattern that alludes to the universe expanding following the Big Bang.
More time in Cambridge? See our top things to do in Cambridge here. Need somewhere to stay? The best places to stay in Cambridge here.
