Cambridge is a city which has loads to offer but on occasion you may wish to enjoy days out from Cambridge itself. The destinations we have featured are easily assessible by train or car and under 2 hours from Cambridge. They offer a variety of experiences. Here are our recommendations for days out from Cambridge.
London:
Central London by train – 49 minutes.
We had to start with the capital didn’t we. There is so much to see and do here, whether you are seeking culture, history, shopping or food. London is the city that has everything and more! Catch a show in the West End or splurge with a shopping spree on bustling Oxford Street. London is home to many excellent restaurants for casual dining and more formal and even Michelin star settings. Cambridge is only 60 miles from the central London so it is really easy to visit.
Ely:
Cambridge to Ely by train is 19 minutes, or 50 minutes by car.
Small but perfectly formed, the compact cathedral city of Ely, in contrast to London, is perfect for a meander and a relaxed day out. The cathedral itself is stunning and there are plenty of pretty streets to explore with independent traders to enjoy. Ely has a thriving Saturday food market fortnightly too. Be sure to visit Ely Gin and Grain Culture for delicious bakes while you are there! We love the sushi at Sushi and Salad and the afternoon tea at Peacocks is fabulous!
Stamford:
Cambridge to Stamford is just over 1 hour by train and by car.
Pretty Lincolnshire town Stamford is easily assessible from the A1 or by train. Known as one of the finest examples of stone and timber framed buildings, it is a beautiful place to visit. The small city centre has a good range of shops and good quality places to eat. We love The George Hotel offers a delicious afternoon tea in a really lovely setting. A riverside walk completes the tranquillity. Nearby Tudor Burgyley House is worth a visit if you have access to a car too, as is The Olive Branch for a tasty lunch!
Norwich:
Cambridge to Norwich is 1 hr 15 minutes by train, and about the same by car.
The city of Norwich has much to offer including beautiful architecture, shopping, outdoor spaces and more. It also has many ornate churches and a fabulous medieval cathedral to visit- all within walking distance from the station. Birmingham is a city that promotes independent business, creativity and diversity. Enjoy the many wonderful places to eat including Benedicts, Farmyard and Brick Pizza. Don’t go home without picking up a box of macarons from Macarons and More owned by Masterchef’s Tim Kinnaird
Norfolk Coast:
It is easiest to travel by car to the coast and this takes about 1 hours and 30 minutes. It is possible to travel to Kings Lynn station and then get to the coast by bus.
The North Norfolk coast is a beautiful destination and many boasts stunning golden beaches including the miles of sand and forest backdrop of Holkham, or the wonderful Brancaster. The pretty pebble beaches of Cley is also the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs. Oodles of quality places to eat, drink and rest here complete the day trip package. Be sure to include a trip to Eric’s fish and chips, Titchwell Manor and the Michelin star restaurant Morston Hall. Norfolk is also extremely dog friendly.
Birmingham:
You are able to travel to Birmingham by car in just under 2 hours. Travelling by train takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The diverse city of Birmingham has loads of exciting things to see and do. We love a shopping day and squeezing in as much lovely food as we can. Pop in for the excellent burgers at Original Patty Man or, for Michelin star dining, be sure to visit Purnells or Simpsons. There are many great museums in and around the city too including Cadbury World for chocolate lovers.
More days out from Cambridge- a little further afield:
The trainline from Peterborough will take to you many interesting U.K destinations quickly and easily, including the historic city of York in just over 2 hours. Reasons to love York here, and the fabulous Edinburgh in about 4 hours. How about a trip to the Peak District and the wonderful Derbyshire restaurants? Find more details about travelling from Cambridge here.
